U.S. Air Force

L3Harris Technologies has delivered the first VC-25B aircraft to the U.S. Air Force, making extensive upgrades on the Boeing 747-8. The new aircraft is part of the Air Force One fleet. L3Harris has successfully completed the delivery of the first upgraded plane.

The 21st Air Task Force has transitioned into an Air Expeditionary Wing to project airpower and integrate combat support during Exercise Balikatan 2026. This evolution is part of the US Air Force's deployment evolution and occurred during the 75th anniversary of the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty.

The US Air Force has selected Anduril for the production phase of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, moving the FQ-44 semi-autonomous fighter aircraft into serial production. This marks a significant milestone for the program. The FQ-44 Fury is a key component of the Air Force's future combat plans.

The North American B-45 Tornado was a significant contributor to the U.S. Air Force, with many pioneering 'firsts' despite being overshadowed by the Boeing B-47. It played a role in the development of jet engine technology during World War 2. The B-45 made notable contributions during its service life.

The Air Force is relocating a recon drone squadron to Japan, with three RQ-4 Global Hawk drones to be permanently stationed at Yokota Air Base. This move is part of the Air Force's efforts to enhance its presence in the region. The RQ-4 Global Hawk is a large unmanned aerial vehicle used for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

A Boeing KC-46 aerial refueling tanker's boom fell into the Atlantic due to a known design flaw, marking the second such incident in a year. This flaw has contributed to four midair accidents since 2022. The refueling boom is a 15-meter telescoping arm worth millions of dollars.

The US has received a new Air Force One, arriving faster than expected, to fill a critical gap in presidential security. The Air Force's VC-25B Bridge aircraft has officially arrived, replacing the aging original fleet. This new aircraft will provide reliable coverage for presidential security needs.

The new Air Force VC-25B 'Bridge' jet has joined the Presidential Airlift Group and will undergo testing before ferrying the President. The aircraft has received its new livery and government modifications, providing secure continuity for the commander in chief. The VC-25B will begin its initial commissioning flights at Joint Base Andrews.

The US Air Force has unveiled a new Boeing 747-8 plane to serve as the new Air Force One, gifted by Qatar at a value of $400 million. The plane is a luxury aircraft that will provide transportation for the President and other high-ranking officials. The unveiling marks the first public viewing of the new plane.

The US Air Force is expanding its F-15EX Eagle II fleet, with Boeing's program poised to become one of the largest tactical fighter programs. This expansion indicates a significant investment in the Air Force's fighter capabilities. The F-15EX is expected to play a major role in the US Air Force's tactical fighter operations.

A KC-46 Pegasus tanker lost its refueling boom during an F-22 Raptor refueling mission, causing nearly $10 million in damage. The incident is under investigation by the US Air Force. The accident highlights the risks and challenges associated with in-flight refueling operations.

The US Air Force has awarded a production contract for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, which aims to develop autonomous fighter jets that can team up with crewed jets. This program is a significant step forward in the development of autonomous military aircraft. The contract marks the beginning of production for these advanced fighter jets.

The US Army demonstrated its expeditionary support capability for the US Air Force in the Philippines, showcasing its ability to operate in the Indo-Pacific region. The region's vast distances and limited infrastructure pose significant challenges, but the Army's support helps extend the US military's reach. The demonstration highlighted the importance of regional partnerships and cooperation.

The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center has a new executive director at its Kirtland Air Force Base headquarters in New Mexico. The center is responsible for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of nuclear weapons systems. The new director will oversee these efforts.

The 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron unveiled a new locomotive at Joint Base Charleston, the first addition to the Air Force inventory since 1966. This acquisition marks a significant update to the base's logistics capabilities. The new locomotive will enhance the base's ability to transport goods and equipment.

The US Air Force has unveiled a new Air Force One, a converted Qatari 747 designated as VC-25B Bridge. The aircraft was gifted to President Trump by the Qatari government and will be used for presidential airlift. The older VC-25A jets will continue to fly, contrary to reports of their retirement.

The US Air Force has permanently relocated its RQ-4B Global Hawks from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam to Yokota Air Base in Japan. The relocation is part of a strategic move to enhance surveillance capabilities in the region. Japan is also planning to field interceptor drones near critical locations by 2027.

The U.S. Air Force's B-1 bomber fleet is receiving new wing components, with Top Flight Aerostructures winning two contracts to build trailing edges and wing tips. The contracts have maximum values of $53.1 million and $23.4 million, respectively, with completion dates set for mid-June 2029.

