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)

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)

240117-F-HC101-5870 Operational Pilot Flies B-21 as Top General Pushes Urgency A B-21 Raider conducts flight tests, which includes ground testing, taxiing and flying operations, at Edwards Air Force Base, California, where it continues to make progress toward becoming the backbone of the U.S. Air Force bomber fleet. The B-21 will possess the range, access, and payload to penetrate the most highly contested threat environments and hold any target around the globe at risk. The B-21 program is on track to deliver aircraft in the mid-2020s to Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, which will be the first B-21 main operating base and location for the B-21 formal training unit. (U.S. Air Force photo)

190920-F-CJ465-1015 Boneyard Run 2019 U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and C-130 Hercules sit in the 309th Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 20, 2019. The AMARG houses aircraft from across the Department of Defense and other government agencies including NASA. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob T. Stephens)

240208-F-SN568-0002 B-1B Lancer “Lancelot” Set to Rejoin Fleet B-1B Lancer aircraft nicknamed “Lancelot,” touches down at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Feb. 8, 2024. “Lancelot” is being regenerated to the active bomber fleet after previously being retired to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. Photo was redacted for security purposes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Clayton Cummins)

260226-F-QT818-1001 Back from the Boneyard: Tinker Brings B-1 Back to the Fight A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer taxis to the runway at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Feb. 26, 2026. The aircraft was undergoing depot maintenance after being removed from long-term storage and is part of an effort to return the bomber to service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Courtney Landsberger)

260226-F-QT818-1002 Back from the Boneyard: Tinker Brings B-1 Back to the Fight A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer performs a functional check flight in a stripped, bare-metal configuration over Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Feb. 26, 2026. The aircraft was undergoing depot maintenance after being removed from long-term storage and is part of an effort to return the bomber to service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Courtney Landsberger)

260226-F-QT818-1003 Back from the Boneyard: Tinker Brings B-1 Back to the Fight A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer in a bare-metal configuration takes off to conduct a test flight at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Feb. 26, 2026. The flight marked a key milestone in the aircraft’s regeneration after being removed from long-term storage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Courtney Landsberger)

260226-F-QT818-1004 Back from the Boneyard: Tinker Brings B-1 Back to the Fight A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer in a bare-metal configuration takes off to conduct a test flight at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Feb. 26, 2026. The functional check flight validates aircraft systems following depot-level maintenance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Courtney Landsberger)

260226-F-QT818-1005 Back from the Boneyard: Tinker Brings B-1 Back to the Fight A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer conducts a functional check flight at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Feb. 26, 2026, in a stripped, bare-metal configuration. The aircraft underwent extensive depot maintenance to return it to operational status. (U.S. Air Force photo by Courtney Landsberger)

260415-F-QT818-1008 Back from the Boneyard: Tinker Brings B-1 Back to the Fight A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer rests inside a paint facility at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 15, 2026, following final paint application. The repainting marks a key step in returning the aircraft to service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Courtney Landsberger)

260415-F-QT818-1007 Back from the Boneyard: Tinker Brings B-1 Back to the Fight A technician with the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex moves a scaffold near a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer inside a paint facility at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 15, 2026. The aircraft is part of a regeneration effort to return it to operational status following storage at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base?commonly known as the “boneyard.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Courtney Landsberger)

260422-F-QT818-1011 Back from the Boneyard: Tinker Brings B-1 Back to the Fight A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer takes off from Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 22, 2026, following completion of depot maintenance to return the aircraft to operational status. The aircraft was placed in storage at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base commonly known as the “boneyard,” in 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Courtney Landsberger)

260422-F-QT818-1012 Back from the Boneyard: Tinker Brings B-1 Back to the Fight A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer lifts off from Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 22, 2026, marking the completion of a depot maintenance effort to restore the aircraft’s capabilities. The aircraft returned to operational status five years after being placed in storage at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base?commonly known as the “boneyard.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Courtney Landsberger)

260422-F-QT818-1013 Back from the Boneyard: Tinker Brings B-1 Back to the Fight A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer takes off from Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 22, 2026, signaling the successful completion of depot maintenance to return the aircraft to the fight. The aircraft was placed in storage at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base?commonly known as the “boneyard,” in 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Courtney Landsberger)

