2025 in review: Air Force

Air Force leaders axe major China-focused organizational efforts
The service continues to unravel its “reoptimization for Great Power Competition” strategy.
December 2, 2025 | Thomas Novelly

Most of the Air Force’s biggest programs will now be overseen by a 4-star under the deputy SecDef
The centralization of the ICBM, B-21, F-47, and Air Force One programs appears at odds with the Pentagon’s professed acquisition approach, one expert said.
November 20, 2025 | Thomas Novelly

Congress supports bare minimum on Navy’s F/A-XX, while fully backing Air Force’s F-47
Appropriators and other lawmakers have pushed for the Navy’s next-gen fighter, but the latest NDAA offers only enough to keep the nascent program warm.
December 9, 2025 | Thomas Novelly

Nearly 300 days after purge, Pentagon taps new Air Force vice chief, JAG
Air Mobility commander nominated to be vice chief; Oklahoma Air National Guard commander to be top judge advocate general.
December 16, 2025 | Thomas Novelly

USAF plan to fly C-5, C-17s even longer elicits concern
Service says it needs to hedge against delays to planned Next-Generation Airlift plane.
November 25, 2025 | Thomas Novelly

Allvin’s surprise exit signals pivot for Air Force, not Hegseth pressure: sources
Former Air Combat Commander Gen. Wilsbach tops the list of potential replacements.
August 21, 2025 | Audrey Decker

The Air Force wants to put private AI data centers on its bases, raising security, land-use fears
The service will offer upwards of 3,000 acres across five U.S. bases to qualified developers.
October 24, 2025 | Thomas Novelly

Hegseth fired the Air Force’s top lawyer. The JAG who took on the job is stepping away.
It’s been eight months since the service had a Senate-confirmed leader in the role.
October 23, 2025 | Thomas Novelly

AFSOC exercise brings concept created for great-power conflict to the Caribbean
Last month, U.S. forces “seized” a St. Croix airport in a demonstration of the Agile Combat Employment maneuver scheme.
September 18, 2025 | Thomas Novelly

Returning the Air Force to its expeditionary roots
Agility and innovation helped win WWII. They will be essential for the next conflict.
September 17, 2025 | Lt. Gen. David A. Harris