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NATO Air Policing operations — U.S. Air Force News

July 3, 2024
Mountain Home AFB wins annual installation award

The award recognizes the outstanding and innovative efforts of the teams of people who operate and maintain U.S. military installations, selecting one base from each military service, plus the Defense Logistics Agency, each year.
June 3, 2024
AFSFC reaches final phase of fielding Model Defender gear

A four-year initiative to modernize the day-to-day equipment of active-duty Air Force security forces defenders reached its fifth and final phase recently with the award of a $39 million contract for state-of-the-art defender gear.
May 24, 2024
Around the Air Force: PCS Allowances, Air Task Forces, All-Volunteer Force

In this week's look around the Air Force, a policy update provides better financial security during school and training moves, Air Task Forces test new ways to generate deployable Units of Action under the AFFORGEN model, and senior leaders meet to discuss the state of the force and explore
May 9, 2024
AFIMSC focuses I-WEPTAC topics on GPC solutions

The I-WEPTAC 2024.1 Mission Area Working Groups briefed ideas for integrating combat support and combat service support capabilities to reshape, refocus and reoptimize the Department of the Air Force.
May 9, 2024
Optimizing AI, Air University hosts Artificial Intelligence Symposium

The symposium focused primarily on the potential benefits of AI and how it will shape the information advantage in future conflicts.
May 7, 2024
AFIMSC tools deliver data-driven solutions across DAF

The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center’s Innovation and Improvement Division is transforming the way Airmen do business by integrating cutting-edge data-prep and data-visualization tools across the Department of the Air Force.
May 2, 2024
Air Force researchers design, build, fly autonomous aircraft in 24 hours

Three-person team took on task of evaluating how to rapidly adapt small UASs, their technology and payloads based on the need and environment.
April 24, 2024
Project Arc: Delivering tailored innovations to 435th AGOW warfighters

A Project Arc team integrated with 435th AGOW units and conducted a broad range of technological support and advancements to improve mission accomplishment and solve problems encountered by warfighters in the field.
April 3, 2024
F-16s arrive to be modified for autonomous testing

VENOM-AFT is designed and funded to accelerate testing of autonomy software on crewed and uncrewed aircraft. It complements the autonomy data and AI experimentation proving ground at Eglin AFB and informs the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program and other autonomy developers.
March 13, 2024
AFWERX director discusses role of tech startups, quick innovation in Great Power Competition

The colonel met with technologists, startups and venture capitalists at South by Southwest to discuss national and global security challenges and the role AFWERX plays in acquiring the cutting-edge technologies needed to meet them.
March 7, 2024
DAF delivers lethality at the speed of data during Project Convergence Capstone 4

Service members and civilians from the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, France and Japan participated in Project Convergence Capstone Four at Camp Pendleton.
Jan. 25, 2024
DAF welcomes industry partners to HQ development program

The PPTE is a competitive, acquisition-focused professional development program designed to grow partnership opportunities and increase communication between government and industry.
Dec. 20, 2023
DAF announces Spark Tank 2024 finalists

The Spark Tank team presented the top 15 ideas identified through pairwise voting and subject matter expert evaluations from this year’s pool of submissions. DAF senior leaders convened to review and discuss the merits of each idea, reaching consensus to identify Spark Tank 2024’s six finalists.
Dec. 18, 2023
Chief Digital, Artificial Intelligence Office to host hackathon in Hawaii

A hackathon is an innovation event commonly employed by technology companies in which teams develop prototypes in response to enterprise challenges associated with data.
Dec. 13, 2023
AFWERX accepting applications for spring 2024 fellowship

FWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory is accepting applications for its upcoming spring Traditional Fellowship Program through Jan. 5.
Dec. 7, 2023
Restoring an F-35A Lightning II: A collaborative endeavor

F-35 maintenance experts here are taking on a seemingly impossible task – stitching two mishap damaged aircraft together into a restored, fully operational F-35A Lighting II.
Dec. 3, 2023
USAFE-AFAFRICA hosts multinational medical knowledge exchange

