The Air Force has activated a new unmanned aerial vehicle unit, Det. 4 of the 53rd Test Management Group. The detachment, located at Creech AFB, Nev., comprises some 10 airmen—program managers, flight test analysts, and engineers—whose job is to manage operational test and evaluation of the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper UAVs. The 53rd TMG resides at Eglin AFB, Fla.
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.