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DefenseNews.com • Michael Scanlon

USAF moves toward A-10 retirement, raising CSAR questions as ‘Sandy’ missions lose their legacy rescue platform

The U.S. Air Force is proceeding with plans to phase out the A-10 Thunderbolt II, long regarded as an ideal combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) asset. With the “Sandy” CSAR callsign tied to generations of operations, USAF faces decisions on what replaces the A-10’s cost-and-capability role as drone-swarm threats intensify.

2026-04-16T13:40:12.737867-07:00

SpaceNews.com

“Left of launch” approaches to counter missile threats: shifting defense toward disruption, detection and pre-launch defeat

2026-04-16T16:33:19.696437-07:00

Reuters

U.S. plans drone-and-robot demining support for Strait of Hormuz operation

2026-04-16T08:11:17.520523-07:00

AeroTime

France confirms MBDA Stratus Rapid Strike for Rafale SEAD, adding laser-guided rocket and C-UAS software/armament upgrades

2026-04-16T06:57:20.561985-07:00

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SpaceNews.com

“Left of launch” approaches to counter missile threats: shifting defense toward disruption, detection and pre-launch defeat The cluster focuses on countering missile threats “left of launch,” emphasizing measures before a missile is fired—aimed at improving detection, disrupting launch preparations, and reducing the window for effective interception. The theme links early-warning and operational disruption to downstream missile defense effectiveness.

2026-04-16T16:33:19.696437-07:00

“Left of launch” approaches to counter missile threats: shifting defense toward disruption, detection and pre-launch defeat

DefenseNews.com

USAF moves toward A-10 retirement, raising CSAR questions as ‘Sandy’ missions lose their legacy rescue platform The U.S. Air Force is proceeding with plans to phase out the A-10 Thunderbolt II, long regarded as an ideal combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) asset. With the “Sandy” CSAR callsign tied to generations of operations, USAF faces decisions on what replaces the A-10’s cost-and-capability role as drone-swarm threats intensify.

2026-04-16T13:40:12.737867-07:00

USAF moves toward A-10 retirement, raising CSAR questions as ‘Sandy’ missions lose their legacy rescue platform

Breaking Defense

U.S. Army ATI overhaul: nearly 60% of Apache D models divested as aviation modernization accelerates Army aviation’s ATI overhaul is well underway, with leadership saying the service has divested nearly 60% of its AH-64 Apache D models in the past year. Col. Tim Jaeger, director of Army aviation at G3/5/7, framed the divestment as “significant headway” toward fleet transformation.

2026-04-16T09:28:16.015696-07:00

U.S. Army ATI overhaul: nearly 60% of Apache D models divested as aviation modernization accelerates

Reuters

U.S. plans drone-and-robot demining support for Strait of Hormuz operation As the U.S. moves to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz to curb Iran-linked disruption to shipping and energy flows, it is weighing an “arsenal” approach using drones, explosive-laden robots and helicopters. The concept aims to reduce risk to personnel, though de-mining crews could still face Iranian attack vulnerability.

2026-04-16T08:11:17.520523-07:00

U.S. plans drone-and-robot demining support for Strait of Hormuz operation

AeroTime

France confirms MBDA Stratus Rapid Strike for Rafale SEAD, adding laser-guided rocket and C-UAS software/armament upgrades France will use MBDA’s Stratus Rapid Strike (RS) missile to equip Dassault Rafale for suppression of enemy air defences. Parallel measures include Rafale software updates for cannon-based C-UAS, deployment of laser-guided rocket pods (including Thales rounds) for counter-drone/anti-Shahed roles, and DGA-stated timeline targets by summer 2026.

2026-04-16T06:57:20.561985-07:00

France confirms MBDA Stratus Rapid Strike for Rafale SEAD, adding laser-guided rocket and C-UAS software/armament upgrades

FlightGlobal

Australia begins search for next-generation replacement for Boeing E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C Australia has started assessing what could replace its Boeing E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft, with Canberra pointing to a long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) future in the 2026 National Defence Strategy. The RAAF’s next-generation priorities frame a potential procurement shift beyond the Wedgetail fleet.

2026-04-16T02:09:21.630712-07:00

Australia begins search for next-generation replacement for Boeing E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C

DefenseNews.com

U.S. Air Force puts AI wargaming system WarMatrix into operational play The U.S. Air Force has executed its inaugural use of WarMatrix, an AI-powered wargaming system designed to keep human judgment central. WarMatrix was marked operational during an event in late March, signaling a shift toward AI-enabled—but human-led—wargame support for military decision-making.

2026-04-15T23:13:00.733819-07:00

U.S. Air Force puts AI wargaming system WarMatrix into operational play

Breaking Defense

Congress presses Golden Dome missile-defense program manager for scope and cost details House lawmakers are seeking additional information—especially cost estimates and program details—from the Golden Dome missile-defense effort’s program manager. The push comes as the White House has proposed $1.5 trillion in cumulative defense spending for FY2027, the largest figure in history, increasing scrutiny of major space-based defense initiatives.

2026-04-15T17:43:14.102374-07:00

Congress presses Golden Dome missile-defense program manager for scope and cost details

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Defense Policy News

USAF moves toward A-10 retirement, raising CSAR questions as ‘Sandy’ missions lose their legacy rescue platform

“Left of launch” approaches to counter missile threats: shifting defense toward disruption, detection and pre-launch defeat

U.S. plans drone-and-robot demining support for Strait of Hormuz operation

France confirms MBDA Stratus Rapid Strike for Rafale SEAD, adding laser-guided rocket and C-UAS software/armament upgrades

News Timeline