Eglin Air Force Base News

New offshore drilling could be coming to Florida’s Gulf Coast — and Congressman Patronis wants locals to speak up before it’s too late.

Patronis Calls for Public Input on Offshore Drilling

Staff Reports 12/18/2025 3:52 pm

Congressman Jimmy Patronis is urging Floridians to comment on a federal offshore drilling plan that could open new Gulf waters near Eglin AFB.

The U.S. Air Force just boosted its long-range strike firepower — awarding $241 million for a new batch of precision missiles designed for F-35 fighters.

$241M Contract Expands Joint Strike Missile Production

Staff Reports 12/15/2025 12:38 pm

The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $240.9 million contract to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for production of the next batch of Joint Strike Missiles, expanding procurement of the long-range precision weapon designed for the F-35 fighter jet.

GALLERY: Christmas 2025 on the Emerald Coast (Send in your photos NOW!)

Christopher Saul 12/02/2025 1:24 pm

Merry Christmas to all from Mid Bay News! Here are the photo highlights of the season from around Northwest Florida and the Emerald Coast!

Eglin Drone Failures Put Anduril Under the Microscope

Staff Reports 11/28/2025 10:55 am

Anduril Industries’ high-profile drone programs are facing fresh scrutiny after two Altius drones crashed during Air Force testing at Eglin Air Force Base, highlighting ongoing technical problems that contradict the company’s confident public claims. Interviews with former employees, military officials, and Ukrainian operators reveal a pattern of failures across Anduril’s Altius and Ghost platforms, even as the company’s valuation skyrockets and demand for modern battlefield drones grows.

Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis and a group of Florida representatives are asking President Trump to pull drilling blocks from the Eastern Gulf to protect military operations and the Northwest Florida economy.

Florida Delegation Warns Trump: Drilling Threatens Military Ops

Staff Reports 11/21/2025 1:37 pm

Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis and a group of fellow House members are urging President Donald Trump to remove several drilling blocks from an upcoming federal lease sale in the Gulf, warning that oil exploration in the Eastern Gulf Test and Training Range could disrupt military testing, threaten Northwest Florida’s economy, and undercut the region’s tourism industry.

Florida lawmakers are challenging the Air Force’s plan to relocate special operations units to Arizona, arguing the move undermines national security and lacks transparency.

Patronis Demands Answers on Special Operations Relocation

Staff Reports 11/20/2025 9:00 am

Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis and Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody are pressing Pentagon leaders for answers after the Air Force finalized its plan to move the 492nd Special Operations Wing from Northwest Florida to Arizona. In a sharply worded letter, the lawmakers warn the relocation could slow U.S. response times to growing threats in Venezuela and the Caribbean and question why the Air Force relied on Biden-era climate considerations instead of current national security priorities.