U.S. Air Force Cites Operation Midnight Hammer as Readiness Proof While Flagging Tanker and Munitions Shortfalls

U.S. Air Force cites Operation Midnight Hammer as readiness proof while flagging tanker and munitions shortfalls

Operation Midnight Hammer employed 125 aircraft, including B-2 Spirit bombers, refueling tankers, and a mix of F-35 Lightning IIs, F-22 Raptors, F-15s, and F-16 Fighting Falcons. Six months later, many of the same platforms supported Operation Absolute Resolve, which resulted in the capture of Venezuela’s former president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, according to the Air & Space Forces Magazine report. “Operation Midnight Hammer, Absolute Resolv…

Midnight Hammer Lessons: USAF Needs More Tankers, Munitions | Air & Space Forces Magazine

Air Force leaders hail recent strike missions like Midnight Hammer as a shining example of operational readiness, but success also highlights the challenges ahead should USAF need to mount an extended long-range strike campaign. Midnight Hammer employed 125 aircraft, including B-2 Spirit bombers, numerous refueling tankers as well as F-35 Lighting IIs, F-22 Raptors, F-15s, and F-16 Fighting Falcons. Just six months later, Air Force B-1B Lancer …