Special Operations Command has honed its information gathering capabilities during the wars of the past decade, but its requirements are expected to change as it evolves into the globally networked force envisioned by its commander.

Flying over London’s Tower Bridge and the Thames River, dozens of small unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with lights flew in formation displaying the iconic Starfleet Academy emblem in the night sky.

Even as military officials assert that the need for simulation tools has only increased, the industry is contending with funding delays, consolidation and increased competition over fewer contracts.

The Navy will decide over the next two years how it will modernize its fleet of 35 cargo planes that move passengers and supplies from bases on land to big-deck aircraft carriers at sea.