Air Force | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Air Force’ Category

AFSOC Introduces ‘Havoc Spear’, Its Newest Cruise Missile

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. —

Air Force Special Operations Command has officially unveiled the popular name of the AGM-190A small cruise missile as “Havoc Spear.”

The announcement, taking place at the Special Operations Forces Week conference, marks a critical step in AFSOC’s Enhanced Precision Effects (EPE) efforts, a modernization initiative set to equip adaptable weapon systems capable of delivering long-range, precise, kinetic and non-kinetic effects.

Havoc Spear is a low-cost, mission adaptable, modular-design cruise missile that can be rapidly produced. The project was spearheaded by U.S. Special Operations Command to get after the need for rapid, iterative weapon development.

“The primary value of this system is its modularity which provides expanded standoff options for commanders to neutralize a range of threats,” said Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, commander of AFSOC. “Our modernization efforts with EPE will integrate all-domain effects across our platforms, firmly planting special operations forces into the Joint Force kill chain.”

To accelerate development, AFSOC and U.S. SOCOM enacted a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement(CRADA)with an industry partner to develop the missile. According to command leadership, typical weapons development programs take between five to seven years to complete, but Havoc Spear “broke the mold” of weapons acquisition as it was designed, tested, and evaluated in combat in less than three years’ time.

In his SOF Week keynote address, U.S. Navy Adm. Frank Bradley, commander of U.S. SOCOM mentioned CRADAs being the driving force in Havoc Spear’s production. He also touched on the advancements in the procurement and implementation of new technology.

“The technology was there, what we needed was the venue to move fast and take calculated, manageable risks,” said Bradley. “It is that exact DNA — that operator-to-engineer feedback loop — that is now scaling across the Joint Force.”

During a visit to AFSOC headquarters in November 2025, Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink chose the name “Havoc Spear” as a capabilities descriptor of widespread destruction via mass attack (Havoc) and precision targeting from afar (Spear).

AFSOC plans to leverage Havoc Spear’s adaptable strike capabilities to support specialized airpower requirements for Joint Force partners in U.S.SOCOM, as well as tackling the Air Force’s most critical missions.

Havoc Spear’s capability will create dilemmas for adversaries, enhance lethality, and reinforce AFSOC’s commitment to maintain a decisive advantage against emerging threats across all domains.

Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in Air Force, Press Release, SOF, weapons | No Comments »

US Air Force Expands X10D EOD Program With Multi-Million Dollar Follow-On Award

Thursday, May 14th, 2026

Skydio, the largest U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in flying robots, today announced a follow-on multi-million dollar contract expansion with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to further equip Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units with Skydio X10D systems.

The award was issued through the Defense Logistics Agency’s Tailored Logistics Support Special Operational Equipment program in partnership with ADS, a provider of products, technology, and logistics solutions for the U.S. military.

The contract more than doubles the scope of the initial USAF order announced in November 2025.

The expanded order builds on the USAF’s effort to integrate autonomous systems into every Airman’s toolkit. While Skydio systems are already widely deployed across the Air Force for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and base security, this expansion specifically supports EOD missions where rapid deployment, standoff distance, and immediate situational awareness are critical to keeping American Airmen safe.

The contract expansion further reinforces Skydio X10D’s position as the most widely deployed Group 1 UAS across USAF mission sets. In addition to supporting EOD units, Skydio X10D is the system of choice for Air Combat Command (ACC) Tactical Air Control Party Specialists (TACP) and PACAF Security Forces (A4S).

A1C Luke Bellows / USAF

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

Stronger, Smarter, Sharper: Incirlik Airmen Elevate Tactical Skills Through European EOD Exercise

Wednesday, May 13th, 2026

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Türkiye (AFNS) —

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen from the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron, Incirlik Air Base, Turkiye, participated in Operation Deterrent Viking II, hosted by 786th Civil Engineer Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, at Baumholder Military Training Area, Germany, May 3–8.

The exercise brought together EOD personnel from across the European theater for a multi-day training exercise focused on enhancing operational readiness and strengthening regional EOD response capabilities through realistic, scenario-based training. Events included unexploded ordnance identification and disposal, land navigation, casualty evacuation procedures and controlled explosive operations.

“EOD plays a critical role in keeping the 39th Air Base Wing and our NATO partners ready to fight through effectively supporting our daily operations, post-attack airfield recovery, aircraft emergencies, UXO response, and suspicious package handling,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. William Berner, 39th CES commander. “The team will bring back what they’ve learned and incorporate those lessons into an already rigorous EOD training program so the whole flight can benefit.”

Participants operated and lived in field conditions designed to mirror mission environments, requiring the application of technical expertise under pressure while reinforcing disciplined coordination and team-based execution.

