Eight Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30MKI fighters will participate for the first time in the upcoming Red Flag exercise at Nellis AFB, Nev., from Aug. 9 to 25. On July 13, the Su-30s landed at Lajes Field, Azores, in the Atlantic Ocean en route to the mainland US. From the Azores, they were scheduled to fly to Bangor, Maine, before continuing on to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, where they will train prior to their Red Flag participation. The Indian contingent includes nearly 250 personnel, including 32 pilots, and two tankers and a cargo airplane to support the deployment of the Indian fighter aircraft. Previously, Air Force F-15 and F-16 fighters have faced the modern Su-30MKIs at Cope India exercises. (Lajes report by TSgt. Christin Michaud)
2026 NDAA: 5 Highlights for Airmen and Guardians
Dec. 18, 2025
President Donald Trump signed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 18, a day after Congress passed the annual defense policy bill for the 65th consecutive year. Here’s what it means for the Air Force and Space Force.

