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 Warfare
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.
US Navy to integrate PAC-3 MSE interceptor missile with Aegis Combat System
The Navy will integrate PAC-3 MSE interceptor missiles with the Aegis Combat System, according to Lockheed Martin.
US Navy successfully tests new long-range, winged JDAM out to 200 miles
An April 1 test saw the munition deployed from an F/A-18 Super Hornet, fly approximately 200 miles in 34 minutes and strike within meters of its target.
Air Force extends 3 A-10 squadrons, each expected to keep 18 Warthogs
The decision comes as A-10s have seen increased involvement during Operation Epic Fury in Iran.
US Army wants doctrine for landing helicopters on Arctic ice
The Army Corps of Engineers’ research and development component is working to disprove old assumptions about the risks of landing on frozen lakes.
L3Harris announces $1 billion expansion in Virginia
The expansion will more than double manufacturing space at the Virginia site, which currently spans 256,000 square feet.
US Air Force wants better infrared jammers for its combat rescue helicopters
The HH-60W, recently used to rescue downed pilots in Iran, lacks a capable infrared countermeasure system, Air Force Material Command said.
Air Force unit executes test of Anduril’s semiautonomous combat drone
Airmen operated Auduril's YFQ-44A jet-powered combat drone, which could someday fly alongside piloted fighters.
Is the US running out of Tomahawk missiles? Here’s what the experts say
The United States has purportedly launched at least 850 Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles just over one month into Operation Epic Fury.
