Moscow expects Washington to abandon BMD programs in Europe after Iran deal

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in Vienna that the United States is no longer required to develop the Aegis Ashore program and station BMD-capable warships in Europe after a deal was reached to curb Iran’s nuclear ability.

By Missile Defense Agency – United States Department of Defense (United States Naval Institute News) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

“We all probably remember that in April 2009 in Prague [US] President [Barack] Obama said that if the Iran nuclear program issue is sorted out, then the task of creating the European segment of the missile defense system will disappear,” Lavrov said at press conference in Vienna.

Source: Moscow expects Washington to abandon BMD programs in Europe after Iran deal

Pentagon monitoring sale of Sikorsky Aircraft

United Technologies Corp’s attempt to sell off Sikorsky Aircraft is being “closely monitored” by the Pentagon, Reuters reported.

By Andrés Ramírez (provided via email by author) [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Pentagon monitoring sale of Sikorsky Aircraft

Indonesian Air Force museum’s Tu-16KS

Source: Indonesian Air Force museum’s Tu-16KS

United Engine Corporation expects PAK DA to fly around 2023-24

United Engine Corporation’s (UEC) CEO Vladislav Masalov expects the next Russia bomber, dubbed PAK DA, to make its first flight around 2023-24.

By Vitaly Kuzmin (http://vitalykuzmin.net/?q=node/232) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The long-range bomber will be powered by new engines being developed by his company.

Source: United Engine Corporation expects PAK DA to fly around 2023-24

Pakistan to buy and upgrade Sniper pods

Pakistan will buy 15 more Sniper targeting pods from Lockheed Martin and upgrade 22 of its existing pods to new standards.

By Hunini (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Lockheed Martin will deliver the new pods to Pakistan later this year due to an urgent operational requirement.

Source: Pakistan to buy and upgrade Sniper pods

CFIT was cause of F-16 crash during Operation Inherent Resolve

A F-16 pilot with the 77th Fighter Squadron was killed during Operation Inherent Resolve when he flew too low during landing and failed to recover in time.

By Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth (https://www.dvidshub.net/image/610036) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The incident occurred on Dec. 1 and it was believe that he was flying out of Jordan for a mission to bomb ISIL forces.

Source: CFIT was cause of F-16 crash during Operation Inherent Resolve

U.S. Navy awards contract to manufacture five V-22s for Japan

The Bell Boeing consortium has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy to manufacture five V-22 Block C aircraft for Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force.

By Sgt. Chris Stone [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: U.S. Navy awards contract to manufacture five V-22s for Japan

Russian Su-33s deployed to NITKA for training

The Russian Navy has deployed three of its Su-25UTG aircraft and a similar number of Su-33 fighters to the NITKA carrier training facility in Crimea on Jul. 13.

By Chris Lofting [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

Amongst those pilots training there are five juniors who had no prior experience with carrier flight operations.

Source: Russian Su-33s deployed to NITKA for training

Russian Tu-95 crashed in Russian Far East

A Russian Tu-95 bomber went down approximately 50 miles from the city of Khabarovsk on Jul. 14 at 9:50 a.m. Moscow time. All on board were able to bail out of the plane by parachutes.

By English: Alex BeltyukovРусский: Александр Бельтюков [CC BY-SA 3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Russian Tu-95 crashed in Russian Far East

Russia working on aerostat radar system

Researchers in Russia are developing their own version of a aerostat radar system for anti-ballistic missile defense.

Work is being carried out by KRET and the firm has signed agreements with a number of airship-making companies.

Source: Russia working on aerostat radar system