# Elite Dangerous Elite Dangerous | Operations Update

- Product: Elite Dangerous (https://whatsnew.fyi/product/elite-dangerous)
- Vendor: Frontier Developments
- Date: 2026-07-01
- Original notes: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/359320/view/685257749622163110
- Permalink: https://whatsnew.fyi/product/elite-dangerous/releases/2026-07-01-elite-dangerous-operations-update

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Reuse: the summaries, labels and curation here are © What's New. Quote freely with attribution and a link back; wholesale republication of the corpus is not permitted — terms: https://whatsnew.fyi/terms. The vendors' own release notes remain their publishers'.

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- **added** — Operations feature introducing squad-focused gameplay with lobby and matchmaking system
- **added** — Six initial Operations scenarios: Tactical Takedown, Firestorm Rescue, Reclamation Point, Biohazard Takedown, Rapid Response, and Terminal Prosecution
- **added** — Operation Runner deployment vessel that transports teams to designated scenario systems
- **added** — Nomad ship-launched utility vessel for planetary exploration with exceptional manoeuvrability and specialized MK II Biological Scanner
- **added** — Merc Coin currency for purchasing MercGear equipment and modifications
- **added** — Thermal Plasma Conversion blueprint converting portion of damage to plasma for beam/pulse/burst lasers
- **added** — Scoop Rate Enhanced blueprint improving fuel scoop rate
- **added** — Enduring Feedback Rail Gun with improved reload time, heat generation, range and ammo capacity
- **added** — Far-Reaching Abrasion Blaster with increased shot speed and maximum range
- **added** — Double Screaming Fragment Cannon with increased ammo capacity and clip size
- **added** — Long Range Mining Laser with increased range and reduced power draw
- **added** — Rapid Phase Multi-Cannon with increased shots per round and rate of fire
- **added** — Drag Seeker Missile Rack with increased ammo capacity and rate of fire
- **added** — Lightweight Thermal Seeker Missile Rack with reduced mass and power draw
- **added** — Lockdown Seeker Missile Rack with increased ammo capacity and integrity
- **added** — Support Focused Power Distributor increasing engine and systems capacity
- **added** — Balanced Power Distributor with moderate distributor rate improvements
- **added** — Extended Cargo Rack increasing cargo capacity
- **added** — Long Range Detailed Surface Scanner with better probe radius
- **added** — Heavy Duty Module Reinforcement Package increasing module protection
- **added** — Networking & Balancing Beta stage for Operations to optimize server performance and allow regular adjustments

Greetings Commanders!

The moment has arrived! The Operations Update is here. Your Team. Your Tactics. Your Triumph. Operations brings a new layer of high-intensity, squad-focused gameplay to Elite Dangerous, centred around teamwork, coordination and tactical execution.

Operations can be initiated either by a lone Commander or a fully formed squad, with optional matchmaking available to fill any remaining positions. Once an Operation has been launched, all Commanders are transported aboard the new Operation Runner, a specialised deployment vessel that carries the team directly to the designated scenario system. There are six Operations currently to choose from, and we have more planned for future updates!

This update also brings with it the mighty Nomad! This compact, ship-launched utility vessel has been designed for exploring and navigating through planetary terrain with exceptional manoeuvrability. Its nimble thrusters, responsive handling, small landing footprint and rapid spool-up capability makes it quick to set down, even in the most challenging environments. It also comes equipped with a specialised MK II Biological Scanner for the detection of biological signals directly from the cockpit!

Designed with ease of use in mind, the Nomad features accessible entry points, supporting both rapid disembarking and swift re-entry, allowing commanders to move around the vessel with ease. The Nomad can be deployed from a compatible vessel bay, including MK I and MK II modules.

Check out the Update Notes below for the full details!

##### Update Notes

##### **Features of Note:**

- New Operations Feature (Networking & Balancing Beta):

- The Operations framework** **introduces many new features, including:

- A brand new lobby and matchmaking system for engaging Operations

- 6 Initial Operations:

- Tactical Takedown:

- _The client's megaship has been compromised by a rival faction, you will need to board the ship and fight your way through the command deck to obtain intel and trace the origin of the attack. Then you'll want to bring your firepower to bear on the general responsible for the attack at their home base._

- Firestorm Rescue:

- _There are hostages trapped in a burning station, break the siege and evacuate those that remain. You will need to manage the station's heat to buy enough time to complete the rescue while dealing with the hostile forces trying to stop you._

- Reclamation Point:

- _The megaship has been hijacked, your job is to eliminate all hostile forces in and around the megaship so the client can recover it. You'll need your best gear and ship to accomplish your goal._

- Biohazard Takedown:

- _A group of researchers is developing a dangerous weapon, you need to assault the ship, obtain the location and IDs of the researchers and take them out._

- Rapid Response:

- A planetary port has come under attack and some personnel are still trapped inside who need rescuing. You cannot delay, as a huge hostile fleet is on the way. If the evacuation is not completed in time, there will be no hope for those still inside.

- Terminal Prosecution:

- _A criminal element is causing trouble in the system, they've been raiding for weeks now, it's your job to clear them out._

- Merc Coin that can be used to purchase the following MercGear:

- Blueprints:

- Thermal Plasma Conversion - Increased power draw to convert a portion of damage to plasma for beam/pulse/burst lasers.

- Scoop Rate Enhanced - Increased power draw to improve fuel scoop rate for fuel scoops.

- Pre-Engineered Hardpoints:

- Enduring Feedback Rail Gun - Increased mass, power draw and reduced damage to improve reload time, heat generation, range and ammo capacity. Includes Feedback Cascade effect.

- Far-Reaching Abrasion Blaster - Reduced power draw, distributor draw and thermal load with increased shot speed and maximum range at the cost of integrity.

- Double Screaming Fragment Cannon - Increased ammo capacity, clip size, burst size and re

_[Truncated at 4000 characters — full notes: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/359320/view/685257749622163110]_