An Air Force F-16 crashed at Balad AB, Iraq during its takeoff at 4:55 p.m. July 15 (Baghdad time). The pilot ejected safely. The Viper was slated for a close air support mission at the time of the accident, which is under investigation.
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.