Coalition forces in Afghanistan came under small arms fire while performing routine operations in the vicinity of Tarin Kowt on Aug. 24. The troops requested close air support, and Air Force A-10s and B-52s responded. The B-52s launched nine precision-guided JDAMS—with successful results.
A yearslong effort to find an affordable way to turn cargo planes into strike platforms is now an official program with anticipated fielding in 2027.