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
DARPA’s DyNAMO to enable independently designed networks to share information
DARPA has published the Broad Agency Announcement solicitation for its Dynamic Network Adaptation for Mission Optimization (DyNAMO) program, which seeks to enable current incompatible airborne radio networks to share information and adapt to sporadic jamming.
Source: DARPA
Source: DARPA’s DyNAMO to enable independently designed networks to share information
Saudi Arabia cleared to buy 9 UH-60Ms
The Obama administration has cleared a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia for nine UH-60M helicopters.
By Airman 1st Class Chase Cannon (https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1569804) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Command (RSLFAC) plans to use these helicopters for search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian support, counter-terrorism, and combat operations.
Source: Saudi Arabia cleared to buy 9 UH-60Ms
U.S. Army bought APKWS for use in Afghanistan, Iraq
The U.S. Army has bought a batch of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) from BAE Systems for use in Afghanistan and Iraq.
By Sgt. Jon Soles, MND-B PAO (United States Army) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
To meet the urgent requirement, the Army will take its laser-guided rocket stock directly from the current Navy inventory.
Source: U.S. Army bought APKWS for use in Afghanistan, Iraq
U.S. Army quietly developing its equivalent of the Mk 41 VLS
At the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting, Brig. Gen. L. Neil Thurgood revealed more information on upcoming tests of its Multi-Mission Launcher (MML) prototype.
Photo: U.S. Army
So far two prototypes are up and running, plans are for the launchers to shoot more types of missiles including the Hellfire.
Source: U.S. Army quietly developing its equivalent of the Mk 41 VLS
Sky News: Gulf states in talks to buy Iron Dome
According to Sky News, Bahrain and other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are in talks with Raytheon and other U.S. defense contractors to purchase the Israeli-made Iron Dome missile defense system.
By Israel Defense Forces and Nehemiya Gershoni נחמיה גרשוני (see also https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%91%D7%A5:Flickr-IDF-IronDome-in-action001.jpg ) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/idfonline/8194572552/) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Source: Sky News: Gulf states in talks to buy Iron Dome