US Air Force • Page 2 of 109

Sep- 2026 -

22 September

US Air Force Retires Final EC-130H Electronic Attack Aircraft

The US Air Force has retired its final EC-130H Compass Call aircraft, deployed since the early 1980s for electronic warfare operations in support of US and coalition forces.

17 September

Land

A second B-21 Raider, the nation’s sixth-generation stealth bomber, joins flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Sept. 11, 2025. The program is a cornerstone of the Department of the Air Force’s nuclear modernization strategy, designed to deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads. (Courtesy photo)

Rojoef Manuel

Conti, Kight to Build B-21 Stealth Bomber Hangar at Whiteman Base

Conti Federal Services and Kight Construction Group have secured a $74.9-million contract to build a B-21 Raider Radio Frequency Hangar at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.

17 September

Americas

Christine Casimiro

US Air Force B-52 Hits Engine, Radar Modernization Milestones

The US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress modernization effort has achieved two key milestones for its engine and radar systems, supporting goals to keep the aircraft operationally relevant through 2050 and beyond.

16 September

Americas

Christine Casimiro

GA-ASI to Support US Air Force UAS Programs With Innovation Hub in Ohio

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is establishing an innovation hub in Dayton, Ohio, to support hardware and software development for US Air Force programs.

15 September

Americas

Christine Casimiro

US Air Force, Northrop Grumman Move Sentinel Missile Closer to 2027 Flight Test

The LGM-35 Sentinel missile, successor to the aging LGM-30 Minuteman III that forms the ground leg of the US nuclear triad, is moving closer to its first flight test in 2027 after several delays.

14 September

Americas

Inder Singh Bisht

Lockheed Wins $826M US Contract for JASSM, LRASM Missiles

The US Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin an $825.97-million contract modification to procure JASSM and LRASM missiles.

11 September

Americas

A US Airman participates in the Decision Advantage Sprint for Human-Machine Teaming (DASH) experiment in Las Vegas, Nevada, in May 2026. Photo: Debora Henley/DVIDS

Samantha Alexa

US Air Force Puts AI Inside Battlefield Decision Loop

A new US Air Force experiment has tested how AI could help shorten the time needed for personnel to assess and respond to battlefield developments.

10 September

Arms

A U.S. Army M1265A1 Stryker from Alpha Battery, 6th battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, aims its XM 914 30 mm cannon at an MQM-170 Outlaw drone during the anti-air defense portion of Table VI iterations as part of a crew qualification gunnery, at Dalton Mountain Multi-Use Range on Fort Cavazos, TX, Oct. 14, 2024. Crew qualifications verify the lethality and effectiveness of a unit's crews and their ability to efficiently complete engagements with their vehicle’s weapons systems.

Rojoef Manuel

US Air Force Plans Missile and Drone Defense Guns for Foreign Bases

The US Air Force is seeking industry proposals for ground-based, medium-caliber gun systems to enhance the missile and drone defense capabilities of its overseas installations.

9 September

Air