Eagle Dynamics second roadmap article is out and this one is focused more on modules and content. This compliments the first part which was focused more on the core features of the sim.

Current modules and modern content updates

Lots of modules are mentioned in this latest newsletter. Lets start with some of the items they’ve highlighted for continued development. The Mosquito (first on the list), F-16C, F/A-18C, AH-64D, CH-47F, Mi-24P and MiG-29A together with Afghanistan and Iraq are all mentioned as work continuing. I think that’s important as DCS and ED develops more modules, legacy ones should continue to see support. Supercarrier gets its own mention with the introduction of ready room, landing aid guidance improvements and deck crew improvements mentioned. Good.

Two aircraft models are in the screenshot dump for this Friday that you can see above. The C-17 Globemaster and the Tu-160. Both have quite old AI models dating back to the earliest days of Lock On Modern Air Combat (or even earlier) and it looks like we’ll get high fidelity models for them soon. Of course the C-17’s prominence has caused speculation already of a flyable module. That isn’t impossible as MSFS 2024 has quite a decent rendition of that aircraft and I could see a DCS version being possible. Still, I think this is an AI only project at this time if I were to guess.

Next up, the free Su-25 upgrade is reportedly nearing completion. This is a Flaming Cliffs level airplane without clickable cockpit. This is going to be the new “free to play” flagship for DCS and it will replace the Su-25 from Flaming Cliffs.

That’s not all on the Su-25 front. Eagle Dynamics report the following:

Following this free, Flaming Cliffs level Frogfoot, we will explore the development of a paid-for full fidelity Su-25 with a new external model and complete systems, sensors, weapons, radios, etc. modeling, similar to the DCS: MiG-29A Fulcrum.

This sounds good. I’ve said it a few times over the years that a full fidelity Su-25 would be a welcome option particularly as the early Su-25 is a relatively straightforward aircraft. Even better, having low fidelity systems and high fidelity systems on the same airplane allows for friends to fly the one that best suits them and they can still operate nicely together without issue and even provide for a lead-in to the high fidelity setup with an aircraft that is familiar.

In the modern era, DCS: F-35A and F-15C are also mentioned in the update. The F-15C “design is complete” and the F-35A design is maturing. Development is reportedly delayed pending additional art and engineering resource availability.

If I were to parse that information, it suggests to me that they have the necessary resources, they have systems and avionics mapped out, but they need programmers and artists to build them. Its not surprising to me but all of that makes me doubt any chance of a 2026 launch (which had been suggested at one time or another).

A new Combined Arms 2.0 is on the way and awaiting development resources. An RTS style command interface and VR support are two of the planned features.

First person walkaround mode (ala MSFS 2024) is also mentioned as is further development of the Data Transfer Cartridge system with the system expanded to the AH-64D and A-10C II.

WWII PTO talk

Eagle Dynamics say that their WWII PTO assets have been a big focus for the past year and will continue to be in 2026. The assets include US Navy and Japanese Navy ships, aircraft, and ground forces with a focus on 1944 air war.

The F6F Hellcat is reportedly being finalized now which is great news. We’ve seen that aircraft in multiple promo videos for the last few years and its good to hear that its finally approaching readiness.

The A6M Zero: I said I’d believe it when I finally saw it. I can see it, so I believe it! This one has been rumoured on and off for a long time but now we can see it and the report is that it is making great progress. This is good. We should have a believable fight between F6F Hellcat, F4U Corsair up against the A6M5 Zero all being year and battle appropriate and hopefully released alongside ample assets to support them all.

2026 and Beyond

We don’t yet have a date but I expect that we’ll see some teases coming up quite soon for the DCS World 2026 and Beyond Video. For veterans, the video will likely be the usual affair with the chance of some kind of juicy reveal. For those new to the series, this is a cinematic experience showing off DCS World at its absolute peak.

The release timing on this video has changed significantly over the years but we may see it sometime next week or the week after. It’s rare for it to come later.

Read the roadmap right here for the rest.