Executive Summary
The past 24 hours saw significant military aviation activity driven by escalating Iran-US tensions, including a massive Iranian ballistic missile attack on U.S. bases in Jordan met by Patriot air defense intercepts (~100 PAC-2/PAC-3 missiles fired). Multiple F-35A fighter deployments via "Coronet East" tanker-supported transatlantic crossings were tracked to RAF Lakenheath, while ISR platforms (E-3 AWACS, P-8 Poseidon, E-2 Hawkeye, E-6 TACAMO, E-11A BACN) showed elevated activity across U.S., European, and CENTCOM theaters. An unusual evacuation slide deployment on a VC-25B at Andrews AFB drew attention, and Germany's first F-35A completed its maiden flight.
Key Events
- Iranian ballistic missile attack on U.S. bases in Jordan prompted massive Patriot air defense engagement — 60+ interceptors fired, cluster-munition MRBMs used for first time in months, Jordan intercepted 18 of 20 missiles. → link
- Coronet East 112 F-35A deployment: Second cell of F-35As tracked crossing the Atlantic to RAF Lakenheath with KC-135R/KC-46A tanker support (GOLD51/52/53). → link
- E-11A BACN deployment to CENTCOM: BLACKWOLF01 (21-9045) departing U.S., likely rotating airframes at Prince Sultan Airbase, Saudi Arabia. → link
- VC-25B evacuation slide deployed on parked Air Force One at Andrews AFB — reason unclear, possibly maintenance/training check. → link
- Two E-3 Sentry AWACS arrived at RAF Mildenhall from Tinker AFB (80-0138 & 82-0006, SENTRY 08 & 09). → link
- Germany's first F-35A completed maiden flight from Lockheed Martin Fort Worth, ahead of official rollout. → link
- E-6 TACAMO airborne near Moore, Oklahoma — strategic communications relay/nuclear command and control mission active. → link
- Multiple P-8 Poseidon sorties tracked: Port Hueneme CA, Lexington Park MD, Orange Park FL (US), Forres (UK), Visby (Sweden), and Pudupattanam (India). → link
- NATO E-3A fleet: 5 of 14 E-3A Sentries flown in past 28 hours; NATO01 E-3TF on ground at Geilenkirchen. → link
- Italy ordered two additional MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers, delivery by end of 2027 with new ground control stations. → link
- Coronet East 083: 8x F-35As from 158th Fighter Wing (VT) heading home from RAF Lakenheath, with CLEAN tankers and TABOR callsigns. → link
- 3x HC-130J now in SOUTHCOM following KING33 arrival at Balboa, Panama. → link
Analysis
The dominant pattern is a surge in U.S. and allied air power posturing tied to the Iran conflict: F-35A rotations through RAF Lakenheath, E-11A BACN deployments to CENTCOM, elevated AWACS/tanker activity, and continuous P-8 maritime patrol sorties across multiple theaters. The Iranian ballistic missile attack on Jordan — the largest since April — and the resulting massive Patriot engagement underscores sustained high op-tempo for air defense forces, with interceptor stocks now a stated concern. E-6 TACAMO activation and coded radio broadcasts suggest elevated strategic command posture. Watch for: continued F-35 tanker-supported movements, additional E-11A/ISR rotations to CENTCOM, P-8 activity in the Gulf/Arabian Sea, and any further Iranian missile launches prompting air defense responses.
