US, China Organizing Return of Naval Drone

US and Chinese military and diplomatic officials are finalizing how the Chinese navy will turn over a US Navy drone it stole in view of a US ship last week. Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said Monday there are military-to-military conversations...

From Reassurance to Deterrence

The US military’s increased focus on Europe is moving away from simply reassuring allies to an effective deterrence against Russia. The Fiscal 2017 National Defense Authorization Act approved earlier this month quadrupled funding for what was originally called the European...

Russia’s Constant Test of NATO Allies

Despite increases in Russian tests of NATO airspace, the current level of response is adequate though it is reviewed daily, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said. The US is part of a regular rotation to Baltic nations to protect...

Senators Call for Select Committee on Cyber Defense

Four senators wrote a letter Sunday calling for the formation of a Senate select committee on cyber warfare, Politico reported. The letter to Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), written by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham...

First F-35s Delivered to Italy

Italy became the first non-US country to receive operational F-35 Lightning IIs on Dec. 12, according to IHS Jane’s. The two F-35As were delivered to the 32nd Wing at Amendola Air Force Base, where they will be part of the...

Raytheon Chosen to Upgrade F-16 Computers

The Air Force has awarded Raytheon a contract to upgrade F-16 mission computer systems, according to a company press release. The Modular Mission Computer Upgrade will allow F-16s to operate almost like a fifth-generation aircraft in some areas, such as...

Expanded Childcare Coming for RPA Bases

In response to the unique family circumstances of airmen serving at RPA bases, the Air Force Services Activity is developing new child care programs for remote locations like Creech AFB, Nev. One of the new programs, RPA Care, offers 24-hour...

Remembering a Christmas Bombing

Andersen AFB, Guam, held a memorial ceremony Friday in honor of Operation Linebacker II, the 1972 bombing campaign which lasted 11 days at the end of the Vietnam War. The ceremony concluded with a flyover by two B-1B Lancer bombers....