First Operational Test Launch of Minuteman I

Oct. 17, 1963

The first LGM-30A Minuteman I operational test launch is carried out at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., by a crew from Malmstrom AFB, Mont. The shot is a partial success. The re-entry vehicle overshoots the target.

Air Force Eyes Small Engines for Future CCAs with New Contracts

Feb. 23, 2026

The Air Force has awarded multimillion contracts to two industry teams to design small prototype engines for the service’s future Collaborative Combat Aircraft, according to Feb. 23 announcements.

Meink Lays Out New Vision for Acquisition

Feb. 23, 2026

The Department of the Air Force plans to establish around 27 "portfolio acquisition executives" and grant them far greater authorities and responsibilities for supporting and sustaining the systems they acquire, Secretary Troy E. Meink said in a keynote address to kick off AFA’s Warfare Symposium here Feb. 23.

WATCH: Inside the ‘X-BAT,’ the World’s First AI-Piloted VTOL Fighter Jet

Feb. 23, 2026

AURORA, Colo. — Shield AI takes us inside their new AI-piloted VTOL fighter jet, dubbed the “X-BAT,” at the 2026 Warfare Symposium. The X-BAT will be capable of launching and recovering from ships, remote islands, or austere forward bases while...

Space Force Starts Briefing Stakeholders on 15-Year Vision

Feb. 23, 2026

The Space Force is starting to share early versions of its 15-year force structure roadmap with industry, government, and allied officials, focused on three primary mission areas—navigation warfare, space domain awareness, and satellite communications—Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman announced Feb. 23.

CCAs Start Carrying Inert Missiles, Live Fire Shots Expected Later This Year

Feb. 23, 2026

The Air Force has put inert weapons on its new uncrewed fighters for the first time and plans to conduct live weapons tests later this year. Those steps come as the service is moving to bring its new drone wingmen into service more rapidly than traditional aircraft.

Air Force Announces B-21 Production Deal, 2027 Entry into Service

Feb. 23, 2026

The Air Force and Northrop Grumman have struck a $4.5 billion deal to increase production on the B-21 Raider bomber by 25 percent. Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink announced the completed deal during his Feb. 23 keynote address to open AFA’s Warfare Symposium.

Space Development Agency Awards Tactical SATCOM Demo Contract

Feb. 23, 2026

The Space Development Agency is shelling out $30 million to see how it can use a commercial satellite network for tactical communications. The contract award to AST SpaceMobile, announced Feb. 23, is the agency's first use of a vendor pool meant for demonstration and experimentation contracts.

General Atomics, Northrop Both Give Their CCAs Nicknames

Feb. 23, 2026

First, General Atomics dubbed its YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft "Dark Merlin," consistent with the Air Force's tradition of naming attack aircraft after birds of prey. A few hours later, Northrop Grumman announced it is calling its YFQ-48A offering “Talon Blue.”

New CMSAF Speaks: Wolfe on Standards, Teaching, and Rapport with Wilsbach

Feb. 23, 2026

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David R. Wolfe will deliver his first keynote speech to the force this week at AFA’s 2026 Warfare Symposium—a talk aimed at helping Airmen understand what they can expect from the service’s top enlisted Airman and how their performance will be judged.

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