DefenceTalk.com

US jets intercept Russian aircraft near Alaska
DefenceTalkTwo American F-16 warplanes intercepted four Russian aircraft near Alaska, the joint US-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said Tuesday. The “routine” intercept of the Russian planes — which included Tu-95 bomber and Su-35 fighter aircraft — occurred Monday, NORAD said in a statement. “Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-jets-intercept-russian-aircraft-near-alaska-79847/ Read more...
Senior US general warns of possible looming war with China
DefenceTalkA four-star US Air Force general has warned of a conflict with China as early as 2025 — most likely over Taiwan — and urged his commanders to push their units to achieve maximum operational battle readiness this year. In an internal memorandum that first emerged on social media on Friday, and was later confirmed […]https://www.defencetalk.com/senior-us-general-warns-of-possible-looming-war-with-china-79797/ Read more...
US unveils high-tech B-21 stealth bomber
DefenceTalkThe United States on Friday unveiled the B-21 Raider, a high-tech stealth bomber that can carry nuclear and conventional weapons and is designed to be able to fly without a crew on board. The slickly choreographed ceremony at B-21 manufacturer Northrop Grumman’s facility in Palmdale, California opened with the US national anthem as older bombers […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-unveils-high-tech-b-21-stealth-bomber-79643/ Read more...
US fighter jets intercept Russian bombers near Alaska
DefenceTalkUS F-16 warplanes intercepted two Russian bombers in international airspace near the state of Alaska, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said Tuesday. The Tu-95 bombers were intercepted the previous day after “entering and operating within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone,” NORAD said in a statement. The Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) is […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-fighter-jets-intercept-russian-bombers-near-alaska-79530/ Read more...
USAF Selects Northrop Advanced Battle Management System Digital Infrastructure Consortium
DefenceTalkNorthrop Grumman has been selected by the U.S. Department of the Air Force to be a member of its Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) Digital Infrastructure (DI) Consortium. Northrop Grumman is one of the five industry partners named to the consortium to design, develop, and deploy advanced data-centric capabilities for the Air Force and Space […]https://www.defencetalk.com/usaf-selects-northrop-advanced-battle-management-system-digital-infrastructure-consortium-79438/ Read more...
US simulates bombing mission over Middle East amid Iran tensions
DefenceTalkThe United States said Monday that two long-distance warplanes flew across the Middle East as part of a simulated international bombing exercise amid tense haggling on restoring a nuclear deal with Iran. Top US general Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich said the “Bomber Task Force” simulation on Sunday showed that the United States and its allies […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-simulates-bombing-mission-over-middle-east-amid-iran-tensions-79326/ Read more...
Air Force executes first in-flight next-gen aircrew protection test in F-15E Strike Eagle
DefenceTalkThe Air Force Research Laboratory’s 711th Human Performance Wing and the 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron executed an in-flight vapor purge test in a F-15E Strike Eagle, Aug. 16-19, 2022. This test is part of a larger Department of Defense effort to evaluate cockpit environmental conditions after a chemical weapon attack. This F-15E test is […]https://www.defencetalk.com/air-force-executes-first-in-flight-next-gen-aircrew-protection-test-in-f-15e-strike-eagle-79306/ Read more...
Modified X-62 helps accelerate tactical autonomy development
DefenceTalkThe Air Force Research Laboratory Strategic Development Planning and Experimentation office has invested $15 million upgrading a decades-old workhorse to make it relevant for 21st century warfighter challenges. AFRL’s Autonomous Aircraft Experimentation team is using a highly modified Air Force Test Pilot School NF-16, an aircraft recently designated the X-62, to accelerate the development of […]https://www.defencetalk.com/modified-x-62-helps-accelerate-tactical-autonomy-development-79236/ Read more...
Five dead in US military aircraft crash
DefenceTalkAll five Marines on board a US military aircraft that crashed in southern California were confirmed dead on Thursday. Their MV-22B Osprey came down during a training mission on Wednesday near Glamis, just 20 miles (35 kilometers) from the Mexican border. “We mourn the loss of our Marines in this tragic mishap. Our hearts go […]https://www.defencetalk.com/five-dead-in-us-military-aircraft-crash-78937/ Read more...
BAE Automated Flight Planning Service Deployed to the Cloud
DefenceTalkBAE Systems’ Mobility Air Forces Automated Flight Planning Service, or MAFPS, is transitioning operations to Cloud One, one of the first mission-critical applications to complete a cloud migration. BAE Systems is a pioneer for the U.S. Air Force, providing warfighters with improved capabilities for mission management and agile airspace planning. “The cloud environment will increase […]https://www.defencetalk.com/bae-automated-flight-planning-service-deployed-to-the-cloud-78885/ Read more...
