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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.

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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

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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

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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

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AV’s UES Awarded $25M AFRL Contract to Mature Human Performance Technologies for Warfighter Readiness

Wednesday, April 8th, 2026

ARLINGTON, Va. — April 7, 2026 — The United States Air Force has awarded UES, a division of advanced research and development leader AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a three-year, $25M contract to transition innovative human health and performance technologies from research to field deployment.

Supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory’s 711th Human Performance Wing Human Effectiveness Directorate (711 HPW), AV will mature mid-stage sensor, diagnostic and material technologies that have remained largely confined to Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3-5. Work completed under this contract will accelerate the delivery of deployable solutions to enhance warfighter readiness, resilience, and survivability.

“With stringent requirements, harsh operating environments, and limited access to specialized infrastructure, health-focused devices for our military service members have faced unique challenges in reaching operational use,” said Dr. Stephaney Shanks, Vice President of Health and Performance Technologies at AV. “AV has the tools, track record, and technical expertise to tackle these challenges with solutions that deliver real-world impact, using the power of science to protect and empower our warfighters.”

With in-house prototyping and AI-enhanced data analytics, AV will test at scale and advance health-focused technologies and devices. This work integrates disciplined research methods and structured decision criteria to identify viable solutions for transition. The scope of work will focus on four critical areas:

Advanced sensor systems for airframe and pilot integration, improving in-field monitoring of physiological and environmental conditions.
Ruggedized wearable diagnostic tools for medical, chemical, and biological assessments in austere conditions
Powerful AI/ML-enabled databases and analytics to convert raw biosensor data into actionable insights and intelligence
Emerging biotechnology platforms, including stress-mitigating probiotics and synbio-based sensors, to support and protect force health

“By integrating biosensing and advanced materials with AI-enabled analytics and insights, we’re shaping the future of military readiness,” added Johnathan Jones, Senior Vice President of Cyber and Mission Solutions at AV. “Taking technology from the lab to the frontlines, we’re turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s capabilities.”

AV has collaborated with the 711 HPW on prior efforts, such as deploying onboard oxygen monitoring sensors to investigate unexplained physiological events (UPEs) in pilots. This contract builds upon these successes to address hardware ruggedization, faster data processing, and enhanced user interfaces, meeting the demands of the Air and Space Force.

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The First Line of Defense is Language, Regional Expertise and Culture: How AFCLC Helps Secure the Homeland

Sunday, March 29th, 2026

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. —

Defending the U.S. homeland is a cornerstone and the ultimate deliverable of the latest National Defense Strategy. It is also a task deeply intertwined with the specialized work of the AFCLC.

The AFCLC delivers a contribution to homeland defense by strengthening security cooperation with partner nations on U.S. borders, a mission directly supported by LEAP Scholars and tailored curriculum. This partnership helps contain threats before they reach the homeland.

“LEAP arms our Airmen with the linguistic and cultural tools that are essential for working hand in hand with Latin American mission partners,” said Capt. Konrad Bennett, Chief Security Forces 704thMunitions Support Squadron, Ghedi Air Base, Italy. “While many LEAP scholars are native speakers with cultural and family ties across the border, LITEs and e-Mentors provide professional vocabulary and sharpen language skills, giving Airmen confidence to interact fluidly with international partners.”

In his work as a LEAP Scholar, Bennett has seen firsthand how the AFCLC contributes to defending the homeland.

“As a Flight Commander at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA), I worked with a number of Spanish LEAP scholars,” he said. “They were frequently called upon to translate and serve as Subject Matter Experts with Mexico as well as multiple Central and South American mission partners. AFNORTH consulted my team for the development of a Security Forces career field for the Mexican Air Force, calling on us to showcase Security Forces techniques and training to a delegation from Mexico. By building partner capacity, the US enables Mexico to do its part to reduce threats on its side of the border. Additionally, one of my Airmen was tasked to translate for the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), CBP (Customs and Border Protection), DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), ARNORTH (United States Army North) and Department of State for cross-border security discussions in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Coordination between US and Mexican law enforcement agencies is crucial to a secure border and to reducing threats from transnational criminal and terrorist organizations.”

LEAP Scholar Tech Sgt. Edgar Bravo, Section Chief, Combat Arms/SFCA, 31st Security Forces Squadron with the 31st Security Forces Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy has also participated in activities that have strengthened security cooperation with partner nations and defended the homeland.

“The linguistic and cultural proficiency I gained through the Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) has been invaluable in strengthening security cooperation,” Bravo said. “I had the opportunity to put these skills to direct use during the ‘FUERZAS AMIGAS’ exercise preparation, a critical disaster-response drill in Juarez, Mexico. There, I served as the lead interpreter for the U.S. Army North (ARNORTH) Commander, facilitating vital communication with our Mexican counterparts. Separately, my expertise was tasked by Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA) and the Mexican Air Force (SEDENA), where I played a pivotal role in helping them pioneer a foundational plan to establish their own Security Forces career field. Both of these experiences underscore how LEAP equips us to build trust and interoperability with our partners, directly enhancing our collective ability to secure our shared borders and protect the homeland.”

Rather than a separate mission, the AFCLC’s mastery of language, regional expertise, and culture is the core of its contribution to defending the homeland.

“The NDS top priority is Defending the Homeland, which now includes the Western Hemisphere,” said Dr. Daniel Uribe, the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s U.S. Southern Command expert. “In addition to preparing to defend our region from kinetic attacks, the NDS recognizes that homeland defense also hinges on interagency coordination, allied integration and partnerships with Western Hemisphere nations. Our LEAP Scholars and the AFCLC are critical to these efforts. The LREC capabilities the AFCLC provides the Air Force and Space Force enable deeper connections with our friends and allies in the region through security cooperation efforts, multi-national exercises, and humanitarian relief efforts. These strong connections also serve to deter potential adversaries. Our LEAP Airmen and Guardians are key enablers to the NDS LOE 1 Defending the Homeland.”

By James Brown, AFCLC Outreach Team

AFCLC

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