Aircraft (Page 2)

News, explainers, and analysis about military aircraft.

Latest in Aircraft

Image: U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Nov. 23, 2025) Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones are positioned on the tarmac at a base in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) operating area, Nov. 23. The LUCAS platforms are part of a one-way attack drone squadron CENTCOM recently deployed to the Middle East to strengthen regional security and deterrence. (Courtesy Photo) 
Drones

Iran strike marks first time US used new one-way attack drones in combat

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 1, 2026

U.S. Army Spc. Israel Arreguin with the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 759th Military Police Battalion, assigned to Joint Task Force - Southern Border and a Border Patrol agent conduct detection and monitoring operations from an observation post near Wellton, Ariz., April 23, 2025. Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command, Joint Task Force – Southern Border aligns efforts to seal the southern border and repel illegal activity and is responsible for full-scale, agile, and all-domain operations, which will allow for more effective and efficient DoD operations. (U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Erica Esterly)
Drones

Military shoots down Customs and Border Protection drone with a laser

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 27, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 11: A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter is displayed on the National Mall in preparations for celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army on June 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
Aircraft

Fight over military aviation safety reform stalls in Congress

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Feb 24, 2026

Image:  A Soldier assigned to 1st Cavalry Division maneuvers a drone on the Hunter/Killer Lane during the U.S.Army Best Drone Warfighter Competition on Feb. 18, 2026, in Huntsville, Ala. Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers began competing for the top warfighter while showcasing their agility, adaptability, and lethality as they adapt to the evolving modern battlefield. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michelle Lessard-Terry)
Drones

The Army crowns the winners of its first drone competition

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 22, 2026

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Lauren Sweitzer, 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals an E-3 Sentry, assigned to the 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, March 6, 2022. The aircraft provides an accurate, real-time picture of the battlespace to the Joint Air Operations Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)
Aircraft

As aging Air Force AWACS heads to Middle East, where is its replacement?

By David Roza

Posted on Feb 20, 2026

An AH-64E Apache crew, assigned to 1-3 Attack Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, prepares to engage during aerial gunnery training at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 2, 2025. Gunnery qualifications are a cornerstone of their ability to provide a lethal and credible aviation force to U.S. Army Europe and Africa, essential for maintaining the combat readiness and lethality of 1-3 Attack Battalion. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Josefina Garcia)
Drones

Army successfully tests Apache with new ammunition meant to shred drone swarms

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 17, 2026

Marine AH-1Z Viper helicopter armed with Red Wolf launched effects.
Helicopters

Marine attack helicopters will now be able to hit targets 200 miles away with a missile

By Kyle Gunn

Posted on Feb 13, 2026

Caption: An A-10 Warthog flies by for close-air support while taking part in live-fire training with the USS Santa Barbara on Feb. 2, 2026. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Iain Page.
Aircraft

A-10 and LCS, both headed for retirement, spotted together in the Middle East

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 10, 2026

Royce Williams
Fighter Aircraft

Navy pilot to receive Medal of Honor nearly 75 years after shooting down 4 MiGs

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Feb 5, 2026

Image: U.S. Air Force loadmasters with the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron load cargo onto a C-130J Super Hercules at Manda Bay, Kenya, May 2, 2025. As U.S. Air Forces Africa’s sole airlift unit, the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron provides C-130 tactical airlift support to multiple users in East Africa, including aeromedical evacuation, logistical movements, alert aircrews, and aircraft for crisis response and humanitarian operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Kevin Ray J. Salvador)
Aircraft

US starts $70 million upgrade to Kenyan airfield used in Somalia operations

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 1, 2026

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade learns to operate the Dronebuster Block 4 at Caserma Ederle, Italy, Dec. 2, 2025. The Dronebuster Block 4 is a hand-held counter-unmanned aerial system designed to detect, disrupt and defeat commercial off-the-shelf drone threats, strengthening the brigade’s ability to counter emerging aerial risks. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to U.S. European, African and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward-stationed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains with NATO allies and partners to enhance interoperability and readiness. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Jennifer French)
Drones