The exchange granted the participants a chance to trade information and experience with one another to further integrate with their unique missions and form best practices.
Nov. 19, 2023
US Air Force upgrades eye protection for aircrew

Comprised of eight different devices and known as the Block 3 family of products, the eyewear will provide protection from laser threats and introduces a combined laser and ballistic protection capability for the first time.
Oct. 31, 2023
Digital Acceleration Task Force to drive digital integration, transformation

A new Digital Acceleration Task Force aims to accelerate Department of the Air Force digital transformation efforts and deliver Digital Materiel Management solutions, ultimately enabling integrated capability delivery faster across the enterprise.
Oct. 30, 2023
Valuable Air Force, dual-use startup connections made at showcase event

The new merge of Banshee Innovation Training and Air Force Labs with MassChallenge programs culminated in a showcase event at MassChallenge’s Boston offices Oct. 25.
Oct. 30, 2023
BETA’s ALIA electric aircraft arrives at Eglin AFB

BETA’s ALIA electric aircraft has a 50-foot wingspan, a range of 250 miles with a top speed of 138 mph and is 90% quieter than a helicopter.
Oct. 23, 2023
Digital design concept wins AFMC Spark Tank Integrated Capabilities Challenge

The AFMC Spark Tank is an annual competition that leverages the inherent innovation of Airmen and Guardians, empowering them to use their problem-solving skills and creativity to solve the service’s most critical needs.
Oct. 21, 2023
100th ARW's KC-135s first tankers in USAFE equipped with RTIC data link

Some KC-135 Stratotankers have recently been fitted with the Real-Time Information in the Cockpit system – more commonly known as “RTIC” – giving them the ability to see tactical data link information in the jet.
Oct. 8, 2023
Climatic lab returns home under 96th Test Wing

After almost eight years, Eglin Air Force Base’s McKinley Climatic Lab returns to 96th Test Wing possession as of Oct. 1.
Sept. 27, 2023
DoD to establish AI Battle Labs in EUCOM, INDOPACOM

These multi-classification labs will collect operational theater data — ranging from logistics to cyber — and share it with the DoD enterprise, providing central hubs for digital integration among federal entities, industry, coalition partners and American citizenry.
Sept. 23, 2023
Duke Field breaks ground on first electric aircraft charging station

AFWERX and BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace company, broke ground on the first electric aircraft charging station on a military installation at Duke Field Sept. 19.
Sept. 14, 2023
AFWERX 'Spark Street' takes over 2023 Air, Space and Cyber Conference

AFWERX showcased the innovation from Spark Cells around the world at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Sept. 11-13. The aisle of four booth spaces at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center was called "Spark Street" where hundreds of
Sept. 3, 2023
Popular AFRL invention supports joint military needs with mobile medical documentation

BATDOK is a smartphone application for mobile medical documentation that replaces pen and paper records.
Aug. 31, 2023
Air Force, Army Battle Labs work with DARPA on ASTARTE, new C2 capability

Shadow Operations Center-Nellis, also known as the U.S. Air Force’s ABMS Battle Lab, recently experimented with joint partners that helped evolve a new joint airspace management and joint fires capability.
Aug. 31, 2023
Micro-reactor pilot program reaches major milestone

Oklo Inc. will site, design, construct, own and operate a micro-reactor facility licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.
Aug. 30, 2023
AFWERX hosts first in-person Collider event since COVID-19 pandemic

More than 20 industry partners attended the first in-person AFWERX Collider event in over three years to solve warfighter problems at Fed Supernova in Austin, Texas.
Aug. 24, 2023
New platform IGNITEs defense innovation

AFWERX has launched IGNITE, a platform where defense users can search for and easily interact with thousands of small businesses that have secured previous Department of the Air Force Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer awards.
Aug. 19, 2023
7th MXG leverages new technology

The 7th Maintenance Group recently fielded its first-ever wireless communication system during a B-1B Lancer launch, becoming the first B-1B unit to receive and utilize the headsets.
Aug. 14, 2023
DoD announces inaugural innovation challenge on talent management