USAF F-16 fleet undergoing largest modification work in history
DefenceTalkWRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio: In one of the largest modernization efforts in U.S. Air Force history, 608 F-16s – comprised of Blocks 40 and 50 – will undergo up to 22 modifications designed to improve lethality and ensure the fourth-generation fighter remains effective in meeting current and future threats. The Air Force Life Cycle […]https://www.defencetalk.com/usaf-f-16-fleet-undergoing-largest-modification-work-in-history-78217/ Read more...
US B-52 bombers arrive in Britain for exercises
DefenceTalkThe US Air Force announced Thursday a set of B-52 strategic bombers had landed in Britain for scheduled NATO exercises, amid heightened tensions between the bloc and Russia over Ukraine. The North Dakota-based aircraft, support equipment, and personnel touched down at a Royal Air Force base 150 kilometers (90 miles) west of London, in Fairford, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-b-52-bombers-arrive-in-britain-for-exercises-77907/ Read more...
US reveals nuclear bomb numbers after Trump blackout
DefenceTalkThe US State Department published on Tuesday the number of nuclear warheads the country stockpiles for the first time in four years, after former president Donald Trump placed a blackout on the data. As of September 30, 2020, the US military maintained 3,750 active and inactive nuclear warheads, down by 55 from a year earlier […] Read more...
US Air Force successfully tests intercontinental ballistic missile
DefenceTalkBARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE: US Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test re-entry vehicle from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Aug. 11, demonstrating the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and providing confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent. The launch […] Read more...
Hermeus fully-funded to flight with US Air Force Partnership
DefenceTalkHermeus has signed a $60 million U.S. Air Force partnership for flight testing its first Marc 5 aircraft – Quarterhorse. Quarterhorse will validate the company’s proprietary turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engine, based around the GE J85 turbojet engine, and is the first in a line of autonomous high-speed aircraft. By the end of the flight […] Read more...
Hanscom AFB team supports ‘revolutionary’ zero trust effort
DefenceTalkHANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE: Personnel from the AFNet Sustainment and Operations Branch at Hanscom Air Force Base are partnering with the Air Combat Command Directorate of Cyberspace and Information Dominance to develop a modern software-based perimeter that will deliver zero trust capabilities to applications across the Air Force. Defined by the Air Force as a […] Read more...
US condemns ‘escalatory’ Chinese military flights off Malaysia and Taiwan
DefenceTalkThe US Air Force’s Pacific commander condemned Chinese military flights off Malaysia and Taiwan, describing them on Friday as “escalatory” and “destabilising.” This week, 16 Chinese military aircraft flew over hotly contested waters off of Borneo prompting Malaysia’s air force to scramble its jets. General Kenneth Wilsbach said these activities and an increased number of […] Read more...
US says ICBM test aborted before launch
DefenceTalkThe United States announced Wednesday that a planned test of an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile had been called off before launch, adding that an investigation was under way to determine what went wrong. The US Air Force said in a statement that it was assessing its options to reschedule the launch, one of a series […] Read more...
F-15EX Eagle II unveiled as newest fighter
DefenceTalkEGLIN AIR FORCE BASE: Today marks the unveiling of the name and the official role of the Air Force’s newest fighter, the F-15EX Eagle ll. Lt. Gen. Duke Richardson, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics military deputy, presented the F-15EX during an unveiling and naming ceremony at […] Read more...
US Air Force Receives 1st F-15EX Fighter Jet
DefenceTalkThe U.S. Air Force officially accepted the first F-15EX from the Boeing Co. March 10 at the company’s St. Louis facility. The new fighter is a two-seat aircraft—though operable by a single pilot—with fly-by-wire flight controls, digital cockpit displays, and advanced avionics systems, to include the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System, an electronic warfare […] Read more...
USAF begins retirement of B-1 aircraft, paving way for B-21
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkBARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE: In support of its efforts to modernize America’s bomber fleet, the Air Force will begin divesting 17 B-1B Lancers from its current fleet as authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act. This action will not affect the service’s lethality or any associated maintenance manpower. It will allow officials to focus maintenance […]https://www.defencetalk.com/usaf-begins-retirement-of-b-1-aircraft-paving-way-for-b-21-76807/ Read more...