“It’s critical to conduct exercises like this so we can replicate likely situations that personnel may not routinely encounter or practice at their home stations,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Alexander Um, 786th Civil Engineer Squadron EOD flight commander. “It gives EOD personnel the opportunity and freedom to hone their skills in a controlled environment.”

Operation Deterrent Viking II brought together more than 50 EOD personnel from across the globe, including Slovakia and Belgium. Throughout the exercise, participants executed mission-essential tasks in a dynamic environment while exchanging tactics, techniques, and procedures to improve collective effectiveness and interoperability.

“The most important part of the exercise, to me, was teamwork,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tori Payne, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron EOD training noncommissioned officer in charge. “Debriefing our drills throughout the week allowed us to collaborate and refine our tactics, techniques, and procedures.”

The exercise reinforced the value of integrated multinational training in building cohesive, rapidly deployable forces capable of responding to evolving security challenges across the theater.

“I hope everyone left Operation Deterrent Viking II with a stronger sense of camaraderie, as well as more confidence in their skills,” Payne said. “This week pushed us to a higher level both physically and mentally, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Exercises like Operation Deterrent Viking II ensure 39 ABW EOD forces remain ready and postured to defend U.S. and allied interests across the European theater and globally.

SSgt Kadielle Shaw

39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

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

RAF Regiment Counter-UAS: Defending the Airspace and Turning Threat into Intelligence

Saturday, May 9th, 2026

A modern threat, a measured response. Across the world, the use of small, often commercially derived drones has become a defining feature of modern conflict. Cheap, adaptable and increasingly capable, these systems are used for surveillance, targeting and attack by both state and non-state actors.

In response, the RAF has developed a layered Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) capability, delivered on the ground by specialist RAF Regiment teams. Their role is clear: detect, track, identify and defeat hostile drones – while exploring opportunities to gather intelligence where possible.

How RAF Regiment Counter-UAS operates

RAF Regiment Counter-UAS capability forms part of a wider UK and coalition air defence system. At its core are systems such as ORCUS, Ninja and Rapid Sentry, designed to address the full spectrum of drone threats.

Detect and track

Sensors, including radar and radio frequency (RF) systems, are used to detect and track drones operating at low level and often provides the location of the drone operators

These systems help build a recognised air picture in complex environments

Identify and assess

Operators analyse signal data, flight behaviour and patterns and visually identify threats using an Ultra Long Range Electro Optical Surveillance System (or Daylight and Thermal Imaging Camera)

This enables rapid assessment of whether a drone is benign, unknown or hostile

Defeat or disrupt

A mix of electronic warfare and, where required, kinetic options are used to counter the threat
Electronic systems can interfere with the communications links used by many drones

Can they take control of drones?

This is where precision matters. RAF information confirms that systems such as Ninja can:

Interfere with or disrupt control links used by many types of drones

Take control of the drone providing multiple options including redirecting the drone and even forcing it into a safe landing

This is not guaranteed in every case, and depends on:

The type of drone

How it is controlled

The operating environment

From threat to intelligence opportunity

Where a drone can be safely brought down and recovered intact, it becomes more than a neutralised threat.

Recovered systems may allow:

Analysis of onboard data and components

Insight into operating methods and technical capabilities

Potential understanding of launch points or networks involved

This turns a defensive action into an intelligence advantage – informing future operations and improving force protection.

Operational context: the Middle East

RAF Regiment Counter-UAS teams No. 2 Counter-UAS Wing, have been deployed across the Middle East in support of UK and coalition operations.

Their role includes:

Protecting personnel, aircraft and infrastructure
Countering persistent drone threats from hostile actors
Contributing to a coordinated, coalition-wide air defence effort

Part of a layered defence system

Counter-UAS is one layer within a broader RAF approach:

Ground-based air defence (RAF Regiment) – countering drones and low-level threats
Combat air – providing high-end air dominance and response
ISR and enablers – delivering intelligence, surveillance and operational coordination

Together, these elements create a layered defence system capable of responding across the full spectrum of aerial threats.

RAF Regiment Counter-UAS operations reflect a deliberate shift in modern warfare:

From simply destroying threats
To understanding, disrupting and, where possible, exploiting them

Crucially, official RAF language is careful and precise:

Control of hostile drones is possible in some cases, not all
Safe landing and recovery is conditional, not routine and the capability to destroy hostile drones using kinetic effects remains if they remain a threat

That realism underpins a capability that is both credible and operationally effective.

Bottom line

RAF Regiment Counter-UAS teams are delivering a critical role in today’s operational environment:

Protecting UK and allied forces from evolving drone threats
Denying adversaries freedom of action in the airspace
And, where conditions allow, turning hostile systems into valuable sources of intelligence

In a battlespace where drones are constant, control – when achievable – becomes a decisive advantage.

