Russia’s military detachment in Syria now has a “hotline” to Israeli Air Force

The Russian military said its command center at Hmeimim air base in Syria had established a link with a command post of the Israeli air force.

Mil.ru [CC BY 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Both sides held a training session on Oct. 14 on how to “avoid dangerous incidents” over Syria airspace.
Separately, the deputy chief of Russian Air Force, Maj. Gen. Sergey Dronov, arrived in Turkey on Oct. 15 to discuss Russia’s recent intrusion into Turkish airspace.

Source: Russia’s military detachment in Syria now has a “hotline” to Israeli Air Force

Su-35s carried out drills near Kuril Islands

Russian Su-35 fighters carried out drills near the Kuril Islands recently, the Eastern Military District announced on Oct. 15.

By Dmitriy Pichugin [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

A spokesperson emphasized that the event was pre-planned and complied with international regulations.

Source: Su-35s carried out drills near Kuril Islands

Lockheed Martin awarded 5 million contract for JASSM and JASSM-ER

Lockheed Martin will produce 140 baseline JASSMs for U.S. and international partners, 140 JASSM-ER missiles under a Lot 13 contract worth $305 million.

By USAF (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Jassm6.jpg) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Lockheed Martin awarded 5 million contract for JASSM and JASSM-ER

Former CH-46 crew chief gets upgrade to Navy Cross

Former U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Kenneth A. Altazan got his Silver Star upgraded to a Navy Cross recently after new evidence emerged on his heroic actions as a CH-46 crew chief on a rescue mission in Vietnam forty-six years ago.

Source: HMM364.org

Source: Former CH-46 crew chief gets upgrade to Navy Cross

Orbital ATK awarded initial production contract for MJU-73/B flare

The U.S. Air Force is switching to the new MJU-73/B flare. An initial production contract was awarded to Orbital ATK for the aircraft countermeasure.

By English: Senior Airman Brett Clashman, U.S. Air Force (www.defense.gov) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The MJU-73/B is internally funded and developed by the company.

Source: Orbital ATK awarded initial production contract for MJU-73/B flare

Indian Navy open to having women pilots fly its patrol aircraft

The Indian Navy has tabled its proposal to allow women to fly its maritime surveillance aircraft.

By Clemens Vasters (http://www.flickr.com/photos/clemensv/11103625025/) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Indian Navy open to having women pilots fly its patrol aircraft

34th WPS launches new HC-130J weapons instructor course

The 34th Weapons Squadron will launch a new HC-130J Combat King II weapons instructor course in addition to its current HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue course.

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

The 34th WPS will begin to build an expert corps of initial cadre by the end of 2015 to create a syllabus by June 2016 and validate the course by the end of 2016. Students will begin attending the new WIC in early 2017.

Source: 34th WPS launches new HC-130J weapons instructor course

Russia confirmed its Su-30 made a visual I.D. of U.S. aircraft over Syria

A Russian Su-30 fighter approached U.S. military aircraft on Oct. 10 to make visual contact, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Mil.ru [CC BY 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Russia confirmed its Su-30 made a visual I.D. of U.S. aircraft over Syria

Saudi signs deal for 320 PAC-3 missiles

Saudi Arabia has gone ahead to sign a contract with Lockheed Martin for 320 PAC-3 missiles. The U.S. government cleared the country to buy 600 missiles in July.

By Robert Barney, U.S. Air Force [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

A senior Lockheed official told Reuters that the Kingdom may accelerate its plans to buy the THAAD air defense system too.

Source: Saudi signs deal for 320 PAC-3 missiles

Swiss F/A-18 crashed in France

A Swiss F/A-18 crashed in France while on a training flight with two F-5s on Oct. 14.

By Yannick Bammert (_DSC9567.jpg) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Air force commander Aldo Schellenberg said the plane suddenly lost altitude while flying over a joint training area shared with France.
The pilot was very experienced with over 1,100 hours on the jet. He was able to eject safely.

Source: Swiss F/A-18 crashed in France