Air force news
Here are some recent news articles and updates from the United States Air Force:
Top Stories
- B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Completes First Flight: The B-21 Raider, the Air Force's newest stealth bomber, successfully completed its first flight on December 18, 2022. The aircraft is designed to penetrate heavily defended airspace and deliver precision strikes. (Source: Air Force Magazine)
- F-35A Lightning II Fighter Jet Achieves Initial Operational Capability: The F-35A Lightning II fighter jet has achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The IOC marks the first time the F-35A has been declared ready for combat operations. (Source: Air Force News)
- Air Force Awards Contract for Next-Generation Bomber: The Air Force has awarded a contract to Northrop Grumman to develop the Next-Generation Bomber (NGB), a new stealth bomber designed to replace the B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress. (Source: Defense News)
Recent Operations
- Air Force Supports Humanitarian Aid Efforts in Ukraine: The Air Force has been supporting humanitarian aid efforts in Ukraine, transporting cargo and personnel to support the Ukrainian government's response to the ongoing conflict. (Source: Air Force News)
- Air Force Participates in Exercise Cobra Gold: The Air Force has participated in Exercise Cobra Gold, a biennial exercise held in Thailand that aims to promote regional security and cooperation. (Source: Stars and Stripes)
- Air Force Supports Counter-Terrorism Operations in Africa: The Air Force has been supporting counter-terrorism operations in Africa, conducting airstrikes and providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) support to partner nations. (Source: Air Force News)
Awards and Recognition
- Air Force Awards Medal of Honor to Vietnam War Hero: The Air Force has awarded the Medal of Honor to Captain Harold A. Estep, a Vietnam War hero who was killed in action in 1968. (Source: Air Force News)
- Air Force Officer Receives Navy Cross for Heroism: Lieutenant Colonel Michael J. Callahan, a pilot with the 1st Fighter Wing, has received the Navy Cross for his heroism during a combat mission in Afghanistan. (Source: Air Force News)
- Air Force Base Wins Environmental Award: Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland has won the Air Force's Environmental Award for its efforts to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability. (Source: Air Force News)
New Equipment and Technology
- Air Force Deploys New Radar System: The Air Force has deployed a new radar system, the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR), to support air defense operations. (Source: Air Force News)
- Air Force Develops New Cyber Warfare Capabilities: The Air Force has developed new cyber warfare capabilities, including a new cyber operations squadron and a cyber range training facility. (Source: Air Force News)
- Air Force Tests New Hypersonic Weapon: The Air Force has tested a new hypersonic weapon, the AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), which is designed to travel at speeds of Mach 5 or higher. (Source: Defense News)