USAF F-16s launched precision guided GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions and laser-guided GBU-12 Paveway bombs against targets in Iraq. In one sortie, the F-16s struck an insurgent safe house near Husaybah to support marines in Operation River Gate. In another, the Vipers struck a building near al Karabilah.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.