U.S. Air Force

The US Air Force awarded Boeing a $75 million contract for the initial production of the JDAM Long Range weapon. The contract is for the BSU-111/B Payload Delivery Unit used in JDAM Long Range.

The Air Force has identified three key priorities for its expected budget increase in FY 2027, according to Gen. John Lamontagne. These priorities were discussed at the 2026 Air and Space Summit. The budget boost is expected to support various Air Force initiatives and programs.

The Air Force plans to retain its M18 pistols, with a focus on older and higher priority weapons in its small arms budget. A service spokesperson confirmed the decision, indicating the pistols will remain in use. The move suggests the Air Force is prioritizing established weaponry over potential new acquisitions.

The Department of the Air Force and Texas have formed a commercial space alliance to accelerate technology for national security missions. This alliance aims to speed up military technology and strengthen US supply chains. The partnership will focus on commercial space technology for national security purposes.

US Air Force Airmen conducted a forward arming and refueling point operation with an F-22 Raptor and an MC-130J during exercise Beverly Beach 26-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The operation reduced ground time and quickly returned the aircraft to the mission. This exercise showcased the Air Force's ability to rapidly refuel and rearmed aircraft in a forward deployment scenario.

The US Air Force has successfully demonstrated an AI-led intercept of airborne targets using the X-62 test aircraft. An AI agent interpreted infrared sensor data to direct the intercept. This experiment showcases the expanding capabilities of artificial intelligence in aviation.

Phoenix Juneau Austin, a 16-year-old prodigy, is preparing to become a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, specializing in cybersecurity and acquisitions. He is driven by a passion for military service and is actively working towards his goal. Austin's ambitions and achievements are drawing comparisons to the fictional teen genius 'Doogie Howser'.

A team at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is leading the charge to align talent management and operational needs through the Department of the Air Force Learning Record. The team consists of training professionals from the 88th Force Support Squadron and other units. The goal is to amplify career management using a new tool.

The Air Force Accessions Center has launched a new digital portal, resulting in a 59% increase in applicants since its soft launch. The portal aims to make the selection process for officer roles more competitive and ensure qualified citizens have the opportunity to serve.

The USAF is developing future CCA drones that can autonomously use onboard sensor data to engage aerial threats. The X-62A drone has successfully used its AI brain and infrared search and track pod to intercept an enemy T-38. This technology enables the drone to make decisions without human intervention, enhancing its combat capabilities.

The X-62A, equipped with an infrared search and track pod, used its AI capabilities to autonomously intercept a T-38. This technology is being developed for future USAF CCA drones, which will use onboard sensor data to engage aerial threats.

The US Air Force Test Pilot School's Research Division has conducted accelerated test programs using the X-62 VISTA, integrating human researchers with AI development for warfighter applications. The programs, HAVE HEAT and HAVE HOLIDAYS, were executed in April 2026. The X-62 VISTA has undergone mission systems upgrades, aligning with AI development.

The X-62 VISTA aircraft, controlled by AI agents, executed 27 autonomous intercepts of airborne targets using data from a Legion Infrared Search and Track pod. This was achieved through a collaboration between the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division. The tests were conducted as part of the Test Pilot School's program.

Saab anticipates increased production of the T-7A Red Hawk trainer after the US Air Force reaches Milestone C. The company's Indiana factory is expected to begin a multiyear financial recovery. This milestone is a significant step in the program's development.

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and the US Air Force Test Pilot School have successfully completed 27 AI-controlled fighter intercepts using live sensor data aboard the X-62 test aircraft. The tests were conducted over eight X-62 flights, demonstrating the potential of AI in autonomous fighter operations. The intercepts utilized live infrared sensor data to execute autonomous intercepts.

A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II provided airborne escort to the Ohio class ballistic missile submarine USS Nebraska during an exercise in the Pacific Ocean. The exercise highlights the importance of protecting the U.S. Navy's valuable assets. The A-10's role in the exercise demonstrates its capability in supporting maritime operations.

The development of the B-21 Raider bomber and the F-47 sixth-generation fighter are progressing ahead of schedule, according to the Air Force general in charge. This indicates positive momentum for two of the Air Force's key modernization programs. The B-21 and F-47 are expected to play crucial roles in the Air Force's future capabilities.

The 35th Fighter Wing is deploying its F-35A Lightning II aircraft to Red Flag-Alaska 26-3, marking the first time the 13th Fighter Squadron will use the F-35As in a large-force training environment. The exercise will feature the Wild Weasels leading the suppression of enemy air defenses mission. The F-35As will operate alongside joint and allied partners.

Northrop Grumman has been awarded a potential $607M task order by the Missile Defense Agency to supply simulation and threat-modeling tools. The two-year base period is worth $68.8 million, with options to reach $606.5 million. The order was placed through the Air Force's Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract.

The US Department of War is assessing alternative propulsion solutions for the Boeing F-15EX and Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters, potentially disrupting the long-running engine duopoly. The department has issued a request for information to gather insights from industry. This move aligns with the department's shift towards exploring new technologies.

