United States Air Force

Mission The AIM-7 Sparrow is a radar-guided, air-to-air missile with a high-explosive warhead. The versatile Sparrow has all-weather, all-altitude operational capability and can attack high-performance aircraft and missiles from any direction. It is a widely deployed missile used by U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces. Features The missile has four major sections: guidance section, warhead, control and rocket motor.

Mission The AGM-65 Maverick is a tactical, air-to-surface guided missile designed for close air support, interdiction and defense suppression mission. It provides stand-off capability and high probability of strike against a wide range of tactical targets, including armor, air defenses, ships, transportation equipment and fuel storage facilities. Features The Maverick is a modular design weapon.

Mission The AGM-129A advanced cruise missile is a stealth, nuclear-capable cruise missile used exclusively by B-52H bombers. Features The AGM-129A is a subsonic, turbofan-powered, air-launched cruise missile. It is harder to detect, and has greater range and accuracy than the AGM-86 air-launched cruise missile. The ACM achieves maximum range through its highly efficient engine, aerodynamics and fuel loading.

Published Aug. 13, 2026 By Thomas Brading AFOSI Public Affairs Qilin Wu, a Chinese national who returned to Whiteman Air Force Base after being warned not to photograph the installation, was sentenced to six months in federal custody following a case built on a 76-year-old executive order signed by President Harry Truman.

Mission The AGM-130 is a powered air-to-surface missile designed for high- and low-altitude strikes at standoff ranges against a variety of targets. Features Carrying forward the modular concept of the GBU-15 guided weapon system, the AGM-130 employs a rocket motor for extended range and an altimeter for altitude control. The AGM-130 provides a significantly increased standoff range than the GBU-15.

Mission The AGM-86B air-launched cruise missile, or ALCM, and AGM-86C/D conventional air-launched cruise missile, or CALCM, were developed to increase the effectiveness of B-52H bombers. In combination, they dilute an enemy's forces and complicate defense of its territory. Features The small, winged AGM-86B/C/D missile is powered by a turbofan jet engine that propels it at sustained subsonic speeds. After launch, the missile's folded wings, tail surfaces and engine inlet deploy.

Published Aug. 13, 2026 By Airman 1st Class Samantha Melecio 355th Wing Public Affairs U.S. Airmen and Air Force Delayed Entry Program recruits pose for a group photo during a base tour at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Aug. 7, 2026. Hosted by local recruiters, the event offered participants a firsthand look at the missions and people that support the 355th Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Samantha Melecio)

Published Aug. 13, 2026 By Senior Airman Megan Cusmano 51FW/PA U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 51st Maintenance Group compete in the second-quarter Ammo Bomb Building and Loading Competition at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 6, 2026. The competition tested weapons load crews on technical accuracy, safety procedures, teamwork and loading speed while strengthening the skills required to generate combat power and maintain readiness.

Published Aug. 13, 2026 By Thomas Brading AFOSI Public Affairs Qilin Wu, a Chinese national who returned to Whiteman Air Force Base after being warned not to photograph the installation, was sentenced to six months in federal custody following a case built on a 76-year-old executive order signed by President Harry Truman.

Published Aug. 13, 2026 By 55th Wing Public Affairs The Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show 2026 took place on Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, Aug. 8-9. Attendees came through the gates to see aerial and ground demonstrations, more than 40 static aircraft and displays to learn about Offutt’s mission, Air Force capabilities and legacy aircraft.