Special Operations
14 stories related to this topic, newest first.
Special Operations Chief Says Military Must Drop Some Training Methods
The head of U.S. Special Operations Command stated that the military needs to remove some existing training activities to accommodate new requirements for drones, electronic warfare, and other capabilities.
U.S. Special Operations Command Seeks Recruits with Both Technical Skills and Physical Toughness
Military leaders say future special operations troops must combine technical knowledge with traditional combat endurance. The shift follows changes in warfare driven by drones, sensors, and autonomous systems.
thehindu.comArmy Special Operations Seeks Upgrades for Quieter Helicopter Missions
Program Executive Officer Steve Smith said current MH-60M and MH-47G helicopters require new systems to conduct future operations with fewer aircraft. Technology from the MV-75 Cheyenne platform is expected to transfer to the special operations fleet in the mid-2030s.
Defense NewsSpecial Operations Command Adopts New Biometric Identification Tool
U.S. Special Operations Command has adopted Reveal Technology's Identifi platform as a program of record. The mobile application collects fingerprints, facial scans, iris data and voice recognition for field use and cross-references results with a Defense Department database.
Green Berets Test Glider Drones for Resupply During NATO Exercise
U.S. Army Green Berets tested autonomous glider drones during a NATO special operations exercise this month in Romania and Macedonia. The drones delivered construction materials, food, and medical supplies while remaining below electronic detection thresholds.
The War ZoneSOCOM Seeks Lighter, Longer-Range Rifles and Machine Guns
U.S. Special Operations Command is pursuing new carbines and machine guns that fire farther with greater accuracy while remaining lighter. The command is also exploring hypervelocity 5.56 ammunition and has paused one .338 Norma Magnum program.
azernews.azSOCOM and SOUTHCOM Leaders Seek Expanded Training Ranges and Authority
Commanders of U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Southern Command stated this week that they need additional ranges and regulatory flexibility to train for contested environments. Both leaders described current restrictions on drone flights and electromagnetic spectrum use…
kpbs.orgNavy Explores Pairing SEAL Delivery Vehicles With Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles
The U.S. Navy is testing ways for uncrewed underwater vehicles to operate alongside crewed submersibles carrying SEALs. Officials described potential benefits and remaining technical challenges during a recent conference.
nationalpost.comNaval Special Warfare Command to Upgrade Combatant Craft Fleet
U.S. Naval Special Warfare plans upgrades to its combatant craft assault, medium, and heavy vessels. The changes focus on open systems architecture, shock mitigation, hybrid propulsion, and next-generation designs.
shrm.orgSOCOM Plans Tests of AC-130J Gunship With AESA Radar and AGM-190A Missile
U.S. Special Operations Command is preparing to demonstrate an integrated AESA radar and AGM-190A Small Cruise Missile on the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship. The effort seeks to expand the aircraft's range and targeting capabilities for future operations.
washingtonpost.comU.S. Northern Command Forms Nordic Bridge Partnership for Arctic Coordination
U.S. Northern Command is establishing a new partnership called Nordic Bridge to improve coordination among U.S. military commands in the Arctic region. The initiative links NORTHCOM, NORAD, EUCOM, and U.S. Special Operations Command Europe.
Defense NewsAir Force Tests Rapid Assembly of New Special Operations Aircraft
Air Force Special Operations Command is testing whether the OA-1K Skyraider II can be disassembled, transported in a cargo jet, and reassembled in the field. The single-engine aircraft is a militarized version of the Air Tractor AT-802 crop duster.
tass.com1st Special Forces Command Tests Counter-Drone Systems With FPV UAVs at North Carolina Range
An unmanned aerial vehicle operator from 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) conducted a flight demonstration at a counter-drone range in Ellerbe, North Carolina, on May 5, 2026. The test advances operational capabilities against small unmanned aircraft systems that now appear…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewFour Senior Special Operations Leaders Brief Senate Armed Services Committee
The top officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations components testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on May 13 2026. The update sets the timeline for congressional review of force structure, readiness and resource requests that gover…