WEPTAC 2026 Fuels Bold Tactical Innovation and Strong Readiness Momentum
Air Combat Command’s WEPTAC 2026 brought together Airmen from across the force to develop tactical solutions aimed at strengthening readiness for future conflict.
F-35 Deployment Signals Bold New Chapter for Air Force Innovation
The first F-35 Lightning II has arrived at Eglin Air Force Base, launching advanced cyber and systems testing for the 96th Test Wing.
Dramatic Eagle Rescue Showcases Powerful Conservation Mission at Eglin
Two juvenile bald eagles trapped together by a fishing lure near Eglin Air Force Base were rescued and released the same day thanks to swift action by biologists.
Breaking Barriers: AFWERX Innovators Elevate Opportunity in the Air Force
Two Airmen earned commissioning opportunities after presenting a low-cost drone detection system to senior Air Force leaders.
$241M Contract Expands Joint Strike Missile Production
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.
Eglin Drone Failures Put Anduril Under the Microscope
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.
Patronis Demands Answers on Special Operations Relocation
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.
Allegiant Faces Coast-to-Coast Pilot Picket
Allegiant Air pilots represented by Teamsters Local 2118 will hold a nationwide informational picket on Tuesday, including at Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport, as they push the airline to end negotiation delays and offer a fair contract that keeps experienced pilots from leaving.
JetBlue Expands Service to Florida Panhandle With New Flights to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Starting March 2026
JetBlue Expands Service to Florida Panhandle With New Flights to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Starting March 2026 Staff Reports November 6, 2025 9:37 am Aviation, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Tourism, Travel In Brief: 👤 Who: JetBlue Airways, Okaloosa County Commission Chairman Paul Mixon, JetBlue Vice President Dave Jehn 🛫 What: Launching new nonstop seasonal flights to […]
Eglin Air Force Base Announces Limited Services and Closures Amid Government Shutdown
Eglin Air Force Base will operate with reduced staff and partial closures in multiple service areas, including the library, dining facilities, fitness centers, and testing offices, amid the federal government shutdown.
