News

A second B-21 Raider test aircraft takes off, Sept. 11, from Palmdale, Calif., to join the Air Force’s flight test campaign at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The addition of the second test aircraft expands mission systems and weapons integration testing, advancing the program toward operational readiness. (Courtesy photo)

Sept. 11, 2025

US Air Force announces arrival of second B-21 test aircraft at Edwards AFB

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) — Department of the Air Force announced the arrival of the second B-21 Raider flight test aircraft Sept. 11, 2025, marking a significant step toward operational readiness of the nation’s sixth-generation stealth bomber.

Under Secretary of the Air Force Melissa G. Dalton, Gen. Anthony Cotton, United States Strategic Command commander; Gen. Thomas Bussiere, Air Force Global Strike Command commander; and Lt. Gen. Andrew Gebara, the Department of the Air Force’s deputy chief of staff for strategic deterrence and integration, participate in the Nuclear Imperative panel at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md., Sept 17, 2024. The technology exposition brings together Air Force leadership, industry experts, academia as well as aerospace and cyberspace specialists from around the world to discuss the issues and challenges facing America today. (U.S. Air Force photo by Chad Trujillo)

Sept. 20, 2024

DoD leaders discuss future of Air Force nuclear deterrent systems

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) — Senior leaders discuss strategic deterrence during a time of Great Power Competition.

A B-21 Raider conducts flight testing, which includes ground testing, taxiing, and flying operations, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The B-21 will be the backbone of the service’s future bomber force, and will possess the range, access and payload to penetrate the most highly-contested threat environments and hold any target around the globe at risk. The bomber platform is being developed through the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, which utilizes streamlined methods to develop, produce and field critical combat capabilities. (Courtesy photo)

Sept. 19, 2024

Air Force provides B-21 Raider program updates

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) — The B-21 Raider will incrementally replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers to become the backbone of the Air Force’s flexible global strike capability.

June 6, 2024

Second Minuteman III test in week's time showcases readiness of U.S. ICBM fleet

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — For the second time in a week, a joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen supported by Space Force Guardians launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with one re-entry vehicle June 6 at 1:46 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.This test launch is part of routine and

May 22, 2024

B-21 Raider continues flight test, production

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) — Following its formal unveiling, Dec. 2, 2022, the B-21 Raider began flight testing here where it continues to make progress toward becoming the backbone of the U.S. Air Force bomber fleet.

The recipients of the 2023 Gen. Larry O. Spencer Innovation Award are recognized during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., May 8, 2024. Established in 2015 and presented annually, the Gen. Larry O. Spencer Innovation award pays tribute to former Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Larry O. Spencer and recognizes individuals and teams driving excellence in innovation within the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Chad Trujillo)

May 13, 2024

Team Minot named DAF 2023 General Larry O. Spencer Award winners

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) — The Department of the Air Force announced the recipients of the 2023 Gen. Larry O. Spencer Innovation Award during a ceremony at the Pentagon, May 8. Members of Team Minot from the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing won the team award for the second year in a row!

Oct. 24, 2023

AFGSC, AFRC, ANG Command Chiefs reinforce commitment to Total Force Integration at 2023 ARC Summit

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — More than 60 senior leaders from across the U.S. Air Force converged on Barksdale AFB to attend AFGSC’s 2023 Air Reserve Component Summit on Aug. 29. The purpose of the event was to reaffirm the continuing relationship that AFGSC has with the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command.

A U.S. Air Force pilot answers questions about his aircraft at the 2023 Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, England, July 15, 2023. RIAT participation demonstrates U.S. commitment to European allies and partners while highlighting U.S. capabilities to a diverse audience, emphasizing unity, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Symantha King)

July 16, 2023

U.S. integration at the Royal International Air Tattoo 23

RAF FAIRFORD, United Kingdom — The U.S. Air Force brought over 12 aircraft and 100 Airmen to participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Base Fairford, United Kingdom, July 14-16.

July 12, 2023

B-52 Stratofortresses return to Indo-Pacific for BTF missions

Bomber Task Force missions demonstrates the credibility of U.S. forces to address global security environments that are more diverse and uncertain than ever before.

Over the shoulder photo of two U.S. Air Force Airmen in uniform looking at a blue binder.

Feb. 23, 2023

BLUE FLAG exercise prepares Pacific Air Forces for pacing challenge

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — Airmen from the 505th Combat Training Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida, executed exercise BLUE FLAG, which tested Pacific Air Forces' ability to prevail in conflict against a strategic competitor as well as the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command air component's ability to ensure command, control, communications, and computer, or C4I, systems resiliency against escalating cyberspace attacks, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Jan. 28 – Feb. 3.