The Lockheed U-2 “Dragon Lady” is one of the most iconic reconnaissance aircraft ever built, developed in the mid-1950s by Lockheed’s Skunk Works to provide the United States with high-altitude intelligence gathering during the Cold War. Designed to fly above 70,000 feet—initially beyond the reach of most enemy defenses—the U-2 first flew in 1955 and became famous for covert surveillance missions over the Soviet Union, Cuba, and other global hotspots. Despite its age, the U-2 has remained in continuous service through extensive upgrades, evolving into a highly capable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platform that continues to support modern military and strategic operations worldwide.