The Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 202nd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group was activated on Aug. 28 in a ceremony at Otis ANGB, Mass., according to a release. The group is made up of three squadrons whose mission is to “conduct global integrated cyber ISR operations to detect, characterize, and mitigate cyber threats, exploit computer networks, and enable full-spectrum cyber operations.” Group commander Col. Joseph Morrissey said, “The importance of this mission cannot be overstated. Cyber is in the news every day and we have a unique opportunity to aid our nation in this domain.”
A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 suffered an engine failure flying over Africa in May 2023, forcing the drone’s pilot to down it in the ocean where it was not recovered, according to a new Air Force report. The cost of the mishap was more than $21 million.