us-air-force
22 stories related to this topic, newest first.
The War ZoneKC-135 Tanker Spotted With New Dorsal Antenna at RAF Mildenhall
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 appeared at RAF Mildenhall with a new trapezoidal antenna mounted on the rear fuselage. The modification is part of ongoing efforts to improve satellite communications and networking on the tanker fleet.
The War ZoneThermal Image Near Area 51 Shows Unidentified Aircraft With Possible Links to F-47 Program
A thermal video recorded near Groom Lake captured an unidentified aircraft with a double-arrowhead forward fuselage. The footage has drawn comparisons to a 1983 stealth fighter concept known as the DP-21.
rediff.comIranian Missiles Hit U.S. Air Operations Center in Qatar
Multiple Iranian ballistic missiles struck the Combined Air Operations Centre at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar during the early weeks of the Iran War. The attack damaged the facility but caused no injuries because it was not in use at the time.
prnewswire.comBeechcraft King Air with 11 Aboard Crash-Lands in Atlantic Off Florida After Dual Engine and Avionics Failure
Ian Nixon, a 43-year-old pilot with more than 25 years of experience, safely ditched a chartered Beechcraft King Air 300 carrying 11 people about 50 nautical miles off Florida's east coast on May 12, 2026. All aboard survived after floating for hours on a life raft and being resc…
Nbc News11 Survive After Bahamas Plane Ditches in Atlantic 80 Miles Off Florida Coast
A Beechcraft BE30 ditched in the Atlantic after engine failure on a flight from Marsh Harbour to Freeport, Bahamas. All 11 adults were rescued by an Air Force combat helicopter crew already airborne on a training mission after an emergency signal alerted authorities. Survivors sp…
interestingengineering.com11 Survive Private Plane Crash Off Florida, Rescued by US Air Force Helicopter
A private plane traveling from the Bahamas crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the Florida coast on May 13, 2026. An Air Force combat rescue helicopter located all 11 survivors in a life raft as a storm approached, completing the mission with minutes to spare before fuel ran out.…
abcnews.go.com11 Bahamian Travelers Rescued After Plane Crashes 80 Miles Off Florida Coast
An elite Air Force unit coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard to save 11 people stranded 80 miles off Melbourne, Florida, after their plane went down on Tuesday. The pilot ensured all passengers reached life rafts before rescuers arrived by helicopter. The 920th Air Rescue Wing a…
Defense NewsU.S. Air Force Maintains All 56 Global MQ-9 Combat Orbits Despite Losses, Fleet at 135 Aircraft
The MQ-9 fleet has dropped roughly 54 aircraft below its long-standing inventory floor of 189 as attrition from Operation Epic Fury takes its toll. Lt. Gen. David Tabor told a Senate subcommittee Tuesday that the service can still meet its commitment of 56 combat lines worldwide…
realitytea.comU.S. Air Force Extends C-5M Galaxy Service Life to 2050
The U.S. Air Force has updated its timeline for replacing the C-5M Galaxy strategic airlifter, now planning to retire the fleet in fiscal year 2050. This is five years later than the schedule outlined in last year's plan. The service is requesting funding to begin analysis of a N…
The War ZoneUS Air Force Seeks $1 Million To Study Future Heavy Bomber Needs
The U.S. Air Force has requested $1 million in its fiscal 2027 budget to begin a New Heavy Bomber Analysis of Alternatives. The study will examine long-range strike requirements and assess whether a successor to the B-52 is needed. The service plans to operate upgraded B-52s into…
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…
thehindu.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…
nbcnews.comIncidents 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…
foxbusiness.comU.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 Says Modified Qatari 747 on Track for Temporary VIP Use This Summer
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…
vancouversun.comU.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.
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.
theaviationist.comU.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.