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GA-ASI and Mitchell Institute Award the 184th Attack Squadron With RPA Squadron of the Year

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

SAN DIEGO – 02 February 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies presented the 2024 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Squadron of the Year Award to the 184th Attack Squadron (ATKS) from the Ebbing Air National Guard Base. The award was initially announced at the U.S. Air Force’s annual Air, Space, and Cyber Conference, but GA-ASI and Mitchell held a formal presentation ceremony on January 30 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the home of the 184th ATKS, in order to include the entire “Flying Razorbacks” squadron.

The award was presented by GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) David Deptula of the Mitchell Institute. The RPA Squadron of the Year Award is given annually to the squadron that distinguishes itself through its employment of RPA in meritorious service.

“Presenting this award is always one of the highlights of my year,” said Blue. “I’m thrilled to recognize the Flying Razorbacks as the RPA Squadron of the Year.”

The 184th Attack Squadron distinguished itself by executing 314 combat sorties and delivering 5,972 hours of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and PROSPERITY GUARDIAN. As the first unit tasked by the president of the United States to provide overwatch for humanitarian aid airdrops, the squadron demonstrated unparalleled innovation and mission versatility. Leading the Air Force in MQ-9A Reaper operations, the 184th Attack Squadron executed 66 percent of all non-traditional defensive counter-air and counter-small unmanned aerial system missions, significantly enhancing joint force lethality and integrated deterrence against adversarial threats.

“The important work of the Flying Razorbacks embodies the Air Force’s Units of Action and displays the agility, readiness, and multi-role capability of the MQ-9A, seamlessly transitioning from operational test to combat execution,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Linn of the 184th Attack Squadron. “Their contributions as citizen airmen not only advances remotely piloted aircraft operations but also solidifies the United States Air Force’s dominance in ISR.”

The 184th Attack Squadron’s exceptional performance reflects the highest standards of service, earning them recognition as the premier remotely piloted aircraft squadron in the Department of the Air Force.

Posted in Air Force, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

Yokota Supports First JGSDF-Hosted Multinational Airborne Exercise

Wednesday, February 4th, 2026

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) —

U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron supported a multinational airborne operation Jan. 17, at Ojojihara Training Area, Miyagi Prefecture, marking the first Japan Ground Self-Defense Force-hosted multinational airborne exercise conducted on Japanese soil.

The operation built on the momentum of New Year Jump Indo-Pacific 2026, which included participation from 14 nations, and served as the tactical phase of a broader training series designed to enhance airborne operational capability and interoperability among allied forces. While NYJIP26 at the JGSDF’s Narashino Training Area in Chiba Prefecture earlier this month was conducted as a ceremonial public demonstration, training at Ojojihara emphasized combat readiness and operational execution.

Operating from Yokota Air Base, four U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron delivered approximately 130 paratroopers from the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division to the drop zone in Miyagi Prefecture. The airborne insertion was conducted in coordination with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, which employed one Kawasaki C-2 and two C-130H Hercules, both assigned to JASDF Air Support Command to transport paratroopers from the JGSDF 1st Airborne Brigade.

The combined force conducted an airborne insertion and transitioned immediately to ground maneuver, executing reconnaissance and consolidation actions to validate command-and-control procedures and combined maneuver capabilities.

The operation required detailed coordination among multiple airlift platforms operating in the same airspace. U.S. Air Force aircrews synchronized rendezvous points, altitudes and airspeeds with JASDF C-2 and C-130H aircraft to operate as a single formation prior to the drop. Aircraft spacing and timing were established based on ground force requirements, with all aircraft slowing to a common drop airspeed before paratrooper exit.

“Flying with multiple airlift platforms requires precise coordination from start to finish,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Stephen Larson, 374th Airlift Wing, C-130J pilot. “Once we establish visual contact, we bring the formation together at the same altitude and airspeed and set spacing based on what the ground force needs for a safe and effective drop.”

Despite low cloud ceilings and reduced visibility, aircrews maintained visual conditions and executed a precise airdrop. The C-130J’s automated systems assisted crews in generating accurate airdrop run-in profiles, allowing pilots to focus on formation coordination, drop zone communication and air traffic control. The coordinated airlift enabled ground forces to execute the operation as planned.

