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.

New B-52 Radar Makes First Flight

Dec. 12, 2025

The Air Force’s radar modernization effort for the B-52 Stratofortress entered flight testing recently, a “milestone” for the once over-budget system that senior leaders call the start of a new era for the Cold War bomber.

Space Force Accepts Meadowlands SATCOM Jammers

Dec. 12, 2025

The Space Force has accepted its first Meadowlands satellite communications jammer from prime contractor L3Harris and is poised to start using the system in operations next year.

Snakes, Sharks, and Ghosts: Space Force Reveals Themes for Naming Platforms

Dec. 11, 2025

In a move to better connect Guardians with the space systems they operate, the Space Force on Dec. 11 revealed a new naming scheme for its platforms.

NORTHCOM Boss: No Plans for Military Training Grounds in US Cities

Dec. 11, 2025

Air Force Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, head of U.S. Northern Command, told lawmakers that NORTHCOM has no plans to use U.S. cities as “training grounds” as President Donald Trump recently suggested to a room full of his top military leaders.

B-52s, Japanese Fighters Fly Together After China and Russia Fly Bomber Patrol

Dec. 11, 2025

Two U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers flew with Japanese fighters over the Sea of Japan after a string of Chinese provocations toward Japan—including a joint bomber patrol with Russia—in response to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments about Taiwan.

Air Force to Take Back on Looking Glass Mission for Nuclear C3

Dec. 11, 2025

More than a quarter-century after handing over the mission to the Navy, the Air Force is taking the first steps towards taking back over a critical nuclear command, control, and communications function.

USSF to Keep Implementing Space-Focused Elements of Re-Optimization

Dec. 11, 2025

Weeks after senior Air Force leaders revealed the service would shed a number of the re-optimization initiatives pursued by their predecessors, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman confirmed the Space Force is retaining all of the space-specific elements of the strategy.

Air Force Leaders, Lawmakers Move to Increase Training in the Pacific

Dec. 10, 2025

The Air Force plans to conduct more intensive training—and Congress is set to help by boosting funding for exercises and so-called “campaigning” by hundreds of millions of dollars, particularly in the Pacific.

Pentagon Orders Thousands of Laser-Guided Rockets for $322 Million

Dec. 10, 2025

BAE Systems has received a contract worth $1.7 billion to produce laser-guidance kits for the 2.75-inch rockets the Air Force relies on for a wide range of combat missions.

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