Pentagon gives base commanders more control on countering drones

By Nicholas Slayton

Updated on Feb 1, 2026

The Air Force is in the middle of replacing its aging rescue helicopter fleet. But the number it plans to buy has been cut.
Helicopters

The big problem facing Air Force combat search and rescue

By David Roza

Posted on Jan 30, 2026

Japan Air Self-Defense Force members from the Naha Air Rescue Squadron ride on a U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron, in support of exercise Cope Angel 25-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 26, 2025. Cope Angel is an annual bilateral personnel recovery exercise conducted with U.S. Air Force and JASDF personnel, providing the opportunity for both services to integrate, plan and train together. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)
Helicopters

Air Force helicopter landed too close to crowd in death of school teacher, report finds

By Nicholas Slayton, Matt White

Updated on Jan 25, 2026

F-15s in Middle East
Drones

F-15 squadron that took out Iranian drones returns to the Middle East

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Jan 21, 2026

CV-22 Ospreys assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron (SOS) approach an MC-130J Commando II for aerial refueling over the Sea of Japan, Mar. 17th, 2023. The 21st SOS utilizes the unique capabilities of the Osprey to conduct long range infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply missions for special operation forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier)
Aircraft

Air Force crew reacted rapidly to sudden power failure in Osprey mishap

By Matt White

Posted on Jan 13, 2026

 U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 19, 2025) A U.S. Air Force chaplain prays over an A-10 Thunderbolt II at a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 19, 2025. (U.S. Air Force Photo) 
Aircraft

An A-10 taking part in Syria airstrikes sports ‘Metroid’ nose art

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jan 12, 2026

An F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 213, launches from the flight deck of the world’s largest aircraft carrier, Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), while underway in the Caribbean Sea, Dec. 28, 2025. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president's priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. (U.S. Navy photo)
Bombers

More than 150 fighters, bombers and other aircraft took part in Venezuela strike

By Nicholas Slayton

Updated on Jan 4, 2026

Airman 1st Class Charles Crumlett, 335th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew member, prepares a weapon to be loaded during the 4th Quarter Load Crew of the Quarter competition, Jan. 26, 2018, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. The purpose of the weapons load competition is to showcase the weapons crews highly developed skills with precise loading capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenneth Boyton)
Fighter Aircraft

Lack of supervision contributed to Alaska airman’s death, report finds

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Dec 31, 2025

A patch celebrating the legacy of the A-10 mission is worn by a newly appointed dedicated crew chief during the final A-10 dedicated crew chief ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 31, 2025. The 357th Fighter Generation Squadron owns the remaining A-10Cs utilized by the Air Force, and will see their final divestment in late 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ericha Parish)
Aircraft

Air Force A-10 patch marks an ‘end of an errrrra’

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Dec 15, 2025

Air National Guard airmen from the 119th Maintenance Squadron prepares an MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for flight during the Northern Strike 2025 exercise at the Alpena, Mich. Combat Regional Training Center, August 2-16, 2025. Northern Strike is one of the Department of Defense’s largest reserve component readiness exercises, is taking place now across Michigan. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Sr. Master Sgt. Michael Knodle)
Drones

Congress wants to screen drone operators for PTSD, depression

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Dec 14, 2025

241231-N-TN409-1156 U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 31, 2024) Two U.S. Navy pilots in an F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, prepare for launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)
Fighter Aircraft

Navy cruiser mistook fighter jets for incoming missiles during chaotic night

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Dec 4, 2025

Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs, assigned to the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, fly in formation prior to conducting air-to-air refueling over Utah, July 1, 2025.
Aircraft

Why are so many US military aircraft painted grey?

