Marine killed in hard landing by CH-53

A HMH-464 CH-53 made a hard landing at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina on Sept. 2, one Marine was killed and eleven others injured in the accident.

By U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Angel Roman-Otero. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

According to the press release, the incident occurred whilst the helicopter was carrying out a Helicopter Ropes Suspension Techniques (HRST) training in a landing zone at Stone Bay.
“The loss of a Marine or Sailor affects us all. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of our deceased Marine,” said Maj. Gen. William Beydler, commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Source: Marine killed in hard landing by CH-53

Indonesia selects Su-35 to replace F-5

Indonesia’s defense minister Ryamizard Ryacudu announced on Sept. 2 that Jakarta has decided to replace its F-5 fighter with the Russian-made Su-35.

By Flymouth1894 (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The fighters will be bought in stages, based on the state’s financial capacity, he added.

Source: Indonesia selects Su-35 to replace F-5

First combat-coded F-35As arrived at Hill AFB

Two of the first combat-coded F-35As for the U.S. Air Force arrived at Hill Air Force Base on Sept. 2. The jets will be assigned to the 34th Fighter Squadron.

U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw

The 388th and 419th Fighter Wings at Hill are the first to fly the F-35A when it is operational.

Source: First combat-coded F-35As arrived at Hill AFB

Saudi’s order for MH-60R confirmed

An order from Saudi Arabia for 10 MH-60R helicopters has been confirmed, Jane’s reported.

By Robert Frola (Flickr) [GFDL or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Saudi’s order for MH-60R confirmed

France believes Rafale has good chance to secure an order from Malaysia

A senior French diplomatic source told Reuters that Paris is confident that Malaysia will select the Rafale as its next fighter.

By Aldo Bidini [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: France believes Rafale has good chance to secure an order from Malaysia

Feeding the Dragon: Russia’s Contribution to China’s Surface Warfare Capabilities

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has published its study on how Russia’s military technologies help spur development in China’s anti-access/area-denial (A2AD) capability.

Source: Feeding the Dragon: Russia’s Contribution to China’s Surface Warfare Capabilities

Kremlin refutes report that Russian military pilots and aircraft are in Syria

A spokesman from the Kremlin has refuted a report by Israeli news outlet Ynet that Russia military pilots and aircraft were sent to Syria to help government forces fight against ISIL.

By Oren Rozen (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Kremlin refutes report that Russian military pilots and aircraft are in Syria

North Korean UAV entered DMZ several times during high-level talks

Yonhap News Agency reported that a North Korean unmanned aerial vehicle flew inside the demilitarized zone (DMZ) several times during high-levels talks between both sides at Panmunjom last month.

Photo: Taiyuan Navigation Friend Aviation Technology Co. Ltd.

The drone reached as south as general outposts in middle and eastern front line units. Fighters and helicopters were scrambled but failed to intercept the drone.

Source: North Korean UAV entered DMZ several times during high-level talks

Both LRS-B designs are “very mature,” extensive testing done

The U.S. Air Force has released some details on the Long Range Strike-Bomber (LRS-B) program during a meeting with outside stakeholders on Sept. 1.

A person with knowledge on the meeting told Defense News that both competing designs are “very mature,” and had gone thru extensive wind tunnel testings and had their stealth characteristics evaluated.

Source: Both LRS-B designs are “very mature,” extensive testing done