The Air Force and Republic of Korea Air Force concluded the two-week combat search and rescue Exercise Pacific Thunder at Osan AB, Korea, on Oct. 23. “This exercise helps us bring together assets who would be involved and integrated into a real world CSAR mission,” said Capt. Jerrod Dillon, 25th Fighter Squadron flight safety officer, in a release. “It also gives US forces a chance to integrate and execute with our ROKAF counterparts, further building the combined force proficiency and readiness,” he added. A-10s from Osan’s 25th FS integrated with HH-60 Pavehawk helicopters from the 33rd Rescue Squadron from Kadena AB, Japan, as well as marine EA-6B electronic warfare aircraft and ROKAF air assets.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
