A lot of information is flowing out right now for DCS World modules in the immediate aftermath of DCS World 2026 and Beyond. The cinematic video usually has a few surprises and while there were few, it was still a showcase of what the sim is and will be over the next few years. It came at the same time as a DCS World Weekend News update which was overshadowed by the video… so let’s have a look at that as well as some further information from Heatblur, Miltech-5, OnReTech and more! Let’s have a look!

2026 and Beyond and Afghanistan update

Overshadowed by the focus on the 2026 and Beyond video release, Eagle Dynamics also came out with their DCS World Weekend News update. The first part of their update is, of course, about the video and they mention the following projects specifically: Typhoon, La-7, F-1M, F-104, Bo 105, and F-100D. The list might give us a sense of what modules are attracting extra attention internally.

The imagery of course give us more looks at Pacific assets, the new infantry model and animations, and we also have an update on North Afghanistan which is still in development. This week we have learned that Eagle Dynamics are planning to expand the map with some new areas. Here’s what they are planning:

Development of DCS: North Afghanistan is progressing. We are constructing airfields, creating road networks, and developing cities, towns, villages, and waterways to ensure the same level of detail and quality as in the other regions.

Also for DCS: North Afghanistan, we have advanced work on Mary-1 and Mary-2, two Soviet-era airfields in Turkmenistan. These airfields will provide new mission-building options for both single-player and multiplayer. Mary-1 previously hosted Soviet bombers and fighters, while Mary-2 supported Afghan War operations, accommodating MiG-29 and Su-25 aircraft. The screenshots show our focus on accuracy, including the concrete slab layout and surface features. It also served as the home of the Soviet Union’s Center for Combat Employment 1521.

Based on the feedback we have already received, we continue to look at enhancing Afghan points of interest and of historic importance. For example: We are looking to improve West Kandahar, which was the site of one of the most significant NATO operations of the war, known as Operation Medusa. We continue to encourage you to share your personal or academic knowledge of areas you think are valuable for the creation of quality single and multiplayer missions. Thank you. 

All of that sounds good and in particular I’m glad to see that the map is gaining in flexibility so that it can represent additional scenarios like Soviet 1980s operations as well as 2000s operations with the US and NATO.

Heatblur aiming high with DCS: Rafale

Following yesterday’s trailer, a lot of information has come from third part developer Heatblur on how their DCS: Rafale project is taking shape. The information released by the developer confirms that the Rafale C is the project focus and that the aircraft will be fully compatible with the Meteor missile. This makes a lot of sense as Heatblur is already developing the Typhoon (together with TrueGrit) also equipped with the Meteor.

We also have more information about the development process with official licensing from Dassault offering manufacturer coordination. There’s also Jet Fighter Experience, playing a role in the development effort (they are also involved with the MSFS AzurPoly Rafale), and then Fly And Fight who are coordinating with real world Rafale pilots including a solo display pilot.

Here’s the relevant quote:

𝐃𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐀𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧’𝐬 licensing and manufacturer-level cooperation form the essential foundation of this project, ensuring that the Rafale is represented with the accuracy, integrity, and respect a modern, active duty fighter jet demands. 𝐉𝐞𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 plays a key role in the development effort, contributing additional engineering, research and modeling, and acting as the interface for coordination with Dassault. Their background in delivering comprehensive tactical simulation solutions for military training — spanning simulator design, tailored tactical content, technical deployment, and operational support — is a critical pillar of the DCS: Rafale C project. 𝐅𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 complements this with direct operational insight through experienced Rafale pilots: a former 𝐑𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭 and instructor with over 𝟐,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐞, who is widely regarded as a reference in maneuverability, technical demonstration and mastery of the aircraft; and a 𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭 with over 𝟏,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐞 who participated in nearly all major Rafale operational deployments. Both bring first-hand experience of real combat, procedures, tactics, maneuvers, mission execution, the human factor and the operational rigor of French fighter aviation.

Fascinating how these things come together. Heatblur does appear to have a solid foundation under them with manufacturer support, developer with clear experience with the aircraft, and subject matter experts who have direct experience with the jet itself.

Heatblur are touting their underlying technology system, called ANVIL, for modeling individual components that tightly interlink systems. The announcement suggests that they want the jet to be the ultimate experience of the Rafale flying and fighting the jet as intended.

Read the full announcement here!

OnReTech’s Balkans map update

An update this past Monday from the OnReTech team showed off the latest work on the DCS: Balkans map. The images come from a fresh build of the map project and represents the team’s latest work testing terrain and object placement. They are also testing underground facilities too.

I know there’s been some critique about the overly bright green terrain and that too may be undergoing some tweaking. Worth leaving some feedback in their area of the forums if you have the chance. Read the latest update here!

Bo 105 update

I read an update from DCS third party developer Miltech-5 back last spring and then entirely forgot to write an article about it. I’m catching up on that now given the Bo 105s renewed visibility thanks to multiple appearances in the 2026 and Beyond video. Let’s revisit that post now.

The developer update covers a bit of ground. In summary, the project has struggled through a series of setbacks and remakes. Technology has changed, some difficult people relationships, and other various issues have all slowed the project. However, the developer is keen to continue on regardless of how long it takes saying that the whole thing is a passion project.

This isn’t just about “getting it to fly” – it’s about honoring a machine that deserves to exist in DCS in all its technical brilliance.

From the looks of things, the Bo 105 is beginning to take shape and its thanks to a relentless effort to try and bring this helicopter to life that it has gotten to this point. Hopefully its inclusion in the trailer is an indication of positive developments!

Read the update, originally posted back in May 2025, right here.

More La-7 information

Over on Facebook, OctopusG has released a new screenshot and some explanation of just what is going on.

Operation of the La-7 aircraft is impossible without its pneumatic system.
Compressed air is used to start the engine, operate the weapon systems, apply wheel brakes, and provide emergency landing gear extension.

Since the aircraft is not equipped with an onboard compressor, the system’s air supply is limited by the capacity of the onboard cylinder. For this reason, a ground air bottle is an essential part of the La-7 ground crew’s equipment.

As a result, players of the DCS: La-7 module will often need to call upon the ground crew to connect an external air supply.

So, get your compressed air bottle ready while starting the DCS: La-7!