A planned exchange of bombers—in which B-52s would operate from Engels AB, Russia, and Russian Bear bombers would operate from Barksdale AFB, La.—is off for this year, according to Air Force Global Strike Command boss Lt. Gen. James Kowalski. Speaking with the Daily Report after a meeting with defense reporters in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 6, Kowalski said an issue with payments for US participation in the Moscow Air Show is eluding resolution, making it hard to arrange details for the bomber swap. However, Kowalski said plans will likely go forward for “an exchange of leadership” between Global Strike Command and Russia’s strategic aviation branch. (For more Kowalski coverage, read Deterrence Will Suffer and New Strategic Stuff and Back to Guam.)
Air Force Eyes New-Build F-16s to Boost Fighter Force
Sept. 16, 2026
The Air Force will consider acquiring new F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to answer capacity shortfalls in its aging fighter fleet, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. These discussions are happening as the Air Force is building its proposed fiscal 2028 budget and the five-year spending plan that goes…


