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Air Force's Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady nears retirement with no direct replacement

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Air Force's Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady nears retirement with no direct replacement
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Air Force's Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady | Official Website

The Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady, an iconic aircraft from the Cold War era, is nearing retirement. Known for its role in the Cuban Missile Crisis and its service as a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, the U-2 has been a vital part of the US Air Force's intelligence-gathering efforts since it first flew in 1955. Despite its longevity and modernization over the years, including a technical upgrade in 2012, the U-2 is now considered vulnerable and unsuitable for contested environments.

As the U-2 approaches its planned retirement by 2026, there is no direct replacement for this aircraft. Instead, its roles are being distributed among various platforms. Former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall mentioned that these roles would be filled by a "combination of things," including new E-7 Wedgetails and space-based capabilities. Some details remain classified.

One potential successor is the Northrop Grumman RQ-180 stealth UAV surveillance drone, though it remains officially unrecognized by the Air Force. The RQ-180 is believed to be a stealthy flying wing used for long-range, high-altitude surveillance.

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Satellites have also taken on some of the U-2's functions but have limitations such as predictable orbits and inability to provide real-time feeds continuously. The United States Space Force plays an increasingly important role in space-based reconnaissance.

The SR-72 Son of Blackbird project by Lockheed Martin could offer another tool for replacing the Dragon Lady if developed. However, most details about this hypersonic successor remain speculative.

The Global Hawk was once considered a partial replacement but is also set to retire in 2027. The U-2 continues to operate in permissive environments but is obsolete where air defenses are present.

Organizations Included in this History
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