An Atlas V rocket took off from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., late Monday, carrying a national security payload into space for the National Reconnaissance Office, according to Vandenberg officials. Airmen from Vandy’s 30th Space Wing worked with United Launch Alliance and NRO officials to execute the launch. According to ULI, this was the third time that an Atlas V has been launched from Vandenberg. (Vandenberg release) (ULI release)
The U.S. has approved a $310.5 million Foreign Military Sale to provide Ukraine with maintenance and training for its F-16 fighter jets, the State Department announced May 2. Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force has been sending retired F-16s to Ukraine to be used for spare parts.