Tweet Feed
Air Force One / Executive Aviation
@TripppleSeven7 · 2026-09-09T18:34
🚨 The emergency evacuation slide appears to have been deployed on the new Air Force One while the aircraft is parked on the ramp at Joint Base Andrews. The slide is normally contained within the door slide/raft pack and deploys when the door is opened in an armed condition. Seeing it fully inflated on a parked aircraft is therefore notable. At this stage, there is no confirmed indication of an emergency. It could be related to maintenance, crew training, an operational check, or an unintended deployment. → tweet link
@lookner · 2026-09-09T18:33
RT @LucasFoxNews: It appears the evacuation slide has been deployed aboard AF1 for reason that is not clear. President Trump remains on M1… → tweet link
@WarWatchIntel · 2026-09-09T18:46
✈️ AF1 SPOTTED — Af1 Boeing vc-25b bridge #af8363 leaving Andrews AFB → tweet link
@WarWatchIntel · 2026-09-09T17:57
✈️ SAM003 SPOTTED — call sign SAM003 Reg.:02-0042 Hex: #AE11F8 Boeing C-40B → tweet link
@WarWatchIntel · 2026-09-09T17:27
✈️ WOLF31 SPOTTED — call sign WOLF31 Reg.:N308BR Hex: #A33D33 2001 BOEING 737-800 UMB BANK NA TRUSTEE, US NAVY → tweet link
@DeepTraceAlerts · 2026-09-09T14:14
🚨 POTUS FLEET DETECTED — Aircraft: Air Force Two (99-0003), Callsign: SAM643, Model: Boeing C-32A, Location: 10.7844, -74.9868 → tweet link
F-35 Deployments — Coronet East Movements
@DefenceGeek · 2026-09-09T11:51
Coronet East 112 - Cell 2's Atlantic Crossing Underway. Now confirmed, cell 2 of the F-35As from Coronet East 112 are on their way to RAF Lakenheath (EGUL), with support from tankers: KC-135R "GOLD51" 57-1427 #AE0358 (KGUS -> ?) KC-46A "GOLD52" 11-46058 #AE5FA5 (LPLA -> LPLA) KC-135R "GOLD53" 60-0315 #AE0599 (LFOA -> LFOA) F-35A "TABOR71" through "TABOR75" → tweet link
@DefenceGeek · 2026-09-09T11:35
UPDATE: Coronet East 112 Crossing the Atlantic. The second flight of F-35As will be departing the US shortly, with supporting tanker "GOLD52" already airborne from Lajes heading towards the rendezvous. KC-46A "GOLD52" 11-46058 #AE5FA5 → tweet link
@MATA_osint · 2026-09-09T18:03
RT @Andyyyyrrrr: 09:27 TABOR 81 flt x4 USAF F-35 Lightning II — Airborne from RAF Lakenheath routing towards Leuchars, expecting to rejoin with tankers. → tweet link
@MATA_osint · 2026-09-09T17:45
RT @AUX_OSINT: Lots of movement today! #Coronet East 083: CLEAN tankers moving two cells of "VT" F-35A (7 total) from EGUL to KBTV. #CE083 → tweet link
@MATA_osint · 2026-09-09T09:08
RT @DefenceGeek: Coronet East 083 Continues - VT F-35s Going Home! All 8x F-35s from 158th Fighter Wing (VT) are heading onward… → tweet link
@ArmchairAdml · 2026-09-09T09:17
RT @Andyyyyrrrr: 09:51 TABOR 91 x3 USAF 'VT' F-35 Lightning II — Airborne from RAF Lakenheath towards Leuchars to rejoin with tankers #CLEAN → tweet link
@TheAviationist · 2026-09-08T21:47
Germany's First F-35 Has Flown. The German Air Force's first F-35A Lightning II conducted its maiden flight from Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth facilities, ahead of the official rollout later this month. → tweet link
@airsuperiorx · 2026-09-09T18:16
Lot going on here. Retains Block 5 wingtips. EO/IR looks to be AN/DAS-3 - Triton's sensor. Fin is specifically included, likely to indicate collection capabilities are retained. Massive carry capabilities shown right off the bat w/ LRASM & JSM. → tweet link
AWACS / E-3 Sentry Movements
@MATA_osint · 2026-09-09T18:09
RT @steffanwatkins: 🟇 #NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force (14); 2026-09-09Z — 5 (35%) of the E-3A Sentry fleet has flown in the past 28 hours. → tweet link
@MATA_osint · 2026-09-08T23:23
RT @havoc_aviation: SENTRY 08 & 09 arrived at RAF Mildenhall tonight from Tinker Air Force Base. 80-0138 & 82-0006 → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-09T15:28
