Belorussians protest against planned Russian air base
Around 1,000 Belorussians took to the streets to protest a plan to allow Russia to set up an air base in the country on Oct. 4.
By Bartek Kozłowiec (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY-SA 4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Organizers of the protest said the move would turn the former Soviet republic into a Kremlin “vassal.”
Source: Belorussians protest against planned Russian air base
Cameron introduce “Protector” program to replace MQ-9s
British Prime Minister David Cameron announced on Oct. 3 that his government will embark on a program to buy two new “Protector” unmanned aerial vehicles to replace 10 current MQ-9s.
Photo: Sgt Pete Mobbs RAF/MOD [OGL], via Wikimedia Commons
The new UAV will be able to fly longer distances, is quieter and carry the very latest technology.
Source: Cameron introduce “Protector” program to replace MQ-9s
Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopters to be delivered to Russian armed forces by end of the year
Russian Helicopters is progressing smoothly on the delivery of a new version of the Mi-8AMTSh-V military transport helicopter for the Russian armed force.
By Vitaly V. Kuzmin (http://vitalykuzmin.net/?q=node/383) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The new Mi-8AMTSh-VA is designed for Arctic operations with new turbo-shaft engines, a more powerful auxiliary power unit and an upgraded avionics suite.
Source: Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopters to be delivered to Russian armed forces by end of the year
Lockheed Martin aims to install laser weapon on F-35
Lockheed Martin has set its sights on installing a high-power fibre laser weapon on the F-35. A company executive said concepts on integrating the weapon is being explored.
By SrA Brett Clashman [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Source: Lockheed Martin aims to install laser weapon on F-35
Turkey summons Russian ambassador while NATO denounces Russian incursion into Turkish airspace
Turkey has again summoned the Russian ambassador after a Russian fighter jet entered Turkish airspace for the second time on Oct. 4.
Mil.ru [CC BY 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Meanwhile, NATO held an emergency meeting in Brussels in response to the “unacceptable violations of Turkish airspace.”
NATO said in a statement after the meeting that Russia needs “to cease and desist, and immediately explain these violations.”
The Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday that a Su-30 had entered Turkish airspace for a “few seconds” on Oct. 3.
Source: Turkey summons Russian ambassador while NATO denounces Russian incursion into Turkish airspace
Dutch Air Force orders 29 Sniper pods
The Dutch Defence Materiel Organisation has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract for 29 Sniper targeting pods. Pod deliveries will begin in the first quarter of 2016.
By Hunini (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Source: Dutch Air Force orders 29 Sniper pods
Egypt in talks to buy NH90 helicopters
An industry source told AIN that Egypt is in an advanced stage of negotiations with France for a significant number of NH90 medium helicopters.
By Sirpa Marine (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The helicopter is available in two versions – tactical transport (TTH) and naval (NFH). It is not known at the moment if Egypt is asking to buy one type or a mix of both.
Source: Egypt in talks to buy NH90 helicopters
Utah Army National Guard pilot clocks 10,000 hours on AH-64
CW5 Kenneth Jones from the Utah Army National Guard has become the first person in the world to clock 10,000 flying hours on the AH-64 attack helicopter.
Photo: Utah Army National Guard
Source: Utah Army National Guard pilot clocks 10,000 hours on AH-64
Ghana Air Force operating four Z-9EHs procured by Ghana Gas Company Limited
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama commissioned four Z-9EH helicopters into service with the Ghana Air Force on Sept. 23 at Burma Camp.
Photo: 中华人民共和国驻加纳共和国大使馆
The helicopters are actually bought by Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) but operated by the air force.
Source: Ghana Air Force operating four Z-9EHs procured by Ghana Gas Company Limited
Northrop Grumman completes center fuselage for first F-35 to be assembled in Japan
Northrop Grumman has completed – on budget and on schedule – the center fuselage for the first F-35 Lightning II aircraft to be assembled in Japan’s F-35 Final Assembly and Checkout (FACO) facility in Nagoya, Japan.
Photo: Northrop Grumman
The center fuselage, designated AX-5, is one of 42 center fuselages that Northrop Grumman will produce for Japan.
Source: Northrop Grumman completes center fuselage for first F-35 to be assembled in Japan