Air Forces (Page 3)

Latest in Air Forces

A key Russian airbase in occupied Crimea has been targeted by a Ukrainian drone strike. According to Ukraine, the drones hit a MiG-31BM Foxhound interceptor, as well as elements of an S-400 air defense system, at Belbek Air Base, near Sevastopol.
Russian Air Force

MiG-31 Foxhound Among Russian Air Defense Assets Targeted In Crimean Drone Strike

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 18, 2025

The U.S. Air Force has confirmed it is buying two Boeing 747-8 airliners from German flag carrier Lufthansa.
U.S. Air Force

USAF Buying Lufthansa 747s To Serve As Future Air Force One Trainers, Spare Parts Sources

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman

Posted on Dec 17, 2025

The Pentagon has sent more KC-135 refueling jets to the Dominican Republic as part of the Trump administration's pressure campaign on Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro.
U.S. Air Force

More KC-135 Tankers Deploy To The Caribbean

By Howard Altman

Posted on Dec 17, 2025

The latest Chinese military aircraft to appear in flight test is a tactical transport aircraft, known, unofficially for now, as the Y-30. Not perhaps as headline-grabbing as China’s string of new crewed and uncrewed combat aircraft designs, the transport is nonetheless highly significant, reflecting the People’s Liberation Army’s growing ambitions to be able to conduct out-of-area operations.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s ‘Y-30’ Turboprop Airlifter Spotted For The First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 16, 2025

Indian Air Force (IAF) SEPECAT Jaguar fighter jets take part in an air refueling exercise during the joint exercise 'Ex Garuda-VII' between IAF and FASF in the air near Jodhpur in India's desert state of Rajasthan on November 9, 2022.
Indian Air Force

India Can’t Give Up Its Jaguar Strike Aircraft

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 15, 2025

We have got what could be our first look at China’s CH-7 stealthy flying-wing drone in flight. While it’s far from the biggest Chinese drone of this configuration, it’s still of impressive size and, as we have noted in the past, appears to be tailored for intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance (ISR), as well as strike missions as an uncrewed combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s Stealthy CH-7 Flying Wing Drone Has Flown

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 15, 2025

U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters, assigned to the 943d Rescue Group, conduct helicopter air-to-air refueling with an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft,
U.S. Air Force

Combat Rescue Aircraft, Tankers Arrive In Caribbean As U.S. Military Buildup Accelerates

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Dec 12, 2025

MiG-29 of the Polish Air Force take part in a NATO Air Force military drill on October 12, 2022 in Lask, Poland.
Polish Air Force

Poland’s Last MiG-29 Fulcrums Being Lined Up For Transfer To Ukraine

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 10, 2025

Japan and South Korea scrambled jets to respond to a joint Russian-Chinese bomber patrol.
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Joint Chinese-Russian Bomber Patrol Sends Japanese, South Korean Fighters Scrambling

By Howard Altman

Posted on Dec 9, 2025

The Antonov An-22 (NATO reporting name 'Cock') in the air. The aircraft powered by four turboprops each driving a pair of contra-rotating propellers, the design remains the world's largest turboprop-powered aircraft. Several airframes are still in service with Russian Air Force.
Russian Air Force

There’s Likely No Way Back For Russia’s An-22 Turboprop Heavy Transports After Fatal Crash

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 9, 2025

An AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile is launched from an MQ-28A Ghost Bat during Trial Kareela at RAAF Base Woomera, South Australia.
Royal Australian Air Force

MQ-28 Ghost Bat Has Fired An AIM-120 AMRAAM Missile

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 9, 2025

As it now stands, the Boeing 707-based E-6B is slated to be replaced by the E-130J aircraft, which Northrop Grumman will modify from Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 cargo planes.
U.S. Air Force

Congress Wants To Know If The C-130 Hercules Could Be The USAF’s New ‘Doomsday Plane’

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Dec 8, 2025

Celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the Korean People’s Air Force (KPAF) provided an apparent first look at three new types of air-launched weapon, intended to arm the KPAF’s Su-25 Frogfoot ground-attack aircraft, and potentially others. The event also yielded a better look at the country’s ‘copycat’ drones, the Saetbyol-4 and Saetbyol-9 that are almost exact visual copies of the U.S.-made RQ-4 Global Hawk and MQ-9 Reaper, respectively.
North Korean Air Force