“The transition from the New Year Jump at Narashino to a full-scale tactical drop at Ojojihara is where training translates into operational capability,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kael Jordan, 11th Airborne Division, platoon sergeant. “The rehearsals and coordination we conducted beforehand allowed us to execute safely and effectively alongside our Japanese partners.”

Prior to the Ojojihara operation, participating forces conducted preparatory training at Narashino Training Area, focusing on procedural alignment, joint briefings and coordination drills.

The exercise brought together airborne forces from the United States and Japan to strengthen interoperability and reinforce combined airborne capabilities. The training was conducted as part of a series of linked exercises designed to enhance regional readiness and cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

By Yasuo Osakabe

374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, International | No Comments »

Draganfly Selected to Provide Draganfly Flex FPV Drones and Training to US Air Force Special Operations Command Units in Partnership with DelMar Aerospace

Monday, February 2nd, 2026

Tampa, Fla. — February 2, 2026 — Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8A) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an award-winning developer of drone solutions, software, and robotics, today announced an award to provide Flex FPV Drones and Training to U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command units with partner DelMar Aerospace Corporation, a leading provider of advanced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) training, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), for U.S. Government customers.

The partnership with DelMar brings together Draganfly’s operationally proven uncrewed platforms with DelMar Aerospace’s expertise in delivering cutting-edge, mission-relevant UAS instruction to Government operators. Initial training activities include First Person View (FPV) UAS instruction, with a comprehensive curriculum covering FPV assembly, repair, flight operations, advanced mission planning and execution.

The award is to provide foundational FPV training with Draganfly Flex FPV Drones to U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command units. Training will take place at DelMar Aerospace’s Camp Pendleton UAS range training facility, a controlled environment purpose-built to support advanced instruction that replicates a range of battlefield scenarios. The first training cohort is scheduled to begin in mid-February.

Draganfly’s Flex FPV serves as the modular backbone for future small UAS configurations, uniquely capable of meeting evolving Department of War operational requirements. The Flex FPV’s innovative design enables rapid transition across operating profiles, allowing a variety of flight characteristics and payload capacities to be deployed with a single unit. This adaptability enables widespread adoption via a common training and sustainment baseline while providing a unique and compelling value proposition to any tactical drone program.

“Our shared focus is on readiness and combat capability,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly. “Partnering with DelMar Aerospace helps ensure operators are training on systems and tactics designed for real-world conditions, with the Flex’s modularity and reliability required to adapt as missions and threats evolve.”

DelMar Aerospace will lead instruction delivery, curriculum development, and standards alignment, ensuring training remains tactically relevant while compliant with U.S. Government contracting and security requirements.

“This collaboration is about developing operators who are prepared to employ uncrewed systems effectively in demanding environments,” said Stanley Springer, DelMar Aerospace’s Chief Operating Officer. “Our focus is disciplined training grounded in combat-proven TTPs and operational realism.”

This announcement reflects ongoing work in support of U.S. Government programs. Specific operational details are not being disclosed.

Posted in Air Force, Contracts, Drone, Press Release, SOF, Training | No Comments »

Grand Forks AFB Selected to Lead Point Defense Battle Lab

Sunday, February 1st, 2026

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —

In October 2025, the 319th Reconnaissance Wing assigned to Grand Forks Air Force Base was selected to lead the Point Defense Battle Lab, supported by the 184th Wing, Kansas Air National Guard. The Total Force team at the battle lab supports Air Combat Command’s Point Defense Task Force, a larger Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft System (C-sUAS) effort within the Department of the Air Force.

The Point Defense Battle Lab will serve as a hub for collaboration, pushing boundaries in C-sUAS capabilities, ensuring the Air Force maintains tactical superiority against evolving threats, and is a key part of the service’s effort to develop and evaluate advanced technologies to defend installations from sUAS threats.

“The 319th Reconnaissance Wing is honored to lead the Point Defense Battle Lab alongside our Air National Guard partners,” said Col. Alfred Rosales, 319th RW commander. “Total Force integration enhances our ability to field emerging technologies and match our capabilities to the threat environment. The men and women of the 319th RW have extensive knowledge with unmanned, remotely piloted technology and will ensure our force is poised to secure our installations and defend the homeland.”

The PDBL is a critical initiative within the Department of the Air Force, designed to safeguard installations, protect vital assets, and ensure continuity of air operations. Specifically, the PDBL will focus on developing and validating tactics, techniques, and procedures for countering a wide range of airborne threats, including small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The Battle Lab’s efforts will enhance the Air Force’s ability to detect, track, and neutralize these airborne threats effectively.

