138th Fighter Wing deploying F-16s to Japan
A dozen F-16s and 200 airmen from the 125th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron left Tulsa, Oklahoma for Kadena, Japan on Oct. 8.
By United States Air Force [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The Oklahoma Air National Guard said the deployment is in support of the U.S. Pacific Command Theater Security Package.
Source: 138th Fighter Wing deploying F-16s to Japan
U.S. Army shoot down UAVs again using the Bushmaster cannon
Engineers from the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Center have carried out the final demonstration of Enhanced Area Protection and Survivability (EAPS) program. This time the 50mm Bushmaster cannon shot down two Class 2 UAVs on Aug. 19.
Image: U.S. Army
After the first test in April, improvements were made to the fire-control system. This was validated in the August trial when the system engaged a Outlaw-class UAV at a range of one kilometer and at a height of 1500 meters.
The second shoot down was executed at a 50 percent greater range and exceeded the EAPS demonstration objectives, the press release said.
Source: U.S. Army shoot down UAVs again using the Bushmaster cannon
Belarusian President says his country doesn’t need a Russian airbase
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was quoted by the media by saying that his country does not need a Russia airbase.
By Dmitriy Pichugin [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons
“We need planes – not bases. We have our excellent pilots… Why should I allow in planes and pilots from other countries?”
Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the green light to establish an airbase in Belarus.
Source: Belarusian President says his country doesn’t need a Russian airbase
U.S. airman who thwarted French train attack stabbed in hometown
Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone, who helped stop a terror attack on a French train this summer, has been stabbed three times outside a bar in his hometown on Oct. 8.
By United States Air Force [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Source: U.S. airman who thwarted French train attack stabbed in hometown
XH558’s National Tour this weekend
XH558 will make two large orbital tours around the U.K. this weekend and here are the locations to view the iconic warbird on its last few flights. Hit the source for more details.
DR Congo governor says UN helicopter attack killed five civilians
A UN helicopter attack against rebels this week in the Democratic Republic of Congo had killed five civilians, governor of North Kivu province told AFP by phone.
Photo MONUSCO /Force
Source: DR Congo governor says UN helicopter attack killed five civilians
Danish F-16s arrived home from Middle East
Denmark’s Defense Minister Peter Christensen was at Skrydstrup Air Force Base on Oct. 7 to welcome home seven F-16s and the airmen from their deployment in Kuwait.
Malaysian company to do depot maintenance on USMC’s KC-130Js
Aircraft Inspection, Repair & Overhaul Depot Sdn Bhd (AIROD), a Malaysian company that aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services for the Royal Malaysian Air Force, has secured a contract to service USMC KC-130Js based in Iawakuni, Japan.
By: Lance Cpl. William L. Dubose III, U.S. Marine Corps [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The first aircraft is expected to arrive in Malaysia for maintenance in January next year.
Source: Malaysian company to do depot maintenance on USMC’s KC-130Js
Indian Air Force to induct women fighter pilots
Despite being one of the world’s largest air force, the Indian Air Force (IAF) does not have a single woman fighter pilot among its ranks. This is set to change as Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha announced on Oct. 8 that the fighter pilot stream will open its door to women.
Sri Lankan Air Force Chief to visit Pakistan, JF-17 purchase on the cards
Diplomatic sources say Sri Lankan Air Force Chief Air Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala will discuss the purchase of JF-17 fighters with his Pakistani counterparts when he visit Islamabad next month.
By Shimin Gu [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons
The news report further added that talks are in advanced stages with both sides negotiating on the number of aircraft and financing arrangements.
Source: Sri Lankan Air Force Chief to visit Pakistan, JF-17 purchase on the cards