🚨 Overwatch Alert — NATO01 [ E3TF ] ON Ground : Geilenkirchen DE → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-09T15:43
🚨 Overwatch Alert — [ NA ] [ E3TF ] OFF Ground : Elmendorf Air Force Base Alaska US → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-09T16:23
🚨 Overwatch Alert — [ NA ] [ E3TF ] ON Ground : Midwest City Oklahoma US → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-09T14:09
🚨 Overwatch Alert — SNTRY60 [ E3TF ] OFF Ground : Midwest City Oklahoma US → tweet link
E-2 Hawkeye Movements
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-09T18:57
🚨 Overwatch Alert — STLJW01 [ E2 ] ON Ground : Port Hueneme California US → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-09T13:21
🚨 Overwatch Alert — GRYHK01 [ E2 ] OFF Ground : Newport News US → tweet link
E-6 TACAMO
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-09T17:28
🚨 Overwatch Alert — [ NA ] [ E6 ] OFF Ground : Moore Oklahoma US — E-6 associated with TACAMO missions, strategic communications relay, nuclear command and control. → tweet link
E-11A BACN
@DefenceGeek · 2026-09-09T12:01
Battlefield Airborne Command Node Deployment #IranWar. Another E-11A "BACN" is leaving the US heading likely to CENTCOM via Europe. There are already 5 of the type in CENTCOM, stationed at Prince Sultan Airbase (OEPS) in Saudi Arabia. E-11A "BLACKWOLF01" 21-9045 #AE7466 → tweet link
P-8 Poseidon Movements
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-09T17:46
🚨 Overwatch Alert — [ NA ] [ P8 ] OFF Ground : Port Hueneme US → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-09T15:37
🚨 Overwatch Alert — [ NA ] [ P8 ] OFF Ground : Lexington Park Maryland US → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-09T13:41
🚨 Overwatch Alert — [ NA ] [ P8 ] ON Ground : Orange Park Florida US → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-09T14:57
🚨 Overwatch Alert — [ NA ] [ P8 ] OFF Ground : Forres GB (UK-registered, maritime ISR over North Atlantic) → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-09T14:53
🚨 Overwatch Alert — GURNY02 [ P8 ] OFF Ground : Visby SE (UK-registered, Baltic Sea surveillance) → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-09T14:06
🚨 Overwatch Alert — [ NA ] [ P8 ] OFF Ground : Pudupattanam IN (Indian military P-8, Indian Ocean ISR) → tweet link
P-3 Orion Movements
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-09T16:00
🚨 Overwatch Alert — [ NA ] [ P3 ] OFF Ground : Port Hueneme California US → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-09T15:15
🚨 Overwatch Alert — VVBH304 [ P3 ] OFF Ground : Port Hueneme US → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-09T16:39
🚨 Overwatch Alert — LOBO05 [ P3 ] OFF Ground : Evora PT (Portuguese P-3, maritime patrol/ASW) → tweet link
Tanker Operations / Strategic Airlift
@MATA_osint · 2026-09-09T18:09
RT @steffanwatkins: 🟇 #NATO Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (9); 7 (78%) of the fleet has flown in the past 28 hours. → tweet link
@MATA_osint · 2026-09-09T17:45
RT @AUX_OSINT: #Coronet West 439: 2x KC-135R/T arriving at Hickam AFB (PHNL) from Fairchild AFB (KSKA). These tankers will be assisting the… → tweet link
@MATA_osint · 2026-09-09T17:45
RT @Saint1Mil: Atlas Air 767 into RAF Fairford this afternoon from Ramstein likely picking up. Two B-1s were also out training this morning. → tweet link
@MATA_osint · 2026-09-09T17:45
RT @steffanwatkins: 🇨🇦 #RCAF CC-330 Husky fleet (3); September 9, 2026 — After 7 months at L3Harris Military Aviation Services (Mirabel) 3… → tweet link
@MATA_osint · 2026-09-09T17:45
RT @steffanwatkins: 🟇 #NATO Strategic Airlift Capability (3); 2 (67%) of the C-17 Globemaster fleet has flown in the past 28 hours. → tweet link
ISR Drones / UAVs
@TheAviationist · 2026-09-09T12:29
Italy Orders Two More MQ-9A Block 5 Drones. The Italian Air Force has ordered two additional MQ-9A Block 5 RPA, delivery by end of 2027 with new Ground Control Stations. → tweet link
