Air Force

How drone warfare fares in the 2026 budget

The president’s proposal leans heavily on one-time reconciliation dollars.

Hegseth says chief of naval operations nomination is coming ‘in due time’

Lawmakers question firings of, and lack of replacements for, senior military leadership.

USAF slashes F-35 buy, boosts next-gen fighter in unconventional 2026 budget proposal

The Pentagon’s spending request includes not just the usual appropriations, but also the still-under-debate reconciliation bill.

US Air Force’s nascent radar plane faces the axe

Hegseth says the E-7 Wedgetail may be discarded to fund Pentagon shift toward space-based ISR.

Air Force Reserve faces steep fighter cuts, uncertain future

Plan to eliminate multiple squadrons “takes us out of the fight,” the Reserve’s top general said in a Pentagon interview.

Lockheed pitches pilot-optional F-35

The company is hoping the Pentagon will buy into plans to “supercharge” the F-35.

Pentagon accepts Qatari jet to use as Air Force One

The Air Force is preparing to award a contract to modify the luxury jet.

Hegseth to Air Force: Figure out how to modify Qatari jet

Converting the luxury plane into Air Force One could cost more than $1 billion, one senator said.

Is Trump’s ‘F-55’ fighter jet real?

One former defense official said the president is “very confused.”