More RTAF EC725 photos

Photos: Royal Thai Air Force Parajumpers

Source: More RTAF EC725 photos

Buk-M3 to enter active service in 2016

The third generation Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile system will enter service next year. Testing of the system is about to be completed and will be made operational end of the year.

Source: Buk-M3 to enter active service in 2016

Change of command for first operational F-35 squadron

VMFA-121, the first F-35 to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC), held a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma on Aug. 14.

Photo By: Cpl. Travis Gershaneck

Lt. Col. James Bardo replaces Lt. Col. Steve Gillette.

Source: Change of command for first operational F-35 squadron

Heron TP sold to Jordan

Debka reported that Israeli had sold the Heron TP and Skylark UAVs to Jordan.

By SSGT REYNALDO RAMON, USAF [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Heron TP sold to Jordan

Germany to withdraw Patriot missile system from Turkey

Germany will pull its Patriot missile battery stationed in Turkey back home when the mandate ends on Jan. 31, 2016.

By Sivi Steys (Flickr: Patriot) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

German news agency DPA says the decision was made after an internal review found that the deployment is putting a strain on highly-trained missile specialists.

Source: Germany to withdraw Patriot missile system from Turkey

KC-46 EMD-1 completes flutter tests

Boeing has posted a video announcing that the KC-46 EMD-1 has completed flutter tests. This certifies the aircraft to fly in the tanker configuration with the boom stowed and drogues retracted.

Source: KC-46 EMD-1 completes flutter tests

Taiwan plans to launch optical satellite via SpaceX next year

Taiwan will have an optical satellite with a 2-meter resolution in orbit next year. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will carry FORMOSAT-5 into space.

Photo: NCSIST

The satellite, built by National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs), will have a five-year life span.

Source: Taiwan plans to launch optical satellite via SpaceX next year

USAF plans MQ-1 sundown in 2018

After repeated attempts to retire the MQ-1, the U.S. Air Force is determined to retire the fleet by 2018.

By U.S. Air Force photo by Lt Col Leslie Pratt [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: USAF plans MQ-1 sundown in 2018

India’s oldest and newest aircraft carriers

Source: India’s oldest and newest aircraft carriers

U.S. Navy could be taking delivery of just 12 F-35Cs a year in worse case scenario

The U.S. Navy is bracing itself for the possibility of buying just 12 F-35Cs a year in the 2020s stemming from budget shortfalls and competing requirements.

By U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Naval Air Forces commander Vice Adm Mike Shoemaker showed the figure during a speech at Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

Source: U.S. Navy could be taking delivery of just 12 F-35Cs a year in worse case scenario