US Air Force
12 stories related to this topic, newest first.
Defense NewsAir Force B-52 Engine Replacement Program Passes Critical Design Review, Now Expected to Cost $15 Billion
The Air Force announced on May 4 that its Commercial Engine Replacement Program for the B-52H Stratofortress passed critical design review. Boeing is scheduled to begin modifying the first two aircraft into the B-52J configuration later in 2026 under a contract awarded in Decembe…
koreaherald.comU.S. Navy and Air Force Developing Compact Variant of AIM-9X Sidewinder Missile
The U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force are collaborating on a compact version of the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile to enhance internal carriage on advanced aircraft. The Navy has requested $83.3 million for fiscal year 2027 to advance the project. The new variant aims to provide improved r…
DoD photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Mobley, U.S. Navy. / Wikimedia (Public domain)Incidents Involving Iranian Actions and U.S. Naval Transit in Strait of Hormuz
Iran fired warning shots at U.S. Navy ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz on May 4, 2026, as part of multiple incidents in the region. The attacks also included a strike on a South Korean merchant vessel and drones and missiles targeting the United Arab Emirates. U.S. Air Force…
The War ZoneU.S. Air Force Completes Modifications on Qatar-Donated Boeing 747-8 for Interim Air Force One
The U.S. Air Force has finished modifications and flight testing on a Boeing 747-8i donated by Qatar, now being painted in red, white, gold, and blue livery. The VC-25B Bridge aircraft is on schedule for delivery to the Presidential Airlift Group this summer. It will serve as an…
Sergey Kustov / Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)U.S. Air Force to Deliver First B-52 for Engine Upgrade to Boeing Later This Year
The U.S. Air Force announced that the first B-52 bomber will arrive at Boeing's San Antonio facility later this year for re-engining under the Commercial Engine Replacement Program. The program recently completed its critical design review, delayed from original plans. The upgrad…
theaviationist.comU.S. Air Force Completes Modifications and Testing on Qatari-Donated Boeing 747
The U.S. Air Force has finished modifying and testing a Boeing 747 jet donated by Qatar for temporary use as Air Force One. The jet is expected to be ready for President Donald Trump this summer and is currently being repainted in his livery. The status was announced late Friday…
SDASM Archives / Wikimedia (No restrictions)U.S. Air Force Completes Modification of Qatar-Donated Boeing 747 for Interim Air Force One
The U.S. Air Force has finished modifying and testing a Boeing 747 jet donated by Qatar, expecting it ready for President Trump this summer. The jet serves as a bridge until new aircraft arrive in 2028 amid ongoing delays. It is currently being painted red, white and blue.
Official United States Air Force Website / Wikimedia (Public domain)U.S. Air Force Seeks Camouflage Nets to Shield Vehicles from Thermal Sensors
The U.S. Air Force has issued a pre-solicitation document for thermal-protective camouflage nets designed to cover Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. The service is requesting 30 large, lightweight nets that incorporate nanotechnology or advanced composites. This move aims to enhance…
The War ZoneU.S. Air Force Plans HH-60W Modifications for Washington VIP Transport and Continuity Missions
The U.S. Air Force will modify 26 HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters to replace aging UH-1N Twin Hueys in the Air Force District of Washington role. These helicopters will handle VIP transport around the nation's capital and support continuity of government operations.
Substrate placeholder — needs review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)U.S. Air Force Announces Four-Year Extension for A-10 Thunderbolt II Beyond 2026 Retirement
The U.S. Air Force announced it will keep the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft in service until 2030, extending its life beyond the prior 2026 retirement date. The decision follows consultations amid ongoing use in operations against Iranian targets. The aircraft, designed for…
defence.pkU.S. Air Force Doubles F-15EX Purchase Plan to 267 Jets in Fiscal 2027 Budget
The U.S. Air Force's fiscal 2027 budget proposes acquiring 267 F-15EX jets, more than doubling the previous plan of 129. This includes funding for 24 additional jets at $3 billion, aimed at recapitalizing the aging F-15E fleet. The overall Air Force budget is set to rise 38 perce…
Frank Bond / Wikimedia (Public domain)US Air Force C-17A Globemaster Issues 7700 Emergency Code and Diverts Off Egyptian Coast
A US Air Force C-17A Globemaster aircraft declared a general emergency by squawking 7700 while flying off the Egyptian coast. The plane is diverting to address the issue. Such aircraft typically transport tanks, troops and sensitive cargo in conflict areas.