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Air Force fighter pilots fall below sortie minimum to be deemed combat ready

Fighter pilots are flying one sortie a month, well below the around nine per month to be deemed combat mission capable, a Mitchell Institute expert said.

By Cristina Stassis

2 days ago

Congress may alter Air Force fighter structure as service fails to reach 1,145 aircraft minimum

In response to a 2025 Air Force report, Congress can now consider the fighter force structure amid proposals to divest older aircraft and pilot shortages.

By Cristina Stassis

5 days ago

As fighter pilots prepare to command drone wingmen, BAE bets on new helmet tech

BAE Systems unveiled new helmet display technology designed to enable fighter pilots to be one-person command centers.

8 weeks ago

Space Force offers $25K for 8-year enlistments in new pilot

The first-come, first-serve program will offer a $25,000 bonus to enlistees who commit to eight-year contracts until the cap of 100 bonuses is reached.

By Hope Hodge Seck

2 months ago

F-16 pilot awarded Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in Saudi Arabia deployment

Capt. Nathanial “Icarus” Welch received the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor for his actions during a 2025 Operation Rough Rider mission.

By Cristina Stassis

2 months ago

Pilot shut off fuel supply, leading to October 2025 Skyraider II crash, Air Force finds

A student pilot reached for the wrong fuel control in his Block-1 OA-1K Skyraider II, forcing a crash-landing, an Air Force investigation found.

By Michael Scanlon

3 months ago