Lockheed Martin is rolling out a set of new software and hardware improvements to the F-22 Raptor using agile development, an iterative approach that the Air Force is applying to a growing number of programs. A first release that includes Link 16 updates, with a handful of data messages and new hardware to transmit them, is expected to begin flight testing at the beginning of 2020. Read the full story by Shaun Waterman.

Newly arrived Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett reaffirmed her commitment to the service, its core values, and its airmen Nov. 2 at a ceremonial swearing in at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. “The airmen who wear our nation’s uniform are our greatest asset and treasure, and we have no greater charge than to develop and care for them and their families,” Barrett said. Read the full story by Jennifer Hlad.

Air operations, armed and unarmed, are now underway from the Air Force’s newest operating location in Africa. Nigerien Air Base 201 started intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance flights after the US and Niger finished the long process of reaching an agreement that allows armed and unarmed assets to fly in the country, US Africa Command said in a Nov. 1 statement. The pact aims to strengthen a partnership to fight violent extremist groups in the region. “We are working with our African and international partners to counter security threats in West Africa,” US Africa Command boss Army Gen. Stephen Townsend said. Read the full story by Brian Everstine.

The Senate on Oct. 31 confirmed Navy Vice Adm. Chas Richard by voice vote to be the next commander of US Strategic Command. Richard, who will become a full admiral as part of the promotion, will replace Air Force Gen. John Hyten in the position. Hyten is slated to take over as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Richard will oversee STRATCOM at a time of change within the command, as the space portfolio shifts to the newly created US Space Command and as the nature of strategic combat assets evolves. Richard will also oversee large-scale modernization programs such as the B-21 Raider bomber and Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent nuclear missiles. —Brian Everstine

US aircraft are flying alongside Israeli F-35s in exercise Blue Flag 2019, marking the first time the fifth-generation aircraft have participated in Israel’s premiere training exercise. F-16s and airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, deployed to the country for the five-day exercise that runs through Nov. 7. About 1,000 personnel from Israel, the US, Germany, Italy, and Greece, are taking part, according to The Jerusalem Post. The exercise will include blue-on-red dogfights, along with simulated ground-to-air scenarios. Israel has 14 Lockheed Martin-built Joint Strike Fighters, called the F-35I Adir, and plans to purchase a total of 50. —Brian Everstine

US aircraft continued their high-profile operations in Saudi Arabia on Nov. 1, when a B-52 flew alongside four F-15Cs from host country. The B-52—deployed to Europe from Barksdale AFB, La., for a bomber task force—flew alongside the four Saudi jets over Prince Sultan Air Base. Last week, four Air Force B-1s flew directly to that base for a short-term deployment. USAF F-22s and Navy E/A-18G Growlers recently arrived there as well. Read the full story by Brian Everstine.