Executive Summary
The last 24 hours saw heavy US military air activity over the continental US and Europe, including multiple E-3 AWACS, P-8 Poseidons, and strategic transport movements supporting a POTUS visit to Ireland. A detailed US ORBAT for ISTAR and UAV platforms highlighted extensive ISR rotations in the Middle East, while satellite imagery confirmed damage to a Jordanian air base following an Iranian ballistic missile strike. Additionally, the Netherlands announced its selection of the Saab GlobalEye for its first national AEW&C capability, and a UK military flight plan was identified as the trigger for a recent nationwide air traffic control meltdown.
Key Events
- Multiple USAF C-17s, E-3 Sentrys, and a US Navy P-8 Poseidon are staging at RAF Mildenhall and other UK airports in support of a POTUS visit to Ireland. → link
- A comprehensive US ORBAT for ISTAR and UAV platforms in the CENTCOM area of responsibility is published, tracking MQ-4C Tritons, E-3G Sentrys, RC-135W Rivet Joints, and P-8A Poseidons. → link
- Satellite imagery confirms extensive damage to new aircraft hangars and the apron at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan following an Iranian ballistic missile attack. → link
- The Netherlands officially chooses the Saab GlobalEye for its first national AEW&C capability, signing a Letter of Intent with Sweden. → link
- A "spurious" flight plan from a UK military aircraft is identified as the cause of a major air traffic control meltdown that grounded thousands of flights. → link
Analysis
Patterns indicate a high operational tempo for US air assets, both domestically and in European theaters, heavily driven by VIP logistics and persistent ISR operations over the Middle East. The tracking of multiple E-3 AWACS across locations like Tinker AFB, Elmendorf AFB, and Gander, alongside constant P-8 Poseidon flights off the US coasts, highlights continued reliance on airborne command, control, and maritime domain awareness. What to watch next: The integration and tracking of newly deployed E-11A BACN and EA-37B Compass Call II aircraft in the CENTCOM AOR, potential Russian air defense adjustments in response to reported interceptor stock depletions, and continued bomber rotations out of RAF Fairford.
Tweet Feed
US & NATO ISR & AEW&C Movements
@FaytuksNetwork · 2026-09-11T18:54
A "spurious" flight plan from a UK military aircraft triggered Tuesday's air traffic control meltdown that grounded thousands of flights in the UK, according to the Financial Times. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T17:23
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 SABRE03 [ E3TF ] OFF Ground : Midwest City Oklahoma US The aircraft is a U.S. Air Force E-3T AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System), likely operating a surveillance, command, and control mission. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T17:15
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 [ NA ] [ P8 ] OFF Ground : Port Hueneme California US A US-registered military P-8 aircraft, likely a Poseidon maritime patrol or reconnaissance platform, is currently off-ground near Port Hueneme, California. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T16:42
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 [ NA ] [ E3TF ] OFF Ground : Elmendorf Air Force Base Alaska US A U.S. military E3 TF aircraft, likely an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) platform, recently took off from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T16:30
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 STLJW22 [ E2 ] ON Ground : Port Hueneme California US A U.S. military E-2 aircraft, likely an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), is on the ground at Port Hueneme, California. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T16:23
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 [ NA ] [ P8 ] OFF Ground : Lexington Park Maryland US This US-registered military P-8 aircraft, detected off ground near Lexington Park, Maryland, likely serves ISR or maritime patrol missions, possibly tracking maritime traffic or conducting reconnaissance. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T16:19
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 SHUCK81 [ E3TF ] OFF Ground : Gander CA The aircraft is a US military E-3TW AWACS, likely conducting surveillance, command, or early warning operations. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T16:09
