A Wideband Partner

Nov. 20, 2007

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

The US Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force have signed an agreement to partner on the Wideband Global SATCOM system. SSgt. J.G. Buzanowski reports that the arrangement means USAF can expand the WGS constellation to six satellites, instead of the five that had been planned. Air Force Space Command launched the first WGS last month and expects to reach initial operational capability in January. Launch of a sixth satellite would come in 2013.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

Trending Stories

USAF to Security Forces Airmen: Sharpen Up Your Greetings

New Report: Air Force Needs 200 B-21s, 300 F-47s to Deny Enemy ‘Sanctuaries’

Air Force Aims to Build ‘Airmindedness’ at New BMT

Air Force Grapples with Challenges to Aircraft Readiness: Parts and Maintainers

Related

Air Force Academy Leaders Ousted in Shake Up

Feb. 6, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy is getting a leadership refresh after a tumultuous year, with Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind and Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks both set to retire this year and Col. James Valpiani set to come on as the new Dean of the Faculty. 

US Launches Renewed Strikes Against ISIS in Syria

Feb. 5, 2026
U.S. aircraft, drones, and attack helicopters have launched significant airstrikes in recent days against Islamic State militants in Syria as part of the renewed air campaign against remnants of the group, U.S. officials said.

USAF to Security Forces Airmen: Sharpen Up Your Greetings

Feb. 4, 2026
Senior Air Force leaders have a message for security forces Airmen: Set a better example. “To security forces: you are expected to set the example by upholding standards and enforcing rules with integrity," states a Jan. 30 memo from Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach and Chief Master Sergeant…

New Report: Air Force Needs 200 B-21s, 300 F-47s to Deny Enemy ‘Sanctuaries’

Feb. 4, 2026
In order to deny China “sanctuaries” from which it can launch air and missile salvos during a potential invasion of Taiwan, the U.S. Air Force needs to buy far more B-21 bombers and F-47 fighters than currently planned, according to a new report from AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.