All United States Air Force articles
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AnalysisNew low-cost US attack drone offers strike range of over 400nm for under $55k
The Pentagon has disclosed specifications for its LUCAS one-way attack drone, a reverse-engineered derivative of Iran’s Shahed-136 offering 434nm range at costs between $10,000-$55,000, as the US military deploys the type operationally for the first time in the Middle East theatre.
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NewsUS Air Force KC-135 tanker crashes in Iraq killing all aboard
A US Air Force Boeing KC-135 tanker has crashed in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, with US Central Command confirming the incident was not caused by hostile action or friendly fire.
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NewsB-1B bombers spotted at RAF Fairford being loaded with 900kg guided bombs
Video appears to show Boeing B-1B supersonic bombers being loaded with GBU-31 GPS-guided bombs and long-range cruise missiles at the Gloucestershire base, which is hosting a number of US bombers involved in the ongoing air campaign against Iran.
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NewsB-21 prototype logs close-proximity flight with KC-135 as part of aerial refuelling tests
The US Air Force has confirmed that its next-generation B-21 Raider stealth bomber has conducted close-proximity flight tests with a KC-135 tanker, marking a significant milestone in the aircraft’s development programme ahead of planned operational deployment in 2027.
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In depthCritical shortage or endless supply? Munitions availability in the Iran war
US defence officials have declared stockpiles of precision munitions sufficient for sustained operations against Iran, contradicting years of warnings from military officers and industry executives about the imbalance between production capacity and battlefield demand.
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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.