US airmen and the Royal Australian Air Force have been working together at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, to complete part one of Exercise Talisman Saber 2007, reports TSgt. Chris Vadnais. Their focus: planning and taking action on contingency missions from the Pacific Air Forces Kenney Headquarters Air Operations Center at Hickam. US Pacific Command hosts the exercise every two years provides an opportunity for the two allies to share tactics and techniques. “You really need to get together earlier—far earlier—and make sure that you’re fully integrated,” to cover the immense Pacific region, said Australian Air Vice Marshall Mark Binskin, Combined Forces Air Component commander of the exercise. Part two, the operational part, takes place in Australia beginning in June.
CCAs and Autonomy Gain Momentum as Focus of Future Force
Sept. 29, 2026
For the past four years, the idea of autonomous drone warfare like Collaborative Combat Aircraft has been discussed as a future concept, rather than near-term reality. But now that promised vision appears imminent, with the Air Force promising at least 1,000 such drones by 2032.