The Talent Management Innovation Challenge encourages DoD military and civilian employees at all levels to submit promising talent management ideas with potential to make an impact across the Department in recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse force.
Aug. 14, 2023
Minot AFB develop prototype gloves for extreme cold temperatures

Minot AFB's innovation cell, Atomic Spark, delivered an innovative solution that will be beneficial to Airmen during extreme cold weather.
Aug. 9, 2023
DoD releases findings from independent panel review of Microelectronics Quantifiable Assurance Effort

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2023 directed the DAF chief scientist to assemble an independent panel of experts and conduct a review of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering’s Microelectronics Quantifiable Assurance efforts.
Aug. 3, 2023
AFRL AI agents successfully pilot XQ-58A Valkyrie uncrewed jet aircraft

Test units executed the flight in the Eglin Test and Training Complex. The flight builds upon four years of partnership that began with the Skyborg Vanguard and the Autonomous Aircraft Experimentation (AAx) programs.
July 30, 2023
CSTR proof of concept tests Defender unit-led training, equipment delivery

The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center established combat support training ranges across the enterprise with a security forces-focused proof of concept exercise at the Silver Flag site on Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, July 17-28.
July 29, 2023
76th CMXG starts sand casting aluminum parts

The 76th Commodity Maintenance Group’s new foundry can sand cast aluminum parts up to 120 pounds, providing another avenue for sourcing aircraft parts not easily obtained through traditional contracting methods.
July 26, 2023
Connected battlespace modernizes fight in Indo-Pacific

Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Air Refueling Wing, working with the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Test Center, sent their modified KC-135 Stratotanker to Kadena Air Base for use in the Western Pacific during Northern Edge 23-2.
July 25, 2023
Multi-capable equipment initiative wins 2023 AFIMSC Innovation Rodeo

An idea to deliver multi-capable equipment for agile combat employment operations won the 2023 Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Innovation Rodeo July 21 in San Antonio.
July 16, 2023
Project Arc seeks innovators to solve DAF challenges

The program is looking for Airmen and Guardians from all occupations who are obsessed with tech, have a curiosity to tinker and want to solve problems.
July 9, 2023
Air Force innovation: Empowering Airmen

Innovation across the Air Force can involve anything from work processes to physical assets and often include policy updates to long-standing Air Force regulations. For Airmen, Air Force innovation and Spark Cells, should be nothing new.
June 29, 2023
AFWERX integrates uncrewed traffic management to enhance safety, security

AFWERX and the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate have installed an Uncrewed Aircraft System Traffic Management, or UTM, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
June 21, 2023
DAF chief scientist, MIT host AI workshop

Dr. Victoria Coleman, chief scientist of the Air Force, in collaboration with the Department of the Air Force-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Artificial Intelligence Accelerator, hosted a foundational innovation and technology education workshop June 5-8.
June 8, 2023
AFMC innovation team revolutionizes stealth fighter fleet

An F-35A Lightning II recently took flight with a complement of software applications developed by government and industry providers previously tested on the F-22 Raptor – demonstrating for the first time the ability to use the same tactical software applications on both stealth fighters.
June 5, 2023
Benefield Anechoic Facility tests first space satellite in decades

Anticipated to launch in late 2023, Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) will be the Department of Defense’s first experimental, integrated navigation satellite system in nearly 50 years.
May 31, 2023
Seeing into the future: AF looks to AI for data analysis

Tomorrow’s operating environment requires Airmen to have the most accurate and up-to-date intelligence to act quickly in real time, today. Headquarters Air Staff have developed six software programs for career fields using AI to conduct data analysis.
May 26, 2023
MagNav project successfully demonstrates real-time magnetic navigation

In a groundbreaking achievement, the DAF-MIT AI Accelerator MagNav project performed real-time magnetic navigation aboard a C-17A Globemaster III in flight, becoming the first organization to successfully demonstrate the technology in real-time on a DoD aircraft.
May 16, 2023
Cadet team conducts robotics research

