Change of command for first operational F-35 squadron
VMFA-121, the first F-35 to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC), held a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma on Aug. 14.
Photo By: Cpl. Travis Gershaneck
Lt. Col. James Bardo replaces Lt. Col. Steve Gillette.
Source: Change of command for first operational F-35 squadron
Heron TP sold to Jordan
Debka reported that Israeli had sold the Heron TP and Skylark UAVs to Jordan.
By SSGT REYNALDO RAMON, USAF [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Source: Heron TP sold to Jordan
Germany to withdraw Patriot missile system from Turkey
Germany will pull its Patriot missile battery stationed in Turkey back home when the mandate ends on Jan. 31, 2016.
By Sivi Steys (Flickr: Patriot) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
German news agency DPA says the decision was made after an internal review found that the deployment is putting a strain on highly-trained missile specialists.
Source: Germany to withdraw Patriot missile system from Turkey
KC-46 EMD-1 completes flutter tests
Boeing has posted a video announcing that the KC-46 EMD-1 has completed flutter tests. This certifies the aircraft to fly in the tanker configuration with the boom stowed and drogues retracted.
Taiwan plans to launch optical satellite via SpaceX next year
Taiwan will have an optical satellite with a 2-meter resolution in orbit next year. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will carry FORMOSAT-5 into space.
Photo: NCSIST
The satellite, built by National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs), will have a five-year life span.
Source: Taiwan plans to launch optical satellite via SpaceX next year
USAF plans MQ-1 sundown in 2018
After repeated attempts to retire the MQ-1, the U.S. Air Force is determined to retire the fleet by 2018.
By U.S. Air Force photo by Lt Col Leslie Pratt [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Source: USAF plans MQ-1 sundown in 2018
India’s oldest and newest aircraft carriers
U.S. Navy could be taking delivery of just 12 F-35Cs a year in worse case scenario
The U.S. Navy is bracing itself for the possibility of buying just 12 F-35Cs a year in the 2020s stemming from budget shortfalls and competing requirements.
By U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Naval Air Forces commander Vice Adm Mike Shoemaker showed the figure during a speech at Centre for Strategic and International Studies.
Source: U.S. Navy could be taking delivery of just 12 F-35Cs a year in worse case scenario
USAF updates instructions on contact with PLA personnel
The U.S. Air Force has updated its instructions on dealing with Chinese military personnel, these were based on two classified Pentagon directives.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III meets with People’s Liberation Army Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Li Chunchao after arriving in Beijing, China, Sept. 24, 2013. Welsh, along with Gen. Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody will visit with various military leaders as part of a weeklong trip. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
Source: USAF updates instructions on contact with PLA personnel
Two JGSDF special forces members injured in the Black Hawk crash off Okinawa
Seven people were injured when a U.S. Army Black Hawk crashed off Okinawa on Aug. 12, amongst those injured where two members of a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force team specializing in counter-terrorism operations.
Source: Two JGSDF special forces members injured in the Black Hawk crash off Okinawa