Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends, 

We are making good progress on new terrain-optimization methods to reduce install sizes while preserving the visual quality expected from DCS. Early testing is already showing promising disk space savings on larger terrains like DCS: Afghanistan[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com]; more improvements are planned as these methods continue to evolve. More details below.

SOB Simulations returns with Sentry Pacific ’26 - One Last Ride, a story-driven DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com] campaign set over the beautifully updated DCS: Marianas Map[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com]. Featuring 13 immersive missions, extensive voice acting, and a narrative that explores the future of the Warthog in modern combat, the campaign blends authentic USAF procedures with approachable mission design to deliver a cinematic and engaging experience. Read more below.

Panther Den brings you a large-scale, dynamic PvE experience where logistics, teamwork, and tactical coordination matter just as much as combat. Set across detailed, modern conflicts on the DCS: Syria[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com], DCS: Afghanistan[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com], and DCS: Kola[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com] maps, this server challenges you with aggressive enemy AI, evolving objectives, and immersive battlefield operations inspired by real-world regions. Check it out below!

Thank you for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely, 

Eagle Dynamics

Size Management of Installed Terrain

Many of you have voiced concerns about the growing storage requirements of DCS terrain modules. Rest assured that we are hard at work on solutions to tackle this challenge. As our terrains evolve in size, fidelity, and detail, we will ensure that improved storage efficiency remains a top priority.

We are exploring new terrain-optimization methods to reduce the size of our terrain modules while preserving the high visual standards you expect from DCS maps. One of the most promising advances is in texture compression, which is already helping us reduce storage needs with little to no impact on image quality.

Our internal testing is already showing up to 25%-30% disk space savings on DCS: Afghanistan[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com], and we’re encouraged that these numbers will improve further as the technology matures. Of course, the exact savings will depend on how each map was originally constructed and the tools used during its development.

The biggest winners will be our latest, larger terrains that feature high-detail textures. For example: Maps like DCS: Afghanistan[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com], DCS: Iraq[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com] and DCS Syria[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com] will see considerable improvements thanks to their scale and the methods used to create them. On the other hand, maps like DCS: Marianas[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com] and DCS: The Channel[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com] already use different rendering approaches, so their install sizes are already on the smaller side.

Older terrains, like DCS: Caucasus[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com], are unlikely to see much change because they were built with smaller textures and lower density from the start. The good news is that their storage footprint is already quite modest.

We plan to introduce these optimizations in future terrain module updates once the technology is finalized and we’re happy with the results. In addition to reducing install sizes, we’re also working on broader improvements to terrain quality and capabilities as part of our ongoing commitment to advancing DCS terrain technology.

A New Campaign by SOB Simulations

From the creator of DCS: F-16C Sentry Pacific 2025 Campaign[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com], SOB Simulations brings you a new campaign for the DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer over the DCS: Marianas Map! Check out all the details below, coming soon to DCS!

Strap into the legendary A-10C Warthog as a test pilot with the Air National Guard as part of the Reserve Command Test Center (AATC), deployed to the beautifully updated DCS: Mariana[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com] Map[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com] for Sentry Pacific ’26 - One Last Ride.

This compelling story-driven campaign unfolds across 13 carefully designed sorties, drawn from today’s headlines where you’ll fly everything from test profiles to combat employment exercises. Each mission is built around real-world USAF/ANG procedures but streamlined where it counts to feel authentic without burying you in unnecessary complexity.

At its core, One Last Ride parallels the Sentry Pacific ’25 Viper campaign[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com] while asking one question: Does the A-10C still belong in the fight? With retirement looming, every sortie is a test where you can prove it still matters, or fly it on One Last Ride to the Boneyard.

Written by a 30-year U.S. Air Force veteran, One Last Ride leans into character, pacing, and atmosphere. Like a premium miniseries, the voices on the radio become people you’ve flown for years with. Missions play out like episodes—some lighter, some tense, some unexpectedly funny, but all feeding a larger arc that ties directly into its sister Sentry Pacific ’25 campaign. Two stories, one timeline.

Whether this is your first DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com] campaign or your tenth, the design walks a deliberate line: Real procedures where they matter, flexibility where they don’t. You’ll learn, improve, and stay engaged without feeling like you need a stack of manuals to keep up. Because at the end of the day, it should feel real, but it should also be fun to fly!

Key Features:

• 13 story-driven missions with varied pacing and objectives to keep you on your toes

• Real-world procedures presented in a practical, approachable, and flyable manner

• Over 3,100 fully voiced lines bring the campaign and its characters to life

• 40+ detailed custom aircraft and ground unit liveries

• 215+ pages of briefing material and kneeboards for those who want to dig deep

• Procedural checklists that support mission flow without slowing you down

• A narrative-focused, non-combat-heavy experience delivering FUN when it counts

Multiplayer Server

Panther Den is a dynamic PVE multiplayer campaign server packed with high-stakes modern threats, challenging AI logic, and an enemy that aggressively fights back! Mission theatres have included DCS: Kola Map[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com] (EUCOM), DCS: Afghanistan Map[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com] (CENTCOM), and, currently, DCS: Syria Map[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com] (CENTCOM). All of these focus on modern force-on-force scenarios. Each campaign is meticulously designed using the entire terrain and open-source intel that honours the region's history, operational realities, and an immersive/dynamic battlefield experience. 