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

Air Force Special Warfare Employs Kinetic Interceptor in Counter-UAS Proof of Concept

Sunday, May 3rd, 2026

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. —

Air Force Special Warfare Airmen from the 48th Rescue Squadron, 7th Air Support Operations Squadron, and 316th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal conducted a proof-of-concept event on April 7, 2026. The event integrated a commercial off-the-shelf kinetic interceptor with an expeditionary counter-small unmanned aircraft system (C-sUAS) to address critical capability gaps for small teams operating “outside the wire.”

The demonstration took place at the Arizona Army National Guard Florence Military Reservation in Arizona. As adversaries increasingly employ low-cost, one-way attack drones, smaller, forward-deployed teams face growing risks without access to traditional, fixed-site air defense. This event focused on developing a lightweight, deployable capability to detect, track, and defeat Group 1–3 small unmanned aerial systems in austere environments.

The unit executed a layered approach to C-sUAS operations, integrating low-cost interceptor technology with expeditionary sensing and command-and-control systems. Through this proof-of-concept event, the Arizona Army National Guard, the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center, and multiple industry partners integrated detection tools, command-and-control systems, and various target aircraft.

During the event, AFSW Airmen executed four core functions: detect, assess, command and control, and defeat. The objective was to evaluate the ability to detect an enemy unmanned aircraft and provide tracking data through a common operating picture. The system then cued the interceptor to launch, track, and engage a UAS target, demonstrating a sensor-to-shooter kill chain at an operationally relevant cost.

“We are evaluating a range of layered detection and defeat capabilities,” said an AFSW Airman assigned to the 355th Wing. “By employing diverse target profiles, from fixed-wing systems to quadcopters across the Group 1-3 range, we can assess how, when, and where our C-sUAS systems are most effective. Our objective is a man-portable capability with a high degree of autonomy that can operate with minimal infrastructure while remaining fully interoperable within a broader C-sUAS architecture.”

The training highlighted the squadron’s continued evolution beyond its traditional rescue mission, expanding into offensive and defensive small UAS employment in contested environments.

“From a force protection and mission execution standpoint, each layer addresses different threats across varying distances,” the AFSW Airman said. “This approach adapts against near-peer threats while maintaining the cost-effective countermeasures required in modern conflict.”

This effort represents a significant step toward operationalizing expeditionary C-sUAS capabilities by integrating industry-developed and organically produced systems, with a continued focus on rapidly equipping the warfighter in forward environments.

By Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos

355th Wing

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

Decision Advantages Formed by ACC’s Operations Analysis Squadron

Wednesday, April 29th, 2026

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. (AFNS) —

On a battlefield where information is the ultimate weapon, Air Combat Command’s Operations Analysis Squadron delivers combat-ready clarity, transforming complex data into the decision advantage that saves lives and wins fights.

The mission at ACC OAS is to execute operational analysis by transforming data into decision advantage for ACC commanders and warfighters within combat airpower, cyberwarfare and intelligence formations.

“Our job is to turn raw data into a decision advantage,” said Maj. Phillip Jenkins, ACC OAS director of operations. “We deliver solutions that provide commanders with a crystal-clear, evidence-based picture of readiness. Ultimately, this work helps us defend the homeland and strengthens our entire Joint Force.”

The United States Air Force Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, took advantage of the OAS airmen with the eGradebook.

The development of the eGradebook stemmed from the need to innovate and meet current operational demands. Previously, evaluators relied on paper forms and excel spreadsheets which led to long hours and redundant work. The transition to a unified online platform automated trend analysis and streamlined data entry.

To accommodate the unique requirements of each weapons school and their specific aircraft or specialty, 18 customized solutions were developed by OAS.

“The eGradebook project fundamentally changes how we approach student development. We’ve moved away from fragmented data to a centralized system that gives us a clear view of student performance,” said Col. David T. Madson, commandant of the USAFWS. “This allows us to identify trends, close gaps and better understand how our students are progressing, so we can tailor instruction to ensure we’re producing graduates of uncompromising quality.”

The OAS team is skilled in various techniques to include optimization, modeling and simulation, artificial intelligence, applied machine learning, decision analysis, applied probability and statistics, operational assessments, process automation, operations research, predictive analysis, data science and more.

Growing their capabilities as a squadron, they are looking to build upon and continue successful contribution to readiness and warfighting excellence.

“The goal of our work is to leverage DAF-wide tools to develop a solution that returned valuable time to Airmen, enabling them to focus on their duties and personal development rather than working through slow, manual processes,” said 2nd Lt. Kate Leonard, ACC OAS Combat Operations Analysis team lead. “Each ACC OAS project team applies their unique skills, such as programming, mathematics and statistical analysis, across a variety of platforms to improve unit efficiency and equip leaders with data-driven insights.”

