USAF carries out final operational E-8C JSTARS sortie
The USAF has marked the end of an era in airborne command, control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations after the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) fleet flew its final operational mission on September 21
USAF welcomes first Joby Aviation eVTOL to Edwards AFB
The USAF’s Emerging Technologies Integrated Test Force (ET-ITF) took delivery of its first experiment electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at Edwards AFB, California, on September 25
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst bids farewell to final Stratotanker
The 141st Air Refueling Squadron – a component of the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 108th Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst – bid farewell to its last KC-135R Stratotanker on September 20
Australia permanently grounds MRH-90 fleet after fatal crash
Australia has retired its 45-strong fleet of MRH-90 Taipan tactical transport helicopters early, following a fatal accident that occurred near Hamilton Island, Queensland, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 23 on July 28
USAF U-2S completes first flight after avionics upgrade
In partnership with Lockheed Martin’s coveted Skunk Works division, the USAF has completed the first flight of an upgraded U-2S Dragon Lady as part of the high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft’s ongoing Avionics Tech Refresh programme
USAF unleashes the BEAST with new B-1B upgrade package
One of the USAF’s two supersonic-capable B-1B Lancer strategic bomber wings – the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB in Texas – is pioneering a package that will modernise the fleet much faster than would have otherwise been possible
Slovakia’s first F-16 Block 70 completes maiden flight
The first of 14 F-16C/D Block 70 Fighting Falcon multi-role fighters for Slovakia completed its maiden flight from Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Greenville, South Carolina, at approximately 0930hrs (local time) on September 29
France hands over first dual-seat Rafale fighter to Croatia
The first dual-seat Dassault Rafale B for the Croatian Air Force was officially handed over during a ceremony at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base (BA118) on October 2, which was attended by Croatian Defence Minister Mario Banožić and other high-ranking political and military personnel
Florida ANG F-15C/Ds take part in combined exercise in Colombia
Several F-15C/D Eagles from the 159th Fighter Squadron ‘Boxin’ Gators’ – a component of the Florida ANG’s 125th Fighter Wing – deployed to Palanquero, Colombia, on August 18 to participate in the combined exercise, Àngel de los Andes and Relámpago VIII
South Korea axes F-35B acquisition plan to grow F-35A fleet?
Seoul has requested a government-to-government Foreign Military Sale for the purchase of 25 fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighters has been approved by the US State Department