F-15EX 1st Flight Clears Path for Deliveries to USAF
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkThe new Boeing [NYSE: BA] F-15EX fighter jet completed its first flight today, paving the way for the early delivery of the first two jets to the U.S. Air Force later this quarter. The jet took off and landed from St. Louis Lambert International Airport, completing a 90-minute test flight before returning to the airport. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-15ex-1st-flight-clears-path-for-deliveries-to-usaf-76732/ Read more...
AFRL holds new directed energy wargaming event
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkKIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – The Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate recently held its newest wargaming, modeling and simulation event at Kirtland Air Force Base. The Directed Energy Utility Concept Experiment, or DEUCE, under the leadership of the directorate’s wargaming team, brought together F-16 pilots, F-15E weapon systems officers and an Airborne […]https://www.defencetalk.com/afrl-holds-new-directed-energy-wargaming-event-76705/ Read more...
NORAD Air Defense Exercise Planned for National Capital Region
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkThe North American Aerospace Defense Command will conduct Falcon Virgo, a routine air defense exercise, on Thursday, January 14, through Friday, January 15, and again on Monday, January 25, through Tuesday, January 26, between midnight and 5:30 a.m. EST each day in the National Capital Region. Aircraft participating in the flight exercise include Air Force […]https://www.defencetalk.com/norad-air-defense-exercise-planned-for-national-capital-region-76669/ Read more...
Robot dogs to enhance security at Tyndall AFB
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkTYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE: Over the last year, Tyndall Air Force Base and the 325th Security Forces Squadron have been working with Ghost Robotics to develop a system to enhance security and safety for the base population. Tyndall AFB will be one of the first Air Force bases to implement semi-autonomous robot dogs into their […]https://www.defencetalk.com/robot-dogs-to-enhance-security-at-tyndall-afb-76562/ Read more...
18 SPCS now predicts debris-on-debris collisions in space, enhancing Space Domain Awareness for all
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkFor the first time, the Combined Force Space Component Command’s 18th Space Control Squadron began publically sharing data for debris-on-debris conjunction predictions via www.Space-Track.org, Sept. 24. Previously, the 18 SPCS only released debris-on-active satellite conjunction prediction data publically due to limited conjunction screening and reporting capacity. Through a project titled Reduction of Conjunction Assessment Processing […]https://www.defencetalk.com/18-spcs-now-predicts-debris-on-debris-collisions-in-space-enhancing-space-domain-awareness-for-all-76401/ Read more...
B-1B Integrated Battle Station modification completed
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkTINKER AIR FORCE BASE: An eight-year project to install the Integrated Battle Station, or IBS, on the B-1B Lancer fleet has been completed ahead of schedule. Sixty aircraft went through the modification process that began in late 2012 and was completed this month. The IBS was developed as three separate modifications: Fully Integrated Data Link, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/b-1b-integrated-battle-station-modification-completed-76397/ Read more...
United States B-1B bomber training in the Australian Top End
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkUnited States Air Force B-1B Lancers and B-2 Spirit bombers have recently participated in a combined United States-Australia exercise in the Northern Territory. The B1-B and B-2 aircraft flew from Guam and Diego Garcia respectively, and operated over Delamere, Bradshaw and Mount Bundey training areas during August. The activity saw the United States aircraft integrate […]https://www.defencetalk.com/united-states-b-1b-bomber-training-in-the-australian-top-end-76268/ Read more...
Fourth Fighter Squadron wraps up training in Alaska
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkHILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah: The 388th Fighter Wing’s 4th Fighter Squadron, along with Reservists from the 419th FW, returned to Hill Air Force Base, Aug. 22, after three weeks of training in Alaska, including Red Flag 20-3 at Eielson Air Force Base. Red Flag is a large force combat exercise that takes place several […]https://www.defencetalk.com/fourth-fighter-squadron-wraps-up-training-in-alaska-76224/ Read more...
AFRL neurotechnology partnership aims to accelerate learning
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkWRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio: It may sound like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but an Air Force Research Laboratory team is turning science fiction into reality to help warfighters unlock the powers of the brain. The Individualized Neural Learning System, or iNeuraLS, is a new augmented learning platform that will enable rapid […]https://www.defencetalk.com/afrl-neurotechnology-partnership-aims-to-accelerate-learning-76177/ Read more...
US Air Force conducts latest hypersonic weapon flight test
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkEDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE: The Air Force took another step towards fielding a hypersonic weapon following its final captive-carry test of the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon under a wing of a B-52 Stratofortress off the Southern California coast, Aug 8. The flight resulted in the successful transmission of telemetry and GPS data from the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-air-force-conducts-latest-hypersonic-weapon-flight-test-76150/ Read more...
