May 24, 2001

CCA’s AI Pilots Step into the Spotlight

March 9, 2026

Just one year ago, Collaborative Combat Aircraft took center stage as then-Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin designated the two competing jets prototypes as the first unmanned fighters in Air Force history: General Atomics’ YFQ-42A and Anduril Industries’ YFQ-44A. Twelve months later, it’s the autonomy software that’s flying those aircraft garnering the attention. Autonomy software, more than hardware, may prove the most valuable and enduring element of the CCA program.

B-1s and B-52s Pour into Europe for ‘More Bomber Pulses’ over Iran

March 9, 2026

As many as 11 U.S. Air Force bombers—plus additional support aircraft—have arrived at bases in Europe as Pentagon leaders promise to ramp up bombing runs over Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury.

Air Superiority Is More Than Denial

March 9, 2026

Operations Midnight Hammer and Absolute Resolve demonstrated the remarkable flexibility and overwhelming force possible when nations command control of the skies. It’s an object lesson to all who, having watched the carnage over more than four years of Russia’s war on Ukraine, some of whom have come to the erroneous belief that air superiority is no longer necessary…

Pentagon Task Force, FAA to Test Counter-Drone Laser

March 7, 2026

The Pentagon’s counter-drone task force announced it would conduct a high-energy laser test with the Federal Aviation Administration less than a month after the use of a military counter-drone laser on the southwest border prompted the FAA to shut down the airspace over El Paso, Texas.

Air Force Seeks More Companies to Build the Stand-in Attack Weapon

March 6, 2026

The Air Force wants more companies able to produce its new, multi-use, anti-radar missile that one expert says will prove vital in any future peer conflict and would be in high demand for the war in Iran if stocks were available now.

USSF Eyes ‘Dual-Use’ Ways to Boost Space Superiority, Prep for Guardians in Orbit

March 6, 2026

As the Space Force spends more time thinking about what it will need to look like in 2040, some of the service's generals say they can lay the groundwork for Guardians launching and operating in orbit while still meeting the demand for space superiority now.

Air Force-Backed Hypersonic Aircraft Startup Flies Demonstrator

March 6, 2026

Hermeus, a venture capital-backed company looking to develop a reusable hypersonic aircraft, announced March 3 it flew its Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 demonstration vehicle—its second successful flight in the last year. The firm has also garnered interest from the Air Force and the rest of the Pentagon as the military looks…

Still More Fighters, Bombers Set to Join Iran Air War

March 5, 2026

The U.S. is moving to surge firepower over Iran, including its capital of Tehran, defense officials leading the campaign said March 5 at U.S. Central Command headquarters. Bomber strikes are being stepped up and additional fighter squadrons are being deployed.

US Won’t Update Nuclear Posture Review: Pentagon Policy Chief

March 5, 2026

The 2026 National Defense Strategy, released in January, took a markedly different approach from the 2018 version produced by the President Donald Trump’s first administration. But don’t expect a similar overhaul in a new Nuclear Posture Review—the Pentagon has no plans to produce one.

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