Analyzing North Korea’s New Air-Launched Guided Weapons

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 2, 2025

Turkish industry and media alike have heralded the recent live-fire test in which a Kizilelma uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV) used a Turkish-made air-to-air missile to destroy a target drone. Turkey claims the test marks the first occasion a UCAV has launched a radar-guided air-to-air missile. But, while undoubtedly impressive, there are unanswered questions about how the engagement actually played out, especially to what degree the UCAV was being controlled by crewed fighter jets.
Turkish Air Force

Turkey’s Fighter-Like Kizilelma Drone Shot Down Aerial Target With Radar-Guided Missile

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 1, 2025

War Secretary Pete Hegseth has arrived in the Caribbean as Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro rattles his sabre.
U.S. Air Force

Maduro Literally Rattles His Saber As Hegseth Arrives In Caribbean

By Howard Altman

Posted on Nov 26, 2025

Japan's plans to place SAMS on an island near Taiwan has China outraged.
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Japan’s Plan To Put SAMs On Strategic Island 70 Miles From Taiwan Could Be Just The Beginning

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Nov 26, 2025

J-36 shows its new thrust vector nozzles
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s J-36 Tailless Stealth Jet’s New Thrust Vectoring Nozzles Seen From Behind

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Nov 24, 2025

F-35B UK issues
Royal Air Force

United Kingdom’s F-35 Program Slammed For Cost-Saving Blunders

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 24, 2025

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, Oct. 15, 2025. B-52s are world-wide deployable and deter foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations, which threaten the safety, security and stability of the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Foster)
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Pressure Campaign Against Venezuela Has Entered A New Phase

By Howard Altman

Posted on Nov 24, 2025

The U.S. Air Force says it estimates a fleet of Next Generation Airlift (NGAL) aircraft will be flying operational missions by the 2040-2041 timeframe.
U.S. Air Force

C-17 Will Fly Until 80 Years Old Under New USAF Airlifter Strategy

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 21, 2025

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 21: Smoke rises after an Indian fighter jet crashed into a field while performing a demonstration flight during the Dubai Airshow in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on November 21, 2025.
Indian Air Force

Fatal Crash Of India’s Tejas Light Fighter Mars Dubai Airshow

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 21, 2025

‘Crew One,’ a three-man weapons load team, completes the first full external loadout with live munitions for the F-35A Lightening II May 3, 2019, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron were configured in a full external live loadout of six GBU-49 small glide munitions and two AIM-9x Sidewinder missiles to execute an operation in Southwest Asia.
Royal Saudi Air Force

Impact Of Selling F-35s To Saudi Arabia On The Region

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Nov 20, 2025

The Utah Air National Guard demonstrated new capabilities that expand the KC-135 aerial refueling tanker's ability to also act as an airborne communications and data-sharing node during major exercises in the Pacific earlier this year.
U.S. Air Force

KC-135 Refueling Pods Have Been Converted Into Flying Communication Nodes

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 20, 2025

The Yantar, a notorious Russian spy ship, directed lasers at the crews of U.K. Royal Air Force aircraft in waters off the north of Scotland, the British government said today.
Royal Air Force

Russian Spy Ship Targets Royal Air Force Jets With Laser

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 19, 2025

Boeing, Saab, and BAE Systems have teamed up to offer the T-7A Red Hawk advanced jet trainer to the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force. With a plan to build the jets in the United Kingdom, the partnership aims to deliver a successor to the Royal Air Force’s current fleet of BAE Systems Hawks from 2030.
Royal Air Force

T-7 Red Hawk Jet Trainer Offer To United Kingdom Includes Local Assembly

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 18, 2025

In its latest efforts to modernize its air force, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to buy up to 100 Dassault Rafale multirole fighters from France over the next 10 years. Today’s agreement comes less than a month after Sweden and Ukraine unveiled a plan to export as many as 150 Gripen E fighters to Kyiv. While the Rafale is the most advanced combat aircraft so far included in Ukraine’s defense plans, there remain huge questions about whether the acquisition of one of these aircraft types, let alone two, is really feasible, especially in such numbers.
Ukrainian Air Force

