Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends, 

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Matt Wagner, who left us on September 7th after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

I first met Matt back in 1995 when he joined SSI as a producer with the specific job of managing the blossoming relationship with our fledgling company. What began as a professional partnership grew into an enduring friendship that spanned three decades. Matt became a pillar of Eagle Dynamics as our Senior Producer in 2002. His passion and relentless dedication were fundamental to shaping DCS into what it is today, as he became the heart and voice of our team to the world.

Matt was loved and respected by everyone who had the privilege to work alongside him. His attention to detail and deep understanding of the subject matter endeared him not only to our team, but to the combat flight simulation community worldwide. All of you knew Matt, whether through his iconic videos, his tireless presence, or his genuine love for DCS. He touched all of us with grace and kindness.

During his illness, so many of you reached out with incredible generosity, raising funds to help support Matt in his battle for survival. Those funds went to vital use, bringing comfort and support to Matt and his family during their hardest days. On behalf of Matt’s wife, Kumiko, and all of us at Eagle Dynamics, we extend our profound and heartfelt gratitude to every person who contributed. Your kindness meant the world to him and to all of us.

We are devastated by his loss, yet amid the grief, we feel deeply privileged to have known him and to have shared in his journey by our side. Matt was a brave man; his legacy, his spirit, and his impact on our lives and our community will be remembered. 

I will miss his soft voice, our daily calls, and his joy for what he did.

Clear skies, my friend.
Nick

For mission and campaign builders: we have started updating DCS' older 3D static objects. They keep their original design, dimensions, and proportions, but now look more realistic, with seasonal textures and proper damaged states. Check out the progress below.

Coming in the next major update, DCS: Su-25T Operation Red Storm Campaign by Ugra Media drops you into Germany, 1984, as a Su-25T pilot in a fictional NATO–Warsaw Pact war across the Fulda Gap, over 18-story missions on the DCS: Cold War Germany map. Learn more below.

And in this week's community spotlight, we're featuring Hydra Squadron, a seasoned Latin American community with pilots from Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, and Uruguay, offering training schools and a professional flying environment. Check them out below.

Thank you for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely, 
Eagle Dynamics

Updated Static Building Models

Updating all old static models in DCS

We’re pleased to announce that work has begun on updating all of DCS’s classic 3D static objects. This is especially great news for mission and campaign creators, and we’re excited to share a first look at our progress.

Originally built for the Caucasus map and steeped in Soviet-era character, these objects are getting a visual overhaul while keeping their original spirit. You can rest assured that all existing placements in your missions will remain untouched, as the updated models preserve the same design, dimensions, and colour schemes. The real change is in the details: expect a noticeable boost in realism.

We’ve also added two practical upgrades. Each object now features both summer and winter textures, so your missions will look right at home whether you’re flying in July or January. Plus, every object now comes with a proper damaged and destroyed 3D model. No more mysterious craters; when a building takes a hit, you’ll see the results.

This is an ongoing effort, and more objects will follow. Stay tuned for further updates.

DCS: Su-25T Operation Red Storm Campaign

by Ugra Media

Germany, 1984. Tensions between NATO and the Warsaw Pact have reached a critical point, and what began as military confrontations and border incidents is rapidly escalating into open conflict across Central Europe.

Coming in the next major update, DCS: Su-25T Operation Red Storm Campaign is a story-driven campaign for the DCS: Cold War Germany map by Ugra Media, set during a fictional large-scale conflict in the Fulda Gap, one of the most strategically important regions of the Cold War era.

You take on the role of a Su-25T pilot with the 357th Separate Assault Aviation Regiment, stationed in East Germany. What starts with routine patrols and relocation flights gradually escalates into a full-scale campaign as the front line pushes deeper into West Germany. Over 18 missions totalling more than 10 hours, you will operate from multiple airfields across the theatre, supporting advancing ground forces, striking enemy infrastructure, suppressing air defences, and escorting operations in a constantly changing combat environment. Expect low-altitude strikes, emergency evacuations, and large-scale offensives in the Fulda and Frankfurt areas.

The campaign is built around a continuous combat environment in which each mission's outcome shapes what follows. A dynamically advancing front line, varied mission structure, and shifting battlefield are combined with detailed briefings, an authentic Cold War atmosphere, and a realistic pace of combat.

As a special bonus, the campaign includes two dynamic racing missions in the TF-51D. Set over Hamburg and Berlin, they offer a break from the intensity of the front and the thrill of high-speed flight over recognizable urban landscapes.

As the developers of the DCS: Cold War Germany map, Ugra Media built this campaign to make the most of the environment, geography, and operational potential of the theatre, from dense urban development to large-scale operations in the Fulda Corridor.

Key Features

• 18 story missions with a total duration of over 10 hours

• A large-scale fictional Cold War conflict inspired by real military doctrines and locations

• A variety of mission types: close air support, infrastructure strikes, air defence suppression, airfield attacks, and front line operations

• Dynamic front line changes throughout the campaign

• Operations from multiple East German airfields

• Detailed briefings

• A large number of voiced radio conversations and background radio traffic on the battlefield

• Operations by day, at night, and in challenging weather

• A Cold War-inspired mission atmosphere and structure

• Two bonus TF-51D racing missions over Hamburg and Berlin

Community Highlight: Hydra Squadron

A Latin American Community

Founded in 2020, Hydra Squadron has become one of the most seasoned Latin American communities in flight simulation. With pilots from Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, and Uruguay, they bring together enthusiasts who share a passion for flying, discipline, and teamwork.

One defining trait is that many members are active commercial pilots, trainees, or serve in real air forces, which naturally raises the standard of their operations. Authentic procedures, precise coordination, and missions designed with professional rigour are part of their daily routine.

Over the years, they have competed in events such as SATAC and SATAL, and they maintain a constant presence on servers like Contention Modern Warfare and Cold War, where they test their skills in dynamic, highly demanding environments.

For those looking to learn and refine their flying, Hydra Squadron runs specialized training schools for the DCS: F-16C, DCS: F/A-18C, and rotary-wing aircraft, where experienced instructors guide new pilots through their development. And because camaraderie is an essential part of their identity, they organize inter-squadron campaigns that strengthen bonds and keep the motivation to fly together alive.

If you're passionate about DCS, want a professional environment, and enjoy being part of a diverse and committed community, this squadron may become your new home. Head over to the Hydra Squadron Discord (https://discord.gg/2J4wbYedwX) to say hello.

With special thoughts and prayers for Matt and his family, thank you for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely, 
Eagle Dynamics