All United States Air Force articles
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NewsAnduril logs first flight with YFQ-44A autonomous fighter prototype
US air force secretary Troy Meink heralded the start of competitive flight-testing as a key breakthrough in the effort to field a new class of uncrewed tactical jets known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
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In depthUSAF seeks 22% fighter fleet expansion to 1,558 jets by 2035
The US Air Force requires a 22% expansion of its fighter fleet to 1,558 aircraft by 2035, up from 1,271 currently, according to an analysis report obtained by FlightGlobal that cites global security requirements and an ageing inventory as major impediments to the goal.
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In depthLawmakers urge Boeing to end 12-week strike at fighter plant strike
Sixteen House Armed Services Committee members have written to Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg demanding resolution of the 12-week strike at the company’s St Louis fighter production facility, citing national security concerns as delays impact F-15EX deliveries.
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NewsUS Air Force ‘hurricane hunter’ flight turned back by severe turbulence
A US Air Force weather reconnaissance flight was forced to return early after encountering severe turbulence while collecting data on Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm that later struck Jamaica.
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NewsWashington orders aircraft carrier to Caribbean one day after B-1B overflight
The Pentagon has ordered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford and its air wing to Latin America as part of a large build-up of military forces in the southern Caribbean Sea.
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AnalysisUS Air Force strategy ‘likely to fail’ in Taiwan conflict, new report warns
Academic study concludes US Air Force approach to airpower in East Asia during major war against China would likely fail, with Chinese missiles capable of targeting regional facilities used by American forces.
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NewsUS Air Force OA-1K Skyraider crashes during Oklahoma training mission
A US Air Force OA-1K Skyraider II turboprop crashed during a training mission in Oklahoma on 23 October, with both crew escaping injury. The incident involved one of the service’s newest light-attack aircraft.
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NewsNorthrop Grumman expects next B-21 production contract by year-end
Northrop Grumman expects to receive its next production contract for the B-21 Raider stealth bomber before year-end, as the company continues flight testing with two aircraft while discussing potential production acceleration with the US Air Force.
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NewsPentagon conducts Caribbean ‘bomber attack demonstration’ with F-35Bs and B-52H
The Pentagon has deployed stealth fighters and heavy bombers in what it terms a ‘bomber attack demonstration’ as part of an ongoing military build-up in Latin America targeting the Venezuelan government.
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NewsGeneral Atomics will compete Gambit variant in US Navy uncrewed fighter programme
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has confirmed its selection for the US Navy’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme, revealing plans for a carrier-capable autonomous fighter based on its Gambit design family.
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NewsNetherlands joins US collaborative combat aircraft programme for uncrewed fighters
Amsterdam has committed to participate in the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme, which is developing low-cost autonomous tactical jets to operate alongside crewed fighters like F-35s.
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NewsBoeing steps up promotion of T-7A for UK Royal Air Force Hawk replacement need
Boeing is stepping up its efforts to promote the T-7A Red Hawk for a near-term requirement to equip the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) with new advanced jet trainers and aerobatic display aircraft.
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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.