Latest news with #U.S.AirForce
The Hill
20 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hill
A spectacular airstrike on Iran — and a sobering warning
The U.S. air attacks on Iran last Saturday — dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer — deserve an A+ for performance. It was a spectacular demonstration of what air and space power, when precisely planned and flawlessly executed, can achieve. It reminded the world that no military on Earth can match the reach, precision and lethality of the U.S. Air Force. But behind this extraordinary success lies a sobering truth: We may not be able to do it again. The mission itself was breathtaking in scope and complexity. More than 125 U.S. aircraft were involved. B-2 stealth bombers flew more than 7,000 miles one way — penetrating dense, defended airspace to deliver the first operational drop of GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, 30,000-pound precision-guided weapons designed to destroy deeply buried targets like Iran's Fordo enrichment facility. These bombers had to operate in perfect synchronization with other U.S. assets providing tightly timed suppression of enemy air defenses, all while maintaining near-radio silence. And then they flew 7,000 miles back — nonstop — completing the mission in 37 hours. It was a masterclass in modern air warfare. Our airmen, planners, weapons officers and targeteers made the impossible look effortless. Yet what the American public didn't see was this: That one-day operation maxed out our available long-range stealth strike capability. The U.S. Air Force only fields 19 B-2 bombers, and they are more than 30 years old. Although the B-52 fleet remains a workhorse, it just turned 73 years old. Also, a good percentage of our GBU-57 bunker-buster stockpile was used in a single night. Put simply, we do not have the depth to do this kind of operation repeatedly, or at scale. This must be a wake-up call. Today, the U.S. Air Force is the oldest, the smallest and the least ready in its history. That's not an opinion — it's a fact and a strategic liability. Over 30 years of underinvestment in Air Force modernization and spares has left us dangerously thin in aircraft, munitions and trained crews. The Air Force today has over 2,600 aircraft — two-thirds of its force — made up of 10 different types that had their first flight over 50 years ago. It also has 60 percent fewer combat squadrons than it had in 1991 — the last time we fought a major regional conflict. Deterrence is predicated on the credibility of action — and credibility requires capacity. Today, America faces the greatest set of threats it has ever faced at the same time the Air Force is at its force-structure nadir. This is why Congress must significantly increase funding for Air Force modernization and expanded end-strength if we are serious about preparing for sustained conflict against peer adversaries and countering the other threats we face. President Trump deserves credit for reversing the previous administration's shortsighted cuts to the F-47 program — a vital next-generation capability. But more must follow. We need to accelerate and scale the B-21 Raider program. We need to dramatically grow our F-35 inventory — aircraft that proved pivotal in gaining air superiority over Iran. New types like Collaborative Combat Aircraft will also prove crucial. We need to build munitions stockpiles that can support more than a one-night raid. We need powerful enablers like modern aerial refuelers, and the E-7 command and control sensor aircraft. We need the airmen to fly, fix, connect and protect these aircraft. It comes down to ensuring our airmen have the aircraft and weapons to sustain air dominance and strategic strike — not just execute a flash of brilliance. The president needs options. Airpower gives him those options. No other domain — land, sea, cyber or space — can hold distant targets at risk across the globe on short notice, without putting thousands of troops in harm's way. Only the Air Force delivers global vigilance, global reach and global power with rapid response and scalable effects across the full spectrum of conflict. Operation Midnight Hammer proved what American airmen can do. Now it's time for Congress to prove that it understands what's at stake. America must not let this stunning success become a historical footnote because we failed to prepare for what comes next. August Pfluger represents Texas's 11th Congressional District and serves as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. David Deptula is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general.
