What Is 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron (28 TES) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to Air Combat Command, activated on October 1, 1993, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, specializing in testing and evaluating combat aircraft systems and weapons integration.

Key Facts

Activated on October 1, 1993, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
Assigned to the 53rd Wing under Air Combat Command (ACC)
Primary mission: test and evaluate fighter aircraft, weapons, and avionics systems
Operates from Eglin Air Force Base, a major U.S. Air Force testing hub
Supports platforms including the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16, and F-35
Conducts live-fire testing, electronic warfare assessments, and software integration trials
Collaborates with the 96th Test Wing and other agencies at Eglin
Plays a key role in Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) for new weapon systems

Overview

The 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron (28 TES) is a specialized unit within the United States Air Force dedicated to the rigorous testing and evaluation of advanced combat aircraft, weapons systems, and avionics. Activated on October 1, 1993, the squadron operates under the 53rd Wing, part of Air Combat Command (ACC), and is headquartered at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

As a key player in the Air Force’s developmental and operational test enterprise, the 28 TES ensures that new technologies and combat systems meet mission requirements before deployment. The squadron’s work supports national defense readiness by validating the performance, reliability, and lethality of fighter aircraft platforms under realistic conditions.

Established on October 1, 1993, the 28 TES was formed to centralize and streamline combat aircraft testing under Air Combat Command.
The squadron is assigned to the 53rd Wing, which oversees all operational test and evaluation activities for ACC.
Located at Eglin Air Force Base, the unit leverages one of the largest Air Force test ranges in the world.
Its primary focus is on fighter aircraft systems, including weapons integration, radar performance, and electronic warfare capabilities.
The 28 TES frequently partners with the 96th Test Wing, which manages developmental testing, to ensure seamless transition from lab to battlefield.

How It Works

The 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron conducts structured, data-driven evaluations to determine whether new systems are operationally effective and suitable for combat use. Its testing protocols follow strict Air Force guidelines to ensure accuracy, safety, and mission relevance.

Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E): The 28 TES executes OT&E to assess how well systems perform in realistic combat scenarios. This includes evaluating pilot workload, mission success rates, and system reliability under stress.
Weapons Integration Testing: The squadron validates the compatibility and accuracy of new munitions with platforms like the F-15E and F-35. This includes live-fire trials at the Eglin range complex.
Electronic Warfare Assessment: Tests evaluate radar jamming, threat detection, and countermeasure effectiveness using advanced simulators and real-world emitters.
Software and Avionics Validation: The unit tests flight control software, sensor fusion, and communication systems to ensure interoperability and safety.
Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E): Conducted before fielding, IOT&E determines if a system meets warfighter needs and is ready for full-rate production.
Collaborative Development: Works with contractors, test pilots, and combat units to refine tactics and improve system performance based on real-world feedback.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron with related units highlights its unique role in the Air Force test ecosystem.

Unit	Command	Location	Primary Mission	Key Platforms
28th Test and Evaluation Squadron	Air Combat Command (ACC)	Eglin AFB, FL	Operational testing of fighter systems	F-15E, F-16, F-35
422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron	ACC	Nellis AFB, NV	Aggressor and tactics evaluation	F-15, F-16, F-22, F-35
416th Flight Test Squadron	Air Force Materiel Command	Edwards AFB, CA	Developmental flight testing	B-2, F-15, F-35
96th Test Wing	AFMC	Eglin AFB, FL	Developmental testing and evaluation	Various aircraft and weapons
53rd Wing	ACC	Multiple locations	Oversight of operational test squadrons	All ACC combat aircraft

This comparison shows that while multiple units conduct testing, the 28 TES specializes in operational evaluation within a combat context, distinguishing it from developmental test units like those under Air Force Materiel Command. Its focus on real-world readiness ensures that frontline units receive fully vetted systems.

Why It Matters

The 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron plays a vital role in maintaining U.S. air superiority by ensuring that new technologies are battle-ready before deployment. Its rigorous testing prevents costly failures and enhances pilot safety and mission success.

The squadron’s evaluations directly influence Defense Acquisition Board decisions on system production and fielding.
By identifying software bugs or hardware flaws early, the 28 TES reduces lifecycle costs and maintenance burdens.
Its live-fire tests validate the lethality and accuracy of precision-guided munitions in contested environments.
Findings help shape tactics, techniques, and procedures used by combat units worldwide.
The unit supports rapid fielding of upgrades during conflicts, such as integrating new weapons during contingency operations.
Its work ensures compliance with DoD Directive 5000.86, which mandates rigorous operational testing for all major systems.

Through meticulous evaluation and collaboration, the 28 TES bridges the gap between innovation and combat effectiveness, ensuring that U.S. airpower remains dominant in an evolving threat landscape.