Ukraine Using Private Air Defense Teams To Protect Industry Against Russian Drones
Ukraine has launched an experimental program that lets private companies operate their own short‑range air‑defense systems, including interceptor drones and automated gun turrets, under the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ command. The first private unit has already downed Shahed and Zala drones over the Kharkiv region, and 13 additional firms are in various stages of preparation. The scheme leverages Ukraine’s production of roughly 40,000 interceptor drones in January and aims to free frontline troops while protecting critical industrial infrastructure. Officials say the model could eventually support a $2 billion export pipeline, though its scalability and integration remain untested.
A-10 Warthogs Are Doing Bizarrely Long Strafing Runs In Iraq
During Operation Epic Fury, U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthogs have been captured on video executing unusually long strafing runs in Iraq, with bursts lasting six to nine seconds—far beyond the typical two‑to‑three‑second bursts. Veteran pilots confirm these extended firings are...
Army Scales Back Barriers To Access Its Top Testing Ranges
The U.S. Army is overhauling access to its premier test ranges, including Utah’s Dugway Proving Ground, by delegating approval authority to testers and streamlining safety‑release paperwork. The new process waives many red‑tape requirements for non‑type‑classified and commercial prototype systems, especially...
Three USAF F-15E Strike Eagles Shot Down By Friendly Fire (Updated)
Three U.S. Air Force F‑15E Strike Eagles were lost over Kuwait in an apparent friendly‑fire incident during Operation Epic Fury. All six crew members ejected safely and were rescued. CENTCOM confirmed the jets were shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses,...
X-BAT Drone ‘Fighter’ Will Begin VTOL Flight Testing In Kansas This Year
Shield AI announced that its X‑BAT vertical‑take‑off‑and‑landing combat drone will begin flight testing near Newton, Kansas, later this year. The company highlighted VTOL capability as the program’s core differentiator during the AFA Warfare Symposium. X‑BAT is designed to combine stealth,...