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.

The USAF partnered with Norwegian Allies to test next-generation precision maritime strike capabilities on Sept. 3rd in the Norwegian Sea. In partnership with Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35s and personnel, the USAF's 53rd Wing integrated a US B-2 Spirit stealth bomber into a long-range strike scenario employing the AFRL’s QUICKSINK maritime weapon, demonstrating seamless cooperation and interoperability to defeat a surface vessel in a realistic setting.

For B-2 test pilot “Igor,” aviation was never about chasing a thrill. It was a calling, shaped by family, hometown pride, and the military community that surrounded him near Whiteman Air Force Base.

The 891st Missile Security Forces Squadron, responsible for protecting Minuteman III ICBMs and Minot AFB’s missile alert facilities across North Dakota, recently conducted advanced training on air base ground defense and nuclear security tactics.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers completed their deployment in support of Bomber Task Force Europe and returned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 22, after participating in two weeks of Allied-led training events designed to advance joint warfighting capability, strengthen cooperation, and improve how U.S. and Allied forces operate together in high-threat environments. Throughout the deployment, U.S. bombers and aircrews trained alongside the Norwegian Air Force to rehearse gaining access to contested airspace, targeting threats, and maintaining coordination in simulated areas where freedom of movement is constrained. The mission focused on improving how Allies share real-time threat information and make timely, coordinated decisions under pressure.

U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers and Allied fighter jets flew in formation over the Monument of Freedom in Riga, Latvia, Aug. 19, 2025, as part of Bomber Task Force Europe, demonstrating NATO air forces’ ability to operate together anywhere, anytime. The Lancers flew in formation with Hungarian and Swedish Air Force JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, demonstrating Allied integration fostered during an ongoing training deployment. The Hungarian Gripens are deployed to Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania in support of the NATO’s Air Policing mission.

The 582nd Helicopter Group completed Initial Operational Test & Evaluation for the MH-139A Grey Wolf on June 27, marking a major milestone in Twentieth Air Force’s efforts to modernize its helicopter fleet in support of nuclear security operations.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, and arrived at Ørland Air Base, Norway, Aug. 9, 2025, to begin Ally-led training operations as part of the latest Bomber Task Force Europe. The deployment empowers U.S. Air Force aircrews to refine tactics, increase flexibility and strengthen coordination with Allies by exercising and operating together increasing warfighting capabilities and readiness.