Kawasaki P-1 made demonstration flight for undisclosed party on Jul. 17
Vice Admiral Makoto Sato, Commander Fleet Air Force, JMSDF, revealed that on the first day of Royal International Air Tattoo 2015, the Kawasaki P-1 flew a demonstration flight for a potential customer.
By Aleem Yousaf (Kawasaki P-1, Japan Maritime Self Defence Force) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Source: Kawasaki P-1 made demonstration flight for undisclosed party on Jul. 17
Britain renews Seedcorn MPA project for another 3 years
British aircrew operating maritime patrol aircraft with allied forces will continue to do so for another three years as the Seedcorn maritime patrol project has been renewed.
By Ronnie Macdonald (Flickr: Nimrod MRA4 3) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The project allows the Royal Air Force to retain its anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability following the withdrawal of the BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4.
Source: Britain renews Seedcorn MPA project for another 3 years
Czech Gripen advance party departed for Iceland
An advance party from the Czech Air Force has departed for Iceland on Jul. 20 to prepare for the arrival of five Czech Griepn fighters this week.
© Milan Nykodym, Czech Republic [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The fighters will be refueled in mid-air by an Italian KC-767 during the trip.
Source: Czech Gripen advance party departed for Iceland
16th Weapons Squadron employed the F-35A for SEAD and offensive counter-air during training missions
The F-35A took part in its first U.S. Air Force Weapons School Integration (WSINT) Phase from Jun. 8-24 and the jet was used in a variety of missions including counter-air, suppression of enemy air defenses and air interdiction.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cody Griffith
According to Maj. Tyson K. Wetzel, two of the largest and most complex missions was SEAD and offensive counter-air. With the inclusion of the F-35A, the F-22s were able to reduce their mission workload and concentrate more on countering Aggressors from 64th Aggressor Squadron and 79th Fighter Squadron.
Source: 16th Weapons Squadron employed the F-35A for SEAD and offensive counter-air during training missions
Tecnam says demand from military organizations drove it to launch P-Jet
Italian-based general aviation manufacturer Tecnam says it was motivated to launch two-seat, single-engine P-Jet after it was approached by two military organizations.
Image: Tecnam
Tecnam director of US sales Shannon Yeager told Flight Global that both organizations are not American.
Source: Tecnam says demand from military organizations drove it to launch P-Jet
U.S. helicopters attacked Afghan checkpoint in friendly fire incident
Afghan officials say two U.S. helicopters attacked a checkpoint in Logar province on Jul. 20, killing at least eight soldiers that were manning the post.
Photo: Staff Sergeant Mike Harvey/MOD [OGL], via Wikimedia Commons
Shortly after the air strike, Taliban forces mounted an offensive to destroy the outpost, they were repelled by members of the Afghan Local Police after two hours of heavy fighting.
Source: U.S. helicopters attacked Afghan checkpoint in friendly fire incident
Russian satellite’s maneuvering capability consistent with anti-satellite weapon
A U.S. Air Force spokesman said the Russian military satellite Kosmos 2504 has made at least 11 close approaches to the rocket upper stage that released it into orbit. Such maneuvering capability are consistent with an on-orbit anti-satellite weapon, according to Space News.
By Ronald C. WittmannMaury Markowitz at en.wikipedia (http://www.dia.mil/history/art/images/anti_sat.jpg) [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons
Source: Russian satellite’s maneuvering capability consistent with anti-satellite weapon
India likely to procure another 48 Mi-17V5 helicopters
The Indian Air Force is keen to buy another 48 Mi-17V5 helicopters to replace aging Mi-8s.
By Sean d’Silva [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons
Source: India likely to procure another 48 Mi-17V5 helicopters
As Egypt takes delivery of Rafales, Dassault says it will increase production rate of the fighter
Egypt took delivery of its first three Rafale DM fighters at Dassault Aviation flight test center in Istres on Jul. 20. At the ceremony, company CEO Eric Trappier told reporters that production of the fighter jet would increase from 2018.
Source: As Egypt takes delivery of Rafales, Dassault says it will increase production rate of the fighter
New commander for Ukrainian Air Force
Lt. Gen. Sergey Drozdov has been appointed as the new commander of the Ukrainian Air Force.
By Pilotlviv (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Source: New commander for Ukrainian Air Force