Logistics is the backbone of Panther Den, requiring players to deliver fuel, weapons, troops, and air defences. You can even escort a ground convoy in combined arms! With a strong focus on communication and teamwork, Panther Den welcomes new and experienced pilots alike. 

Additionally, Panther Den runs a DCS: Nevada Test and Training Range Map[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com] server that includes simulated versions of these four complexes across NTTR, R-2508 (Edwards Air Force Base), UTTR (Utah Test and Training Range), and FRTC (Fallon Range Training Complex)! 

Join the fight on Discord at https://discord.gg/pantherden.

Thank you again for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely, 

Eagle Dynamics

Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends, 

The southern region of the DCS: Iraq map continues to take shape with new airfields, cities, industrial zones, and unique landmarks like Kharg Island, the Kuwait Towers, NBK Tower, and Stadium 974. From Desert Storm to modern conflicts, this evolving theatre is steadily coming to life.

The northern region of the DCS: North Afghanistan map progresses with the additions of Mazar-i-Sharif, Kunduz, Fayzabad, and Sheberghan airfields in Afghanistan and Mary International Airport and Mary-2 airfields in Turkmenistan. We are also testing new map optimization technology aimed at reducing install sizes without sacrificing visual quality.

Looking for an immersive multiplayer experience with persistent progression, logistics, and frontline decision-making? The ‘Have Chips’ servers feature two distinct eras of combat across Syria in 1989 and the Caucasus in 2014. This includes XP and token systems, limited frontline resources, custom weapon effects, and expanding mod support. From deep strike missions to logistics flying with the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, there is plenty to experience.

Thank you for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely, 
Eagle Dynamics

Development Report

We are making great strides on the southern region of the DCS: Iraq map that will be available as a separate region or as part of the larger Iraq map. As we continue to create major locations, airbases, and cityscapes, the terrain is becoming increasingly recognizable to DCS pilots.

This will include all or portions of southern Iraq, western Iran, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

You can look forward to detailed renditions of Kuwait International Airport, Ali Al-Salem Airport, Jubail naval airport, Ras Al-Mishab airport, Riffa airbase, Sakhir airbase, Sakhir Isa airbase, Shiraz airport, Omidiyah airbase, Al-Udeid airbase, Prince Sultan airbase, and several other important regional airfields. The map will also include the strategically important Kharg Island with its airfield and refinery complexes. We are also adding a host of unique landmarks, including custom-built structures like the Bahrain World Trade Center, NBK Tower, the Kuwait Towers, and Stadium 974. These additions will bring even more regional character and visual authenticity to your missions.

As we move forward, the skyline is filling out with denser urban areas, new industrial zones, military facilities, and iconic landmarks tied to operations from Desert Storm through to present-day scenarios. Our ongoing work on terrain generation, infrastructure, and environmental details will ensure the southern portion of the map becomes a richly detailed and operationally diverse environment for all your DCS missions.

Following the Iraq map expansion to the south, we will then evaluate expanding the Iraq map to the east to include several important Iranian airbases that were critical during the Iran-Iraq War.

Development Report

We are also making steady progress on DCS: North Afghanistan, with development underway of key airfields across the northern region. Mazar-i-Sharif International, Kunduz Airport, Fayzabad Airport, and Sheberghan Airfield are all being included (see a full list here[forum.dcs.world]). Once complete, these airfields and more will open up a wealth of new mission scenarios and operational opportunities for your northern Afghanistan sorties.

Work continues on the Mary International Airport and the neighboring Mary-2 Airbase in Turkmenistan, which we discussed previously. These historic airfields served key roles during the Soviet-Afghan War and will no doubt be key locations for DCS missions and campaigns. Our team is focused on refining layouts and infrastructure that will convey the unique atmosphere of these sites to deliver an authentic experience for your missions.

Other areas on the DCS: Afghanistan continue to receive updates and bug fixes and new content like the addition of historic objects and monuments. Examples include the Tajbeg Palace Ruins and the Gardez Forte. The latter is a historical fort that played an important role in the region's military and cultural history. This improves the detail and immersion of these areas, especially at low-level.

DCS: Afghanistan is also our testbed for our newest improvements in map optimization technology that is designed to reduce installation sizes without sacrificing the image quality. We heard and listened, as this becomes one of your biggest concerns as the footprint of your DCS install grows. We will have more details on these improvements in an upcoming DCS Newsletter.

Dynamic PvPvE Campaign Server

From the Have Chips Server team:

We have two servers: The first is based in 1989 Syria, and the second is based on a 2014 Caucasus map. 


Complete missions to collect XP and tokens that can be exchanged for marking targets with smoke, hiring a 2-ship escort, or receiving a satellite photo of an enemy airbase to show bombable buildings and units. 


A Napalm mod has also been introduced for those who enjoy raining fire down on their targets. 


We are working on extensive mod support. The 1989 scenario supports the UH-60, while the 2014 scenario supports the UH-60 and SU-30/35. 


Each airbase and FARP has a limited number of weapons. The closer to the front line you spawn, the fewer options you have. If you need maximum firepower, spawn further back for a wider range of ordnance options. Be aware though that you will need to balance your armament for fuel the further you are from your target. 


For those who enjoy support and logistics, the DCS: C-130J can be used to supply friendly bases with munitions or to restock pallets of equipment if a base is running low on HP.



Visit https://havechips.net/ to find mission briefings and useful links. Tacview files can be downloaded from https://tacview.havechips.net/

Thank you again for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely, 
Eagle Dynamics