Khalem Chapman
NATO receives first upgraded RQ-4D Phoenix
The first RQ-4D Phoenix HALE UAV to complete the so-called Maritime Mode software upgrade and subsequent testing with the type’s manufacturer, Northrop Grumman, was returned to the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force at Sigonella Air Base in Sicily, Italy, on September 17
Switzerland signs procurement contract for 36 F-35As
Swiss plans to acquire a fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighters marked a significant step forward on September 19, when Switzerland’s federal office for defence procurement, armasuisse, announced that the procurement contract for 36 aircraft had been signed
Raytheon, Northrop selected to deliver Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile to USAF
Raytheon Missiles & Defense, in partnership with Northrop Grumman, has been selected to develop and deliver the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) to the USAF
Top Aces selected to provide adversary air training at two USAF bases
Top Aces announced on September 12 that it had been selected by the USAF to provide adversary air training services to fighter pilots at Eglin AFB, Florida, and Luke AFB, Arizona, under the air arm’s Combat Air Force Contracted Air Support programme
The Monday Military Aviation Quiz 112: Fighter Edition
Welcome to the 112th Monday Military Aviation Quiz! How well do you know your modern military aircraft? Test your aircraft recognition skills here
Airbus trials outsized military cargo loading system on Beluga
Airbus Defence and Space announced on September 21 that it has developed a loading system to lift outsized military cargo into the Beluga A300-600ST freight aircraft, revealing that the capability was successfully tested in a verification exercise with the German Armed Forces – the system’s first customer – in Manching, Germany
UK delays full operating capability for F-35B fleet by two years
The UK’s Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II force has suffered a schedule setback after it was revealed that full operating capability for the fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighter fleet – which was initially planned to be declared in 2023 – has now slipped by two years to 2025
Bulgaria approves additional F-16 Block 70/72 purchase
The Bulgarian government has approved funding for the purchase of eight additional Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 70/72 Fighting Falcons – a sale which was initially cleared by the US State Department in April 2022
USAF, Northrop Grumman reveal schedule for planned B-21 rollout
The USAF and Northrop Grumman revealed on September 20 that the B-21 Raider – the air arm’s next-generation stealth bomber – will be formally unveiled to the public for the first time in early December, ahead of the type’s planned first flight in 2023.
Lightning strikes Belgian F-16BM during training sortie
A Lockheed Martin F-16BM Block 20 (MLU) Fighting Falcon was forced to make a precautionary landing at Ostend-Bruges International Airport after being struck by lightning on September 14