Miami Herald
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US military shows off bombs it used in Iran
By Dean Murray The U.S. Air Force has shown off the devastating effects of their bunker-buster bombs as used in Iran. Air Force Gen. Dan "Razin" Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, offered a detailed account of the U.S. military's unprecedented strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer. The Pentagon press conference, held Thursday (June 26), saw Gen. Caine show off test footage of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, or "bunker buster," used for the first time in combat during the strike. At the briefing, held alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Gen. Caine recounted the 15-year effort by U.S. defense experts to analyse and develop weapons capable of penetrating Iran's deeply buried Fordo nuclear site. The U.S. Air Force said the bomb test shown "demonstrated the Air Force's ability to severely damage or destroy targets, including those concealed heavily within reinforced underground facilities, or hardened mountain complexes." The post US military shows off bombs it used in Iran appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
US' B-2 bombers are ageing and complex to maintain - the untold story of one of the world's deadliest jets
B-2 stealth bomber used as Iran strike decoy stuck in Hawaii after emergency landing- A B-2 stealth bomber, part of a carefully orchestrated decoy mission related to the U.S. strike on Iran, is currently grounded in Honolulu, Hawaii after an emergency diversion. The aircraft, flying under the callsign MYTEE 14, was one of the few B-2 Spirits deployed as part of a deceptive maneuver aimed at misleading open-source intelligence watchers. Instead of heading east towards Iran like the real strike force, this bomber flew west over the Pacific, along with a string of tanker aircraft, to suggest a much larger deployment in that direction. However, the complex and maintenance-heavy B-2 didn't make it far — it had to land at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on June 21, 2025, and is still there today. What happened to MYTEE 14 during the Iran strike? On June 21, 2025, a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber with the callsign MYTEE 14 was deployed in a decoy mission as part of a broader strike plan against Iran. The aircraft departed from Whiteman Air Force Base and headed west across the Pacific Ocean. This maneuver was meant to mislead open-source trackers and observers into thinking the strike was coming from the west. Meanwhile, the actual strike force was moving east over Europe toward Iran, effectively using MYTEE 14 as a strategic distraction. However, the mission took a turn when the bomber experienced a technical malfunction mid-flight, prompting an emergency landing at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like We Can't Believe She Wore That To The Red Carpet Golfhooked Read More Undo Why was the B-2 used as a decoy? The U.S. military has increasingly relied on deception tactics to outmaneuver open-source intelligence (OSINT) that monitors flight paths and tanker movements. In this case, MYTEE 14's westward flight acted as a red herring, drawing attention away from the true direction of the strike package. This kind of misdirection highlights America's ability to leverage strategic airpower not just through force, but through sophisticated planning and psychological operations. Live Events How serious is the technical failure? The B-2 is an extremely complex aircraft, with stealth technology that requires specialized maintenance crews and parts. With just 19 operational B-2 bombers remaining in the U.S. fleet, any emergency landing outside a designated B-2 base is a logistical headache. As of now, MYTEE 14 remains grounded in Hawaii. The repair timeline is uncertain—it could take weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the malfunction and the availability of parts and personnel. What does this reveal about the aging B-2 fleet? The B-2 Spirit fleet was first introduced in the 1990s, and while still considered one of the most advanced long-range bombers in the world, it's showing signs of age-related vulnerability. Mechanical issues like this aren't uncommon, especially when these bombers are deployed far from their home base. The fact that a high-profile decoy mission ended with a stranded aircraft raises concerns about operational reliability, particularly if multiple aircraft were to experience simultaneous issues during a major conflict. Can the U.S. still claim global air superiority? The success of the decoy mission proved the effectiveness of U.S. military deception and global strike coordination. The U.S. demonstrated it can conduct multi-directional operations with enough sophistication to fool international observers. However, the B-2's emergency landing underscores a bigger issue: logistical fragility and over-reliance on an aging platform. If more of the fleet begins to falter during long missions, it could erode the bomber's reliability in future high-stakes scenarios. Why was the B-2 bomber flying west if Iran is in the east? This was a classic case of military misdirection, leveraging the power of the open-source intelligence (OSINT) community. As B-2 bombers were seen heading west across the Pacific, online aviation trackers and analysts assumed a major move toward the Indo-Pacific — possibly Guam. But according to sources and analysis by defense reporter Tyler Rogoway, this was a carefully designed feint operation. The real strike force reportedly went the opposite way — eastward over the Atlantic — to hit Iran. Only a small number of B-2s, possibly just two aircraft, took part in this deception. The operation also included refueling tankers, appearing to support a larger deployment than actually existed. It was a smart move, flipping the usual dynamic where OSINT poses risks for planners, and instead using it as a tool for confusion. How common are B-2 emergencies like this? This isn't the first time a B-2 Spirit has had to divert to Hawaii. In 2023, another stealth bomber ended up staying at Hickam for months after an emergency landing, just before the entire B-2 fleet was grounded for six months due to a crash during landing at Whiteman AFB. These incidents highlight the maintenance-intensive nature of the B-2 platform, a stealth aircraft that has been in service since the 1980s and is notoriously hard to keep airworthy. There are only 19 B-2s in operation today. That makes