The Oregon Air National Guard’s 173rd Fighter Wing will represent US Air Forces in Europe next month during an air-to-air exercise with the Bulgarian Air Force. US Embassy officials in Sofia, Bulgaria, say the exercise will help foster shared tactics, techniques, and procedures among NATO allies. Bulgaria is a new addition to NATO, and, according to the Associated Press news service, has agreed to host US troops at four military facilities in the country as part of a 10-year plan.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.