AFMC Command News

  • For the Warfighter: Operational Test advances at NE21

    As Northern Edge 21 concludes, the 53rd Wing is returning home having achieved major test objectives for multiple weapons systems May 3-14, 2021. In addition to F-15EX deep end testing and B-52 long-range kill chain milestones for hypersonic weapons, the 53d Wing’s F-35s, MQ-9s, F-15Cs and F-15Es,

  • Project Strike Rodeo: F-15E loaded with five JASSMs

    The 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron completed a munitions proof-of-concept called Project Strike Rodeo, May 11, 2021, that validated loading five AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) on an F-15E Strike Eagle. This lays the foundation for follow-on flight testing that would more

  • F-15EX takes flight

    An F-15EX Eagle II from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, 53rd Wing, takes flight for the first time out of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., April 26, 2021, prior to departure for Northern Edge 2021. The F-15EX brings next-generation combat technology to a highly successful fighter airframe that is

  • Air Force provides C2 advisors to operational-level commanders

    With global competition heating up, the need to maximize the agility of U.S. Air Force operational command and control has never been more pressing. Fortunately, the USAF’s Operational Command Training Program is a foundational piece of its current C2 training architecture.

  • AFTC Joint Simulation Environment becomes reality

    The JSE at Nellis AFB will support up to 20 high-fidelity simulators and associated equipment to enable multi-platform, multi-domain developmental testing, operational testing and high-end advanced tactics and training. 

  • AFMC, ACC expand weapons system collaboration

    Gen. Arnold W. Bunch, Jr., commander, Air Force Materiel Command and Gen. Mike Holmes, commander, Air Combat Command, signed a memorandum of agreement establishing the Lead Wing Collaboration Program during the Technology and Acquisition Sustainment Review Conference, Jan. 29 at Joint Base

  • Air Force sets foundation for energy optimization, lethality

    As 2020 approaches and the Air Force prepares to take on the challenges of the next decade, we must also review our successes and lessons learned from the last year. For Air Force Operational Energy, 2019 was a year for laying the foundation to build a more optimized and lethal force in the years to

  • F-16 downs drone during cruise missile defense testing

    The 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron shot down a subscale drone using an AGR-20A Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System laser-guided rocket Dec. 19, providing a proof of concept for using rockets queued from an F-16 Fighting Falcon targeting pod as viable munitions to perform cruise missile defense.

  • Hurricane Michael: One year later

    By wind and water it came. Before leaving, Hurricane Michael nearly took with it what had taken more than 70 years of history to build. In its wake, the category 5 storm left behind a historic tragedy – although 12 months have passed, remains evident. The day of the storm began with a Tyndall Air

  • Record-setting first sortie for wing's newest F-35A

    Aircraft tail number 5261 left Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas, production facility a little after 8 a.m. Aug. 1, landed at Hill Air Force Base at 10 a.m., and by 3 p.m. had taken off on its first combat training mission.

  • Displaying "Old Glory" with honor

    This week, American flags will be displayed across the nation in celebration of the Independence Day holiday. Following a few guidelines can ensure we are displaying Old Glory properly.