160718-F-CU844-001 KC-46 refuels A-10 A KC-46 Pegasus refuels an A-10 Thunderbolt II with 1,500 pounds of fuel July 15, 2016. The mission was the last of all flight tests required for the tanker’s Milestone C production decision. (Boeing photo/John D. Parker)

160718-F-CU844-001 KC-46 refuels A-10 A KC-46 Pegasus refuels an A-10 Thunderbolt II with 1,500 pounds of fuel July 15, 2016. The mission was the last of all flight tests required for the tanker’s Milestone C production decision. (Boeing photo/John D. Parker)

260402-Z-DK606-0001 A-10 refueling probe fielded in record time An A-10 Thunderbolt II approaches a C-130 drogue basket during the first probe and drogue air refueling operation in the aircraft’s history, April 2, 2026. The Probe Refueling Adapter was developed to meet an urgent combatant command requirement for increased refueling availability in theater.

260402-Z-DK606-0005 A-10 refueling probe fielded in record time An A-10 Thunderbolt II approaches a C-130 drogue basket during the first probe and drogue air refueling operation in the aircraft’s history, April 2, 2026. The Probe Refueling Adapter was developed to meet an urgent combatant command requirement for increased refueling availability in theater.

260402-Z-DK606-0003 A-10 refueling probe fielded in record time An A-10 Thunderbolt II refuels from a C-130 using a probe and drogue system for the first time in the aircraft’s history, April 2, 2026. The Probe Refueling Adapter converts the A-10 from its standard boom refueling configuration, allowing the aircraft to refuel from drogue-equipped tankers and expanding operational refueling options. The capability was developed in response to a combatant command requirement to increase air refueling availability in theater.

260402-Z-DK606-0004 A-10 refueling probe fielded in record time An A-10 Thunderbolt II refuels from a C-130 using a probe and drogue system for the first time in the aircraft’s history, April 2, 2026. The Probe Refueling Adapter converts the A-10 from its standard boom refueling configuration, allowing the aircraft to refuel from drogue-equipped tankers and expanding operational refueling options. The capability was developed in response to a combatant command requirement to increase air refueling availability in theater.

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)

250911-F-AF000-1100 A file photo of the second B-21 Raider, the nation’s sixth-generation stealth bomber, conducting flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Sept. 11, 2025. The program is a cornerstone of the Department of the Air Force’s nuclear modernization strategy, designed to deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads. (Courtesy photo)

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.

240301-F-CJ259-1069 An F-35A Lightning II begins to lift off from the flightline as it takes off for a routine training at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, March 14, 2024. Routine flying is pertinent to creating an agile, accurately postured, undeterred, and lethal force capable of dedicating unrivaled effects from cooperation to conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Carson Jeney)

220526-F-F3405-1009 McKinley Climatic Laboratory celebrates 75th anniversary Team members at the McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, use machines to create snow in the MCL Main Chamber to prepare for environmental testing. Those at the MCL recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of the facility. The first tests at the MCL occurred in May 1947. The MCL is operated by the 717th Test Squadron, 804th Test Group, Arnold Engineering Development Complex. (U.S. Air Force photo by William Higdon)

150127-F-OC707-001 Chilled Lightning An F-35 endures freezing temperatures in the 96th Test Wing’s McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 27. The joint strike fighter has undergone four months of climate testing in the lab to certify the fleet to deploy to any corner of the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

150127-F-OC707-002 Chilled Lightning An F-35 endures freezing temperatures in the 96th Test Wing’s McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 27. The joint strike fighter has undergone four months of climate testing in the lab to certify the fleet to deploy to any corner of the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

150127-F-OC707-000 Chilled lightning An F-35 endures freezing temperatures in the 96th Test Wing’s McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 27. The joint strike fighter has undergone four months of climate testing in the lab to certify the fleet to deploy to any corner of the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

150127-F-OC707-003 Chilled Lightning An F-35 endures freezing temperatures in the 96th Test Wing’s McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 27. The joint strike fighter has undergone four months of climate testing in the lab to certify the fleet to deploy to any corner of the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)