U.S. Air Force to implement Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0 as new wing-level deployment construct by fiscal year 2027

AEW 2.0: Air Force Revises Deployment Model Again

The Air Force is revising once again its deployment model, scrapping its plans for “deployable combat wings” and revamping the Air Expeditionary Wing with a new AEW 2.0 model. The new AEW won’t return to the pick-up game AEW model of the 1990s, but will instead “form approximately 18 months prior to deployment so that its teamed, capabilities-based components can train and certify as a cohesive unit,” according to a release. In canceling deplo…

U.S. Air Force Announces “Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0” Introduction

The USAF is introducing an improved version of its deployment construct, called Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0, based on the total force’s inputs and units’ feedback. The U.S. Air Force has announced on Jan. 23, 2026, that it will introduce a new deployment construct later this year, at the beginning of fiscal year 2027. Called “Air […]

U.S. Air Force to implement Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0 as new wing-level deployment construct by fiscal year 2027

According to the Air Force, changes in the global strategic environment have underscored the need to maintain a higher level of readiness to deter and prevail in high-end conflict. In response, the service reevaluated how it generates and deploys combat airpower. The Air Force said it has evolved its force presentation through several deployment models in recent years, including the Expeditionary Air Base, Air Task Force and Deployable Combat Wi…