Khalem Chapman
US approves South Korean F-16 IFF/Link 16 upgrades
The US State Department has approved the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of identification friend or foe (IFF) systems and Link 16 tactical data links to South Korea, as part of the country’s F-16 upgrade effort.
RAF declares IOC on Poseidon MRA1
The Royal Air Force (RAF) has formally declared that its Boeing P-8A Poseidon MRA1 maritime patrol aircraft fleet has achieved initial operating capability (IOC).
First production-representative MQ-9B rolled out
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) has rolled out and flown the first production-representative MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned combat air system (UCAV).
Israel hosts US F-35s in first joint training exercise
Israeli Air Force (IAF) Lockheed Martin F-35I Adir fighters and US Air Force (USAF) F-35A Lightning IIs have taken part in exercise Enduring Lightning – the first joint training exercise dedicated to the fighter to be held by Israel.
“Ugly Angels” declared fully operational on MV-22B
The US Marine Corps’ (USMC’s) Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 362 (VMM-362) ‘Ugly Angels’ has been declared fully operational capable and is now ready to support operations as part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW).
Russian Su-25SM3s crews employ ‘Solt-25’
Sukhoi Su-25SM3 ground attack aircraft crews, belonging to Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS-RF) units in the Kuban region in the Southern Military District, have trained using a new sighting and navigation system, known as ‘Solt-25’.
RNLAF receives first upgraded CH-47F
Boeing has delivered the first CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift tactical transport helicopter with an upgraded cockpit to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).
Next-Gen Jammer Mid-Band pod development progresses
Development of the US Navy’s Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) airborne electronic attack (AEA) pod has progressed, after it completed another test phase.
US contracts Lockheed Martin for 78 more F-35s
Lockheed Martin has been contracted to produce 78 more F-35s for the US Air Force (USAF), US Marine Corps (USMC) and US Navy, in a contract modification worth roughly US$4.7bn.
Draken launches Mirage F1M combat training missions
US-based adversary air (ADAIR) contractor, Draken International, has commenced training operations with the US Air Force (USAF), using its ‘new', second-hand Mirage F1M fighters.