By David Roza

Posted on Nov 25, 2025

A Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean Sean, Sept. 7, 2025.
Aircraft

Marine Harriers are in the Caribbean just ahead of retirement

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Nov 21, 2025

SAINT LAWRENCE ISLAND, Alaska (Sept. 11, 2022) A West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare operator conducts security utilizing a SHIELD AI Nova I drone during Operation Noble Defender. Sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning software capabilities coupled with the development of layered denial, and defeat mechanisms capable of addressing current and emerging threats are fundamental to national defense. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Alex Smedegard)
Drones

Navy SEALs want to start a 10-day school to learn drone warfare 

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Nov 17, 2025

Staff Sgt. Kristopher Garbea, with the unmanned aerial system Platoon, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, prepares a reconnaissance drone for flight during Saber Junction 25 (SJ25) at the Joint Multinational Readiness Training Center at Hohenfels, Germany Sept. 9, 2025. Soldiers within the unit developed Purpose Built Attritable System drones to use against simulated enemy forces at SJ25. This exercise ensures that the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and allied forces are prepared to act decisively in response to emerging threats, crises, or opportunities. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Shenicquia Fulton)
Drones

The Army is going to buy a million drones 

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Nov 7, 2025

No clear winner emerged from teams of Marines, Army Rangers, Navy SEALs and Air Force airmen competed in a "Drone Crucible" in September.
Drones

No clear winner in military’s first ‘drone crucible’

By Drew F. Lawrence

Posted on Oct 29, 2025

250730-N-IP140-1119 U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (July 30, 2025) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during flight operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)
Fighter Aircraft

Two USS Nimitz aircraft crash within an hour in separate mishaps

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Oct 26, 2025

A turboprop plane rests in a field after crashing, two power poles askew in the front.
Aircraft

The Air Force’s special operations crop duster crashed in a field in Oklahoma

By Nicholas Slayton

Updated on Oct 25, 2025

Marine Maj. Tyler R. Braconi was identified as the pilot killed in the crash of a AH-1Z attack helicopter Oct. 16.
Helicopters

Marine pilot killed in California helicopter crash ‘was one of the greats,’ squadron says

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Oct 21, 2025

A S-70UAS U-Hawk, a modified uncrewed Black Hawk helicopter.
Helicopters

This wild new Black Hawk prototype is part drone, part Transformer

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Oct 13, 2025

Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) 1st Class Anthony Huffman, from Forest Grove, Oregon, conducts maintenance on aircraft in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Pacific Ocean, July 27, 2024. Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Anthony Lagunes)
Fighter Aircraft

Navy maintenance crews are stripping their own jets and submarines for spare parts

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Oct 6, 2025

An MQ-9 Reaper taxis on the runway after landing in support of Freedom Flag 24-1 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 23, 2024. Freedom Flag 24-1 is an advanced, large-scale tactical exercise between the U.S. and allied partners dedicated to the protection of regional peace and stability through the adaptation of novel and collaborative training methods, ensuring readiness against a wide range of threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maria Umanzor Guzman)
Drones

Air Force revives WWII-era squadron in South Korea as modern drone force

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Sep 29, 2025

Workers at Allen Control Systems accidentally ordered parts for a Bullfrog weapon system in rose gold rather than black. The company says the military services can order it in this color if they so please.
Drones

Someone accidentally ordered this drone-killing robot in rose gold

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Sep 23, 2025

F-35 drug missions
Fighter Aircraft

Why does the US have F-35s flying anti-cartel missions in the Caribbean?

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Sep 19, 2025

A B-2 bomber drops a JDAM.
Bombers

Air Force B-2 bomber tests ship-killer bomb off of Norway

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Sep 13, 2025

MQ-9 Reaper
Drones

US deploys MQ-9 Reaper drones to the Caribbean

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Sep 12, 2025

Rangers Test Drones
Drones

Army Rangers are testing out drones as anti-tank weapons

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Sep 8, 2025

An F-35A Lightning II performs a restricted climb over March Air Reserve Base during takeoff for a practice demonstration, April 11, 2025. The F-35A Demonstration Team showcases the power, precision, and lethality of the world’s most advanced multirole stealth fighter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Nathan Poblete)
Aircraft

