190130-F-CX978-0230 NF-16D VISTA becomes X-62A The Variable In-flight Simulator Aircraft (VISTA) flies in the skies over Edwards Air Force Base, California, shortly after receiving its new paint scheme in early 2019. The aircraft was resdesignated from NF-16D to the X-62A, June 14, 2021. (Air Force photo by Christian Turner)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies over Afghanistan, March 17, 2020. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war- winning airpower to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Lotz)

110317-F-9126Z-420 The United States Air Force Test Pilot School’s VISTA (Variable stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft) F-16 positions itself underneath a KC-135 refueler during a flight test mission conducted by TPS students March 17, 2011. The maneuver is part of the Basic Envelope Air Refueling Control Laws, or BEAR CLAW, test project, which is aimed at obtaining preliminary data leading ultimately to have a remotely piloted aircraft conduct air-to-air refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bobbi Zapka)

110321-F-QG253-459 The view from a KC-135 tanker from Altus Air Force Base, Okla., while the United States Air Force Test Pilot School’s VISTA (Variable stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft) F-16 connects to the boom during a flight test March 17, 2011. The maneuver is part of the Basic Envelope Air Refueling Control Laws, or BEAR CLAW, test project, which is aimed at obtaining preliminary data leading ultimately to have a remotely piloted aircraft conduct air-to-air refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bobbi Zapka)

110321-F-QG253-483 Real-world projects prepare students for future flight test The NF-16D Variable Stability In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA) is one of the core-curriculum aircraft that students, attending the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, may fly during the completion of their test management project, which is a real-world, real-impact test program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Bobbi Zapka)

160830-F-ZZ999-050 L1 Adaptive Control test The F-16 VISTA tracks and targets a T-38’s during testing of the L1 Adaptive Control System recently. The control system was designed and built by a team from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, and tested by U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School Class 16A as a Test Management Program. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Capt. Craig Porter)

220826-F-DB956-1126 DOD artificial intelligence agents successfully pilot fighter jet The X-62A Variable Stability In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft, or VISTA, flies over Palmdale, Calif., Aug. 26, 2022. A joint Department of Defense team executed 12 artificial intelligence, or AI, flight tests in which AI agents piloted the X-62A VISTA to perform advanced fighter maneuvers at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 1-16, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo / Kyle Brasier)

220920-F-HC101-1001 X-62 VISTA completes first flight test VSS The X-62 VISTA (Variable In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft) successfully completed it’s first flight test of the new VISTA Simulation System (VSS) at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Sept. 20. The VSS is instrumental in the process to get the aircraft and it’s simulation systems operational to begin testing the VISTA’s System for Autonomous Control Simulation (SACS) in the coming months. The VISTA’s successful flight is a direct reflection on the long hours of work by the Calspan, Lockheed Martin ADP, and USAF Test Pilot School development and test teams. (Air Force photo by Giancarlo Casem)

X-62 VISTA completes first flight test VSS The X-62 VISTA (Variable In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft) successfully completed it’s first flight test of the new VISTA Simulation System (VSS) at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Sept. 20. The VSS is instrumental in the process to get the aircraft and it’s simulation systems operational to begin testing the VISTA’s System for Autonomous Control Simulation (SACS) in the coming months. The VISTA’s successful flight is a direct reflection on the long hours of work by the Calspan, Lockheed Martin ADP, and USAF Test Pilot School development and test teams. (Air Force photo by Giancarlo Casem)

220920-F-HC101-1003 X-62 VISTA completes first flight test VSS The X-62 VISTA (Variable In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft) successfully completed it’s first flight test of the new VISTA Simulation System (VSS) at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Sept. 20. The VSS is instrumental in the process to get the aircraft and it’s simulation systems operational to begin testing the VISTA’s System for Autonomous Control Simulation (SACS) in the coming months. The VISTA’s successful flight is a direct reflection on the long hours of work by the Calspan, Lockheed Martin ADP, and USAF Test Pilot School development and test teams. (Air Force photo by Giancarlo Casem)

240502-F-DG623-1060 AF Secretary Kendall experiences VISTA of future flight test at Edwards Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall flies in the X-62 VISTA in the skies above Edwards Air Force Base, California, May 2. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales)

