All United States Air Force articles
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NewsUS air campaign shifts to gravity bombs as Pentagon officials downplay munition concerns
The Pentagon says it will transition from expensive long-range missiles to GPS-guided gravity bombs as its air campaign against Iran intensifies, though senior officials insist munitions stockpiles remain strong despite heavy use of precision weapons.
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NewsUS bombers strike deep into Iran as Epic Fury intensifies
B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers have all conducted strikes against Iranian targets as part of Epic Fury operations, with US Central Command reporting over 2,000 targets hit in the first 100 hours of the air campaign.
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AnalysisIran drones, missiles could test rivals’ magazine depth
Iran may be absorbing heavy strikes, but its drone and missile launches are targeting a vulnerability that airpower alone cannot fix: the magazine depths of the adversaries ranged against it.
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NewsUS B-1Bs strike Iranian missile sites amid widening conflict
US Air Force Boeing B-1B Lancer bombers have struck targets deep inside Iranian territory, as Washington’s military campaign against Tehran intensifies to include more than 1,200 sites.
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NewsKuwaiti air defences shoot down three USAF F-15Es in friendly fire mishap
The US Air Force (USAF) has lost three Boeing F-15E Strike Eagles during “an apparent friendly fire incident” over Kuwait, but all crew members survived being shot down.
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NewsFormer USAF fighter pilot arrested for training Chinese aviators
The US Justice Department has arrested a retired US Air Force major on allegations he spent nearly three years training People’s Liberation Army Air Force pilots in China, marking the latest case of Beijing exploiting Western military expertise.
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In depthNew F-22 fuel tanks offer more range without compromising stealth or flight performance
Lockheed Martin has begun producing new F-22 external fuel tanks that it says extend the air superiority fighter’s range but do not hinder its stealth characteristics and aerodynamic performance.
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In depthUS E-7 Wedgetail prototypes advance despite Pentagon opposition
The US Air Force will proceed with development of two Boeing E-7 Wedgetail prototypes under congressional mandate, despite the Trump Administration’s preference for a space-based alternative for aerial threat tracking.
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NewsTop US Air Force official not considering KC-390, backs KC-46
The air force’s top civilian official says he is not currently looking at Embraer’s multi-role tanker as part of a sweeping plan to recapitalise the service’s aerial refuelling fleet.
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NewsUSAF begins weapons integration on Collaborative Combat Aircraft prototype
The US Air Force (USAF) has started integrating weapons onto its Collaborative Combat Aircraft prototypes, with the Anduril YFQ-44A now conducting captive carry tests with inert missiles as the autonomous tactical aircraft programme progresses towards a selecting a competition winner by late 2026.
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NewsUSAF reaches deal with Northrop to accelerate B-21 production by 25%
The US Air Force (USAF) and Northrop Grumman have agreed to a $4.5 billion production acceleration for the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, increasing the annual build rate by 25% to expedite delivery of the next-generation strategic aircraft.
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In depthL3Harris eyes more roles for SkyWarden with gun pod, long-range weapons and SIGINT sensor
US defence manufacturer L3Harris is significantly expanding the capabilities of its SkyWarden close air support turboprop, adding new weapons including a gun pod, signals intelligence sensors and long-range missiles. The company anticipates international orders will match the US programme of record for 75 aircraft.
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NewsUS Air Force awards CCA engine contracts to Honeywell, GE-Kratos
Both Honeywell Aerospace and the team of GE Aerospace and Kratos have been awarded contracts to complete development of new designs for small turbofan engines meant to offer low-cost propulsion for the emerging category of uncrewed fighter aircraft.
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In depthEmbraer, Northrop team to develop KC-390 refuelling boom
Brazilian airframer Embraer and US defence manufacturer Northrop Grumman are developing an optional in-flight refuelling boom for the KC-390 multi-role tanker, targeting international markets including F-35A operators despite uncertain US Air Force interest.
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InterviewTop Aces targets Asia-Pacific with adversary air services
Canadian adversary air services provider Top Aces is pursuing new business opportunities across the Asia-Pacific, having held talks with Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia at the Singapore air show. The company operates more than 150 tactical aircraft including Lockheed Martin F-16s modified to simulate fifth-generation threats.
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NewsUS Air Force tests Extended Range Attack Munition cruise missile
The US Air Force has conducted a live-warhead test of the developmental Extended Range Attack Munition, marking significant progress in expanding its affordable long-range strike capabilities.
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NewsUSAF debuts new EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare jet in Europe
The US Air Force’s new EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft has arrived in Europe for the first time, landing at Ramstein air base in Germany on 26 January as part of a multi-base demonstration tour.
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NewsUS Air Force partners with Stanford University to test cockpit AI
The US Air Force has partnered with Stanford University to evaluate an artificial intelligence cockpit assistant designed to reduce pilot workload during high-stress situations such as in-flight emergencies and system diagnostics.
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NewsGrid Aero’s Lifter Lite uncrewed cargo aircraft makes runway appearance alongside C-130
California-based start-up Grid Aero has begun ground testing its Lifter Lite uncrewed cargo aircraft, less than a year after publicly unveiling the twin-engined turboprop design intended as a companion to the Lockheed Martin C-130 transport.
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NewsMH-139 logs first convoy flight providing security to US Air Force nuclear missiles
The US Air Force’s Boeing MH-139 Grey Wolf has commenced operational nuclear security duties, completing its first convoy escort mission protecting intercontinental ballistic missile sites at Malmstrom AFB, Montana on 8 January.