US Northern Command officials decided last week to preposition four Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped aircraft in California in anticipation of possible new wildfire outbreaks as Santa Ana winds grew in force. NORTHCOM deployed two MAFFS aircraft from the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing and two from Air Force Reserve Command’s 302nd Airlift Wing in Colorado.
B-52 Engine, Radar Upgrades Hit New Milestones
Sept. 15, 2026
The Air Force’s program to re-engine the B-52H Stratofortress has moved from its technology maturation and risk reduction phase to engineering and manufacturing development, marking a new milestone in the sweeping overhaul of the Cold War-era bomber, a top official said Sept. 15.


