The U.S. Air Force is used to operating from large, fixed bases in the Middle East. But recently, Air Forces Central tested its ability to disperse to smaller, unfamiliar locations in an Agile Combat Employment exercise—while flying combat missions.
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President Donald Trump raised the possibility of major changes to the “Air Force One” replacement program the Air Force is pursuing in the face of persistent and growing delays.
Two U.S. Air Force B-1 bombers led a joint aerial exercise between the U.S. and South Korea over Korean airspace on Feb. 20, as officials emphasized the importance of training to counter the likes of North Korea.
“Bamboo Eagle,” the Air Force’s new advanced combat-readiness exercise, returned for its second year in recent weeks, featuring more than 175 aircraft and 10,000 personnel from four countries for the service’s latest large-scale exercise.
The Air Force's mission capable rates declined again in fiscal 2024, indicating the service has work to do to adequately fund spares and maintenance. The F-22 fighter and B-1 bomber both were available less than half the time.
Two U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratrofortress bombers flew over the Middle East on Feb. 17 in a “force projection” demonstration, U.S. Central Command announced. The mission also included live munitions drops and fighter escorts from regional partners, according to CENTCOM.
As the number of crewed spaceflights ticks up, the Air Force expects to train more of its C-17 transport crews to help pluck astronauts out of the water as part of its Human Space Flight Support mission
F-35s from the United States, Australia, and Japan are all soaring above Andersen Air Force Base in Guam as part of Cope North, Pacific Air Forces’ largest annual multilateral exercise.
China is set to increase its military activity around Alaska, likely including bomber flights, the top U.S. general in charge of defending North America said Feb. 13.