The cadet-driven research focuses on gathering data and developing solutions to integrate a Ghost Robotics Vision 60 robot into base defense.
April 30, 2023
New AF surgeon general program enhances support for EFMP families, Airmen, Guardians

The Air Force surgeon general has made improving support for military children one of his priorities.
April 23, 2023
Food Summit looks to future of 27-plus DAF stateside dining operations

With the Food 2.0 Owners Summit held in an innovative kitchen environment, attendees had the opportunity to see demonstrations of state-of-the-art culinary equipment and to taste food prepared by seasoned chefs.
April 20, 2023
AF Battle Lab supports cross-service airspace, fires management field experiment

The 805th CTS, also known as the Shadow Operations Center - Nellis, hosted Field Experiment 1 to increase efficiency in airspace management and joint fires integrations between Army and Air Force Tactical Command and Control units through automation of information flow between multiple disparate
March 22, 2023
Yokota AB AFWERX team seeks to invest, innovate, inform

Twenty members from Yokota Air Base attended the Defense and Security Equipment International Japan exhibition March 16, in Tokyo, to seek out new, cutting-edge technology in a trip organized by YokoWERX.
March 13, 2023
DAF’s first Data, Analytics, AI Forum open for registration

Registration is now open for this four-day gathering of the nation’s top artificial intelligence and data experts.
March 12, 2023
3D printed parts for the C-5M deliver new capabilities

Maintainers and engineers from the C-5 System Program Office began to incorporate 3D-printed parts in C-5M Super Galaxy maintenance last month.
March 8, 2023
Spark Tank 2023 finalists take center stage at AFA Warfare Symposium

Six Spark Tank finalist teams presented their ideas at the Air and Space Forces Association 2023 Warfare Symposium.
Feb. 23, 2023
IAAFA infuses agility into training with modern technology, simulators

VirVirtual reality goggles and body worn sensors are helping to take technical training to the next level at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy.
Feb. 21, 2023
Voting open now for Department of the Air Force Spark Tank 2023 finalists

Airmen and Guardians may now vote for one of the top six selected ideas in Spark Tank, the Department of the Air Force’s capstone innovation campaign.
Feb. 16, 2023
Vice Chief’s Challenge calls Airmen to operationalize Agile Combat Employment

The goal of the DAF 2023 Vice Chief's Challenge is to find innovative responses to challenges affecting Agile Combat Employment.
Feb. 15, 2023
Air Force launches Energy-as-a-Service pilot program at Hanscom AFB

The Department of the Air Force kicked off a $10 million next-generation energy performance contract that will deliver resilient and reliable energy at Hanscom Air Force Base Feb. 14.
Feb. 15, 2023
Air Force Battle Lab accelerates battle management for PACAF, ABMS CFT, ACC

The 805th Combat Training Squadron’s second ShOC-N Flag event instrumented battle management functions and processes, and operators interacting with software and data.
Feb. 12, 2023
49th MDG trains Airmen with Medic-X initiative

Medic-X is a program implemented in the 49th MDG last year and is designed to train Airmen from different medical careers to provide potentially life-saving measures in emergency situations and relief in daily operations.
Feb. 8, 2023
Largest private-public collaboration in DoD history reflects commitment to clean energy

The 412th Test Wing unveiled a new solar facility on the northwest corner of Edwards Air Force Base, Feb. 2. The facility, built in collaboration with Terra-Gen LLC, is a result of the Edwards Solar Enhance Use Lease Project.
Feb. 2, 2023
53rd Wing’s MUSTANGS: the future of agile data capture and ACE capability

Part of the Crowd-Sourced Flight Data program, MUSTANGS is a mobile vehicle that can download, process, and offload important data from Quick Reaction Instrumentation Package-equipped aircraft without the need for fixed, operational test infrastructure.
Jan. 31, 2023
Department of the Air Force to conduct hackathon

The Air Force will conduct its next “BRAVO” hackathon in March, and any U.S. citizen may apply.
Jan. 29, 2023
Innovation Industry Days 2023 fosters partnerships, delivers solutions to I&MS challenges

