KF-X scandal widens, probe started by civil affairs’ office

The South Korean government has launched a probe to investigate if the officials had lied to help Lockheed Martin secure the F-35 contract.

Photos: KAI

When Seoul choose the F-35 over the F-15SE, it was promised a series of technology transfers in order to help develop the indigenous KF-X fighter. The transfer of four important technologies have since been blocked by the U.S. government.
The investigation is being conducted by the office of the senior presidential secretary for civil affairs. Its main job is to monitor the service records of high-level officials, carry out discipline and counter corruption. Rarely does the office investigate military affairs.

Source: KF-X scandal widens, probe started by civil affairs’ office

RNZAF C-130 fleet marks 50 years of service

The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) C-130 fleet has been in service since 1965 and all five aircraft have reached the 50 years milestone.

By Eugene Butler [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: RNZAF C-130 fleet marks 50 years of service

Draken International wins adversary support contract with U.S. Air Force

Draken International has secured a contract to provide adversary support to the U.S. Air Force at Nellis. The company will be using the A-4K and L-159E for this contract.

Photo courtesy by Frank Crebas

Source: Draken International wins adversary support contract with U.S. Air Force

South Korea will have a new ballistic missile with 800km range by 2017

South Korea has officially announced it is developing a new ballistic missile with a range of up to 800 km and it will be ready by 2017.

Source: South Korea will have a new ballistic missile with 800km range by 2017

USS George Washington in Peru for exercise

USS George Washington will join the Peruvian Navy for an exercise from Oct. 3-7.

By Official Navy Page from United States of America MCSN Declan Barnes/U.S. Navy [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: USS George Washington in Peru for exercise

New Indian Air Force aerobatic team flying PC-7 to debut on Oct. 8

A new Indian Air Force aerobatic team flying the Pilatus PC-7 will join the Surya Kiran in making their debut during Air Force Day on Oct. 8 at Hindon air base.

Photo: Indian Ministry of Defense

Source: New Indian Air Force aerobatic team flying PC-7 to debut on Oct. 8

11 killed in C-130J crash in Afghanistan

Eleven people were killed when a C-130J crashed at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan on Sept. 2. Six were U.S. service members and the other five were civilians.

By Technical Sergeant Jeromy K. Cross (US Air Force Public Affairs [1]) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: 11 killed in C-130J crash in Afghanistan

RAND: U.S. maintains unparalleled air capability over China, but achieving air superiority will be tough

A RAND Project AIR FORCE report looks at the current capabilities of the Chinese and American air forces and found that although the U.S. has unparalleled air-to-air capability over China, it will be tough to attain air superiority during the first days or weeks of a possible conflict with China.

Source: RAND

Source: RAND: U.S. maintains unparalleled air capability over China, but achieving air superiority will be tough

First joint Russian-Serbian air exercise to start today

Eight Mi-8T helicopters and three MiG-29s from the Serbian Air Force are in southern Russia for a joint exercise with the Russian Air Force.

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

Air crews from both sides will take part in live-firing exercises at the Ashuluk range during BARS-2015.

Source: First joint Russian-Serbian air exercise to start today

USS Cowpens is first ship to undergo CG Phased Modernization Program

USS Cowpens (CG 63) was inducted as the first ship to undergo the CG Phased Modernization Program at Naval Base San Diego on Sept. 25.

By Camera Operator: PH1 ALAN WARNER, USN [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Guided-missile cruisers participating in the program will gain the (NIFC-CA) capability, SPQ-9B multipurpose radar, electro-optical sight system, AN/SQQ-89A(V)-15 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) suite with multi-function towed array (MFTA) and other hull and electrical upgrades.

Source: USS Cowpens is first ship to undergo CG Phased Modernization Program