Chris Gordon
Chris Gordon is the Pentagon Editor at Air & Space Forces Magazine. He has broad journalism and communications experience, and developed a keen interest in defense policy and aerospace during a year on Capitol Hill where he worked with the Senate Armed Services Committee. As a reporter, he has covered everything from national security to hockey for a variety of publications, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Chris serves on the Board of Directors of Military Reporters & Editors, a non-profit organization for journalists covering the military, national security, and homeland defense. Chris can be contacted at CGordon@afa.org or chrisgordon.24 on Signal.
Recent stories by Chris Gordon
NATO to Focus on ‘Realistic Combat Scenarios’ in Ramstein Flag 2025
NATO will start a major exercise at the end of the month to practice the ability of allied air forces to operate in a contested environment, officials said March 24.
Trump Announces F-47, the Air Force’s New Sixth-Gen Fighter Built by Boeing
President Donald Trump has decided to proceed with the Air Force’s sixth-generation fighter jet after reviewing the program and its project costs—and Boeing will build it.
Hegseth Endorses Air Force and Space Force Missions During Meeting with Senior Leaders
As the Pentagon weighs shifting billions of dollars in funding, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the Trump administration plans to step up spending on offensive and defense space operations.
Air Force Fighters Use New Laser-Guided Rockets to Shoot Down Houthi Drones
U.S. Air Force fighters have been using laser-guided rockets to down Houthi drones that are attacking ships in the Red Sea as the U.S. military seeks to drive down the cost of defeating cheap uncrewed systems, U.S. officials said.
China Practicing ‘Dogfighting in Space,’ US Space Force Says
China has been using experimental satellites to practice “dogfighting” in space, the U.S. Space Force’s No. 2 officer said March 18, the latest in a series of revelations as to how America’s adversaries may seek to disrupt U.S. space operations in the future.
Allvin: Air Force Needs ‘High-End Penetrating Capability’ in Future Combat
The Air Force needs a high-end aircraft that can operate in contested environments that will work with the service’s new Collaborative Combat Aircraft semi-autonomous drones and other less pricey platforms, the service's officer said March 18. “Instead of going all high-end and then breaking the ...
Military Gains Latitude in Latest Strikes on Houthis
The U.S. has struck a wide range of Houthi targets in Yemen over the past two days and is hitting more today, the Pentagon said March 17. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, director of operations for the Joint Staff, told reporters the biggest differences ...
US Strikes Houthis as USAF Fighters Help Defend Navy Warships from Retaliation
The U.S. military conducted strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen for the second day in a row March 16, hours after U.S. Air Force fighters helped fend off a drone attack by the Houthis in retaliation for an earlier round of U.S. strikes.
Air Force U-2 Spy Planes Flying Along Southern Border
The U.S. Air Force has been flying U-2 Dragon Lady spy planes along the southern border, Air Force and defense officials disclosed.
Pentagon Deploys Air Force Intel Analysts for Border Mission
The U.S. military is sending approximately 40 Air Force intelligence analysts to beef up its surveillance of the southern border, U.S. Northern Command announced March 11. NORTHCOM has established the Joint Intelligence Task Force-Southern Border to oversee the joint service and interagency effort.
B-52s Practice Bombing Missions in Estonia, Finland, and Italy as Busy Bomber Task Force Continues
U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses continued a busy bomber task force deployment to Europe by participating in multiple drills with NATO partners last week, including simulated weapons targeting exercises and a live munitions drop in Finland.
Space Force to Stand Up Guardian Recruiting Squadron with Mandate for New Mindset
The Space Force is establishing its first Guardian recruiters as the service seeks to take greater ownership of its force from day one, with aim of setting up a full squadron of around 30 Guardian recruiters later this year.
B-52 Flies with Israeli Fighters over Mediterranean Sea
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber flew with the Israeli Air Force and Royal Air Force over the eastern Mediterranean Sea on March 4, a U.S. defense official confirmed to Air & Space Forces Magazine. The sortie marks the third Bomber Task Force mission ...
America’s First Unmanned Fighters Are Here: YFQ-42 and YFQ-44
The Air Force’s first two collaborative combat aircraft are fighters, the first uncrewed aircraft to carry such a designation, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin unveiled in a keynote address at the AFA Warfare Symposium March 3. General Atomics’ CCA will be ...
Allvin’s Case for ‘More Air Force’: His Answer to New Administration’s Priorities
Chief of Staff Gen. David. W. Allvin made a forceful case for investing in the Air Force as a key to rebuilding the U.S. military and restoring U.S. military deterrence, principal objectives for the Trump administration and new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.