U-2 Record Flight | Russia Moves Missiles | Another Chinese Jet

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Edited by: Sidney McAlear

FLIGHT LINE

🎯 Belarus to host 'Oreshnik' Missiles

During a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Russian President Vladimir Putin disclosed that sites for the deployment of the 'Oreshnik' missile in Belarus have been decided. The RS-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) is a strategic weapon and is now in full production. The RS-26 was utilized by Russia against Ukraine in November of 2024, it carried inert or conventional warheads during the strike. (more)

🎯 Raytheon Lands Whopping $3.5B Deal for AMRAAM Missiles

The U.S. Department of Defense has handed Raytheon, an RTX business, a record-breaking $3.5 billion contract for the production of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). This contract, which is the largest in the program's history, includes Foreign Military Sales to several nations such as Japan, Canada, Germany, the UK, and Ukraine. Global demand for the AMRAAM only appears to be increasing. Currently, 44 nations employ the AIM-120. This hefty deal comes less than a year after Raytheon received a separate $1.2 billion production award…and yes it seems to be tough to keep tracking these. (more)

🎯 Wasp Nest Buzzes with Radioactivity at Former Nuclear Site in South Carolina

A radioactive wasp nest was discovered at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina, a location once instrumental in the production of nuclear bombs in the U.S. The nest was found by employees routinely checking radiation levels, and it exhibited radiation levels 10 times higher than what federal regulations permit. The nest was promptly sprayed with insect killer, removed, and disposed of as radioactive waste. The contamination is believed to be a result of residual radioactivity from the site's operational period. (more)

🎯 U-2's Historic 70th Anniversary Soars to New Heights, Breaking Endurance Records

The Lockheed U-2, also known as the 'Dragon Lady', celebrated its 70th anniversary by breaking two endurance records. The historic flight flew for over 14 hours and covered more than 6,000 NM across all 48 contiguous states of the U.S. The flight, which was 11 years in the making, pushed the operational range of the U-2 to its limits and paid tribute to the legacy of the high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. The exact altitude reached remains classified, though the U-2 is known for its ability to fly at altitudes above 70,000 feet. (more)

🎯 Delhi Bows out of F-35 Plan

India has officially informed the U.S. that it will not be pursuing a purchase of the F-35. The Indian government is keen on jointly designing and manufacturing defense equipment domestically, rather than importing. This announcement followed recent U.S. tariff announcements on India. (more)

Hot Take: The F-35 offer seems to have been mostly surface-level. First, there was a verbal statement from President Trump, followed by Vice President J.D. Vance. Lockheed-Martin (LM) has pitched the F-21 to India for years. The F-21 would be a highly modified F-16 that would be heavily produced inside of India. Six or so years later…still no F-21. Nonetheless, LM has suggested the F-21 could be a great “stepping stone” for India into the F-35.

🎯 KF-21 Boramae: Set for Production

South Korea has inked a deal for the second production batch of the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet, signaling a transformative era for the nation's defense aerospace industry. Developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the KF-21 program has leveraged over 250 domestic suppliers, culminating in a sophisticated fifth-generation fighter jet. The deal ensures delivery of 100 jets by 2032, with the potential for further expansion. Despite stiff competition from global counterparts, the KF-21 offers a unique blend of advanced digital systems, stealth capabilities, and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive alternative to nations seeking autonomy in defense acquisitions. (more)

🎯 Russia Takes a Deep Dive into Naval Drone Deployment

The Russian elite unmanned systems center, RUBIKON, has started the deployment of strike naval drones, including submersible versions. This move represents a significant development in Russia's unmanned systems operations. The strategic impact of these deployments could be considerable, potentially altering naval warfare tactics. It is a clear indication of the continuing trend towards the use of drones in modern warfare. (more)

🎯 China's Stealthy Secret: Another High-Performance Jet Takes to the Skies

Recent imagery reveals China is testing a new tailless stealthy combat jet, fueling speculations around its purpose. It could be a highly autonomous, un-crewed combat air vehicle (UCAV) with 'loyal wingman' capabilities, or possibly a sixth-generation crewed jet similar to the J-50. The aircraft's design also points to the possibility of it being a more substantial aircraft, crewed or otherwise. The pace of Beijing's military aerospace developments continues to accelerate, underscored by this latest development. (more)