240502-F-DG623-1164 AF Secretary Kendall experiences VISTA of future flight test at Edwards Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall flies in the X-62 VISTA in the skies above Edwards Air Force Base, California, May 2. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales)

240502-F-XQ612-0190 AF Secretary Kendall experiences VISTA of future flight test at Edwards Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, onboard the X-62 VISTA, takes off from Edwards Air Force Base, California, May 2. (Air Force photo by Madeline Guadarrama)

260710-F-UU560-1115 Air Force conducts live-fire test for Collaborative Combat Aircraft A YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft fires an AIM-120 weapon in secluded airspace over the Mojave Desert. The live-fire test of the YFQ-44 aircraft is the latest milestone in the rapid development of safe and effective CCA operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jennifer Healy)

260710-F-UU560-1070 A YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft flies over the Mojave Desert after conducting live-fire testing over the Mojave Desert. The live-fire test of the YFQ-44 aircraft is the latest milestone in the rapid development of safe and effective CCA operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jennifer Healy)

171107-F-PM645-9171 Personnel on Air Force One depart Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 7, 2017, after President of the United States Donald J. Trump first visit Japan. Trump was in Japan for three days as part of a 12 day tour of the Indo-Asia Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

040504-F-2621S-004 The mission of the VC-25 aircraft — Air Force One — is to provide air transport for the president of the United States. The presidential air transport fleet consists of two specially configured Boeing 747-200B’s — tail numbers 28000 and 29000 — with the Air Force designation VC-25. When the president is aboard either aircraft, or any Air Force aircraft, the radio call sign is “Air Force One.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Slater)

120821-F-AQ406-9039 Air Force One, a VC-25A aircraft, lands at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Aug. 21, 2012. The VC-25A was a modified version of the Boeing 747 aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel Hughes/Released)

180529-Z-SW189-9008 Air Force one lands at Nashville International Airport, on May 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee.(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Danielle Hopkins)

180612-F-BM568-9046 Air Force One refuels at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on President Donald Trump’s return to Washington D.C. from the North Korea summit, June 12, 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany A. Chase)

260619-F-XX000-1001 VC-25B Bridge aircraft arrives at Joint Base Andrews, begins commissioning flights. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

260619-F-XX000-1003 VC-25B Bridge aircraft arrives at Joint Base Andrews, begins commissioning flights. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo).

260704-F-RJ686-1104 VC-25B Bridge salutes Freedom 250 A VC-25B Bridge assigned to the 89th Airlift Wing takes off in preparation for a Freedom 250 flyover from Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 4, 2026. The 2026 celebrations observed the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Julia Lebens)

260704-F-RJ686-1104 VC-25B Bridge salutes Freedom 250 A VC-25B Bridge assigned to the 89th Airlift Wing takes off in preparation for a Freedom 250 flyover from Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 4, 2026. The 2026 celebrations observed the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Julia Lebens)

260624-F-CC148-9005 Dress rehearsal The Air Force’s VC-25B Bridge aircraft is escorted by F-22 Raptors assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing over Washington, D.C., June 26, 2026. The flight rehearsed the HUGE 1 flyover for the America 250 Independence Day celebration and demonstrated the coordination required for a large-scale aerial tribute. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Diaz)

260621-F-BR206-1171 A Boeing Defence Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a production representative test aircraft, prepares to conduct a taxi test during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 at Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, June 21, 2026. The Department of the Air Force and its partners will analyze the aircraft’s contribution as a force multiplier that extends the reach, awareness and survivability of crewed platforms in contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Adrien Tran)

260625-F-BR206-1276 A Boeing Defence Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a production representative test aircraft, returns to a flightline after a test flight during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 on Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, June 25, 2026. During the exercise, the uncrewed MQ-28 will fly in concert with crewed fighter platforms. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Adrien Tran)

260621-F-BR206-1162 A Boeing Defence Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a production representative test aircraft, undergoes preflight checks during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 at Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, June 21, 2026. During the exercise, the uncrewed MQ-28 will fly in concert with crewed fighter platforms.

