December 17, 2001

Dec. 17, 2001
USAF C-17s began airlifting French troops from Istres AB, France, to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

US Bets on On-Orbit Satellite Servicing with 4 Missions in 2026

Dec. 24, 2025
Four satellite missions will launch in the coming year to demonstrate on-orbit refueling, servicing, and repair capabilities to extend the lives of military satellites. Funded by different Department of Defense entities, each will also entail commercial efforts. 

PHOTOS: Remembering 2025 in the Air Force and Space Force

Dec. 24, 2025
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Wilsbach Wants Air Force Leaders to Get Back in the Cockpit

Dec. 23, 2025
Three weeks after being sworn in as the new Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach climbed into the cockpit of an F-22 fighter on Nov. 24 and prepared to take off from Langley Air Force Base, Va. Now he wants the rest of the Air Force’s top leaders to likewise…

White House Order Underlines Space Force’s Counterspace Mission

Dec. 22, 2025
A new White House new executive order, “Ensuring American Space Superiority,” emphasizes space security as a high priority for President Donald Trump and underlines the Space Force’s role in not only defending U.S. assets, but also in the attack mission.

Air Force Shutting Down AI Chatbot NIPRGPT

Dec. 22, 2025
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Air Force Designates New Northrop CCA as YFQ-48A

Dec. 22, 2025
The Air Force has given Northrop Grumman’s new Project Talon aircraft the official designation of YFQ-48A, the service announced Dec. 22. That makes Northrop's potential competitor for USAF's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program the third CCA to be designated an uncrewed fighter aircraft.