Jolly Green II continues tests, completes first aerial refueling
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkEGLIN AIR FORCE BASE: Approximately 3,000 feet above Eglin Air Force Base, the HH-60W Jolly Green II connected with a HC-130J tanker for the inaugural aerial refueling by the Air Force’s newest combat search and rescue helicopter, Aug. 5. The connection marked the start of two weeks of developmental testing of the aircraft’s aerial refueling […]https://www.defencetalk.com/jolly-green-ii-continues-tests-completes-first-aerial-refueling-76161/ Read more...
USAF awards contract for first lot of F-15EX fighter aircraft
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkThe Department of the Air Force has awarded a nearly $1.2 billion contract for its first lot of eight F-15EX fighter aircraft. The contract, awarded to Boeing, provides for the design, development, integration, manufacturing, test, verification, certification, delivery, sustainment and modification of F-15EX aircraft, including spares, support equipment, training materials, technical data and technical support. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/usaf-awards-contract-for-first-lot-of-f-15ex-fighter-aircraft-75899/ Read more...
US F-16 Crashes In South Carolina, Killing Pilot
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkA US Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft crashed during a training mission in South Carolina, killing the pilot, the Pentagon said Wednesday. The plane went down about 11:30 pm Tuesday (0330 GMT Wednesday) at Shaw Air Force Base, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Charleston, the base said in a statement. It said the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-f-16-crashes-in-south-carolina-killing-pilot-75818/ Read more...
F-15E officially first compatible fighter for B61-12 nuclear bomb
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkThe F-15E Strike Eagle has officially become the first fully compatible fighter aircraft to carry and deploy the latest variant of the United States Air Force’s (USAF) air-dropped nuclear munition – the B61-12. In a media release on Twitter dated June 9th, Sandia National Labs stated that “Years of preparation have culminated in two test […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-15e-officially-first-compatible-fighter-for-b61-12-nuclear-bomb-75713/ Read more...
US Air Force fails to fix ‘persistent’ racial disparities: watchdog
DefenceTalkThe US Air Force disciplines black service members twice as much as white ones but has done nothing to remedy the situation since it was brought to light in 2016, according to court documents and a report published Wednesday. The Air Force has the biggest racial disparities among their military justice practices out of all […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-air-force-fails-to-fix-persistent-racial-disparities-watchdog-75676/ Read more...
USAF B-1B Bombers Train with Swedish Air Force
DefenceTalkThe Swedish Air Force today conducted a combined air exercise with parts of the US Air Force, an exercise that had been planned for a long time, in which all air force units with fighter aircraft as well as the Air Combat Training School participated. Swedish fighter aircraft­– Jas 39 Gripen – escorted US B-1B […]https://www.defencetalk.com/usaf-b-1b-bombers-train-with-swedish-air-force-75626/ Read more...
US Fighter Jet Crashes In Florida, Second Accident In A Week
DefenceTalkA US fighter jet has crashed during a test flight in Florida, the air force said Wednesday, the second military air accident in a week in the state. No one was hurt in the incident involving an F-35A Stealth jet as it tried to land Tuesday night, Eglin Air Force Base said in a statement. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-fighter-jet-crashes-in-florida-second-accident-in-a-week-75615/ Read more...
Pentagon announces new mission for secretive space drone
DefenceTalkThe US Air Force said Wednesday it would be sending its high-tech X-37B space drone back into orbit this month — the sixth trip for the reusable vehicle that maneuvers around the Earth on secretive missions. The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, which looks like a small version of the manned space shuttles retired in 2011, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pentagon-announces-new-mission-for-secretive-space-drone-75455/ Read more...
US Air Force investigates using quantum materials in new navigation tool
DefenceTalkAir Force Research Laboratory researchers Drs. Robert Bedford, Luke Bissell, Chandriker Dass and Michael Slocum are finding practical applications for the curious phenomena that occur in quantum materials. Until the late 1990s, the properties – or even the existence – of such materials seemed little more than theoretical. But, what is a quantum material? Once […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-air-force-investigates-using-quantum-materials-in-new-navigation-tool-75437/ Read more...
B-1B Lancers return to Indo-Pacific for bomber task force deployment
DefenceTalkJOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii: B-1B Lancers returned to the Indo-Pacific region May 1 to conduct bomber task force operations out of Andersen Air Base, Guam. Four bombers and approximately 200 Airmen from the 9th Bomb Squadron, 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, deployed to support Pacific Air Forces’ training efforts with allies, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/b-1b-lancers-return-to-indo-pacific-for-bomber-task-force-deployment-75380/ Read more...