By Jasmine Braswell

Air Combat Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | No Comments »

USAF, Army Integrate Air Defense Capabilities During Freedom Shield 26

Monday, April 20th, 2026

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) —

The 51st Security Forces Squadron and 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade conducted joint training during exercise Freedom Shield 26 at Osan Air Base, March 9-13.

During the exercise, the 51st SFS and 35th ADA worked together to detect and respond to a simulated hostile drone approaching the installation, using a U.S. Army AN/TWQ-1 Avenger to identify, track and engage the simulated aerial threat.

“This training integrated Army air defense capabilities into the base defense plan,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Ty Waits, Echo Battery, 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment Avenger platoon leader. “By working alongside Air Force security forces, we ensure we can rapidly respond to aerial threats and protect the installation.”

The Avenger is a mobile air defense platform equipped with Stinger missiles designed to counter low-altitude threats, such as drones and aircraft.

Integrating the Avengers system into Osan’s defensive posture strengthens the base’s layered defense strategy.

“Our goal is to defend the installation against smaller aerial threats so higher-level systems can focus on larger threats,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christian Natal, 51st Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of wartime plans.

Natal emphasized the increasing prevalence of small unmanned aerial systems in modern conflicts, highlighting the importance that defenders train against them. Training scenarios like this ensure personnel can quickly detect, track and respond to potential unmanned aircraft incursions.

The training additionally emphasized the use of man-portable air defense teams, or MANPADs. If the Avenger platform becomes inoperable, the crews can remove the Stinger missile pods and deploy them as mobile teams capable of moving across the installation with security forces patrols.

This flexibility allows defenders to reposition quickly and maintain air defense coverage across the base.

Joint exercises like this strengthen coordination between U.S. Army and Air Force units and improve readiness against evolving threats.

“As drones and other unmanned systems become more common on the battlefield, training like this ensures we are prepared to defend the base and protect the mission,” Natal said. “Continued joint training helps ensure forces remain ready to respond to emerging threats in a dynamic security environment.”

By SSgt Tylir Meyer

51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

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

AI Bootcamp Readies Air Commandos for Next-Gen Advantage

Sunday, April 12th, 2026

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Air Force Special Operations Command has begun hosting AI Bootcamps, a pioneering training course designed to arm servicemembers with the skills to ethically and effectively integrate artificial intelligence into their daily duties.

The course stems from the command’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to maintain a competitive advantage in an increasingly complex operating environment. The goal of the initiative is to empower Air Commandos to utilize AI tools, streamlining procedural processes and tasks to reclaim valuable time for mission-critical responsibilities.

“The AFSOC AI Bootcamp was created out of a forward-thinking effort to prepare our servicemembers for an AI-integrated environment,” said Dr. Christina Parker, AFSOC chief learning officer. “We accomplish this by identifying and addressing concerns of using AI; identifying AI appropriate tasks; highlighting “Human in the Loop” strategies and techniques; and providing highly practical, hands-on application training.”

As part of practical application practice, students are taught how to assign the AI system a role to play for accomplishing an identified task.

“AI can serve as a ‘brainstormer’ to move past the ‘blank page’ problem, a ‘translator’ to reformat data and adjust the tone of materials, a ‘red teamer’ to identify weaknesses in a plan, and even a ‘tutor’ to break down complex topics for upskilling,” said Parker.

The course was designed to create a bridge the knowledge gap on generative AI systems, creating a baseline understanding for users no matter their experience level.

“It’s rare to leave a one-day course feeling you’ve gained a truly foundational understanding of something so transformative,” said a course participant. This wasn’t just another training day; this felt mission critical.”

AFSOC’s prioritization of AI integration began in September 2025 with the establishment a standalone A9 directorate, with a mission focused on data, AI, analytics, and assessments.

“We were tasked with designing this training in November 2025,” said Parker. “When the Secretary of War’s ‘Harness Artificial Intelligence’ memorandum was released in December, we were already positioned to execute.”

Parker states AFSOC’s proactive stance in designing, developing, and delivering the AI training has led higher headquarters and other commands across the Joint Force to reach out to request her team’s materials for review and use.

Through this forward-leaning approach, AFSOC is not just initiating the charge for mass AI adoption but is actively building the framework to teach servicemembers how to rapidly integrate these capabilities. This initiative positions them at the forefront of shaping how the Joint Force will team up with artificial intelligence.

“The primary goal is for every servicemember to have the mindset that AI is not a replacement, but a powerful teammate,” said Parker.

By Capt Brandon DeBlanc

Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in AI / ML, Air Force, Guest Post, SOF, Training | Comments Off on AI Bootcamp Readies Air Commandos for Next-Gen Advantage