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 [ NA ] [ P8 ] ON Ground : Oak Harbor Washington US A US-registered military P-8 aircraft is on ground at Oak Harbor, Washington. Likely part of the Navy or Air Force, the P-8's typical mission involves maritime patrol, reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, or intelligence gathering. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T15:47
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 GRYHK03 [ E2 ] OFF Ground : Hampton Virginia US A U.S. military E-2 aircraft, likely an AWACS, just took off from Hampton, VA. Its typical mission profile includes airborne command and control, airborne early warning, and intelligence gathering. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T15:25
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 ORION01 [ P3 ] OFF Ground : Vila do Bispo PT A Portuguese-registered P-3 maritime patrol aircraft (ORION01) is currently off ground near Vila do Bispo, indicating a pre-flight or repositioning phase. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T15:21
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 SCORE75 [ P8 ] OFF Ground : Chesapeake Ranch Estates US A U.S. military-operated P-8 aircraft, likely configured for reconnaissance, surveillance, or maritime patrol, just took off from Chesapeake Ranch Estates. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T15:11
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 [ NA ] [ P8 ] OFF Ground : Orange Park Florida US A US-registered civilian/patrol aircraft (likely a P-8 Poseidon) just took off from Orange Park, Florida. Its deployment suggests ISR or maritime monitoring in the Gulf of Mexico or Caribbean region. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T15:05
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 [ NA ] [ P3 ] OFF Ground : Chesapeake Ranch Estates US A U.S. military P-3 aircraft operating near Chesapeake Ranch Estates indicates maritime patrol or reconnaissance activity, likely supporting surveillance or intelligence missions over the Atlantic or coastal areas. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T14:39
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 VVBH304 [ P3 ] OFF Ground : Port Hueneme US This alert involves a US-registered military P-3 aircraft, likely performing maritime patrol, surveillance, or reconnaissance from Port Hueneme. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T14:33
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 [ NA ] [ P8 ] OFF Ground : Orange Park Florida US A US-registered military P-8 aircraft, likely performing maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, or patrol missions based on its callsign. Its location near Orange Park, Florida, suggests it may conduct regional maritime or border surveillance. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T14:27
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 SCWTP31 [ E2 ] OFF Ground : Hampton Virginia US The US-registered E-2 aircraft is likely operating in a surveillance or command role, possibly as an AWACS asset engaged in monitoring or developing situational awareness over Virginia. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T14:21
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 NATO43 [ E3TF ] ON Ground : Norresundby DK Luxembourg-registered NATO43, an E3TF AWACS aircraft, is currently on the ground near Norresundby, Denmark. Its presence in Scandinavia suggests regional ISR coverage, target tracking, or NATO exercises. → tweet link
@ArmchairAdml · 2026-09-11T11:30
USAF United States Air Force
Boeing E-3 Sentry 1x
AE11E7 79-0001 - SHUCK 81
SHUCK 81 has departed RAF Mildenhall for Bangor Air National Guard Base. E-3s SENTRY 08-09 remain, along with P-8 COYOTE 01. → tweet link
@ArmchairAdml · 2026-09-11T07:02
USAF United States Air Force
Boeing E-3 Sentry 1x
AE11E7 79-0001 - SHUCK 81
SHUCK 81 out of Ramstein Air Base this morning. If this also goes to Mildenhall it will make 3 E-3s and a single P-8 prior to Trumps visit to Ireland. → tweet link
@ArmchairAdml · 2026-09-11T06:59
USNavy United States Navy
Boeing P-8A Poseidon 1x
AE5C60 169334 - COYOTE 01
US Navy P-8 is inbound RAF Mildenhall this morning from Pease Air National Guard Base. → tweet link
@DefenceGeek · 2026-09-11T12:49
US ORBAT - ISTAR & UAV platforms - 11/SEP/2026 #IranWar A few minor updates over the last month since the second edition as we've seen some airframes rotate around, particularly the E-3G and P-8A airframes. (Details on MQ-4C, E-3G, E-11A, EA-37B, RC-135W, and P-8A deployments provided). → tweet link
@MATA_osint · 2026-09-11T06:04