More than 2,000 small business, academic and government officials gathered Jan. 24-26 in San Antonio for Innovation Industry Days.
Jan. 23, 2023
US Air Force selects Howard University for science research partnership

The Air Force has selected Howard University to lead a university affiliated research center.
Jan. 18, 2023
Maryland ANG first to certify cyber protection team on live network

Maryland ANG's 275th Cyberspace Operations Squadron became the first cyber operators in the ANG to certify a Cyber Protection Team using their weapon system on a live base network during real-world missions.
Jan. 9, 2023
ABMS moves forward on cloud-based C2

The DAF’s Advanced Battle Management System program awarded a $112 million contract to Science Applications International Corporation as the ABMS cloud-based command and control software integrator.
Dec. 19, 2022
AFRL launches wearable biomolecular sensors program for DoD, transfers technology to Sensate Biosystems

The Air Force Research Laboratory has partnered with the Nano Bio-Materials Consortium and Case Western Reserve University to create wearable sensors that measure biomarkers in Airmen and Guardians.
Dec. 7, 2022
DAF announces 2022 Air Force Design Award winners

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center recently announced the winners of the 2022 Air Force Design Awards, recognizing four facilities that demonstrate excellence in design, sustainability and energy efficiency.
Dec. 6, 2022
Aerodynamic technologies for mobility aircraft promise high return on investment

As part of its effort to increase readiness and capability, the Air Force is working to introduce aerodynamic technologies on mobility aircraft to improve airflow, reduce maintenance issues, increase payload capability, and decrease fuel demand.
Dec. 5, 2022
AFCENT’s innovation Task Force 99 establishes ops, HQ

Less than two months following the establishment of Task Force 99, Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, visited the team at their new location for a peek behind the curtain of the command’s innovation powerhouse Dec. 1.
Dec. 4, 2022
AFGSC takes next steps in making Air Force’s first hypersonic weapon

Barksdale AFB personnel have successfully taken the first steps toward implementing the Air Force’s first air-launched hypersonic weapon. The Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon, or ARRW, is scheduled to be operational as early as fall 2023.
Dec. 3, 2022
New 'Spirit Realm’ B-2 Spirit software factory keeps fleet operational — enabling combat relevancy for years to come

A new software factory using the Department of Defense reference design has pushed the aircraft’s evolution further forward.
Nov. 30, 2022
Department of the Air Force announces Spark Tank 2023 semifinalists

The sixth annual Spark Tank 2023 was recently held and the top 15 ideas were selected to advance to the semifinals.
Nov. 28, 2022
Increased firepower provides unique capability for combat rescue

The wing searched for an innovative way to bring more firepower to the fight and with the HH-60G scheduled to be retired, it had to be cost effective and easily transferred to the new HH-60W Jolly Green II because of the similar design structures.
Nov. 26, 2022
AFRL enhances Computed Tomography Lab with state-of-the-art infrastructure, imaging capabilities

The Air Force Research Laboratory hosted an official tour of its recently renovated Computed Tomography Laboratory Nov. 9.
Nov. 25, 2022
Air, Space Forces transition to AFWERX 3.0

AFWERX will release a series of new initiatives in support of its 3.0 evolution. Air and Space Force leaders will detail new opportunities for stakeholder engagement during a live broadcast Dec. 14.
Nov. 20, 2022
AFCENT's 609th AOC shifts to user-focused software suite

Adopting the software, known as the Kessel Run All Domain Operating System, or KRADOS, marked the first time in history that air tasking and airspace control orders were operationally built and flown in that CAOC without TBMCS and the master air attack planning toolkit.
Nov. 12, 2022
Missile wings conduct remote code change with ICU II

The 90th, 91st and 341st Missile Wings have begun the process of converting their missile alert and launch facilities to ICU II, a system that allows for a remote code change – and will save the Air Force millions of dollars in resources and labor hours.
Nov. 9, 2022
Autonomous aircraft testing arrives at Eglin AFB

