Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists highlights concerns over Rapid Dragon

In recent developments, the United States Air Force has successfully tested its innovative Rapid Dragon system, showcasing the potential to transform cargo aircraft into powerful weapons carriers. While the technology boasts a range of benefits for conventional operations, it has raised some significant concerns, particularly when considering its potential nuclear delivery capability. These concerns have been highlighted by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a renowned authority in nuclear policy and security. As the Rapid Dragon program continues to evolve, careful evaluation of its implications becomes crucial in shaping future military strategies and arms control agreements.

Once the Palletized Munition Deployment System was stabilized under the parachutes, the production long range cruise missile STV and mass simulants were released sequentially, timed for safe separation between munitions. The photo shows a successful separation of a STV from the sabot following the weapon release, followed by the deployment of the STV’s control surfaces (wings and tail). (Courtesy photo)

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ABC uncovers plans for new USAF Mission Planning and Operations Centre in Darwin, Australia

Recently, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) made a significant discovery regarding the United States Air Force’s strategic plans in the Northern Territory of Australia. According to budget filings and procurement documents uncovered by ABC, the U.S. is set to invest approximately $630 million in northern Australia over the next two to three years. The most notable aspect of this investment is the construction of a state-of-the-art “mission planning” and operations center in Darwin. This development sheds light on the region’s growing importance for the U.S. military and its implications for the US-Australia defense partnership.

RAAF aircraftswoman with a biosecurity bin at RAAF Darwin in 2018
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander W. Riedel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Joining forces for B-52 tactics

The 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron and the 340th Weapons Squadron have joined forces in an innovative effort to expand operational testing and accelerate the development of tactics for the B-52 Stratofortress. As this iconic bomber undergoes an unprecedented modernization initiative, the integrated team aims to ensure that its upgraded systems are optimized to meet the ever-evolving challenges of the contemporary geostrategic environment.


U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis

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Sweden conducts first-ever ELINT mission near Russia’s Kola Peninsula

Amid a new security cooperation unfolding above the Arctic Circle, Sweden’s involvement in the region takes a momentous turn with the recent execution of its first military reconnaissance and intelligence mission in northern Finland. Operating a modified S 102B aircraft equipped with specialized intelligence-gathering systems, the Swedish Air Force made a significant foray into the airspace close to Russia’s Kola Peninsula.


Source: adsb.fi
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Davis-Monthan Air Force Base chosen as third Power Projection Wing for AFSOC

The U.S. Air Force has made a momentous decision by selecting Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, as the preferred location to host Air Force Special Operations Command’s (AFSOC) third power projection wing. This strategic move is set to transform the 492nd Special Operations Wing (SOW) into a power projection wing, equipped with all of AFSOC’s mission capabilities. Let’s delve into the actions that will be taken to turn Davis-Monthan into a powerhouse for regional focus and rapid response.

230430-F-UB655-0919 - AFSOC, Total Force landed MC-130J, MQ-9, A-10s, MH-6s on Wyoming Highways
Tech. Sgt. Carly Kavish, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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