Ukraine’s Questionable Plan To Buy Up To 100 Rafale Fighters

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 17, 2025

With the first example of Boeing’s F-47 sixth-generation stealth fighter for the U.S. Air Force now in production, a company official has highlighted how its prototyping effort allowed the program to move forward at a rapid pace. Winning the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program was “humbling,” said Steve Parker, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security. He added that the fact the F-47 is now in production is testament to “the maturity of our design and pedigree coming off the prototype.”
U.S. Air Force

F-47 Program’s Accelerated Pace Made Possible By NGAD X-Plane Efforts

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 17, 2025

Israel's stocks of AIM-9M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles are now more effective against long-range kamikaze drones like Iran's Shahed-136, thanks to changes to their seekers, according to a new report.
Israeli Air Force

Israel Modified AIM-9M Sidewinder Missile Seekers To Better Target Drones: Report

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Nov 15, 2025

A month after the emergence of satellite imagery that showed GJ-11 Sharp Sword stealthy flying-wing uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV) in an apparently semi-operational state, China has released the first air-to-air video of the drone. China also revealed that the official People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) name for the GJ-11 is Mysterious Dragon.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s Stealthy GJ-11 ‘Mysterious Dragon’ Soars Out Of The Shadows

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Nov 11, 2025

The U.S. Air Force has put out a new call for concepts for a future anti-air missile that costs no more than $500,000 and that could be built at a rate of at least 1,000 per year.
U.S. Air Force

USAF’s New Low-Cost Anti-Air Missile Program Aims For $500K Target Price

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 10, 2025

Imagery has been published providing a rare look inside the weapons bays of one of the prototypes of Russia’s Su-57 Felon new-generation fighter. While internal weapons carriage is a key design feature of the Sukhoi jet, the main weapons bays, at least, haven’t been seen in such detail, with weapons loaded. The footage comes as Moscow embarks on another export drive for the Su-57, which has reportedly so far only been ordered by Algeria.
Russian Air Force

Su-57 Felon Brandishes Its Loaded Weapons Bays For The First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 10, 2025

The best images we’ve seen so far of the German Luftwaffe’s PEGASUS signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft reveal key details of the airframe adaptations made to the Bombardier Global 6000 bizjet platform it’s based on. The photos were shared with TWZ by @CorreaPhtgphy, who captured them earlier this year at Abilene, Texas.
Luftwaffe

Our Best Look At Germany’s New PEGASUS Surveillance Jet

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 7, 2025

China's growing weapons programs puts pressure on intelligence community.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Can U.S. Intel Keep Up With China’s Tsunami Of Weapons Developments?

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Nov 7, 2025

The U.K. Royal Navy flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, is now carrying 24 F-35B fighters — the largest number to go aboard either of the U.K’s two aircraft carriers. This is a significant achievement for the British F-35 force, which has long faced questions about the feasibility of deploying a meaningful number of the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) jets at sea — without U.S. Marine Corps aircraft making up the numbers.
Royal Air Force

British Carrier Hosts Largest Number Of F-35Bs On A Ship Ever

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 7, 2025

An Italian Air Force F-35 Lighting II arrives at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, June 30, 2024. The F-35A is an agile, versatile, high-performance, 9g capable multirole fighter that combines stealth, sensor fusion and unprecedented situational awareness. The ITAF stopped in CENTCOM as a part of Operation Indo-Pacific Jump (IPJ) 2024.
Royal Saudi Air Force

F-35 Sale To Saudi Arabia Being Mulled By Trump Admin: Report

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 5, 2025

A group of men run on the tarmac during the opening ceremony of the European F-16 Training Center at the 86th Romanian Military Airbase in Fetesti, Romania, on November 13, 2023.
Royal Netherlands Air Force

Romania Just ‘Bought’ 18 F-16s For One Euro

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 4, 2025

Photoex with NH90 due to com-testing at sea outside Bodø.
Air Forces

Norway’s Sorry NH90 Helicopter Saga Finally Comes To An End

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 3, 2025

After a string of exotic stealthy combat jets, both crewed and uncrewed, the latest new Chinese military aircraft to break cover is somewhat different, but nonetheless interesting. The latest development concerns an advanced jet trainer, but one that clearly has considerable potential as a light combat aircraft, too.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

