The number of Operation Noble Eagle sorties flown during the month of October dropped compared to September, according to the most recent data provided by Air Forces Northern at Tyndall AFB, Fla. The Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command flew about three times the number of fighter sorties as the active force. The total flying hours since ONE began is now at 180,551. (See chart for stats.)
President Joe Biden highlighted the positioning of two F-35 squadrons to the United Kingdom, and new air defenses to Italy and Germany when naming the European force posture moves to deter Russian aggression at the Madrid NATO summit June 29. “We’re going to send two additional F-35 squadrons to the…