ACC selected the 184th Wing, in partnership with the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, based on combined current capabilities, missions, industry and academia partnerships and alignment with counter-small UAS fielding timelines. The 184th Wing was specifically selected for its expertise in air battle management, cyber operations, and AI-enabled intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The 134th Air Control Squadron’s continued efforts with the Air Base Air Defense System-Missile Defense, which has already positioned the 184th Wing as a leader in airbase defense, will also be contributing to the efforts of the Battle Lab.

“This is a significant opportunity for the 184th Wing to leverage our expertise and contribute to a critical national security mission,” said Col. Joe Deeds, commander of the 184th Wing. “Our Air Battle Managers, cyber warriors, ISR operators, and AI specialists are ready to work alongside the 319th Reconnaissance Wing to ensure the success of the Point Defense Battle Lab and to enhance the security of Air Force installations.”

The Point Defense Battle Lab (PDBL) will drive innovation and collaboration across the Total Force to address the growing challenges from increasingly widespread use of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). By integrating the expertise of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing and the 184th Wing, the PDBL will deliver critical tactical-level data, advanced site design concepts, and cutting-edge integration strategies for emerging technologies. Additionally, the lab will spearhead operational experiments and red teaming initiatives, ensuring the Air Force remains agile and prepared to counter evolving threats. Through its efforts, the PDBL strengthens the Point Defense Task Force’s ability to safeguard airpower, maintain combat readiness, and confidently respond to emerging challenges, further securing Air Force installations and operations.

By MSgt BreeAnn Sachs

319th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, C-UAS, Guest Post | No Comments »

USAF to Introduce Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0

Friday, January 30th, 2026

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

Beginning this year, the Air Force is introducing Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0, an improved version of our legacy deployment construct, as its new wing unit of action. AEW 2.0 will be implemented in fiscal year 2027.

Changes in the global strategic environment over the last several years emphasized a clear need: maintain an elevated state of readiness to deter and win in high-end conflict.

To achieve this, the Air Force has reevaluated its approach to generating and deploying combat airpower. The service evolved its force presentation through different deployment models in recent years, including the Expeditionary Air Base (XAB), Air Task Force (ATF), and Deployable Combat Wing (DCW), to better align with future needs. The outcome of the feedback and lessons learned from previous models is AEW 2.0, a modified version of the Air Expeditionary Wing that reflects updated national priorities and more efficiently uses talent and resources.

“AEW 2.0 allows us to present combat ready forces,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach. “It is the next step in evolving our readiness, and it’s based on input from across the total force and feedback from the major commands and wings. This model allows Airmen to train at home in a manner consistent with how they will operate when they deploy.”

AEW 2.0 is a modular and scalable wing-level unit of action that provides a standardized, right-sized baseline force package that provides the necessary capabilities to C2 and project platform-agnostic air power in any theater, which improves agility in our operations and preserves decision space for combatant commanders.

The primary difference between the legacy deployed AEW and the AEW 2.0 solution is that the AEW 2.0 forms approximately 18 months prior to deployment so that its teamed, capabilities-based components can train and certify as a cohesive unit. The legacy AEW model was enabled by crowdsourcing via the AEF process, degrading warfighting capability and making deployed unit cohesion and integration much more difficult. AEW 2.0 is a cohesive wing that arrives in theater maximally ready to fight.

This model preserves the critical wins of previous force presentation concepts: deliberately teamed, capabilities-based force packages that train and certify together through the AFFORGEN cycle. It also optimizes the balance in preserving capacity at the host wing to fulfill the in-garrison mission and defend the homeland while the unit of action trains and deploys.

“AEW 2.0 will help us move faster and stay prepared to fight wherever and whenever we’re needed,” said Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham, the Air Force’s deputy chief of staff for operations. “A key strength of this unit of action model is the deliberate training and teaming that improves collaboration and readiness across the service. It’s imperative we continue empowering wings and commanders with necessary resources and guidance to be the agile, decisive force our nation demands.”