New Chinese Advanced Training Jet Breaks Cover

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 28, 2025

Second J-36 prototype has major alterations compared to the first.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s Massive J-36 Stealth ‘Fighter’ Gets Major Design Tweaks With Second Prototype

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Oct 28, 2025

We may well have seen the first evidence of a Russian glide bomb kit combined with a motor, providing these notorious weapons with a significant boost in range. The latest version of the weapon is reportedly designated UMPK-PD, in which the P suffix very likely denotes Dalniaya, for long range, and looks set to be another serious challenge for Ukraine’s air defenses.
Russian Air Force

Russia Is Now Launching Jet-Powered Glide Bombs At Ukraine

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 23, 2025

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (R) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky walk past a Gripen fighter jet after they delivered a joint press conference in Linkoping, Sweden, on October 22, 2025, after talks on Russia's ongoing of aggression against Ukraine and the countries' deepening defense cooperation. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on october 22 that Sweden and Ukraine had signed a letter of intent to develop air capabilities, which could see Ukraine buy up to 150 Gripen fighter jets.
Ukrainian Air Force

Huge Gripen Fighter Order Letter Of Intent Signed By Ukraine

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 22, 2025

GJ-X Chinese large flying wing drone.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s Huge ‘GJ-X’ Stealth Drone Appears To Have Been Spotted In The Air For The First Time

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Oct 19, 2025

Boeing C-32
U.S. Air Force

C-32A Carrying Hegseth Makes Emergency Landing In England After Rapid Descent

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Oct 15, 2025

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies a presence patrol over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 26, 2025. The U.S. Air Force is globally postured to protect and defend the freedom of coalition allies and regional partners within the CENTCOM AOR to maintain peace and stability.
U.S. Air Force

A-10 Warthog Appears To Have Become A Drone Killer

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 13, 2025

C-130H Eight-Bladed NP2000 Prop Upgrade Plans Cut Short By USAF
U.S. Air Force

C-130H Eight-Bladed NP2000 Prop Upgrade Plans Cut Short By USAF

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Oct 8, 2025

Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs, assigned to the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, fly in formation prior to conducting air-to-air refueling over Utah, July 1, 2025. The F-35A Lightning II is the Air Force’s most advanced multirole fighter, capable of conducting both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Royal Canadian Air Force

Time Is Running Out For Canada’s Fighter Decision

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 8, 2025

Details remain scant about an unspecified U.S. Air Force aircraft, widely believed to be a drone of some kind, which came down in southern Nevada not far from Area 51 nearly two weeks ago.
U.S. Air Force

Mysterious Aircraft Crash Near Area 51 Just Got Weirder

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Oct 7, 2025

A LC-130 "Skibird" assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, operates in Antarctica in 2022.
U.S. Air Force

Funds Shifted To Develop New LC-130J “Ski Bird” Polar Airlifters

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 1, 2025

South Korea has selected an L3Harris Global 6500 bizjet-based solution for its new airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. As we discussed at the time, Seoul launched its search for a new plane back in 2020, to bolster its current fleet of four Boeing E-737s, South Korean versions of the E-7 Wedgetail that has been selected by the U.S. Air Force and NATO, among other customers. Reports from earlier this year suggested that Boeing had already been eliminated or dropped out of the new South Korean competition, something that the company appeared to deny.
Republic of Korea Air Force

South Korea Has Chosen Its Next Airborne Early Warning Radar Jet

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 30, 2025

For the Beacon program, Northrop Grumman has adapted the Model 437 Vanguard, adding digitally engineered wings and modifications for optionally autonomous flight. The first flight was achieved with a test pilot in the cockpit.
U.S. Air Force

Scaled Composites’ Model 437 Vanguard Jet Is Now Flying As An AI Testbed

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 27, 2025

The giant WindRunner cargo jet concept was shown off for the Air Force.
U.S. Air Force

Giant WindRunner Cargo Jet Concept Shown Off To USAF

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Sep 26, 2025

India’s then-controversial decision to buy the MiG-21 ushered in an era in which Soviet (and latterly Russian) fighters were dominant in the Indian Air Force, a situation that continues to this day. While India buying arms from Moscow is now well established, the Fishbed helped kick off this trend. The delta-winged fighter was selected in favor of Western designs to revamp the Indian Air Force. A key driver was the need to field a fighter that would challenge the F-104 Starfighter that the Pakistan Air Force was then operating.
Indian Air Force

India’s Iconic MiG-21 Blasts Off Into Retirement

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 26, 2025

J-XDS images of china's new 6th generation stealth fighter
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Is This Our Best Look At China’s Tailless J-XDS Stealth Fighter?

