Air Force Archives

Air Force Tactical Air Control Party specialists drive vehicles at the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada, Oct. 4, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Timothy Perish)

Air Force Special Warfare wants versatile mobile comms system across vehicles

Officials are conducting market research to inform a potential Mobile Communication System-Universal program.

2 days ago By Dominic Minadeo

A B-21 Raider lands on a runway after flight at Edwards Air Force Base, California, in this undated photo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Schannuth)

Air Force validates B-21 Raider weapons release after test

The stealth bomber demonstrated weapons release in flight last week, building on digital twin simulations.

2 days ago By Dominic Minadeo

Air Force wants AI for cislunar space vehicles

The service is asking industry for ready-made software concepts that will shape future cislunar system requirements.

5 days ago By Dominic Minadeo

Paul Damchik and Keith Hardiman speak on a panel at the Datadog Threat Response Forum on Nov. 5, 2026. (Scoop News Group)

Where AI is — and isn’t — accelerating military missions today

Artificial intelligence has huge promise for the U.S. military services, but in some cases, early results haven’t lived up to the hype.

Nov 5, 2026 By Billy Mitchell

A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron is undergoes pre-flight procedures at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Aug. 8. 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 launches next phase of hypersonic missile program with $694M contract award for ARRW

DefenseScoop talked to analysts about the implications of the deal.

Oct 27, 2026 By Jon Harper

U.S. Airmen assigned to the Collaborative Combat Aircraft Experimental Operations Unit inspect a YFQ-44A Fury aircraft at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, July 20, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Renee Blundon)

Air Force starting to game out sustainment framework for CCA drones

Once the AI-enabled uncrewed systems are fielded, the Air Force will need its maintenance enterprise to help keep them flying and ready for combat.

Oct 21, 2026 By Jon Harper

U.S. service members and Kuwaiti Land Forces participate in the game operation cyber justice, an event of the Best Cyber Warrior Challenge at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, May 15, 2019. (Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Christopher Lindborg)

Pentagon averts cyber pay cuts — for now — with one-year C-MIP ‘transition plan’

After the services scrambled to prepare for the new program and leaders warned subordinates about looming pay cuts, the Pentagon authorized the military branches to preserve their…

Oct 15, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby attends an International commemorative ceremony for the 82nd anniversary of the World War II “D-Day” Normandy landings in Langrune-sur-Mer, northwestern France, of June 6, 2026. (Photo by LOU BENOIST / AFP via Getty Images)

Colby approves Pentagon policy for ‘cyber operations-peculiar’ monetary awards

The COPA initiative allows for the issuance of cash bonuses up to $2,500 to eligible troops to “recognize exceptional contributions rooted in novel actions, inventions, or technical…

Oct 8, 2026 By Jon Harper

Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg administers the oath of office to Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 16, 2025. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Madelyn Keech)

Pentagon launches pilot program that will use AI to manage sensitive information

The memo framed the Pentagon’s use of AI as a way to shed “dysfunction” caused by outdated classification and declassification procedures, which it describes as “endangering” to…

Oct 7, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence Brandi Vincent

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman John Ives, 90th Ground Combat Training Squadron defender, pilots a drone during an X4 and SMASH 2000L Systems Firing Qualification at Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center’s North Training Area, Wyoming, May 15, 2026. The drone carried balloon targets to help operators practice acquiring, tracking and engaging simulated aerial threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)

7th Air Force seeks new counter-drone capabilities for point defense modernization in South Korea

The RFI release comes amid growing concerns about North Korea’s drone arsenal.

Oct 5, 2026 By Jon Harper