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A C-17 Globemaster III aircraft takes off during a readiness exercise within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 22, 2026. The exercise is designed to strengthen Ninth Air Force’s (Air Forces Central) ability to disperse combat airpower throughout the CENTCOM area of responsibility, adding strategic ambiguity to adversary decision making. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Justin Norton)

Jan. 27, 2026

AFCENT to conduct readiness exercise, generate combat airpower

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY - Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) will be conducting a multi-day readiness exercise to demonstrate the ability to deploy, disperse, and sustain combat airpower across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. This exercise is designed to enhance asset and personnel dispersal capability, strengthen regional partnerships and prepare for flexible response execution throughout CENTCOM. It will serve as a way for AFCENT to validate procedures for rapid movement of personnel and aircraft; dispersed operations at contingency locations; logistics sustainment with a minimal footprint; and integrated, multi-national command and control over a large area of operations.

555th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron participates in Blue Sands 26.1 within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 11, 2025.

Jan. 13, 2026

Blue Sands 26.1 fortifies integrated air defense and C-UAS capabilities across AFCENT

U.S. and partner nation forces gathered Dec. 11, 2025, for a multinational exercise focused on defending the region against modern airborne threats.

One Airman kneels on top of a container deliver system holding cargo netting while another stands beside the CDS taping the netting together

Jan. 8, 2026

Soldiers, Airmen increase sustainment mission capabilities

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY — U.S. Army riggers assigned to the 294th Quartermaster Company, Detachment 3 conducted joint training with U.S. Air Forces Central personnel in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 15-19.

Two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing sit in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 2, 2025. The 332nd ELRS delivered a group of new JLTVs to the installation, which innovate over the past model with survivability and internal electronic upgrades. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kari Degraffenreed)

Dec. 16, 2025

332nd AEW rolls towards modernization with new vehicle fleet

The 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron received new Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, improving the fleet used for base defense and increasing safety and survivability in challenging terrain, in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 3, 2025.

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Dec. 11, 2025

U.S. and Israeli Navies Conclude Exercise Intrinsic Defender

HAIFA, Israel — U.S. naval forces assigned to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and the Israeli navy joined together for exercise Intrinsic Defender in Israel, Dec. 7-11.

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Nov. 22, 2025

U.S., Qatar and allies enhance regional defense during Exercise Ferocious Falcon 6

More than 1,300 military personnel from the U.S., Qatar, Italy, United Kingdom, Turkey and France participated in Exercise Ferocious Falcon 6, a biennial, Qatar-hosted multinational joint exercise, Nov. 16-20.

Soldiers of the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) conduct operations during National Training Center Rotation 26-02 at Fort Irwin, Calif., Nov. 7, 2025. Partnering with U.S. Army Central (USARCENT) and 3rd Security Forces Assistance Brigade, the RSLF will integrate with 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, to enhance interoperability and operational effectiveness in a tough, realistic environment. Historically, USARCENT has served alongside the RSLF armored units since Operation Desert Storm in 1991. This is the first time a RSLF unit has participated in a U.S. Army combat training center rotation. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Devon Jones)

Nov. 19, 2025

Royal Saudi Land Forces Complete Historic Training Rotation in U.S.

TAMPA, Fla. -- Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) completed training at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, Nov. 19. RSLF personnel partnered with U.S. Army Central, the 3rd Security Forces Assistance Brigade, and the 1st Cavalry Division during a training rotation. More than 130 RSLF Soldiers trained in the United States with 12 M1 Abrams tanks and six M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles shipped from Saudi Arabia.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Derek France, Air Forces Central commander, stands with service members and Department of War civilians in front of an A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft while a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft flies in the background at the Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai, Nov. 17, 2025. They attended the Dubai International Airshow, an event that strengthens ties between U.S. forces and international partners in aviation and national defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Justin Norton)

Nov. 18, 2025

Airpower on display at the Dubai Airshow 2025

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES -- The Dubai Airshow 2025 roared to life this week as American air power took a leading role, captivating attendees with aerial demonstrations featuring the venerable B-52 Stratofortress, the cutting-edge F-35 Lightning II, the versatile F-16 Fighting Falcon and the capable U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon. The displays highlighted the United States’ commitment to regional security and underscored the unmatched capabilities of American air power.

Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs are staged at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, on Nov. 17, 2025. The aircraft will be used by the team to perform at the Dubai Airshow, showcasing the power and precision of America’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rupiper)

Nov. 17, 2025

US military aircraft, personnel support Dubai Airshow 2025

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - The Dubai Airshow 2025, one of the largest military expositions in the world, commenced today at Al Maktoum International Airport, United Arab Emirates. U.S. military personnel and aircraft from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Navy will be participating alongside global allies and partners.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tequarrie Jackson, 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron small unmanned aircraft systems operator, controls a Skydio quadcopter in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Nov. 6, 2025. The sUAS team specializes in aerial defense through reconnaissance, target identification, and terrain observation by flying drones around base perimeters to better protect and defend personnel and assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kari Degraffenreed)

Nov. 14, 2025

332 ESFS sUAS division launches first quadcopter in AFCENT history

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND — The small unmanned aircraft systems flight, housed within the electronic warfare division of the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, made history in U.S. Air Forces Central Command by flying the first quadcopter drone in the area of responsibility, Nov. 5, 2025. The team specializes in aerial defense through reconnaissance, target identification, and terrain observation by utilizing drones around base perimeters to better protect and defend personnel and assets.

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