In Afghanistan on May 21, USAF F-15Es used GBU-31 and GBU-38 joint direct attack munitions to destroy enemy combatants in Bermel and Nangalam, according to a May 22 Air Force release from Southwest Asia. And, in Gardez, Afghanistan, a USAF B-1B dropped GBU-38 JDAMs, taking out enemy combatants fighting friendly forces. Joint terminal attack controllers confirmed the success of each engagement and multiple shows of force in various areas by USAF and other coalition aircraft.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.