US sending F-35s to Puerto Rico as military buildup in the Caribbean continues

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Sep 5, 2025

A UH-1N Huey flies over Tokyo.
Helicopters

Hueys make their last flight at Yokota Air Base as the Air Force retires them

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Aug 31, 2025

A soldier uses the KnightFigher drone jamming device during Project Flytrap, July 28, 2025.
Drones

Project Flytrap and the Army’s answer to drone warfare

By Kyle Gunn

Posted on Aug 29, 2025

A CH-53E helicopter with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing burns on Aug. 22, 2025.
Helicopters

Marine Corps CH-53E helicopter catches fire at Twentynine Palms

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Aug 25, 2025

1st Cavalry Division Trooper, Sgt. Nathaniel Martin, an Unmanned Aircraft System Operator, assigned to 8th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, launches a drone from his hand during Pegasus Forge, on Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 6, 2025. Pegasus Forge allows the First Team to utilize new technology and gain experience in the field to support and progress in the Army's Transformation in Contact initiative. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. David Dumas)
Drones

Army plays ‘catch up’ on drone warfare with new operator course

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Aug 21, 2025

Air Force Thunderbirds
Fighter Aircraft

Air Force says jets did not exceed Mach 1 in low passes over Chicago

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Aug 19, 2025

A Z-137 crop duster plane with two missiles under its wings flies over the skies of Ukraine.
Drones

A missile-armed crop duster is the latest anti-drone weapon in Ukraine

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Aug 10, 2025

The Navy, in partnership with Skydweller Aero, recently achieved continuous solar-powered unmanned flight during a nonstop three-day test from Stennis, Mississippi. Led by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), the test of Skydweller UAS marks a significant advancement in both long-endurance solar-powered UAS technology and its potential to enhance maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
Drones

The Navy flew a solar-powered drone for 73 hours straight

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Aug 5, 2025

Drones
Drones

How far does the US military have to go to catch up on drones?

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Aug 4, 2025

A flight of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft sit for a weapons check prior to takeoff at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 28, 2025. As part of the Super Squadron Test Phase II, pilots and F-16s will be temporarily relocated to Osan Air Base aiming to consolidate air power and increase combat capability on the Korean Peninsula. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Landon Gunsauls)
Fighter Aircraft

Air Force creates a second ‘super squadron’ in South Korea

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Aug 2, 2025

U.S. Army Sgt. Elena Killough and Sgt. Demond Blach, assigned to the Deathwatch Platoon, 10th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conduct maintenance on an Unmanned Aircraft System during a first person view individual qualification on Grafenwöhr Training Area, July 21, 2025. The 1st ABCT, 3rd Infantry Division, tests purpose-built, retrievable FPV drones to highlight the ability against autonomous targets to improve battlefield readiness and integration with armored units. The 1st ABCT, 3rd Infantry Division, and V Corps are part of America’s Forward Deployed Corps in Europe which works alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and assigned units in the European Theater. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Josefina Garcia)
Drones

No drone war for old men? How an Army exercise highlighted a generational divide

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Jul 30, 2025

U.S. Army paratroopers operate and analyze a first-person view (FPV) drone in-flight April 27, 2025. Photo by Sgt. Mariah Y. Gonzalez
Drones

‘Brutality over precision’ — What the Army is learning from Russia in Ukraine

By Kyle Gunn

Posted on Jul 28, 2025

An M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank at Bergen-Hohne Training Area, Germany, equipped with Abrams Reactive Armor Tiles and the Trophy Active Protection System, July 10, 2020.
Drones

What the Army is doing to keep its tanks alive against drones

By Kyle Gunn

Posted on Jul 24, 2025

Two U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors fly in formation with two Norwegian F-35A Lightning II fighters during an air refueling over Norway, Aug. 15, 2018.
Aircraft

