spy plane – The Defense Post

May- 2026 -

9 May

Air

The Army Theater Level High-Altitude Expeditionary Next-Generation A-ISR aircraft (ATHENA) bridging aircraft address a wide range of A-ISR mission requirements and enhance the Army's overall intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities while awaiting completion of the HADES aircraft. (Courtesy: MAG Aerospace/L3Harris)

ATHENA Spy Plane: The Quiet Intelligence Workhorse

This guide explains the ATHENA aircraft, a next-generation ISR platform designed for long-endurance surveillance and real-time battlefield awareness in expeditionary operations.

Mar- 2026 -

18 March

Air

Christine Casimiro

BAE to Modernize US Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady Spy Plane’s EW Suite

The US Air Force, via the Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, has contracted BAE Systems to modernize the U-2 “Dragon Lady” aircraft’s electronic warfare suite.

Jan- 2026 -

14 January

Air

A Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft for the US Army’s High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program

Rojoef Manuel

SNC Buys Global 6500 Jet to Accelerate US Army HADES Development

Sierra Nevada Corporation has purchased a new Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft at its own expense to expedite the US Army’s High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System program.

2 January

Air

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

Spain Taps Airbus, Indra to Build Next-Gen Spy Plane

Airbus A321 is the likely platform for Spain’s new SIGINT aircraft, with twin fuel-efficient turbofan engines, and a wide cabin to accommodate mission systems and operator consoles.

Sep- 2025 -

10 September

Air

HADES will provide transformational increases in speed, range, payload and endurance for Army aerial ISR collection capabilities supporting the joint force. (Photo courtesy Bombardier Defense)

Rojoef Manuel

SNC Accepts Second Bombardier Jet for US Army HADES Spy Plane Program

Sierra Nevada Corporation has received the second Bombardier Global 6500 business jet for conversion into the US Army’s High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System aircraft.

Feb- 2025 -

17 February

Air