Alert 5

Philippines to bolster Air Force with 12 more FA-50 fighters

Posted on January 21, 2025January 21, 2025 by alert5

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is poised to significantly enhance its combat capabilities with the planned acquisition of 12 additional FA-50 light combat aircraft from South Korea, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reports. This procurement, detailed in the country’s Department of National Defense’s Procurement Monitoring Report, is valued at approximately P40 billion. The deal, a government-to-government agreement between Manila and Seoul, is currently in the final stages of negotiation, with both sides ironing out the terms of reference.

Philippine Air Force (PAF), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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USS John F. Kennedy’s final voyage

Posted on January 20, 2025 by alert5

A chapter in naval history is closing as the former U.S. Navy supercarrier, the decommissioned USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), embarks on its last voyage, heading south from Philadelphia to Brownsville, Texas, where it will be dismantled. This marks the end of an era for the last conventionally powered American aircraft carrier, a vessel that served the fleet for nearly four decades. As this iconic ship sails toward its final destination, the service prepares to welcome its technologically advanced namesake, the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), a Ford-class carrier poised to redefine naval aviation.

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Rheinmetall’s Skynex secures landmark deal in Italy

Posted on January 17, 2025January 16, 2025 by alert5

The Italian Army has committed to acquiring the Rheinmetall Skynex system. The initial contract, a €73 million deal, is for a single system, but it includes an option for three more, potentially ballooning the total to nearly €280 million. This order makes Italy the first NATO member to adopt Rheinmetall’s Skynex technology, notably including the 35mm Revolver Gun Mk3

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Hanwha Investment & Securities predicts KAI to secure new orders for FA-50 in Southeast Asia this year

Posted on January 16, 2025 by alert5

Hanwha Investment & Securities has maintained a ‘buy’ rating and a target price of ₩69,000 for Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), despite anticipating a significant downturn in the company’s fourth-quarter performance. The investment firm’s positive outlook is underpinned by expectations of new export contracts in Southeast Asia and the Middle East during the first half of the year, and an overall improvement in KAI’s performance this year.

Philippine Air Force (PAF), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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The absence of the Z-20 in Tibet earthquake relief efforts

Posted on January 16, 2025 by alert5

The recent earthquake in Dingri County, Tibet, has prompted discussion regarding the absence of the Chinese-made Z-20 helicopter in relief efforts, according to Singapore Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao. While the Z-20 is promoted as a multi-functional helicopter designed for high-altitude environments like the Tibetan Plateau, it has not been reported in official Chinese media coverage of the disaster response. This absence is particularly notable given the Chinese military’s emphasis on promoting domestically produced equipment.

N509FZ, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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