Why NATO is betting big on the F-35

By Kyle Gunn

Posted on Jul 21, 2025

The Army is rapidly advancing capabilities in the Short-Range Reconnaissance (SRR) program by deploying cutting-edge Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (SUAS) to Trans-formation in Contact (TiC) Brigades. In April, the PEO Aviation, Project Office UAS, responded to an urgent request to deploy Tranche 2 SUAS to the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division (Fort Campbell, Kentucky) in support of their rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Johnson, Louisiana. Both the Skydio X10D system and Teal Drones' Black Widow system will support Army TiC Brigades in developing and refining tactics, techniques, and procedures for employing networked reconnaissance and surveillance systems against emerging battlefield threats. (Photo Credit: Courtesy photo)
Drones

Expect to see more drones during training under new Pentagon rules

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Jul 17, 2025

SMASH 2000L fire control system
Drones

Marines to field new smart scope to help shoot down small drones

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Jul 16, 2025

An 8th Air Force B-17 bomber flies over a bombed target in 1943.
Bombers

The Army Air Forces tried to use remote-controlled bombers as attack drones in World War II

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jul 7, 2025

Pentagon sets up interservice counter-drone task force
Drones

Pentagon sets up interservice counter-drone task force

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jul 6, 2025

A T-6A Texan II taxis on the runway at Sheppard Air Force Base in 2019.
Aircraft

Tangled straps likely caused Air Force instructor pilot’s death, report finds

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jun 29, 2025

Five U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxi within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 29, 2025. U.S. and Coalition forces are postured to rapidly establish credible, combat-ready forces within the AOR to deter adversary threats of aggression and, if necessary, respond with effective and overwhelming force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kevin Dunkleberger)
Aircraft

2 aircraft carriers, 9 destroyers, and multiple fighter wings gather in the Middle East

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jun 20, 2025

A sailor hammers away at floor planks in a trench in Latvia.
Drones

Marines and sailors are building trenches for the drone age

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jun 17, 2025

US base defense in the era of large-scale drone attacks
Drones

US base defense in the era of large-scale drone attacks

By Kyle Gunn

Posted on Jun 14, 2025

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dustin K. Wright stands in front of an American flag.
Helicopters

Army identifies 101st Airborne soldier killed in training accident

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jun 14, 2025

Concept art of two sleek, futuristic uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft flying in the clouds.
Drones

Air Force sets up new Experimental Operations Unit for Collaborative Combat Aircraft

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jun 7, 2025

U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to 10th Mountain Division, complete a training and validation exercise on the AN/TPQ-53 radar system in Sierra Vista, Ariz., March 12, 2025. The AN/TPQ-53 radar system is a unique military capability provided by Joint Task Force - Southern Border to augment U.S. Customs and Border Protection along the southern border. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Chase Murray)
Drones

Soldiers on US-Mexico border hunt drones with air defense radars typically used in combat

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Jun 4, 2025

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, alongside multinational medical teams, integrated drones-based blood resupply during the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) as part of Swift Response 2025, at camp Adrian Rohn, Pabrade, Lithuania, May 15, 2025. The exercise marked a first for the brigade, using the TRV-150 drone and the Flying Basket drone to deliver simulated blood to field care locations. The goal: enhance survivability and speed in austere, contested environments where traditional medical resupply is high-risk. Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photos by Elena Baladelli)
Drones

Army medics were moving blood to the frontlines with drones in a major recent exercise

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Jun 2, 2025

U.S. Army Spc. Anton Lane, a combat medic with specialized drone training, assigned to 5-7 Cavalry, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division inspects a Skydio X10E4TT drone prior to flight during exercise Combined Resolve 25-2 at Hohenfels, Germany on May 17, 2025. TiC is grounded in one principle: increasing the lethality of our formations by creating more agile and mobile units capable of responding to complex combat scenarios (US Army photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Fist Class Richard Hoppe, Released).
Drones

The Army wants more drones, electronic warfare tech. This unit is the guinea pig.

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on May 21, 2025