John Stillion
Recent stories by John Stillion
Kessel Run Launches Program for ‘Next-Gen’ Air Operations Center
The Air Force’s Kessel Run software factory is launching an effort to create the “next generation” of the service's Air Operations Centers, used to command, control, and coordinate aircraft movements around the globe.
Air Force Developing AI Chatbot for Student Pilots
The general public has ChatGPT and it's catching on like wildfire. The Air Force wants to give student pilots "IP GPT," an AI tool built to help them learn the ropes of flying.
Sentinel ICBM to Have First Launch in 2027, Go Operational by Early 2030s
The Air Force will finish restructuring the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program by the end of this year, achieve its first test launch of the ICBM by 2027, and reach initial operational capability by the early 2030s.
USAFA Board Seeks More Cadets, New Facilities
The U.S. Air Force Academy should grow its cadet corps by 10 percent and build a “home” for the U.S. Space Force on site, rather than create an entirely new service academy, a congressionally mandated oversight committee writes in a new report.
Air Force Working with Collins, Shield AI to Build Autonomy Software for CCAs
The Air Force is working with Collins Aerospace and Shield AI to develop the software Collaborative Combat Aircraft will use to fly missions alongside manned fighters, the service revealed Feb. 12—and drone-maker General Atomics was quick to announce it has already flown its YFQ-42A aircraft with Collins’ system.
Where Things Stand with Every Planned V-22 Fix
The Air Force’s CV-22 Osprey fleet started receiving new proprotor gearboxes last month—and officials say they’re planning a comprehensive midlife upgrade for the V-22 to address concerns over its safety and reliability.
L3Harris Pitches Cruise Missiles for SOCOM’s Air Tractor
When U.S. Special Operations Command and the Air Force first developed requirements for its Armed Overwatch program, planners envisioned a rugged, lightweight, low-cost combat scout aircraft capable of supporting counterinsurgency missions. Now that they've acquired OA-1K Skyraider II, however, the command and its prime contractor are looking to up-arm their modified Air ...
Flying the New T-7: One Squadron Gets Ready
The first T-7A trainer jet touched down at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph nearly two months ago to a welcome celebration filled with proclamations about the aircraft's future. Now, for the next 20 months or so 14 pilots and two weapon systems officers with the 99th Flying Training Squadron are mastering the T-7s every ...
Air Force Academy Leaders Ousted in Shake Up
Leadership at the U.S. Air Force Academy is getting an overhaul as both Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind and Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks will retire later this year and a new dean of faculty, Col. James Valpiani, is set to take charge ...
Air Force Looking for Used Airliner to Expand C-40 VIP Transport Fleet
The Air Force has kicked off its search for a used airliner it can convert into a new C-40 VIP airlifter. Congress added $250 million to the 2026 budget for the effort.
New Report: Air Force Needs 200 B-21s, 300 F-47s to Deny Enemy ‘Sanctuaries’
In order to deny China “sanctuaries” from which it can launch air and missile salvos during a potential invasion of Taiwan, the U.S. Air Force needs to buy far more B-21 bombers and F-47 fighters than currently planned, according to a new report from AFA’s Mitchell Institute for ...
Air Force Aims to Build ‘Airmindedness’ at New BMT
Air Force Basic Military Training leaders say changes implemented as part of BMT 2.0 are generating positive results so far—especially when it comes to creating “airminded” new Airmen.
Military Operations: Airpower and Absolute Resolve
How the Air Force Cleared the Way for Delta Force. The daring raid on Caracas, Venezuela, to snatch and grab Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro may have been characterized by Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a law enforcement operation, but...
Air Force Recruiting ‘Looking Good’ for 2026, With Growing Backlog
The Air Force’s recruiting momentum is showing no signs of slowing in 2026, and leaders are already thinking about how they might get after even bigger goals in 2027 and beyond.
After 11-Month Vacancy, Air Force Has a New Vice Chief
The Senate confirmed Gen. John D. Lamontagne to be Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force by voice vote late Jan. 30, along five other Air Force three-stars and a new commander for U.S. Southern Command.

