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.)

200317-F-AI558-9202 A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies over Afghanistan 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)

251118-F-ON091-1199 Eielson bolsters airpower readiness during Arctic Gold 26-1 A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron begins to take off at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Nov. 18, 2025. Arctic Gold 26-1 tested the wing’s readiness to deploy and maintain airpower. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mary Murray)

250211-F-NU460-1120 A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron takes off at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 11, 2025. By maintaining a clear and functional flightline, the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron ensures mission-ready aircraft can launch without delay, enabling the 35th Fighter Wing to generate combat airpower, sustain training operations, and rapidly respond to regional threats in any weather condition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina)

260114-F-EP621-1196 Exercise Sprint 26-2: 35th FW Ensures Readiness with Winter Weather F-16 Takeoffs A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 35th Fighter Wing takes off during Exercise Sprint 26-2 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Jan. 14, 2026. Operating in winter conditions preserves cold-weather proficiency, enabling the 35th FW to maintain a persistent and reliable presence in a geographically diverse theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)

260114-F-EP621-1096 Exercise Sprint 26-2: 35th FW Ensures Readiness with Winter Weather F-16 Takeoffs A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 35th Fighter Wing (FW) taxis to the flightline during Exercise Sprint 26-2 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Jan. 14, 2026. Winter takeoffs validate the 35th FW’s ability to generate combat airpower in austere conditions, supporting a forward-postured force capable of responding rapidly across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)

250211-F-NU460-1038 A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron prepares to taxi onto the flightline after snow removal at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 11, 2025. Clearing snow from the flightline ensures aircraft can launch on time, allowing the 35th Fighter Wing to sustain mission readiness, execute combat operations, and provide deterrence across the Indo-Pacific in all weather conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina)

260420-F-IF502-1035 Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 kicks off A U.S. Airman with the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron de-ices an F-16 Fighting Falcon before takeoff during Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 20, 2026. RF-A 26-1 directly supports Peace Through Strength by improving combat readiness and warfighting skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mikaley Kline)

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)

250911-F-AF000-1001 A second B-21 Raider, the nation’s sixth-generation stealth bomber, joins flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Sept. 11. 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)

251126-F-DW056-1323 Runway complete at Ellsworth Air Force Base The airfield lights are powered on and tested during the upgrading of the runway at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Nov. 26, 2025. The reconstruction project prepares the airfield for incoming B-21 Raider operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alec Carlberg)

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)