RT @ItaMilRadar: Today as well, a USAF Rivet Joint kept a close watch over the Barents Sea and the Kola Peninsula. → tweet link
Strategic, VIP Transport & Tanker Operations
@ArmchairAdml · 2026-09-11T18:08
USAF United States Air Force - VIP Movements
POTUS Visit to Ireland Belfast International Airport, Northern Ireland Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 1x #AE4D66 10-0213 - REACH 4118 Glasgow Prestwick Airport, United Kingdom Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 1x #AE080F 99-0169 - REACH 4600 RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom Boeing P-8 Poseidon 1x #AE5C60 169334 - COYOTE 01 This brings us to 29 C-17s, 4 CH-47s, 2 E-3s, 2 VH-3s, 1 VH-60 and 1 P-8. → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T15:54
🚨 Overwatch Alert 🚨 00000000 [ B52 ] OFF Ground : Moore Oklahoma US A U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber recently took off from Moore, Oklahoma, indicating a likely strategic or long-range mission, potentially involving air patrols, training, or weapons delivery. → tweet link
@WarWatchIntel · 2026-09-11T15:35
✈️ AFC740 SPOTTED navy Boeing E-6b mercury #AFC740 south of Edward AFB → tweet link
@DefenceGeek · 2026-09-11T14:44
RT @Andyyyyrrrr: 15:20 REACH 091 flt x2 USAF KC-46/A Pegasus On RTB to Lajes AB after conducting AR with #ROOF67 (x1 B1 from FFD). → tweet link
@ArmchairAdml · 2026-09-11T06:32
RT @thenewarea51: SAM 47 (VC-25A) launched from Tinker AFB just ahead of AIR FORCE ONE (VC-25B Bridge) enroute to Andrews with AIR FORCE TWO... → tweet link
@vcdgf555 · 2026-09-10T21:45
Putin arriving in New Delhi via Rossiya Special Flight Detachment passenger jet. 🇷🇺 RSD171 is Ilyushin Il-960-300PU RA-96025 #157719 → tweet link
@MATA_osint · 2026-09-11T06:01
RT @AUX_OSINT: Today, 6x C-17A have been positioned to Tulsa International Airport (KTUL) to move USAF cargo to Ramstein AB (ETAR), likely... → tweet link
Fighter & Bomber Deployments
@DefenceGeek · 2026-09-11T10:35
Both clips in this footage show "LN" tail F-35As, of which we @MATA_osint believe there are currently 19 airframes deployed, some as part of Coronet East 099 in July, and the remainder as far back as February. → tweet link
@DefenceGeek · 2026-09-11T10:30
RT @Saint1Mil: Two B-1s out of RAF Fairford training this morning. 86-0140 pinged briefly over the SW where tankers will meet them. → tweet link
@ArmchairAdml · 2026-09-11T09:11
GOLD 54 w/ TABOR 71-72 “WI” F-35As → tweet link
@TheAviationist · 2026-09-10T19:17
Netherlands Chooses Saab GlobalEye for its First National AEW&C Capability The Swedish and Dutch defense ministers signed a Letter of Intent for the GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft, with a formal contract yet to be signed. → tweet link
Air Base Imagery & Infrastructure
@FaytuksNetwork · 2026-09-11T09:43
Images taken on September 10th show extensive damage to new aircraft hanger Area/apron in Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan following an Iranian Ballistic missile attack involving cluster munitions on September 9th Images taken by Chinese SuperView Neo-1 satellite → tweet link
@SkyGlass12 · 2026-09-11T16:01
SPACE FORCE CHOOSES TEXAS The U.S. Space Force has selected Texas as the home for the U.S. segment of the trinational DARC space radar network, marking a milestone in global space surveillance. → tweet link
Military Aviation History & Incidents
@TheAviationist · 2026-09-11T17:14
Last AV-8B Harrier Built for USMC Retired as Museum Display A Harrier from the VMA-223 “Bulldogs,” the last built for the USMC, was demilitarized and transported to the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. → tweet link
@TheAviationist · 2026-09-11T17:30
9/11: A Fighter Pilot’s Account A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle pilot with the 494th Fighter Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, recalls September 11, 2001. → tweet link
@TheAviationist · 2026-09-11T14:59
“Nobody Else Was Flying”: An F-16 Pilot Recalls the Morning of 9/11 Michigan ANG pilot Tom Froling was airborne on a routine training mission when America came under attack. Hours later, his squadron was loading live missiles and ammunition for combat air patrols over the United States. → tweet link
@TheIntelFrog · 2026-09-11T13:07
RT @thenewarea51: September 11th, 2001 - 1246z NORAD (HUNTRESS) scrambles PANTA 45/46 F-15s from OTIS ANGB on Cape Cod to intercept UAL 175… → tweet link
@ArmchairAdml · 2026-09-11T13:10
RT @thenewarea51: September 11th, 2001 - Boeing E-4B NAOC callsign ADDIS77 scrambled from Andrews AFB. While ATC was calling them “VENUS” w… → tweet link