NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance grounded while waiting for flight clearance from Italy

NATO’s attempt to develop a high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle based on the Global Hawk has hit a road block as the Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) system is grounded in Sigonella while waiting for Italian aviation authorities to grant permission for test flights.

By Philipp Hayer (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance grounded while waiting for flight clearance from Italy

Three arrested over potential attack on RAF Lakenheath

Three men were arrested by the British police in connection of a potential terrorist attack on RAF Lakenheath during Jul. 4 celebrations.

By United States Air Force [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The London Metropolitan Police said in a statement that the trio were brought in on Jul. 14.
Earlier this month, U.S. officials canceled the festivities after a change in local threat assessment.

Source: Three arrested over potential attack on RAF Lakenheath

119th Fighter Squadron in Bulgaria for Thracian Star 2015

Eight F-16s from the 119th Fighter Squadron, 177th Fighter Wing are currently at Graf Ignatievo Air Force Base, Bulgaria for Thracian Star 2015.
A U.S. Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon, from the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, runs through pre-flight systems checks during Thracian Star 2015, a bilateral training exercise to enhance interoperability with the Bulgarian air force, at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, on July 15. Pilots from both countries also benefit from familiarization flights in each other’s fighter jets. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Andrew J. Moseley/Released)
U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Andrew J. Moseley

“We came over here primarily to do air-to-air training in basic fighting maneuvers and tactical intercepts,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Hassel, 119th Fighter Squadron commander.

Source: 119th Fighter Squadron in Bulgaria for Thracian Star 2015

Kawasaki P-1 made demonstration flight for undisclosed party on Jul. 17

Vice Admiral Makoto Sato, Commander Fleet Air Force, JMSDF, revealed that on the first day of Royal International Air Tattoo 2015, the Kawasaki P-1 flew a demonstration flight for a potential customer.

By Aleem Yousaf (Kawasaki P-1, Japan Maritime Self Defence Force) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Kawasaki P-1 made demonstration flight for undisclosed party on Jul. 17

Britain renews Seedcorn MPA project for another 3 years

British aircrew operating maritime patrol aircraft with allied forces will continue to do so for another three years as the Seedcorn maritime patrol project has been renewed.

By Ronnie Macdonald (Flickr: Nimrod MRA4 3) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The project allows the Royal Air Force to retain its anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability following the withdrawal of the BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4.

Source: Britain renews Seedcorn MPA project for another 3 years

Czech Gripen advance party departed for Iceland

An advance party from the Czech Air Force has departed for Iceland on Jul. 20 to prepare for the arrival of five Czech Griepn fighters this week.

© Milan Nykodym, Czech Republic [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The fighters will be refueled in mid-air by an Italian KC-767 during the trip.

Source: Czech Gripen advance party departed for Iceland

16th Weapons Squadron employed the F-35A for SEAD and offensive counter-air during training missions

The F-35A took part in its first U.S. Air Force Weapons School Integration (WSINT) Phase from Jun. 8-24 and the jet was used in a variety of missions including counter-air, suppression of enemy air defenses and air interdiction.

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cody Griffith

According to Maj. Tyson K. Wetzel, two of the largest and most complex missions was SEAD and offensive counter-air. With the inclusion of the F-35A, the F-22s were able to reduce their mission workload and concentrate more on countering Aggressors from 64th Aggressor Squadron and 79th Fighter Squadron.

Source: 16th Weapons Squadron employed the F-35A for SEAD and offensive counter-air during training missions

Tecnam says demand from military organizations drove it to launch P-Jet

Italian-based general aviation manufacturer Tecnam says it was motivated to launch two-seat, single-engine P-Jet after it was approached by two military organizations.

Image: Tecnam

Tecnam director of US sales Shannon Yeager told Flight Global that both organizations are not American.

Source: Tecnam says demand from military organizations drove it to launch P-Jet

U.S. helicopters attacked Afghan checkpoint in friendly fire incident

Afghan officials say two U.S. helicopters attacked a checkpoint in Logar province on Jul. 20, killing at least eight soldiers that were manning the post.

Photo: Staff Sergeant Mike Harvey/MOD [OGL], via Wikimedia Commons

Shortly after the air strike, Taliban forces mounted an offensive to destroy the outpost, they were repelled by members of the Afghan Local Police after two hours of heavy fighting.

Source: U.S. helicopters attacked Afghan checkpoint in friendly fire incident

Russian satellite’s maneuvering capability consistent with anti-satellite weapon

A U.S. Air Force spokesman said the Russian military satellite Kosmos 2504 has made at least 11 close approaches to the rocket upper stage that released it into orbit. Such maneuvering capability are consistent with an on-orbit anti-satellite weapon, according to Space News.

By Ronald C. WittmannMaury Markowitz at en.wikipedia (http://www.dia.mil/history/art/images/anti_sat.jpg) [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons

Source: Russian satellite’s maneuvering capability consistent with anti-satellite weapon