Boeing wins first production contract for jet-powered JDAM
Boeing won the first production contract for a jet-powered guided bomb that can fly more than 300 nautical miles.
Air Warfare
US Army wants a surface-to-air missile that can destroy small drones
The U.S. Army wants new surface-to-air missiles, costing less than $150,000 apiece, that can destroy small drones.
US Air Force jet engine manufacturing plagued by ‘significant challenges’
Jet engine manufacturing is plagued by production delays, quality control issues and material shortages, the U.S. Air Force said.
F-47 program producing test aircraft, on schedule for 2028 flight
The F-47 program has begun its engineering and manufacturing phase and will fly during this presidential administration, a service official said.
Trust between operators, CCAs starts with simulations: Former Air Force secretary
Simulations and exercises will be key to boosting trust between operators and CCAs, according to former U.S. Air Force secretary Frank Kendall.
Germany to buy US Tomahawks in shift toward own long-range capability
Germany will purchase Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States and station them on German soil.
Ukraine’s newest strike weapon drifts into Russia on the wind
The U.S. and Russia are fielding the same balloons used by Ukraine that bait air defenses and now launch missiles.
US Air Force awards first CCA production contracts to General Atomics, Anduril
The U.S. Air Force has cleared its first Collaborative Combat Aircraft to enter production.
Apache going down near Oman a sign of air combat evolution, analysts warn
Experts say the U.S. Army Apache that went down near Oman offers a snapshot into how air assets must now contend with cheaper, rapidly evolving drones.
Air Force MQ-9 fleet drops to 135 aircraft after Iran combat losses
The Air Force is seeking to backfill the inventory of MQ-9 Reapers and field a cheaper, more expendable replacement.
Marines to phase out F/A-18 maintenance jobs as Hornet era ends
Enlisted Marines with Hornet specialties will be offered retraining, reassignment or career dead ends.
B-52 engine replacement clears critical design review, first modifications to begin this year
The Air Force’s program to replace the B-52H Stratofortress’s 1960s-era engines cleared its critical design review, the service announced May 4.
Former Qatari aircraft on track for summer Air Force One delivery
The new aircraft in the Boeing VC-25B Bridge program completed modifications and flight testing and is now being painting red, white and blue.
From prototypes to production: US Air Force seeks nearly $1B for initial CCA procurement
In a first, the Air Force is asking Congress to fund the purchase of Collaborative Combat Aircraft, marking the beginning of the “loyal wingman" era.
Pentagon’s FY27 budget seeks 85 F-35s, but most ride on reconciliation
The Pentagon’s fiscal 2027 budget request seeks 85 F-35 Lightning II fighters across the joint force, up from 47 in fiscal 2026.
Golden Dome has ‘pathways to pivot’ if delays arise, general says
Gen. Michael Guetlein, the appointed czar for America's “Golden Dome” initiative, told lawmakers that plans to build the shield were proceeding apace.
US Air Force looks to launch cheap missiles from cargo aircraft
The U.S. Air Force wants inexpensive, long-range missiles that can be launched in mass volleys by cargo aircraft.