🎯 Navy Secretary's Shipyard Tour Spree: Phelan Pushes for Urgency, Unmanned Strategy, and Submarine Solutions

Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, recently made his 12th shipyard visit since taking office, advocating for urgency in the US shipbuilding process. During his stop at the South Korean-owned Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Phelan emphasized the importance of commercial shipbuilding for military purposes. The Navy is also working towards a comprehensive approach to shipbuilding, involving consistent federal funding and a focus on domestic competitiveness. (more)

SNAPSHOT

🚩 Russia is turning to Africa, eyeing Ethiopian Airlines for possible wet-lease agreements and other aviation cooperation amid Western sanctions. (more)

🚩 A Fort Bliss solider was arrested for attempting to transmit classified information to Russia. (more)

🚩 A Security Forces airman at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base fatally shot a civilian who attempted to enter the base. (more)

🚩 A United Airlines flight bound for Germany declared "mayday, mayday, mayday" with an engine failure last month, forcing the jet to hastily retreat to the Washington, D.C. area. (more)

🚩 Fighter jets scrambled, flares fired after planes violate Trump airspace over Bedminster, New Jersey. (more)

🚩 Putin gives Trump envoy award for CIA official's son killed fighting in Ukraine. (more)

🚩 A Czechoslovakian-made agricultural plane armed with Soviet-era heat-seeking missiles is Ukraine’s latest drone-killer. (more)

THREAT OF THE DAY (TOD)

The Lockheed U-2 is a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft developed by the United States, first flown in 1955 and entering operational service in 1956. It was designed by Lockheed's Skunk Works under Clarence "Kelly" Johnson to conduct strategic intelligence-gathering missions primarily during the Cold War. The U-2 entered operational service in 1956, with the CIA and USAF as its primary operators.

Primary Role and Capabilities:

• Strategic reconnaissance and intelligence gathering at extremely high altitudes

• Designed to fly above Soviet air defenses to collect photographic imagery and electronic signals intelligence

• Missions included covert overflights during the Cold War to monitor Soviet military activities and nuclear developments

Technical Specifications and Variants:

• Single-seat, single-engine aircraft with long, glider-like wings for high-altitude flight

• Wingspan approximately 80 feet; length about 63 feet

• Maximum altitude around 70,000 feet, with some test flights reaching 74,500 feet

• Range of about 3,000 miles

• Payload capacity up to 700 pounds of reconnaissance equipment, including cameras and sensors

• Variants include the original U-2, U-2C, and later TR-1 (tactical reconnaissance variant), with ongoing upgrades to avionics and sensors

• Recent Activities and Deployments (2020-2025):

• The U-2 remains in limited operational use with the United States Air Force, primarily for high-altitude reconnaissance missions.

• It supports intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles alongside modern platforms.

• Continues to be upgraded with advanced sensors and communication systems to maintain relevance in modern conflicts.

• Deployed in various theaters for ISR missions, including monitoring of global hotspots and support for military operations.

Notable Features and Capabilities:

• Exceptional high-altitude performance enables it to operate above most surface-to-air missile threats

• Long endurance and range for extended missions

• Ability to carry a diverse suite of sensors, including optical, infrared, and signals intelligence equipment

• Unique glider-like design for efficient high-altitude flight

International Use or Export:

• The U-2 has been operated exclusively by the United States; there are no known foreign operators or exports.

• Its missions and operations have been highly classified and sensitive, limiting international proliferation.

✅ Answer: B) S-75 SA-2 ‘Guideline’

On May 1, 1960, a Soviet S-75 SA-2 ‘Guideline’ surface-to-air missile shot down Francis Gary Powers’ U-2 during a high-altitude reconnaissance mission over Sverdlovsk. The incident exposed the limits of U-2 invulnerability, intensified Cold War tensions, and led to the collapse of a planned U.S.-Soviet summit. The SA-2 would go on to become one of the most widely deployed SAM systems of the era.