@DefenceGeek · 2026-09-09T17:45
RT @DefenceGeek: If true, that would be at least the 47th MQ-9A lost in the Iran War... → tweet link
@UKDefJournal · 2026-09-09T08:24
Britain is bringing forward plans to give the RAF Protector drone a maritime capability, with a review of the programme now under way. → tweet link
@UKDefJournal · 2026-09-09T07:54
Brimstone 3 integration with the RAF's Protector remotely piloted aircraft has moved into the analysis stage after further weapons testing in the United States and UK. → tweet link
@UKDefJournal · 2026-09-09T11:31
Problems affecting the dissemination of Full Motion Video metadata from the RAF's Protector remotely piloted aircraft are expected to be resolved by the end of 2026. → tweet link
HC-130J / SOUTHCOM Operations
@MATA_osint · 2026-09-09T17:45
RT @AUX_OSINT: With today's arrival of KING33, there are now 3x HC-130J in SOUTHCOM. At Balboa Panama Pacifico (MPPA): USAF #AE4E17 - 11-5… → tweet link
Air Defense — Iranian Missile Attack on Jordan / Patriot Engagements
@Osinttechnical · 2026-09-08T21:54
Additional footage of tonight's massive Iranian ballistic missile attack on Muwaffaq Salti Airbase in Jordan. More than 60 PATRIOT interceptors were fired. Multiple Iranian cluster-munition MRBMs can be seen incoming. → tweet link
@Osinttechnical · 2026-09-08T21:45
Additional footage of a PATRIOT battery conducting a massive ballistic missile engagement over Jordan tonight. Well over a dozen interceptors can be seen engaging incoming Iranian ballistic missiles. → tweet link
@Osinttechnical · 2026-09-08T21:43
For the first time in months, Iranian forces used medium-range ballistic missiles armed with cluster munitions to attack US forces in Jordan tonight. → tweet link
@GlobalOSINTHQ · 2026-09-09T00:02
Visuals of Patriot air defense systems operating in an MLRS-like mode during today's Iranian missile attack. Over the course of the attack, the U.S. Army launched around 100 PAC-2 and PAC-3 MSE surface-to-air missiles in an attempt to intercept incoming ballistic missiles. → tweet link
@Osinttechnical · 2026-09-09T01:42
Footage of an American Patriot SAM battery engaging a massive incoming salvo of Iranian ballistic missiles over Jordan earlier tonight. → tweet link
@vcdgf555 · 2026-09-09T00:28
Initial count from this video is 2 cluster munition ballistic missiles, with at least 20-22 other single warhead variants. → tweet link
@vcdgf555 · 2026-09-09T02:48
Can even see a color difference on at least one of the aircraft shelters at King Khalid Air Base in Saudi Arabia. → tweet link
@TheIntelFrog · 2026-09-09T02:40
If this escalation continues, we are going to have to have a DDG, or two, in the eastern Mediterranean Sea for ballistic missile defense. Patriots intercept incoming threats in the terminal phase, which is at relatively low altitudes, lower than the cluster opens, turning 1 target into dozens. Destroyers providing ballistic missile defense can intercept incoming threats much higher. → tweet link
Coded Military Radio / EAM Broadcasts
@WarWatchIntel · 2026-09-09T09:35
🚨 EAM HEADER / PREAMBLE REPORTED — Header Code: Z74AJT, 3:31 AM → tweet link
@WarWatchIntel · 2026-09-09T12:00
📡 HOURLY UPDATE — US military aircraft unusually active over the continental US, including a nuclear command jet and multiple heavy transport planes airborne simultaneously. → tweet link
@WarWatchIntel · 2026-09-09T18:12
📡 HOURLY UPDATE — Six US Air Force surveillance and transport planes airborne over the US, including two spy planes and an airborne command center. Four coded military radio broadcasts heard today. → tweet link
@WarWatchIntel · 2026-09-09T13:00
📡 HOURLY UPDATE — Nuclear command jet and two spy planes airborne over the US; transport planes spotted across Europe and the Baltic as Middle East tensions remain high. → tweet link