260625-F-BR206-1154 A Boeing Defence Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a production representative test aircraft, pulls in its landing gear during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 on Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, June 25, 2026. Valiant Shield is a biennial, multinational, joint exercise focused on integrating the joint force in a multi-domain environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Adrien Tran)

260625-F-BR206-1204 A Boeing Defence Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a production representative test aircraft, performs a flyover during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 over Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, June 25, 2026. Collaborative Combat Aircraft are semi-autonomous aircraft that operate under the oversight of human operators. (U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Adrien Tran)

260625-F-BR206-1146 A Boeing Defence Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a production representative test aircraft, takes off during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 on Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, June 25, 2026. By embedding the warfighter’s voice as the driving force from the beginning, the Experimental Operations Unit forges the initial tactics, techniques and procedures needed to ensure Collaborative Combat Aircraft is integrated, and tactically viable for future conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Adrien Tran)

260625-F-BR206-1026 A Boeing Defence Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a production representative test aircraft, gets towed towards a runway during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 on Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, June 25, 2026. The Department of the Air Force and its partners will analyze the aircraft’s contribution as a force multiplier that extends the reach, awareness and survivability of crewed platforms in contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Adrien Tran)

260626-F-WU042-1001 F-15EX (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas Barley)

250827-F-AF000-2003 A YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft takes off during flight testing at a California test location. The aircraft was developed in partnership with General Atomics as part of the Air Force’s effort to accelerate delivery of affordable, semi-autonomous aircraft. (Courtesy photo)

260223-F-AF000-1589 A YFQ-44A, part of the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, undergoes an undated captive carry test at a California test location. This test phase uses inert munitions to methodically validate weapons integration, structural performance and safety, ensuring the platform can safely carry external stores. The CCA program is a critical part of a larger, integrated system-of-systems designed to extend the reach and effectiveness of crewed aircraft, giving U.S. warfighters an overwhelming advantage in future conflicts. (Courtesy photo)

260408-F-AT754-1232 A YFQ-44A takes off from the runway at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., during a Collaborative Combat Aircraft exercise. The Experimental Operations Unit’s exercise united the test authorities of Air Force Materiel Command and the operational authorities of Air Combat Command to fast-track hands-on experimentation at an early stage of development. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ariana Ortega)

260408-F-AT754-1046 A YFQ-44A flies over Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., during a Collaborative Combat Aircraft exercise. Led by the Air Force’s Experimental Operations Unit under Air Combat Command, the effort emphasizes early operator-driven experimentation to develop tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ariana Ortega)

260212-F-AF000-1314 YFQ-42 aircraft sit on the flightline at a California test location as part of the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft flight test campaign. The CCA program validates a modular, open-systems approach, allowing the Air Force to rapidly integrate the best technology from any vendor to equip the warfighter faster. (Courtesy photo)

260212-F-AF000-1313 YFQ-44 aircraft are parked on the flightline at a California test location for the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. The CCA initiative is transforming the acquisition process by proving a government-owned open architecture can break vendor lock and speed the delivery of superior capabilities to the warfighter. (Courtesy photo)

241108-F-TF632-1072 909th ARS refuels 84th RS A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 84th Reconnaissance Squadron conducts aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron over the coast of Japan, Nov. 8, 2024. The RC-135 supports theater and national level consumers with near real-time, on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cedrique Oldaker)

230819-F-MI946-1631 Agile Spartan 23.2: RJ’s stay on watch A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron departs after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 912th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during Operation Agile Spartan above the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, Aug. 19, 2023. Agile Spartan demonstrated flexible response options through decisive combat airpower in air superiority, airlift, surveillance and reconnaissance. The month-long, multinational operation demonstrated interoperability between regional partners, improved response capabilities, and further enhanced security throughout the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leon Redfern)

230819-F-MI946-1811 Agile Spartan 23.2: RJ’s stay on watch A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron taxis off the runway during Operation Agile Spartan at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, Aug. 19, 2023. The RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft participated in this exercise to demonstrate its support to theater and national level consumers with near real-time, on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. The month-long, multinational operation demonstrated interoperability between regional partners, improved response capabilities, and further enhanced security throughout the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leon Redfern)

161030-F-XV591-9001 An Offutt-based RC-135 V/W Rivet Joint climbs into the air during Global Thunder 17, U.S. Strategic Command’s annual command post and field training exercise, Oct. 30, 2016, at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The exercise provided training opportunities for USSTRATCOM-tasked components, task forces, units and command posts to deter and, if necessary, defeat a military attack against the United States and to employ forces as directed by the President.