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Sep 25, 2025

War Secretary Pete Hegseth has summed top military leaders to an emergency meeting next week.
U.S. Air Force

War Secretary’s Emergency Meeting A Mystery To Hundreds Of Top Officers Ordered To Attend

By Howard Altman

Posted on Sep 25, 2025

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 25, 2025. Aerial refueling allows Fighting Falcons to extend their mission and guarantee war-winning airpower throughout the CENTCOM AOR. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natalie Jones)
U.S. Air Force

Laser-Guided Rockets Now Primary Anti-Drone Weapon For USAF Jets In Middle East

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman

Posted on Sep 25, 2025

The U.S. military was totally unaware of the unprecedented Israeli airstrike on a Hamas compound in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month, one of its senior leaders has confirmed. In the aftermath of the raid, there had been questions as to why the various highly advanced air defense systems and sensors, both American and Qatari, that would normally provide prior alert to an impending attack on Qatar had apparently not functioned as expected. Now we have a better understanding of what happened, from a U.S. perspective.
Israeli Air Force

New Info On How U.S. Military Was Caught Off Guard By Israeli Strike On Qatar

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 24, 2025

The U.S. Air Force is currently looking toward a single next-generation airlifter to supplant both the C-17A Globemaster III and the C-5M Galaxy, starting in the mid-2040s.
U.S. Air Force

C-17 and C-5 Cargo Planes Will Be Replaced With One Aircraft: USAF

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 23, 2025

When Anduril's YFQ-44A drone flies for the first time, it will do so in a semi-autonomous fashion as part of a broader plan to get the design to an actual operational state as fast as possible.
U.S. Air Force

Anduril’s Fury Will Take Off For The First Time At The Touch Of A Button

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Sep 22, 2025

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 433rd Weapons Squadron, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, takes off for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Aug. 21, 2025. The USAFWS provides academic and advisory support to numerous units, enhancing air combat training for Airmen from the Air Force, Department of Defense and U.S. allied services each year.
U.S. Air Force

Lockheed Eyes Upgrades For Oldest F-22 Raptors

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 22, 2025

Boeing has started production of the first F-47 sixth-generation stealth fighter for the U.S. Air Force, ahead of an expected first flight in 2028.
U.S. Air Force

First F-47 6th Generation Fighter Now Being Built

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 22, 2025

Three Russian MiG-31 Foxhounds intruded into Estonian airspace.
Russian Air Force

Russian MiG-31s Busting Estonian Airspace Has Eastern Europe On Edge

By Howard Altman

Posted on Sep 19, 2025

Spectacular imagery showing military aircraft punching out flares is, by now, fairly familiar, but no less worth looking at. Much rarer, however, is to see a civilian airliner design doing the same thing. In this case, the Boeing 737 jetliner is in Polish Air Force service, but the captures are certainly highly unusual and bring attention to a lesser-known aspect of this aircraft, and other governmental and privately owned jets that are similarly outfitted with self-protection systems.
Polish Air Force

Boeing 737 Countermeasure Flare Release Captured In Stunning Photos

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 19, 2025

AIM-120 AMRAAM
Polish Air Force

Poland Investigating Whether Its F-16’s AIM-120 Missile Destroyed A Home

By Howard Altman

Updated on Sep 17, 2025

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor has achieved what is, according to missile manufacturer Raytheon, the longest known AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) shot. Exactly how far away the fighter was from its target when it fired the radar-guided is unclear, but the milestone points both to the continued development of the AMRAAM’s capabilities as well as the growing focus, across the U.S. military, on extended-range air-to-air missiles to keep pace with developments in China and Russia.
U.S. Air Force

F-22 Raptor Scores “Longest Known” AIM-120 AMRAAM Shot

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 16, 2025