@WarWatchIntel · 2026-09-09T08:00
📡 HOURLY UPDATE — US military transport planes and spy aircraft are airborne at elevated levels. West Pacific military activity near Taiwan is nearly three times normal. → tweet link
Medevac / Casualty Evacuation Flights
@TheIntelFrog · 2026-09-09T17:49
The 29th medical evacuation mission associated with Operation EPIC FURY/Overseas Operations since July 7th, arrived at Ramstein AB, Germany after picking up at King Faisal AB, Jordan last night shortly after the Iranian attack on Muwaffaq al Salti AB. This flight mission was in progress before yesterday's attack and is the weekly rotational medevac through the region. This is the 77th overall medical evacuation mission since the operation began in February. → tweet link
Military Aviation News / Procurement
@TheAviationist · 2026-09-08T22:05
Russia Unveils Stealthy Munitions for the Su-57 at El Alamein Airshow. The new munitions blur the line between low-cost attack drones and cruise missiles, with some apparently derived from the S-71 family. → tweet link
@UKDefJournal · 2026-09-09T08:13
Britain remains open to buying additional E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning aircraft, but any further procurement will depend on available funding. → tweet link
@UKDefJournal · 2026-09-09T14:33
The Ministry of Defence has ruled out adapting the RAF's A400M Atlas fleet for aerial firefighting, despite being aware of an Airbus system currently under development for the transport aircraft. → tweet link
@UKDefJournal · 2026-09-09T12:07
Sweden is moving its future fighter beyond studies and into flying demonstrators, with Saab awarded work to mature crewed and uncrewed tech through 2028. → tweet link
@ArmchairAdml · 2026-09-09T07:04
RT @TheAviationist: USAF Fighter Fleet Is Below Congressional Minimum. A new Congressional Research Service report highlights the growing gap. → tweet link
@UKDefJournal · 2026-09-09T10:40
UKRSPECSYSTEMS has finally put its name to RAM-2X, the 180km precision-strike drone Ukraine has been using in combat since 2024. The company's UK boss tells us why it stayed quiet and what it has been doing to Russian air defence. → tweet link
NATO Exercise Air Activity
@UKDefJournal · 2026-09-09T15:18
RT @NATOJFCBS: 🇳🇱✈️ Exercise Falcon Leap 2026 is underway over the Netherlands from 07–18 September. Military personnel from 🇳🇱 and 10 NATO… → tweet link
@DefenceGeek · 2026-09-09T17:54
This was what I had people messaging me about over Romania this week - not actually related to the UAV incidents in Moldova/Romania but a NATO exercise. → tweet link
Ukrainian Long-Range Drone Strikes (Air Operations)
@Osinttechnical · 2026-09-09T04:40
Ukrainian attack drones swarmed Russia's Novosossiysk overnight, scoring multiple hits on port infrastructure. Local Russian authorities claim that "falling drone debris" caused damage to sites across the city. → tweet link
@GlobalOSINTHQ · 2026-09-09T18:35
BREAKING Ukrainian drones strike Arctic gas facility after record ~3,300 km flight. Ukrainian drones hit the Novy Urengoy condensate treatment plant in Russia's Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug.
Aviation Incidents (Civil-Military)
@TripppleSeven7 · 2026-09-09T16:26
🚨 NEW NTSB FOOTAGE: A closer look at the wreckage left behind after the Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 overran the runway at Miami International Airport. The footage also shows a severely wrecked vehicle. → tweet link
@sentdefender · 2026-09-09T04:59
NTSB officials provided the final on scene press briefing on the runway excursion of 21 Air Flight 7598 at Miami International Airport. Investigators said data from the final 30 seconds of the FDR shows the crew released the brakes and increased engine power to a level consistent with initiating a go around for approximately four seconds before reapplying the brakes. → tweet link