Israel upgrading F-16Is to cope with new threats

The Israeli Air Force has embarked on a program to upgrade the defensive systems of its F-16I fleet to cope with the increased threat from surface-launched missiles.

By Israel Defense Forces (IAF Flight for Israel’s 63rd Independence Day) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

“We put a focus on dealing with surface-to-air missiles that threaten the aircraft and the need to destroy surface-to-surface missile sites that are ready for launch into Israel,” a source told Flight Global.

Source: Israel upgrading F-16Is to cope with new threats

Pakistan has signed contract for four Mi-35s

News reports from Pakistan say the country had signed a contract for four Mi-35 attack helicopters on Aug. 19.

By Angelita Lawrence, U.S. Air Force [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

A deal for the rotorcraft has been under discussions since last year.

Source: Pakistan has signed contract for four Mi-35s

Apache pilot is one of two women to graduate from Ranger Course

For the first time, two women will join their male counterparts in graduating from the U.S. Army Ranger Course on Aug. 21. One of them is a Apache pilot from the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Eric Glassey

Source: Apache pilot is one of two women to graduate from Ranger Course

VMA-214 join air strikes on ISIL in Iraq

AV-8Bs from VMA-214 are flying over Iraq for air strikes against ISIL, the U.S. military has announced.

By English: Lance Cpl Steve Acuff [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The aircraft are attached to VMM-161 (Reinforced) on board USS Essex.

Source: VMA-214 join air strikes on ISIL in Iraq

Indonesian Navy taking delivery of 2 CN235s by end of the year

The Indonesian Navy will take delivery of two CN235 maritime patrol aircraft by end of this year, PT Dirgantara Indonesia revealed.

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

Two more will be delivered to the Air Force around February, March next year.

Source: Indonesian Navy taking delivery of 2 CN235s by end of the year

Lockheed Martin working on stealthy U-2

At a media event to mark the 60th anniversary of the U-2 program, Lockheed Martin revealed that company is working on an optionally-manned successor to the spy plane.

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

The new plane will utilized the same GE F118 engine and operate from 70,000ft and above. The key distinction is that it will be able to survive in hostile environment thanks to a low-observable airframe.

Source: Lockheed Martin working on stealthy U-2

Denel to test Marlin BVRAAM next month

Next month, Denel Dynamics will flight test of its Marlin beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM). The test next month will be a fly-over test.

Photo: DefenceWEB

This will be followed by a seeker head test in November. Jaco Botha, the program manager, said the first guided test will be in November 2016.

Source: Denel to test Marlin BVRAAM next month

SEPECAT Jaguars hit the road

It was a busy day at RAF Cosford on Aug. 18 as five grey GR3 Jaguars were moved out of the Aerosystems Engineer and Management Training School to the airfield and five black GR1/T2 Jaguars went the opposite direction to the Aeronautical Systems Training Squadron.

Photos: Royal Air Force

Source: SEPECAT Jaguars hit the road

Australian Tiger attack helicopters in Papua New Guinea for exercise

Australia’s Tiger attack helicopters have deployed to Papua New Guinea for an exercise with the local military’s Air Transport Wing at Jackson’s Airport, Port Moresby from Aug. 16 to Sept. 7.

By Andrew Mercer (www.baldwhiteguy.co.nz) (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Australian Tiger attack helicopters in Papua New Guinea for exercise

Moroccan Mirage F1 crashed after bird strike

A Royal Moroccan Air Force Mirage F1 was lost after encountering a bird strike while landing at Sidi Slimane Air Base on Aug. 17.

By Aminovich (en:Image:Moroccan Mirage F1CH 7.jpg) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The pilot ejected after the jet’s engine failed.

Source: Moroccan Mirage F1 crashed after bird strike