Chuck Yeager Breaks the Sound Barrier

Oct. 14, 1947

Capt. Charles “Chuck” Yeager becomes the first pilot to reach supersonic speeds in level flight when he reaches a speed of Mach 1.06 (700 miles per hour) at an altitude of 45,000 feet in the rocket-powered Bell XS-1 (later redesignated X-1) over Muroc Dry Lake, Calif. His aircraft was released by a B-29 mother ship in midair.

New 3-Star USAFE, NATO Air Boss Takes Over Amid Russian Threats

Nov. 3, 2025

Lt. Gen. Jason T. Hinds took charge of NATO Allied Air Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa on Oct. 31, one day after being confirmed for the post by the Senate.

Air Force to Retain ‘Platinum’ F-15C/Ds Four More Years for Homeland Defense

Nov. 3, 2025

The Air Force is planning to retain some F-15C/D Eagles, among its oldest fighters, to perform the homeland defense mission at least four more years, the service revealed in a “Long-Term Fighter Force Structure” report submitted to lawmakers earlier this year.

Airman and Guardian Families with Furloughed Spouses Feel Shutdown Strain

Nov. 3, 2025

Active-duty Airmen and Guardians haven’t missed any paychecks yet as a result of the ongoing government shutdown. But with tens of thousands of military spouses working as civilians for the federal government, many families still face financial strain and stress.

No Golden Dome Requirements Yet, but Space Firms Already Betting on Dual-Use Tech

Nov. 3, 2025

Companies planning to compete for Golden Dome contracts say they’re already investing in capabilities that could have a range of defense and commercial applications—regardless of whether they’re selected for the Pentagon’s sweeping program to create an advanced homeland missile defense shield.

‘Here’s the Story’: How an Airman Lied to Cover Up M18 Shooting

Nov. 1, 2025

Airman 1st Class Marcus White-Allen concocted a story to cover up that he fired his M18 9mm pistol into Airman Braden Lovan’s chest, killing him on July 20, two Airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., testified during separate courts martial proceedings on Oct. 30-31.

Lawmakers: Secret JATM Missile Not Delayed by Shutdown After All

Oct. 31, 2025

The ongoing government shutdown has not slowed progress on the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, a congressional official said, correcting a previous statement from lawmakers about the secretive program.

Anduril’s CCA Makes First Flight; YFQ-44A Flies Semi-Autonomously

Oct. 31, 2025

Anduril Industries’ YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft took to the sky Oct. 31, the Air Force announced. The service also confirmed that a production decision on the CCA program is still expected in fiscal 2026, despite the ongoing government shutdown.

Northrop Ready to Start Production on New F-16 EW Suite; First Units Going to Middle East

Oct. 31, 2025

Northrop Grumman is gearing up to produce the Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite, or IVEWS, which will provide the modern electronic warfare protection the fighter has long needed, officials say.

STRATCOM Nominee Wants More B-21s, Deflects Questions on US Resumption of Nuclear Tests

Oct. 30, 2025

The nominee to become the next head of U.S. Strategic Command, Vice Adm. Richard Correll, endorsed the production of more than 100 B-21 bombers, echoing his predecessor Gen. Anthony Cotton's view.

Chuck Yeager Breaks the Sound Barrier

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