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DAF leaders outline readiness, modernization priorities in FY27 budget testimony
May 21, 2026 — Department of the Air Force and Department of War leaders testified before the House Armed Services Committee May 20 on the fiscal year 2027 budget request... MORE

Air Force implements T-38 Talon operational pause
May 19, 2026 — The Air Force is implementing a fleet-wide operational pause for all T-38 Talon aircraft, ensuring the continued safety of Air Force personnel and equipment during an ongoing investigation... MORE

DAF selects partner for commercialized on-base lodging
May 15, 2026 — A commercial partner has been identified that will allow the DAF to transition its on-base lodging capability across the U.S. and its territories... MORE

DAF releases data, AI strategies to accelerate military dominance

US Air Force reassigns combat training units to enhance readiness
May 14, 2026 — The Department of Air Force has initiated the reassignment of combat air forces formal training units from Air Education and Training Command to Air Combat Command. This includes the 149th Fighter Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas... MORE

An MQ-9 Reaper assigned to the 49th Operations Group lands after completing a training sortie at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Nov. 13, 2025. The 49th OG is responsible for training the majority of the Air Force’s MQ-9 pilots and sensor operators in addition to assisting other branches, such as the U.S. Marine Corps, and NATO allies with their own Reaper training programs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Victor J. Caputo)

Air Force greenlights T-7A Red Hawk for production following Milestone C
May 11, 2026 — The Air Force recently approved initial production of 14 T-7A aircraft, spares and trainers to get the next generation training capabilities into the hands of instructor pilots and students as quickly and safely as possible... MORE

DAF launches plan to bolster AI workforce
April 29, 2026 — The Department of the Air Force recently approved a new strategy to build and maintain a highly skilled AI workforce to secure a technological and competitive advantage... MORE

A digital version of the Pentagon demonstrates how AI implementation is being utilized by Department of the Air Force.

CSAF immersion at JBSA highlights training modernization, force readiness
April 29, 2026 — Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach held an immersion at Joint base San Antonio that included Air Force Basic Military Training, the Special Warfare Training Wing and the T-7A Red Hawk, underscoring AETC's focus of strengthening airpower through advancing and improving training... MORE

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach waves to attendees during a Basic Military Training graduation ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, April 23, 2026. Wilsbach presided over the ceremony after engaging with military training instructors and the service’s newest Airmen throughout a multi-day visit.

Budget request directs record $338.8 billion to Air Force and Space Force to meet “challenges of today and tomorrow”
April 27, 2026 — The Department of the Air Force unveiled a $338.8 billion budget proposal a significant boost in funding designed to sharpen readiness, continue modernizing the fleet and underwrite deterrence while ensuring that any threat to national security can be met and, if necessary, defeated... MORE

Air Force, Space Force meet recruiting goals five months ahead of schedule
April 20, 2026 — The Air Force and Space Force achieved annual recruiting goals five months ahead of schedule, contracting 32,000 new active duty Airmen and Guardians needed for the fiscal year... MORE

Maj. Megan Berberich, Thunderbird 9/Flight Surgeon assigned to the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds,” recites the oath of enlistment to future service members during the Gulf Coast Salute Air Show at Panama City Beach, Fla., April 11, 2026. The Thunderbirds represent the professionalism and precision of the U.S. Air Force while showcasing unrivaled aerial capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zeeshan Naeem)

B-21 Raider accelerates delivery of long-range strike capability
April 15, 2026 — The B-21 Raider program continues to accelerate the delivery of long-range strike capability, with aerial refueling via a KC-135 Stratotanker demonstrating the rapid maturation of the weapon system... MORE

A U.S. Air Force B-21 Raider conducts aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker. The B-21 program exemplifies the Department of the Air Force's warfighting-focused acquisition mindset, leveraging digital engineering and modern production to deliver a mature, highly capable system at speed. The B-21's efficiency and flexibility will provide a survivable, unpredictable deterrent force, forming the backbone of America’s future bomber force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Air Force announces FY26 aviation bonus
April 9, 2026 — Eligible active-duty aviators have from April 1 until May 31 to apply for the fiscal year 2026 aviation bonus, Air Force officials announced April 1, 2026... MORE

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 194th Fighter Squadron, Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif., flies over Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. during Checkered Flag 23-2 at Tyndall AFB, Fla., May 17, 2023. Eligible active-duty aviators have until Sept. 15, 2023 to apply for the fiscal year 2023 Aviation Bonus Program; Air Force officials announced the Legacy Aviation Bonus Program will open June 6, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany Del Oso)

Trump, Hegseth, Caine laud successful rescue of downed Airmen in Iran
April 7, 2026 — During a White House press conference, President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, lauded the military's success in a harrowing Easter weekend rescue of two airmen... MORE

A twin-engine military fighter jet flies through a hazy sky.

DAF updates SkillBridge policy balancing operational readiness, transition assistance
April 3, 2026 — The Department of the Air Force updated its Air Force and Space Force SkillBridge programs to balance operational readiness and transition assistance to Airmen and Guardians... MORE

Senior enlisted leaders stress quality of life, readiness
March 27, 2026 — Senior enlisted leaders from across the Department of War told lawmakers on the House Committee on Appropriations, March 25, that quality of life is critical to maintaining readiness as Airmen and... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna, right, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe, second from right, Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Carlos Ruiz, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Perryman and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer listen to opening remarks during a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing about military quality of life, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., March 25, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich)

War Department extends invitation to bring back troops separated for refusing COVID-19 vaccine
March 23, 2026 — Service members forced to leave the military for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine now have an extra year to return to the service, if they so choose, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said... MORE

A group of Marines are shown in silhouette standing near a tactical vehicle.

DAF completes records review for COVID-related separations
March 20, 2026 — The DAF recently conducted a proactive review and upgrade of personnel records, identifying 377 who were involuntarily discharged solely for declining the COVID-19 vaccination, ensuring individuals who met the eligibility requirements receive the full amount of post-service benefits... MORE

DAF announces updates to Military Leave Program
March 16, 2026 — The Department of the Air Force released an update to DAFI 36-3003, Military Leave Program, which incorporates changes mandated by the Department of War and streamlines leave policies to ensure Airmen and Guardians are fully aware of their entitlements. ... MORE

DAF space medicine leaders, civilian partners strategize policy at inaugural Space Force Medicine Summit
March 11, 2026 — The Air Force Surgeon General’s Space Force Medical Operations Directorate hosted more than 100 DAF leaders and civilian partners for the inaugural Space Force Medicine Stakeholder Summit to align efforts to improve Guardian medical support... MORE

Image of Airmen and Guardians talking on a panel.

Air Force, Space Force ready for all warfighting challenges
March 9, 2026 — The Air Force's lethality depends on the professionalism of airmen and the capability of their equipment, said Air Force Gen. John D. Lamontagne, Air Force vice chief of staff, who testified March 4 at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on joint force readiness in Washington. ... MORE

DAF increases B-21 Raider production capacity to deliver combat capability faster
March 2, 2026 — The Department of the Air Force and Northrop Grumman Corp. have reached an agreement to expand production capacity for the B-21 Raider, accelerating delivery of the Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber fleet... MORE