Air Force Archives

A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron is undergoes pre-flight procedures at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Aug. 8, 2020. The aircraft conducted a captive-carry flight test of the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon Instrumented Measurement Vehicle 2 at the Point Mugu Sea Range off the Southern California coast. (Air Force photo by Giancarlo Casem)

Air Force wants to develop follow-on to ARRW hypersonic missile

The Air Force's budget request for fiscal 2027 also shows that it wants to begin development of an Air-Launched Ballistic Missile to complement other hypersonic weapons.

2 days ago By Mikayla Easley

KC-46A aircraft assigned to the 157th Air Refueling Wing perform an elephant walk formation on the runway at Pease Air National Guard Base, Sept. 8, 2021. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Timm Huffman)

Air Force shifts sixth-gen tanker strategy to prioritize mission systems over new aircraft

The Air Force wants to redirect NGAS funds into a new Advanced Tanker Systems effort in fiscal 2027.

Apr 21, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Christopher J. Niemi, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, delivers opening remarks at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) change of command ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, June 9, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jennifer Nesbitt)

Trump nominates Niemi as Air Force’s inaugural chief modernization officer

If confirmed, Maj. Gen. Christopher Niemi will serve as both the Air Force's A5/7 deputy and the chief modernization officer.

Apr 17, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

A U.S. Navy Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) maneuvers in the Atlantic Ocean during UNITAS 2025. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

Air Force eyeing robotic boats for Tyndall AFB

The service issued a request for information this week to gather industry feedback.

Apr 17, 2026 By Jon Harper

Air Force wants almost $1B to buy first CCA drones in 2027

If approved by lawmakers, the Air Force's budget request would kick off procurement of CCA Increment 1.

Apr 6, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

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Marc Andersen: The CFO Fueling the Army’s Transformation

Hon. Marc Andersen, Assistant Secretary of the Army Financial Management and Comptroller

Apr 6, 2026 By Jon Harper

SES Keith Hardiman. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich)

Keith Hardiman appointed deputy CIO for Air Force, Space Force

Hardiman had previously been serving in the role in an acting capacity.

Mar 30, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

U.S. Air Force Maj. Oliver Ngayan, 2 Squadron E-7A Wedgetail air battle manager, performs a system check at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, July 18, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jimmie D. Pike)

DAF fuels up for ‘Ringleader’ exercises to test all-domain sensor fusion capabilities, tactics

"Over the last few years, we’ve built out the necessary software, hardware and network infrastructure — now it’s time to test it,” Secretary of the Air Force…

Feb 26, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Lilly Sharma, a small unmanned aircraft system operator, with 12th Littoral Combat Team, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, operates a Skydio X2D during a small unmanned aerial systems training (sUAS) on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 6, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Robert Blanks)

As the Pentagon goes full-tilt on small UAS, some services are trying to build a new generation of drone-savvy troops from the rip

While the military boosts already-established UAS roles and inter-service job transfers, multiple services have begun to put drones into the hands or on the minds of its…

Feb 24, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

A YFQ-44A, part of the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, undergoes an undated captive carry test at a California test location. This test phase uses inert munitions to methodically validate weapons integration, structural performance and safety, ensuring the platform can safely carry external stores. (Courtesy Air Force photo)

Air Force begins adding weapons to CCA drone flight tests

The service recently started flying Anduril's YFQ-44A prototype with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles attached to it.

Feb 24, 2026 By Mikayla Easley