80-1094 makes a low pass during the 2025 Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford, UK, where it based then. It returned to Beale AFB in November last year, and was parked awaiting overhaul or disposition. The US Air Force has again made clear its desire to retire the U-2. Three aircraft have already been disassembled … Continue reading DIVEST OR SUSTAIN THE U-2 DRAGON LADY? A CONFUSING PICTURE (UPDATED)
CONGRESS LIMITS DIVESTMENT, BUT FIRST U-2 IS SENT TO THE ‘BONEYARD’
The first U-2 to be retired is now in the ‘boneyard’ at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ. Three more are set to follow over the next few months, with four more likely to join them by the fall. But in the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill that was passed last week, Congress has insisted that the … Continue reading CONGRESS LIMITS DIVESTMENT, BUT FIRST U-2 IS SENT TO THE ‘BONEYARD’
70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT THE SKUNK WORKS
The 70th Anniversary of the U-2 Dragon Lady was celebrated at the Skunk Works, in the hangar where the iconic spyplanes are overhauled
HAPPY U-2 BIRTHDAY – A RECORD FLIGHT, AND AT LEAST ANOTHER YEAR OF OPERATIONS!
The 70th anniversary of the U-2 Dragon Lady was celebrated in fine style at Beale AFB last Friday, with a record-length flight that flew over all 48 lower states in the US. Party-goers gathered at Beale to celebrate the birthday also learned informally, that the USAF leadership has bowed to pressure from Congress and the … Continue reading HAPPY U-2 BIRTHDAY – A RECORD FLIGHT, AND AT LEAST ANOTHER YEAR OF OPERATIONS!
70 YEARS AT 70,000 FEET
The extraordinary U-2 Dragon Lady first flew 70 years ago, and is still going strong
YET ANOTHER REPRIEVE FOR THE DRAGON LADY?
Keep 'em flying, says Congress again
USAF STICKS TO ITS U-2 DIVESTMENT PLAN
The US Air Force remains committed to retiring the U-2 Dragon Lady, despite Congressional concerns. Future reconnaissance capabilities may rely on emerging technologies like the White Bat UAV and a new satellite GMTI constellation.
STAY OF EXECUTION FOR THE U-2 DRAGON LADY?
The US Congress has prevented the USAF from taking further actions to retire the U-2 this year, but this will likely be only a temporary reprieve.
THE U-2 COULD HELP TO KEEP THE PEACE IN UKRAINE
It may be facing retirement, but the U-2 Dragon Lady could still play a vital role watching over Ukraine, if a ceasefire can be agreed. The veteran high-flying spyplane is equipped with sensors and datalinks that could provide near real-time imagery to European peacekeepers. The UK, France and some other European NATO countries have said … Continue reading THE U-2 COULD HELP TO KEEP THE PEACE IN UKRAINE
KEEP THE U-2 BY DOWNSIZING THE OPERATION?
The U-2 is facing retirement but could a reduced operation be retained?
Dragon Lady Today 