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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.
