September 15, 1981

Sept. 15, 1981

Strategic Air Command receives its first TR-1A reconnaissance aircraft, the Lockheed- built aircraft is an improved and enlarged version of the U-2 reconnaissance airplane.

Trump Says US Will Sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia

Nov. 17, 2025

President Donald Trump said he plans to sell F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, announcing his decision Nov. 17, a day before he meets the country’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House.

F-22 Pilot Controls ‘CCA Surrogate’ Drone from Cockpit

Nov. 17, 2025

An F-22 pilot controlled an MQ-20 drone from the fighter’s cockpit last month, General Atomics announced Nov. 17—a preview of the Air Force’s vision for Collaborative Combat Aircraft.

Air Force Set to Evaluate New Industry Offerings for Low-Cost Missiles

Nov. 17, 2025

The Air Force is poised to begin evaluating a new class of low-cost missiles needed to defeat the rapid growth of aerial threats it’s likely to face in the next conflict.

Pentagon Eyes New Manufacturing Tech to Bolster Strained Space Supply Chain

Nov. 17, 2025

Amid growing concern about supply chain issues, the Pentagon’s commercial innovation hub is seeking companies with advanced manufacturing expertise to help bolster the space industrial base.

Can the Latest Plan for CYBERCOM Stave Off Calls for a New Service?

Nov. 16, 2025

In a brief email Nov. 6, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth laid out a new Cyber Force Generation plan, meant to give U.S. Cyber Command more authority over the employment, training, and equipping of U.S. troops preparing for and waging cyber war. Former Air Force officers and national security officials say the…

Ford Aircraft Carrier Enters Caribbean as Airpower Build-Up Continues

Nov. 16, 2025

The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier entered the Caribbean Sea, the U.S. Navy said Nov. 16, as the U.S. continues to build up its military might in the region, largely through airpower.

Shutdown Had No Major Impact on Flying Hours, Exercises: Air Force

Nov. 15, 2025

The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.

New Glenn Rocket Aces Launch and Landing, Setting Up Space Force for More Options

Nov. 14, 2025

The successful second flight of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket on Nov. 13 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., also included a first for the company—the launcher’s booster stuck its landing on a barge in the Atlantic Ocean.

NATO Cancels Plan to Buy E-7 Wedgetails

Nov. 13, 2025

NATO is abandoning its effort to buy E-7 Wedgetails to replace its aging E-3 AWACS, the Netherlands Ministry of Defense announced Nov. 13—a blow to the uncertain future of the new airborne early warning and control aircraft. The alliance announced...

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