Local news agencies witnessed the 434th Air Refueling Wing's mid-air refueling capabilities at Grissom Air Reserve Base. They documented a live refueling mission with the Thunderbirds aboard a KC-135R Stratotanker. The event was held ahead of the Grissom Air Show.

The US Air Force has selected Anduril Industries' FQ-44 for production under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, a Pentagon effort to develop semi-autonomous fighter-type drones. The FQ-44, developed as the YFQ-44A prototype, will fly alongside crewed jets like the F-35. The decision was made months ahead of the program's original schedule.

The US Air Force has awarded production contracts to General Atomics and Anduril for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, with plans to field around 1,000 combat-capable aircraft. The contracts include the development of mission autonomy software, with Anduril, Shield AI, and Collins Aerospace competing to be the primary provider. The program aims to develop semi-autonomous drones that can operate alongside manned aircraft.

A Boeing B-52 test flight crashed in California, resulting in the deaths of eight people, including four airmen, a reservist, and three civilians. An inquiry into the crash at Edwards Air Force Base is ongoing.

The US Army Corps of Engineers and US Air Force have begun a project to construct a Commercial Entrance Control Facility at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, to support future modernization efforts for the Minuteman III ICBM arsenal. The facility will enable easier access for contractors and construction machinery to Sentinel-related construction sites. The project is a key step in the 'Gateway to Sentinel' initiative.

The US Air Force plans to cut the E-11 BACN combat communications jets, despite their highly in-demand communications and data fusion capabilities. The USAF wants to transition these functions to space-based systems. Senators are seeking answers on this plan.

The C-130 Hercules is a versatile and reliable military transport aircraft used by the Air Force and over 40 countries, capable of landing almost anywhere and hauling a wide range of cargo. Its longevity and cargo capacity have made it a valuable asset. The aircraft's capabilities have been utilized in various military operations.

The Department of the Air Force is seeking one of the largest budget increases in its history, citing underinvestment and growing threats from near-peer competitors. The budget increase is intended to support space operations and address decades of underfunding. Air Force and Space Force leaders are making the case for the increase to Congress.

The Air Force has received its first operational T-7A trainer jet and is considering future upgrades, including a 'G-Limiter' to help train less experienced pilots. The upgrades aim to enhance the Red Hawk's training capabilities. The T-7A is a key part of the Air Force's training program.

A series of accidents involving Air Force tankers have occurred, including a 2025 incident where a design flaw known as 'nozzle binding' played a role. The Air Force has faulted the crew in a second tanker accident that tore off the boom. Additionally, a US Air Force refueling plane crashed in Iraq, killing all six on board, and two KC-135s were damaged during a towing accident at RAF Mildenhall.

The Air Force Weapons School's Space Superiority Weapons Instructor Course has grown significantly over 30 years, reflecting the increasing importance of space in joint operations. The course has adapted to the elevation of the space cadre to its own separate service. This growth showcases the expanding role of space in military operations.

The Astral Knight 2026 exercise concluded on June 12, 2026, after two weeks of integrated air and missile defense training. The exercise validated the US Air Force's ability to project military power by combining advanced fighter and bomber operations with deployable command-and-control frameworks. The training was led by US Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa.

The US Air Force's 325th Security Forces Squadron has demonstrated new kinetic counter-drone capabilities, marking a significant advancement in counter-drone technology. This development aims to enhance the Air Force's ability to detect and neutralize unmanned aerial threats. The new capabilities are part of the Air Force's efforts to stay ahead of emerging drone technologies.

The US Air Force has awarded Dell Federal Systems a $1.4 billion contract to renew licenses for Microsoft products. The contract is expected to be completed in April 2029 and was awarded by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center in Montgomery, Alabama.

The joint and coalition forces exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 26-2 has concluded, involving over 2,100 service members and 75 aircraft from five partner nations. The exercise provided advanced combat training in the largest instrumented air and ground combat training range in the world. The training aimed to enhance readiness and interoperability among participating forces.

The Air Force is seeking a next-generation replacement for the C-5 and C-17 airlifters, with the ability to land and take off from makeshift airfields on austere battlefields. This new airlifter would enhance the Air Force's capability to operate in challenging environments.

The US Air Force's refueling tankers are not meeting readiness goals, raising concerns about a critical component of US airpower. The tankers, which serve as flying gas stations, are essential for supporting military aircraft on long-range missions.

An operational test pilot flew the B-21 Raider alongside a developmental test pilot, marking a historic milestone in the bomber's testing process. The flight signals the aircraft's transition from proving its flight capabilities to demonstrating its combat readiness. The Air Force is streamlining the testing process, integrating operational testing earlier than usual.