Northrop Grumman to rapidly develop net-centric gateway
DefenceTalkNorthrop Grumman Corporation is rapidly working on developing and fielding a gatewayONE prototype, an open system enabling translation and communication across platforms, in support of the Advanced Battle Management family of Systems (ABMS). Under the contract, awarded by the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s C3I and Networks Directorate, Northrop Grumman is providing engineering, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/northrop-grumman-to-rapidly-develop-net-centric-gateway-75367/ Read more...
USAF commissioned RAND Space Launch Market Report released
DefenceTalkLast summer, the Department of the Air Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center Launch Enterprise requested a RAND Corp. study of the heavy lift launch market. The RAND study confirms the heavy lift launch market is unlikely to support more than two U.S. launch providers in the long term, and highlights the short term schedule […]https://www.defencetalk.com/usaf-commissioned-rand-space-launch-market-report-released-75321/ Read more...
US, Japan Bomber-fighter Integration Demonstrates Dynamic Force Employment
DefenceTalkJOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM: In demonstration of the U.S. Air Force’s dynamic force employment model, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber flew from the continental United States and integrated with the Koku Jieitai (Japan Air Self Defense Force or JASDF) to conduct bilateral and theater familiarization training near Japan April 22. The B-1, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-japan-bomber-fighter-integration-demonstrates-dynamic-force-employment-75238/ Read more...
Jolly Green II helicopter taken to extremes in trials
DefenceTalkEGLIN AIR FORCE BASE: An HH-60W Jolly Green II, the Air Force’s new combat search and rescue helicopter, completed a month-long trial of extremes inside the McKinley Climatic Lab April 2. The Sikorsky test aircraft endured real temperatures ranging from 120 degrees to minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit as well as 45 mph winds coupled with […]https://www.defencetalk.com/jolly-green-ii-helicopter-taken-to-extremes-in-trials-75133/ Read more...
Space Force identifies USAF missions for transfer to newest service
DefenceTalkIn a significant step that enhances the U.S. Space Force’s capabilities and development, the Department of the Air Force has identified 23 U.S. Air Force organizations whose space-related missions will soon transfer to the Space Force. Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett, in conjunction with Chief of Space Operations Gen. John “Jay” Raymond and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/space-force-identifies-usaf-missions-for-transfer-to-newest-service-75033/ Read more...
Israeli, US Air Force F-35s in First Joint Training in Israel
DefenceTalkYesterday, (Sunday), the “Enduring Lightning” exercise in southern Israel – joint training between Israeli “Adir” (F-35I) aircraft from the IAF’s 140 squadron (“Golden Eagle”), alongside F-35 aircraft operated by the USAF’s (United States Air Force) 34th Fighter Squadron, has come to an end. The IAF’s 122 squadron (“Nahshon”), which operates the “Nahshon” (Gulfstream G-500) Control […]https://www.defencetalk.com/israeli-us-air-force-f-35s-in-first-joint-training-in-israel-75015/ Read more...
Uncorrected Design Flaws, Cyber-Vulnerabilities, and Unreliability Plague the F-35 Program
DefenceTalkAs the F-35 program limps toward the end of its much-delayed operational testing period and subsequent full-rate production decision, unanswered questions about its combat effectiveness and suitability for service within the fleet remain. The Pentagon weapons testing office’s 2019 annual report, released earlier this year, paints a picture of an incompletely designed and vulnerable aircraft […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uncorrected-design-flaws-cyber-vulnerabilities-and-unreliability-plague-the-f-35-program-74969/ Read more...
Air Force researchers developing wearable agent detector to improve aircraft maintainer safety
DefenceTalkWhen faced with eminent danger, no one has to think twice about what to do next. Get away from it! But what if you are in a confined space and maybe not even aware of the danger? That’s a very real possibility faced daily by maintenance technicians every time they go to work inside an […]https://www.defencetalk.com/air-force-researchers-developing-wearable-agent-detector-to-improve-aircraft-maintainer-safety-74933/ Read more...
AFRL and industry team demo first ever 200-LB thrust class low-cost engine
DefenceTalkThe Air Force Research Laboratory working with Northrop Grumman and Technical Directions Inc. (TDI) recently tested a first-of-its-kind, low-cost turbojet engine under the low-cost cruise missile program known as Gray Wolf. The TDI-J85 engine underwent a successful flight test campaign culminating in multiple inflight engine starts and operation at high altitude. The engine met performance […]https://www.defencetalk.com/afrl-and-industry-team-demo-first-ever-200-lb-thrust-class-low-cost-engine-74885/ Read more...