In Michigan, tiny JSX-2 microjets, each with a pilot squeezed inside, are zipping through the skies as part of a massive military exercise, simulating dangerous aerial threats like drones and cruise missiles. These small jets are helping the U.S. military prepare for the growing dangers these threats pose, including to the U.S. itself. The exercise highlights the urgent need for new and effective ways to defend against these evolving dangers, as global tensions rise and the risk of attacks becomes increasingly real.
Imagine tiny jets darting through the skies of Michigan, each one carrying a pilot squeezed inside. These little jets, called JSX-2 microjets, have been zipping around as part of a major military exercise, pretending to be enemy drones or cruise missiles. The U.S. military is very concerned about the growing threat these kinds of flying weapons pose, even to the U.S. homeland. That’s why they’re using these microjets in training to simulate these threats and better prepare for them.
Recently, the U.S. Air National Guard shared pictures of two JSX-2s, each registered with the FAA, flying from Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan during an exercise called Northern Strike 24-2. This event, led by Michigan’s National All-Domain Warfighting Center, began on August 3 and will run until August 17. Northern Strike is one of the Department of Defense’s largest training events, focusing on skills like rapid deployment, command and control, and joint military operations. Over 6,300 military personnel from across the U.S. and five other countries are participating, with action in the air, on the ground, and at sea.
The JSX-2, a tiny jet powered by a Czech-made engine, isn’t new. It’s an improved version of the JSX-1, first introduced in 2009. The JSX-2 is slightly bigger, sleeker, and equipped with features like retractable landing gear and a parachute that can be deployed if something goes wrong mid-flight. These jets are sold as kits to aviation enthusiasts who can assemble them at home.
A company called KestrelX is running the show with these microjets at Northern Strike 24-2. Back in 2021, KestrelX received a contract worth over $725,000 from the U.S. Air Force to use these microjets to mimic the behavior of enemy drones and cruise missiles during military exercises.
While it’s not exactly clear how these JSX-2s are modified for their military role, photos show that they have some extra equipment attached to their undersides—possibly to support their training missions or to carry extra fuel.
This exercise is crucial because it allows the U.S. military to train in realistic scenarios, especially when it comes to defending against drones and other aerial threats. Using manned jets like the JSX-2 as stand-ins for drones and cruise missiles offers flexibility and cost advantages over using actual unmanned aircraft or disposable target drones. The presence of a pilot allows for quick changes in mission plans and immediate feedback after a training mission.
Historically, the U.S. military has used crewed aircraft to simulate enemy missiles, mainly due to strict regulations on where unmanned aircraft can fly over the U.S. Unlike target drones that are typically used once and then need refurbishment, crewed jets can be reused multiple times in a day, making them more efficient for extended training exercises like Northern Strike.
There aren’t many planes that can match the speed and agility of drones or cruise missiles in a training environment. That’s where microjets like the JSX-2 come in—they’re small, nimble, and relatively inexpensive, making them ideal for simulating these threats.
For years, microjets have played a unique role in military training, offering a dynamic and affordable way to prepare for the dangers posed by drones and cruise missiles. Another example of such a microjet is the SMART-1, which the military has used in similar roles. The SMART-1, which you might recognize from the James Bond movie ‘Octopussy‘, is another kit-built microjet with similar capabilities to the JSX-2.
These jets are good at mimicking the small, quick, and stealthy nature of real aerial threats, which is crucial for realistic training. Interestingly, engines similar to those used in the JSX-2 have even been used by countries like Iran to power kamikaze drones and cruise missiles, some of which have been deployed in conflicts around the world.
The growing threats from drones and cruise missiles, especially those used by countries like Russia and Iran, are now a significant concern globally. This has led to renewed efforts within the U.S. military to develop better defenses and training methods to counter these dangers.
As the military continues to refine its strategies and technologies for defending against these threats, there will be an increasing need for realistic targets, like the JSX-2, to practice against. The role of these microjets is likely to grow in importance as they help train U.S. forces to defend against the evolving threats posed by drones and cruise missiles.
