All United States Air Force articles
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NewsLockheed uses L-39 and two L-29s to test air-to-air combat with autonomous fighters
In a series of flight tests, Lockheed Martin’s secretive Skunk Works unit simulated an offensive counter air mission where an airborne, human battle manager aboard an Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros directed two autonomous Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin jets, which worked together to defeat two mock enemy fighters using simulated mission systems and weapons.
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NewsBoeing wins $2.4 billion deal for 15 KC-46As
Boeing has secured a $2.4 billion US government contract to build 15 KC-46A tankers, adding to the number of contracted orders for the 767 derivative.
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AnalysisHow the global military fleet shapes up in our 2025 World Air Forces review
Our annual World Air Forces directory – published in association with Embraer – details the military aircraft fleets of 161 nations, and analyses the main events of the last 12 months.
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NewsUS Air Force to withdraw South Korea-based A-10s in 2025
The US Air Force is continuing with plans to retire its ageing fleet of Fairchild Republic A-10 ground-attack jets, including the withdrawal of its forward stationed squadron from South Korea in 2025.
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NewsUS B-52 drops ordnance over Lithuania during live-fire training
Boeing B-52H heavy bombers with the US Air Force are currently on rotational duty in the UK for one of the Pentagon’s regular bomber task force missions, training with European members of the NATO alliance.
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NewsNorthrop delivers first Stand-in Attack Weapon for F-35 air defence suppression mission
The new Stand-in Attack Weapon is being positioned as a successor to Northrop’s AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range, purpose built for the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter to hunt and destroy critical air defence assets.
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NewsBombardier delivers eighth E-11A communications jet to USAF
The Battlefield Airborne Communications Node is based on Bombardier’s Global 6000 business jet, with mission-systems integration and sustainment work performed by Northrop Grumman.
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NewsAudit claims Boeing overcharged for C-17 parts, including $149,000 for soap dispensers
The US Department of Defense inspector general initiated an investigation into the C-17 sustainment programme based on an anonymous tip, with the office concluding the US Air Force “did not pay fair and reasonable prices” for 26% of spare parts reviewed.
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In depthUS manufacturers ramp solid rocket motor production amid surging munitions demand
After years of decline left the US aerospace industry with just a single independent producer of rocket motor engines to power critical missiles, a global surge in munitions purchases has spurred major defence manufacturers to develop new production capacity.
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NewsF-35s team with uncrewed jet in latest USMC exercises
The US Marine Corps successfully teamed an XQ-58 Valkyrie autonomous jet with four F-35Bs, with the uncrewed Valkyrie providing forward threat targeting data to the flight of stealth fighters.
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NewsMilitary operators increasingly turn to business jets for specialty missions
Drawn by reliability and affordability, militaries are increasingly turning to business jets to fill niche roles within their aviation fleets including intelligence collection and electronic warfare.
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NewsUS B-2 stealth bombers strike targets in Yemen
The USA’s military headquarters for the Middle East oversaw air strikes, including those conducted by B-2 stealth bombers, against weapons storage sites in Houthi-controlled Yemen.
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NewsSee cockpit footage of an F-35 road landing in Finland
Following its milestone landing of a Lockheed Martin F-35A stealth fighter on a Finland roadway in September, the US Air Force has released cockpit footage of the event, which marked the first time a US stealth aircraft had done so in Europe.
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NewsEmbraer Super Tucanos join USAF test fleet
Three Embraer A-29 Super Tucanos have arrived at the US Air Force’s test pilot school in the California desert, where they will be used to conduct training and research on a variety of sensors and weapon systems.
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In depthCan the US Air Force actually make its disposable fighter jets at an affordable price?
The service is betting much of its future on developing and fielding large numbers of so-called “attritable” combat jets that cost a fraction of traditional fighter aircraft. But can that goal actually be achieved?
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NewsLeidos to test launching cruise missiles from AC-130 gunships
The US defence technology firm is preparing to test its Black Arrow small cruise missile, designed to be an affordable long-range munition that can be launched from cargo aircraft.
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NewsUS Navy affirms commitment to fielding sixth-generation fighter
While the US Air Force is walking back its commitment to developing a manned sixth-generation combat fighter, the navy’s top officer says her service remains committed to fielding a new aircraft under its F/A-XX programme.
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NewsRussian Su-35 nearly collides with US F-16 during Alaska intercept
In a move being decried as unsafe and unprofessional by the Pentagon, a Russian air force Su-35 fighter passed dangerously close to a US Air Force F-16 whilst the American jet was shadowing a Russian long-range bomber off the coast of Alaska.
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In depthCould the US Air Force restore electronic attack fighter capability?
The US Air Force has not operated a dedicated offensive electronic-attack fighter since 1998 when the service retired its EF-111 Ravens, but service leaders now appear to be embracing electronic warfare as a central aspect of modern air combat operations.
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NewsUS Air Force to retire final KC-10 tanker
After more than 40 years of service, the US Air Force is retiring its final Boeing KC-10 Extender aerial refueller, which is being replaced by the newer Boeing KC-46 Pegasus.