them low-density, high-value assets, and every diversion or maintenance issue carries significant operational implications. What is the Air Force saying about the B-2 in Hawaii? In a statement to The War Zone (TWZ), Charles Hoffman, Chief of Media Operations at Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), declined to discuss the B-2 specifically, saying: 'We will not comment on movement, deployment or posturing of forces. Air Force Global Strike Command maintains the capability to provide global strike anywhere, at the time of the President of the United States' choosing. Our forces are always ready to work alone or fully integrate with our many allies and partners. We continue to work toward delivering the promise of peace through strength.' This response aligns with standard policy — the military rarely discusses specifics about stealth aircraft operations, especially in active or sensitive missions. What's next for the B-2 program as the B-21 Raider arrives? While the B-2 bomber remains vital, it's nearing the end of its service life. Its complex stealth coatings, custom systems, and outdated parts from the 1980s make it expensive and hard to maintain. However, recent upgrades to avionics, communications, and low-observable systems are aimed at keeping it relevant until the B-21 Raider is ready. The B-21, designed as the B-2's replacement, is expected to be produced in larger numbers and offer better survivability, lower operating costs, and modern stealth capabilities. Fortunately, the program appears to be on schedule and within budget, breaking the usual pattern of cost overruns in Pentagon procurement. As Tyler Rogoway wrote: 'B-2 was considered a disaster of a program. Poster child for Pentagon death spiral. Nobody would argue 30 years later it wasn't an absolutely pivotal investment.' Why does this matter for future U.S. air power? The B-2's role in the Iran strike decoy operation and its continued operational issues underscore both the value and the vulnerability of America's stealth bomber force. With only a handful left and no easy fixes, each jet grounded in a remote location like Hawaii becomes a strategic puzzle. The U.S. needs its stealth bombers to be reliable, especially as global threats evolve and near-peer adversaries like China and Russia improve their air defenses. The hope is that the B-21 Raider won't just replace the B-2 — it will redefine long-range stealth bombing for decades to come. FAQs: Q1: Why is a B-2 stealth bomber stuck in Hawaii? A: The B-2 MYTEE 14 made an emergency landing during a decoy Iran mission. Q2: What was the B-2 bomber's role in the Iran strike? A: It acted as a decoy flying west to mislead open-source observers.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pentagon 'All In' On Air Force's F-47, Puts Navy's F/A-XX On Ice
The Pentagon's proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget fully commits to the U.S. Air Force's F-47 sixth-generation stealth fighter, while effectively shelving the U.S. Navy's plans for a next-generation carrier-based F/A-XX combat jet. U.S. officials say a key driver behind this decision is a fear that America's industrial base cannot develop and produce two different advanced stealth fighters simultaneously. In addition, previously planned purchases of stealth F-35 Joint Strike Fighters are set to be slashed by more than half as part of a shift in resources to key upgrades for those aircraft and sustaining existing fleets. Earlier today, senior U.S. officials briefed TWZ and other outlets on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, the release of which has occurred with little fanfare after being significantly delayed, a significant departure from previous years. 'F-47, the first crewed sixth-generation fighter, is moving forward with $3.5 billion in funding following President Trump's March 2025 decision to proceed with Boeing's development,' a senior U.S. military official said. 'The Navy's FA-XX program will maintain minimal development funding to preserve the ability to leverage F-47 work while preventing over-subscription of qualified defense industrial base engineers.' Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth first publicly disclosed the $3.5 billion figure at a Congressional hearing earlier this month. 'We are maintaining a request of $74 million for the F/A-XX program in this budget to complete the design of that aircraft. We did make a strategic decision to go all in on F-47,' a senior U.S. defense official added. This is 'due to our belief that the industrial base can only handle going fast on one program at this time, and the presidential priority to go all in on F-47, and get that program right.' Funding the completion of the design work on the Navy's program will allow for 'maintaining the option for F/A-XX in the future,' the senior U.S. defense official continued. Earlier this month, Boeing Defense and Space CEO Steve Parker very publicly pushed back on the idea that the U.S. industrial base was not capable of working on the F-47 and F/A-XX at the same time. Northrop Grumman has also been in the running for F/A-XX, something the company pressed ahead with after dropping out of the Air Force's NGAD combat jet competition in 2023. Lockheed Martin was reportedly eliminated from the Navy's next-generation fighter competition in March. Regardless, the F/A-XX program has been very clearly in limbo for months now. In March, reports indicated that a contract announcement for the Navy's next-generation fighter would follow quickly from the F-47 news, but that never materialized. A report earlier this month from Bloomberg News, based on budget documents the outlet had seen, had said that the Pentagon was instead moving to redirect $500 million in funding from F/A-XX to F-47, and called attention to the industrial base concerns. 'At this time, I would say pretty much everything is under consideration to get the TACAIR [tactical aviation] capability that our warfighters need as quickly as possible,' the senior U.S. defense official added in response to a question about whether a navalized variant of the F-47 might now be on the table. 