250821-F-GK113-9005 Riveting takeoff A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint, assigned to the 95th Reconnaissance Squadron, departs RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, Aug. 21, 2025. With 108 years of continuous service, the 95th RS stands as one of the oldest active units in the Air Force. Since its activation on Aug. 20, 1917, the squadron has carried a variety of missions through nearly every major conflict, including its historic role as a bombardment squadron during the Doolittle Raid of 1942. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin Long)

250703-F-XK483-1116 A 55th Wing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint lands at Royal Australian Air Force Base Edinburgh, South Australia July 3, 2025. The 55th Wing implements and tests the Air Force Force Generation model during an exercise, Talon Shield, to deploy as a unit from home station to another location to support down range operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chris Thornbury)

250331-F-BX586-9999 Eyes of the Pacific: Allied ISR strengthens deterrence at Kadena Air Base A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron to receive aerial refueling over the Pacific Ocean, March 31, 2025. The RC-135 supports theater and national level consumers with near real-time, on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

190508-F-OQ776-9036 A U.S. Air Force RC-135S Cobra Ball aircraft assigned to the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron takes off from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., May 8, 2019. In 1994, all RC-135S aircraft and operations were transferred to the 55th Wing at Offutt AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob Skovo)

040618-F-JZ509-100 040618-F-JZ509-100 An RC-135U Combat Sent aircraft flies a training mission from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. There are only two Combat Sent aircraft in the Air Force inventory and both are assigned to the 55th Wing at Offutt AFB.

251222-F-AF000-2587 The U.S. Air Force announced, Dec. 22, the designation of YFQ-48A – seen here in an undated photo – as the Mission Design Series (MDS) for Northrop Grumman’s Project Talon, a semi-autonomous prototype aircraft. This designation marks a key step forward in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. (U.S. Air Force photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman)

211109-N-FA490-3158 JAVA SEA (Nov. 9, 2021) A P-8A Poseidon, assigned to “The Golden Swordsmen” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 participates in Cooperation Afloat and Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2021. In its 27th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Langholf/released)

210711-N-IJ992-0002 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (July 11, 2021) A P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, attached to the “Skinny Dragons” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, taxis on a runway in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, July 11, 2021. CTF 57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure stability, security, and the free flow of commerce in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean, and three strategic chokepoints. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andy A. Anderson)

220616-N-SU685-0034 ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (June 16, 2022) A P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 prepares to take off on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam in support of exercise Valiant Shield 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allow the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sergio Montanez)

240425-N-FY142-1213 MISAWA, Japan (Apr. 25, 2024) A P-8A Poseidon assigned to the “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 takes off on a Search and Rescue (SAR) mission flight. The P-8A is capable of supporting SAR missions by quickly securing, launching, and deploying the SAR kit to stranded persons and increasing the chances of survivability prior to rescue. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Ashley Guire)

210406-N-EJ241-1020 MISAWA, Japan (April 6, 2021) ? A P-8A Poseidon, assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, lands at Misawa Air Base. VP-8 is currently deployed to Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jan David De Luna Mercado)

210511-F-UV276-1005 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 11, 2021) A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 927th Air Refueling Wing, based in Florida, refuels a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida above the Atlantic Ocean during sunset, May 10, 2021. The P8 operates in the anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and shipping interdiction roles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany A. Emery)

240425-N-FY142-1003 MISAWA, Japan (Apr. 25, 2024) – The UNIPAC-III Search and Rescue (SAR) kit installed in the weapons bay of a P-8A Poseidon assigned to the “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10. The P-8A is capable of supporting SAR missions by quickly securing, launching, and deploying the SAR kit to stranded persons and increasing the chances of survivability prior to rescue. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Ashley Guire)

230704-N-NY362-1313 PHILIPPINE SEA (July 4, 2023) A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon flies above a formation of surface ships and submarines from the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea in the Philippine Sea during Pacific Vanguard 23, July 4, 2023. Pacific Vanguard is an opportunity for the four Indo-Pacific navies to strengthen their skills in maritime operations, anti-submarine warfare operations, air warfare operations, live-fire missile events, and advanced maneuvering scenarios in the Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC). The U.S. military routinely operates in designated land, air, and sea areas of the Mariana Islands to safely train military service members in equipment use, tactics, joint operations, and humanitarian aid missions. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Santiago Navarro)