All United States Air Force articles
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NewsQatar to permanently station F-15QAs at US base
Qatar and the USA have reached an agreement allowing the Gulf state to permanently station Boeing F-15QA fighters at Mountain Home AFB in Idaho, with Doha constructing its own facility at the base.
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NewsUS Air Force orders eight additional Boeing MH-139A helicopters
The US Air Force has expanded its Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter order by eight aircraft in a $173 million deal, bringing total commitments to 34 rotorcraft for nuclear security missions.
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InterviewPratt & Whitney begins assembling XA103 adaptive engine prototype
RTX subsidiary Pratt & Whitney has started fabricating its XA103 prototype under the US Air Force’s Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion programme, incorporating advances in materials, fan technology and control systems for potential sixth-generation fighter applications.
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In depthEmbraer developing options for KC-390 assembly in USA
Brazilian airframer Embraer is developing plans for local assembly of its KC-390 Millennium tanker-transport aircraft as part of a bid to secure a US Air Force contract for the Next Generation Air Refuelling System programme.
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NewsWhite House taps Pacific veteran to lead US Air Force amid China tensions
General Kenneth Wilsbach, former Pacific Air Forces commander with extensive Indo-Pacific experience, has been nominated to lead the US Air Force as tensions with China escalate in the Western Pacific region.
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AnalysisEngine makers accelerate plans for new class of small turbofans targeting autonomous fighters
Pratt & Whitney, GE Aerospace and Honeywell are advancing small turbofan designs as the Pentagon emphasises rapidly fielding low-cost, autonomous fighter jets known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
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NewsLockheed Martin secures contract for 296 F-35 fighters
Lockheed Martin has secured a $12.5 billion contract modification covering 296 F-35 Lightning II fighters across lots 18 and 19, with deliveries to US and international customers beginning in 2026.
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NewsAnduril plans to use new aircraft design for US Navy uncrewed fighter programme
Defence start-up Anduril Industries plans to develop a completely new uncrewed aircraft for the US Navy’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme, rather than adapting its existing Fury design for carrier operations.
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NewsUSAF targeting 2040s for single successor to C-17 and C-5M strategic airlifters
The US Air Force is targeting the mid-2040s to field a new strategic airlifter that would serve as the single successor to both the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy, according to the service’s air mobility chief.
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NewsUS Air Force exploring all options for next-generation survivable tanker
The head of Air Mobility Command says the US Air Force is open to all potential solutions for a next-generation survivable tanker, including a stealthy blended-wing body, a converted business jet and a “signature managed” conventional tanker.
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NewsBoeing F-47 to fly in 2028, with production underway on first aircraft
Boeing’s developmental F-47 sixth-generation fighter will make its first flight in 2028, with assembly work already underway on the initial aircraft following the company’s selection for the US Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance programme.
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NewsFirst flight ‘imminent’ for Anduril’s YFQ-44A autonomous fighter prototype
Anduril executives say they are wrapping up ground testing on the YFQ-44A, taking extra time to further develop the autonomous flight software that will enable the uncrewed jet to make its first flight without any remote piloting inputs.
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NewsUSAF boosts BACN fleet with ninth Global-series jet
Bombardier’s defence unit has delivered its ninth Global-series aircraft for use in the US Air Force’s (USAF’s) battlefield airborne communications node (BACN) role.
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NewsUSAF’s prototype Wedgetails will undergo airframe modification work in the UK
A pair of prototype Boeing E-7A airborne early warning and control jets on order for the US Air Force (USAF) will undergo modification work in the UK.
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NewsCongress moves to protect US E-7A production from Pentagon cancellation
A clause included in a draft of the annual US defence authorisation bill would prohibit the Pentagon from terminating its E-7A rapid prototyping programme with Boeing or attempting to shut down production of the airborne early warning and control jet.
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NewsCongress moves to restrict USAF KC-46 acquisitions pending engineering fix
House defence bill would cap KC-46A acquisitions at 183 aircraft until Boeing resolves Category 1 engineering deficiencies, while mandating expanded tanker fleet and extended KC-135 service life.
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In depthSecond B-21 Raider bomber delivered to US Air Force
The US Air Force has taken delivery of its second B-21 Raider stealth bomber at Edwards AFB, allowing the test programme to advance beyond initial flight performance to critical mission systems evaluation.
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NewsUSAF B-2 teams with Norwegian F-35As in QUICKSINK anti-shipping test
A Northrop Grumman B-2 stealth bomber has successfully engaged a maritime target in the Norwegian Sea during a long-range mission from the USA, demonstrating advanced sensor-to-shooter capabilities with Norwegian F-35As.
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In depthChinese military engines ‘catching up’ to Western rivals
Indigenous Chinese turbofan engines are narrowing the performance gap with Western powerplants but still lag behind in reliability and capability, according to a senior GE Aerospace executive.
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NewsUS air commandos practise Caribbean airfield seizure amid regional tensions
American special operations forces have conducted a complex exercise to capture and secure an airport in the US Virgin Islands, demonstrating rapid airfield seizure capabilities.