The Russian Navy is reported to be keen to restart production of the Mi-14 anti-submarine helicopter.
By Pokazylotniczepl (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Kazan Helicopter Works is reported to be preparing to resume the production line.
Source: Alert 5
USSOCOM has decided to integrate the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) II on board the AC-130W.
By U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cory D. Payne [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Elbit Systems of America will work on the integration contract over the next two years.
Source: Alert 5
Four USAF A-10 attack jets arrived at Sliač airport in Slovenia on May 18 for exercises with local soldiers.
They jets flew in from Romania and their next destination is Poland.
Source: Alert 5
The Wall Street Journal reported that the parent company of Sikorsky Aircraft, United Technologies, is talking to possible buyers of the helicopter maker.
By Andrés Ramírez (provided via email by author) [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons
Source: Alert 5
Flight testing of the Astra air-to-air missile has been delayed after the Su-30MKI fleet was grounded due to a crash on May 19.
By Asian Defence (Asian Defence) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The fighter had taken off from Tezpur airbase at 12.17 p.m. and the crew had to eject thirteen minutes later.
It was the sixth loss of the Su-30 fighter for India.
Source: Alert 5
The U.S. Marine Corps revealed that MV-22Bs were airborne and on their way to rescue a Jordanian F-16 pilot that ejected over Syria last December.
By U.S. Federal Government employee (U.S. Federal Government) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Col. Jason Bohm told reporters during a briefing at the Pentagon that a system had been set up such that the Ospreys could reach any location where coalition aircraft were operating in the Middle East within 30 minutes.
Source: Alert 5
The U.S. State Department has cleared a massive FMS to Israel for JDAM tail kits; Paveway kits, Hellfire missiles and AIM-120C missiles.
By U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Eric A. Clement. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The $1.879 billion sales package consists of the following items: 14,500 KMU-556C/B Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) tail kits consisting of 10,000 for Mk-84; 500 for Mk-83; and,4,000 for Mk-82; 3,500 Mk-82 bombs; 4,500 Mk-83 bombs; 50 BLU-113 bombs; 4,100 GBU-39 Small Diameter bombs; 1,500 Mk-83 Paveway kits; 700 BLU-109 Paveway kits; 3,000 AGM-114K/R Hellfire Missiles, 250 AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles; and 500 DSU-38A/B Detector Laser Illuminated Target kits for JDAMs.
Source: Alert 5
Two B-52H bombers assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing flew a 30-plus hour, 14,000 mile nonstop mission to Jordan for exercise Eager Lion 2015.
By United States Air Force [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
During the exercise, B-52 crews joined up with the Jordanian air force F-16s over Jordan, conducting a low flyover and a conventional weapons demonstration. Additionally, while in flight, bomber crews coordinated with Jordanian joint terminal attack controllers on the ground to increase cooperation and understanding regarding tactics, techniques and procedures for future interoperability, according to the press release.
Both aircraft return home to Barksdale Air Force Base on May 18.
Source: Alert 5
The 95th Fighter Squadron has returned home to Tyndall Air Force Base after a six month deployment to Southeast Asia.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alex Echols
Source: Alert 5
Six U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs have landed on board USS Wasp (LHD-1) on May 18 to kickoff the first Operational Test (OT-1).
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Remington Hall
Source: Alert 5