Other notable updates to the AEW 2.0 approach include the continuation of group command opportunities at deployed locations and implementation of Wing Operations Centers instead of A-Staffs at deployed locations.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Forces Focus, Guest Post | No Comments »

AFSOC Releases CV-22B Accident Investigation Board Report

Thursday, January 29th, 2026

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Today, Air Force Special Operations Command released an Accident Investigation Board report on a CV-22B Osprey mishap that occurred Nov. 20, 2024, near Melrose Air Force Range, N.M. The aircraft and crew were assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing’s 20th Special Operations Squadron, at Cannon AFB, N.M. The mishap resulted in no injuries or fatalities nor damage to civilian property. The estimated cost of damage to government property was valued at approximately $2.8 million.

The AIB President found by a preponderance of the evidence, the cause for the mishap is attributed to a catastrophic failure of the left hand proprotor gearbox lower input idler helical gear (-105) due to a materiel inclusion in the gear’s rim-to-web radius interface.

Additionally, the AIB President found by a preponderance of the evidence the following factor which substantially contributed to the mishap: poorly designed -105 gear in CV-22 proprotor gearbox.

The AIB report can be viewed at www.afjag.af.mil/AIB-Reports under the 2024 tab.

Via Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

332nd ELRS Conducts First Hot-Pit Refuel with R-20 Expeditionary Refueling System

Saturday, January 17th, 2026

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (AFNS) —

For the first time at this location, U.S. Airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron conducted a hot-pit refueling operation using an R-20 expeditionary refueling system to support a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on a flightline within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 14, significantly reducing aircraft ground time and expanding expeditionary fueling capabilities.

The operation marked the first use of the R-20 at the base to conduct hot-pit refueling, allowing the helicopter to remain running while taking fuel directly from a bulk fuel bladder rather than a standard R-11 fuel truck. The capability enables faster turnaround times, conserves limited refueling assets and improves mission responsiveness in a deployed environment.

“Basically, it allows us to pump straight from the fuel bladder into the aircraft without having to worry about using an R-11,” said Staff Sgt. John Kaelin, 332nd ELRS fuels distribution noncommissioned officer in charge. “If we had to send one or two R-11s out here, it would take away resources we need to support all of our other aircraft.”

Kaelin explained that traditional cold refueling for UH-60 helicopters can take up to 75 minutes, including shutdown procedures and system checks. Using the R-20 for hot-pit refueling reduces ground time by 66% and allows aircrews to return to the air faster.

“In a deployed setting, the longer it takes for them to get back out, the longer whoever they’re going to help is waiting on them,” Kaelin said.

The R-20 also provides significantly greater fueling capacity and flexibility than the R-11. Each R-20 hose can issue fuel at a rate of up to 450 gallons per minute, with dual-hose operations capable of delivering up to 900 gallons per minute. Unlike the R-11, which carries a maximum of 6,000 gallons, the R-20 connects directly to bulk fuel bladders capable of holding more than 200,000 gallons, enabling multiple aircraft to be refueled simultaneously.

“Here we can hit two aircraft at a time, depending on size, and keep the mission going if we need to get sorties in the air,” said Airman 1st Class Samuel Ilet, 332nd ELRS fuels distribution operator. “Deployed, you never know when something could pop off, and they have to go up as soon as possible.”

The successful R-20 hot-pit refueling demonstrated the squadron’s ability to rapidly adapt expeditionary fuel operations, ensuring aircraft can launch faster, respond sooner and remain ready when mission demands are at their highest.

By Airman 1st Class Jonah Bliss

United States Air Forces Central Public Affairs

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Nellis AFB to Gain Electronic Warfare Squadron

Sunday, January 11th, 2026

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The Department of the Air Force has selected Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, as the preferred and final location for the 562nd Electronic Warfare Squadron.

The 562nd EWS, assigned to the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing, will be co-located with the United States Air Force Warfare Center to streamline electromagnetic spectrum operations.

The mission of the 350th SWW is to deliver adaptive and cutting-edge electronic spectrum capabilities that provide the warfighter a tactical and strategic competitive advantage and freedom to attack, maneuver, and defend.

The activation of the 562nd EWS will allow the USAFWC to deliver advanced, realistic training that incorporates electronic warfare concepts, tactics, and techniques, ensuring warfighters are better equipped to operate in contested electronic environments.

The environmental analysis was completed in summer 2025. The service plans for initial operational capability by summer 2026 and full operational capability by summer 2028.

Nevada will gain 59 active-duty authorizations.

Via Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, EW, Forces Focus, Guest Post | No Comments »