US Air Force and UK joint terminal attack controllers conducted bilateral training at Moody Air Force Base to enhance close air support coordination. The training aimed to improve cooperation between the two nations' militaries. This exercise highlights the importance of joint training in strengthening alliances and improving military effectiveness.

The Air Force is looking for new ideas to develop affordable, attritable drones that can perform the MQ-9 Reaper's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission, as well as strike capabilities. Vendors are expected to be selected by the end of 2026. The goal is to find alternative solutions that can provide persistent capabilities in a new way.

US Air Force Airmen participated in a simulated emergency response exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, involving a grounded drone. The scenario required a coordinated safety sweep and secure perimeter establishment. The exercise involved collaboration between security forces, firefighters, and explosive ordnance disposal teams.

US Air Force and Royal Air Force Joint Terminal Attack Controllers trained together at Moody Air Force Base to strengthen interoperability through bilateral close air support training. The training allows for the exchange of tactics and strengthens professional relationships between the two nations.

The US Air Force's plan to upgrade its 70-year-old B-52 bombers is facing significant budget issues, with costs running billions over initial estimates. A watchdog report found that production of upgrades is expected to start with little to no developmental flight testing. This raises concerns about the program's effectiveness and potential risks.

The US Air Force is experiencing significant challenges with jet engine manufacturing, including production delays, quality control issues, and material shortages. The Air Force is dissatisfied with the quality of engines for its fighter jets and is considering new engines and manufacturers. These challenges affect the production and maintenance of Air Force aircraft.

A US Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling jet damaged in a mid-air collision over Iraq has been repaired and returned to service. The repairs included replacing the vertical stabilizer with one from a retired jet. The tanker suffered significant damage to its tail section during the incident in March.

A new airman has recorded a perfect score at a top Air Force intelligence school, a rare feat in the Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) training course. This achievement is unprecedented, according to officials. The airman's perfect score demonstrates exceptional skill and knowledge in SIGINT, one of the hardest jobs to qualify for in the Air Force.

The US Air Force Research Laboratory has increased Blue Origin's contract by $11.7 million to study the use of space rockets for point-to-point deliveries. This expansion aims to explore the potential of space-based cargo transport. The contract is part of the Air Force's efforts to leverage commercial space technology for military logistics.

The U.S. Air Force's F-22 Raptors conducted a rapid combat deployment test at Kadena Air Base as part of the Indo-Pacific readiness exercise BB26-1. The exercise launched on August 3 and aims to enhance readiness in the region. The F-22's participation demonstrates its capability in supporting major military operations.

A US Air Force KC-135 tanker has been repaired and returned to service after receiving a new tail section from a decommissioned tanker. The tanker, numbered 63-8017, had previously lost a large part of its tail. The successful repair extends the life of the aircraft, supporting ongoing Air Force operations.

The US Air Force's B-52 modernization effort is facing delays of over three years and rising costs. The $21 billion program has seen engine costs increase by 38% and radar fielding pushed to 2030.

The US Air Force has awarded Blue Origin nearly $12 million to explore the use of its rockets for rapid military cargo delivery. The concept aims to transport cargo anywhere on Earth within an hour. Blue Origin will conduct a funded engineering study to assess the feasibility of this idea.

The Air Force is cracking down on non-compliant computers and software as part of a network hardening effort, using AI-automated software in the second phase. Some updates are causing computer quarantines across the department.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found concerns with the Air Force's modernization of the B-52 Stratofortress, citing cost and schedule risks. The upgrades are planned to ensure the aircraft can fly through the middle of the century. The GAO audit highlights potential issues with the project.

The Regionalized Isochronal Inspection program supports C-5M Super Galaxy mission readiness at Westover Air Reserve Base. Maintainers work around the clock to meet a 22-day inspection timeline, identifying discrepancies and completing repairs. The program brings C-5M aircraft from across the Air Force together for scheduled inspections.

Staff Sgt. Lawson Oakes, an experienced MQ-9 maintainer, is helping to train the next generation of maintenance personnel at Holloman Air Force Base. With seven years of experience at the base, Oakes has developed into a reliable source of MQ-9 Reaper maintenance knowledge. He is now dedicated to sharing his expertise with others.

The US Air Force is looking to develop a reusable hypersonic bomber that can take off and land vertically, eliminating the need for a runway. This innovative aircraft would significantly enhance the Air Force's capabilities. The project aims to create a bomber that can strike targets without requiring traditional runway infrastructure.

US Air Force engineers hosted Republic of Korea Air Force engineers for joint training on aircraft arresting systems at Osan Air Base. The training aimed to strengthen interoperability between the two forces. This collaboration enhances their ability to work together seamlessly in future operations.

The Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) will have a flexible design, allowing them to be used for multiple missions or sacrificed if necessary. A top official described this approach as 'optionally attritable', indicating a middle ground between durability and expendability.