'That's really what we're looking at the most, is the schedule of all these programs.' Though the F-47 and the F/A-XX have long been expected, in very broad terms, to share some mission sets, including acting as an aerial 'quarterback' for drones, fundamental requirements for a land-based fighter differ significantly from those of a carrier-based design. The F-35 offers a prime example of this reality in that, despite their outward appearance, there is only approximately 20 percent parts commonality between the land and carrier-based variants, as well as the short takeoff and vertical landing-capable version. Aviation Week reported last year that the Navy was forging ahead with F/A-XX as a distinctly independent effort from the Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) combat jet program, which resulted in the F-47. As noted, the Pentagon's latest budget proposal for the 2026 Fiscal Year also includes cuts to planned purchases of F-35s. 'F-35 procurement is reduced from 74 to 47 aircraft,' according to the senior U.S. military official, who did not offer a breakdown by variant. Previous reports have said that it is F-35As for the Air Force that are getting slashed. Doing this will allow for 'maintaining minimum production rates, with increased funding for Block 4 modernization and significant investment in spares of about a billion dollars to address sustainment and readiness challenges.' The Block 4 upgrade package promises major improvements for all variants of the F-35, including a new radar, improved electronic warfare capabilities, and an expanded arsenal, but has suffered significant delays and cost growth. Joint Strike Fighters also need an additional set of hardware and software updates, called Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3), to even be able to accept the planned Block 4 upgrades, work on which also encountered significant difficulties. The U.S. military went so far as to stop accepting deliveries of new F-35s for roughly a year due to issues with TR-3. Starting in May, executives from Lockheed Martin have been publicly saying that their position is that the development of TR-3 is now complete, though the U.S. military had yet to formally sign off on that as of earlier this month. Spare parts shortages, coupled with other maintenance and supply chain problems, have been longstanding issues for the F-35 program. These problems, collectively, have been a major contributor to low readiness rates for all U.S. F-35 fleets for years now, something TWZ has explored in great detail in this past feature. The Fiscal Year 2026 budget request does include $3 billion in funding for more F-15EX Eagle II fighters for the Air Force, which would increase the planned fleet size of those aircraft from 98 to 129. That service is also asking for $870 million to continue moving ahead on its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone program, which would support continued work on the initial General Atomics YFQ-42A and Anduril YFQ-44A designs, as well as the ongoing refinement of concepts of operations. When it comes to any annual budget request from the Pentagon, it is also important to note that Congress still has to approve the proposal and fund it. Legislators regularly make changes to defense spending plans, including when it comes to major weapon system programs. F/A-XX funding has notably been under threat from Congress in the past. Many lawmakers have been raising concerns about dwindling U.S. combat jet inventories across the services, in general, for years now. Sen. Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, asked Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David Allvin at a hearing in May about whether he would be interested in receiving additional upgraded F-16s to bolster his force. The Air Force's top officer told Cotton he would get back to him about whether that was an 'advisable situation.' Lockheed Martin has also started pitching a concept for a 'Ferrari' or 'NASCAR upgrade' to the F-35's core 'chassis,' together with a huge and as-yet unproven claim that it could offer 80 percent of the capability of a sixth-generation design at 50 percent of the cost. TWZ has noted in the past that any work toward that end could help provide a hedge against delays with the F-47 and/or F/A-XX. The Pentagon does continues to insist that it has not completely abandoned the idea of next-generation carrier-based combat jets for the Navy, despite its stated focus on the F-47 at present. 'The department is dedicated to sixth-generation capability. So that's where we're going,' the senior U.S. military official said during the briefing today. 'How that's that's achieved right now, the F-47 is on path to be the leading agent of that, but sixth-gen is where we want to go.' For the moment at least, the F-47, and by extension Boeing, has emerged as the big next-generation tactical aviation winner in the Pentagon's latest proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Contact the author: joe@
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Dan Caine Reveals Iran Strike Pilot's Words on Seeing Explosion
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine revealed what one of the pilots said to him after seeing the blast from the strike on the Iranian nuclear facility at Fordow. Caine said the pilot, who was in a jet trailing the B-2 bombers that dropped the bunker-busters on the target: "This was the brightest explosion that I've ever seen, it literally looked like daylight." The Pentagon was giving a briefing on Thursday morning about the bombing raid, giving more details about the operation, what the intelligence shows, and those who were involved. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was pushing back against earlier media reports of a leaked preliminary intelligence assessment that underestimated the extent of the damage caused by the strikes. There were male and female aviators involved in the Iran mission, Caine said. They were from the active duty Air Force and the Missouri Air National Guard. "A crew member told me when I talked to them on video the other day that this felt like the Super Bowl, the thousands of scientists, airmen, and maintainers all coming together," Caine said. "When the crews went to work on Friday, they kissed their loved ones goodbye, not knowing when or if they'd be home. "Late on Saturday night, their families became aware of what was happening. And on Sunday, when those jets returned from Whiteman, their families were there. Flags flying and tears flowing. I have chills literally talking about this." This is a developing article. Updates to follow. Related Articles Defense Department Worker Charged with Stealing Top-Secret DocumentsB-2 Strikes on Iran Expose Limits of Elon Musk's 'Drone Swarms'Iranians Speak Out After US AttacksB2 Bombers Move Into Pacific As Israel Hits Iran Radar Near Strait of Hormuz 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
