USAF F-16s launched precision guided GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions and laser-guided GBU-12 Paveway bombs against targets in Iraq. In one sortie, the F-16s struck an insurgent safe house near Husaybah to support marines in Operation River Gate. In another, the Vipers struck a building near al Karabilah.
A semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone shot down an air-to-air target in a Dec. 8 test supported by the U.S. Air Force, a notable milestone in the development of the loyal wingman-type drones that will join the fleets of the USAF, other American services, and allies and adversaries.
