The F-16, in service since the 1970s, could be flying with the Air Force into the late 2030s and with foreign air services into the 2070s, based on recently revealed USAF plans and Lockheed Martin's backorder of jets.
Air
The Air Force is ready to start buying some of the technology that will make up the Advanced Battle Management System, moving the program from theory to development, according to a May 21 release. First up will be new communications “pods” for the KC-46 Pegasus ...
Al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar, recently adopted a new counter-drone system that lets its operators identify incoming threats and sever the connection between drone and operator. “The goal of the program is to build counter measures for Al-Udeid AB that would pose as a last line ...
A C-130J pilot received the Distinguished Flying Cross while a pilot and two loadmasters received Air Medals on May 10 for their actions last September, when their aircraft took enemy fire, injuring one on board and damaging the aircraft’s controls. The team returned to base, ...
The military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan is speeding up, with five facilities now handed over to the Afghan government and about 115 C-17 loads of material flown out of the country. U.S. Central Command reported May 18 that more than 5,000 pieces of material also have ...
The Air National Guard is moving ahead with its plans to base new C-130Js at four bases in Kentucky, West Virginia, Texas, and Georgia after an election-year controversy in which the Air Force was blasted for the timing of its preferred location announcement. The Air ...
Two Active-duty U.S. Air Force pilots ejected from an F-15QA fighter at MidAmerica airport near St. Louis after the jet departed the runway May 18, the service said. Both pilots received minor injuries. The cause of the accident is under investigation, but the Air Force ...
U.S. Special Operations Command has awarded a total of $19.2 million to five companies for prototype demonstrations as part of the Armed Overwatch effort to buy a low-cost aircraft to fly surveillance and strikes in austere locations. The aircraft selected to proceed are: Leidos Inc.’s ...
B-52s deployed to Morón Air Base, Spain, on May 17 for a bomber task force deployment, making Europe the third area of operations where Stratofortresses are operating. The bomber task force of B-52s from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, will ...