The number of Operation Noble Eagle sorties flown during the month of October dropped compared to September, according to the most recent data provided by Air Forces Northern at Tyndall AFB, Fla. The Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command flew about three times the number of fighter sorties as the active force. The total flying hours since ONE began is now at 180,551. (See chart for stats.)
The nation needs a better-coordinated policy for dealing with unmanned aerial systems that threaten domestic bases, Air Force vice chief of staff Gen. James C. Slife told a panel of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He and Pentagon acquisition and sustainment chief William LaPlante co-chair a panel looking at counter-UAS…