All articles tagged with #air force
U.S. officials publicly confirmed space-based weapons are in orbit and signaled a plan to dramatically boost space-control capabilities with highly autonomous systems, framed as deterrence and readiness, while withholding details on capabilities, numbers, or tests.
Poland scrambled fighter jets and activated airspace measures after Russia’s jet-powered drone strikes hit Ukrainian cities, with Kyiv urging civilians to shelter and NATO monitoring the situation; a NATO Baltic Air Defence jet later downed a drone in Lithuania, highlighting spillover risks. Ukraine’s president Zelensky said Kyiv could back a US‑led energy‑target ceasefire only if Moscow is genuinely ready to end the war, as Russia continued strikes around Kyiv and other facilities.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink宣布美国已在轨道上部署空间武器并将用于保护美军，这标志着美国首次公开承认在太空具备进攻能力。此举是在多年警告称中国和俄方已在轨道进行可能威胁卫星的激光与干扰等行动之后的正式披露，预示全球太空武器竞争的升级。
In a 60 Minutes interview, a U.S. Air Force weapons systems officer (call sign Bravo) describes being struck by a shoulder-fired missile during an April incident over Iran, his F-15E damaged, and his parachute malfunctioning as he free-fell. He broke multiple bones but managed to hike a 7,000-foot ridgeline behind enemy lines for two days before elite pararescuemen evacuated him, a rescue CBS characterized as one of the era’s most complex. The segment also notes staff changes at 60 Minutes and related program updates.
A Hellenic Air Force F-4 Phantom twin-seat jet crashed during the Athens Flying Week airshow at Tanagra Air Base north of Athens, killing two pilots and starting a large fire. Firefighting crews worked to contain the blaze as spectators were evacuated with no injuries reported among them; organizers canceled remaining events.
Libby Klinner, widow of an eight-year Air Force veteran killed in the KC‑135 crash, says the Air Force reviewed her husband’s pay after she spoke out and admitted initial inaccuracies, but officials confirmed she’s now receiving the full pay and benefits owed—though combat pay and tax implications complicate the calculation. She notes that pay errors are common in the military and has launched fundraising for her children, hoping her advocacy helps other grieving families get clear information from the outset. The Air Force says it remains committed to supporting families and ensuring eligible benefits were included.
The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a sole-source contract with a $131.23 billion ceiling to produce, modernize and sustain F-15 fighters for the U.S., the Air National Guard, and foreign buyers through 2037, with orders possible through 2031 (extendable to 2036); the framework pools production, upgrades, retrofits, sustainment and depot support, and includes standing up organic depots in St. Louis. No jets are ordered at signing and the fund obligation is minimal for 2026. Foreign sales are planned to Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Poland; the deal complements ongoing F-15EX/IA programs and may affect future milestones like the FOC in light of past production disruptions.
Ukraine’s Air Force has narrowed its future to three Western fighters—the F-16, Gripen, and Rafale—building on existing F-16s and Mirage 2000s, with the Gripen highlighted for its low-infrastructure requirements and ability to operate from rough fields or even roads in about 15–20 minutes; officials stress that the jets are only part of a wider system, requiring weapons, ground support, parts, and trained personnel to arrive together as Ukraine and its allies adapt through experience and ongoing training.
A civilian-contracted plane crashed near the Cape Newenham radar site in Alaska, killing all eight people on board. The aircraft, traveling from Anchorage to Cape Newenham, went down in a remote area and rescuers confirmed there were no survivors. An investigation is underway as officials express condolences and stress ongoing support for the families and response teams.
A U.S. Air Force C-17 en route to Antarctica diverted back to Christchurch after New Zealand issued a NOTAM warning of potentially hazardous Russian space activity and a planned missile launch in the region, an alert issued during the Winter Fly-In prior to the Deep Freeze support season.
The Pentagon revoked former Air Force secretary Frank Kendall’s security clearance, accusing him of disclosing classified information about Air Force One to the media; Kendall says he did not disclose anything and is considering legal options as the Defense Department tightens its leaks investigations.
The Pentagon will rename Joint Base Charleston to Joint Base Lindsey Graham after late Senator Lindsey Graham, with the Air Force secretary directing the process. The tribute reflects his decades of military service and advocacy for the base, which has secured hundreds of millions in federal funding, including Coast Guard upgrades. While praised by Graham’s allies, some local officials say the change should involve more input and suggest alternative tributes to honor Charleston’s military heritage.
A former Air Force secretary questions the security readiness of Trump’s Qatar-donated Air Force One after he used it to attend a NATO summit, noting missing standard protections and secure communications. Insiders have warned the jet lacks key mission features (such as secure comms and defenses), prompting reports that Trump swapped back to the old VC-25A on the return flight. The White House insists the new aircraft is secure, but the situation has sparked safety concerns amid Iran tensions and ongoing jet delays.
Washington, D.C. hosted a nine-hour Independence Day air show as part of America 250 celebrations, featuring more than 30 flyovers by military aircraft including the Blue Angels; the spectacle, capped by a fireworks display and remarks by President Trump, drew mixed reactions from locals amid triple‑digit heat.
A retired U.S. general, Charles Q. Brown Jr., co-authored a Foreign Affairs essay criticizing the politicization of the military, arguing presidents should not deploy troops for politically contentious domestic tasks. The piece notes Trump’s use of the National Guard in blue cities and a broader purge of top generals, including scrutiny of Mark Milley’s actions, as part of Pete Hegseth’s push to reshape the military. Brown—who was nominated by Trump as Air Force chief and later fired in early 2025—is quoted warning that politicized military power risks degrading the force’s primary mission, amid ongoing tensions between civilian leadership and military leadership.