The 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin AFB took possession of the first of two government-owned Kratos XQ‑58A Valkyrie, a low-cost, high-performance uncrewed air vehicle.
Nov. 5, 2022
Project Arc team works to make technical Airmen more operationally relevant

Project Arc, one of the latest groups aiming to empower Airmen, is working to make technical Airmen more operationally relevant across the Air Force.
Nov. 3, 2022
DAF-MIT AI Accelerator to commence CogPilot Data Challenge 2.0

The Department of the Air Force-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Artificial Intelligence Accelerator will commence the CogPilot Data Challenge 2.0, inviting participants to explore AI-based solutions.
Oct. 31, 2022
DAF-MIT AI Accelerator tackles challenge of cultivating, growing world-class AI workforce

This month, the Department of the Air Force-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Artificial Intelligence Accelerator commenced their Lead AI pilot.
Oct. 27, 2022
386th AEW stands up satellite innovation cell

The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing stood up Task Force 99.M, the first satellite innovation cell under U.S. Air Forces Central Command’s Task Force 99 at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait.
Oct. 22, 2022
Tactical Medical Augmentation Team increases combat medical capability

The 920th Rescue Wing’s Aeromedical Staging Squadron developed an agile, embedded medical team that will bring a new level of patient care directly to the battlefield.
Oct. 17, 2022
1st FW: removing barriers, conquering challenges, always innovating

The 1st Fighter Wing developed a team to transform its Airmen’s innovative ideas into reality. The team became known as the innovation cell and is responsible for improving the 1st FW, one Airman at a time.
Oct. 16, 2022
Exoskeleton to enhance safety, retention for aerial porters, others

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Center for Rapid Innovation held an event Oct. 6 with the 445th Airlift Wing for a ROAM Robotics team to demonstrate the latest Forge System.
Oct. 2, 2022
AFTC kicks off new digital engineering efforts

The office will focus on creating a digital governance structure and facilitate on-going and new digital acquisition transformation activities across the enterprise.
Sept. 28, 2022
Operational Test Airman builds radar range, sets standard for Air Force innovation

An Operational Test imagery analyst at the 410th Test and Evaluation Squadron built an entire range of radar targets used to test the accuracy of U-2 and RQ-4 Global Hawk sensors.
Sept. 12, 2022
Virtual event kicks off Digital Agents of Change campaign

The Department of the Air Force Digital Transformation Office has launched a new initiative to recognize individuals across the enterprise who are driving change in the digital domain.
Sept. 3, 2022
Joint Battle Labs assess DARPA program, reduce joint-fires execution time

In partnership with the Army and Air Force, ASTARTE is a DARPA-sponsored program designed to enable efficient and effective airspace operations and deconfliction in a highly congested battlespace.
Aug. 24, 2022
Airman’s innovation saves time, money

One 100th Maintenance Squadron Airman has invented a new boom cover tool that has the potential to save the U.S. Air Force 40,000 man-hours and approximately $1 million per year.
Aug. 8, 2022
Dyess Rapid Airman Development Program bolsters skills, improves sense of community

The Rapid Airman Development Program built for Airmen across ranks, career fields and background to bolster skills through a combination of physical challenges, academic programs and culturally immersive partnerships.
Aug. 6, 2022
Inaugural aviation training proves success for Air Force psychologists

Enhanced understanding of pilot training and the human performance demands on aircrew will facilitate improved ability for Air Force Aviation Psychologists to accomplish their mission.
July 27, 2022
Keeping civilians in fighting shape

The Civilian Health Promotion Services was established in the Air Force Materiel Command to keep its civilian Airmen as fit as their active-duty counterparts. Its success has led to its recent expansion CONUS-wide.
July 23, 2022
GearFit shortens feedback loop

A new application called GearFit is giving Airmen a direct line to share feedback on fitment and utility of the gear they wear to perform their missions.
July 21, 2022
Introducing the 908th Airlift Wing’s Program Integration Office

The 908th Airlift Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base said goodbye to its aging C-130H Hercules aircraft as it begins the transition to providing MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter training; bringing together AETC, AFGSC and AFRC for the first time.

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