During its latest deployment to Andersen AFB, Guam, for a US Pacific Command Theater Security Package, an F-22 Raptor force from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, deployed forward again to Kadena AB, Japan, to demonstrate that it can make multiple moves as operations require and to engage in a little practical training with the Kadena-based F-15 force. Elmendorf’s 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pitched its F-22s against Kadena’s 44th Fighter Squadron in defensive counter air attacks. Capt. Robert Ice, an F-22 pilot and assistant chief of mobility for the 525th EFS, explained that the F-15 force “came to our location, but we prevented them from getting by us.” (Andersen report by SSgt. Jennifer Redente)
A top Pentagon tech official called on industry this week to help the military develop “lighter, more efficient” directed energy weapons designed to go on aircraft and conduct special operations missions or down drones—areas where the Air Force’s directed energy efforts have been quiet as of late.