The British Ministry of Defense says a new airborne laser self-protection system has demonstrated its effectiveness by successfully neutralising 100% of targets during a live firing trial conducted in Sweden. This breakthrough signifies a major advancement in safeguarding RAF aircraft against missile threats. The laser system is intended for integration into a range of Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft, including the Shadow R2 and the A400M transporter.
South Korean military reconsiders Apache purchase
The South Korean military is reconsidering the purchase of 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States. The potential deal, which the Defense Security Cooperation Agency approved in August for an estimated cost of $3.5 billion, has come under scrutiny due to several factors.
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F-16 damaged in collision with runaway munitions loader
An F-16C Fighting Falcon, tail number 89-002023, was badly damaged in a non-flying mishap on Nov. 17, 2023 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. The aircraft, assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, was parked and unmanned at the time of the incident. The accident, which resulted in an estimated $30,241,892.00 in damages to government property and $4,954.00 in environmental cleanup costs, was triggered by a series of events involving a runaway MJ-1 weapons loader, also known as a “jammer.”
Graphic: USAF
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French Rafales soar over Yorktown, marking 200 years since Lafayette’s farewell tour
Two French Rafale jets from the French Air Force have arrived at Norfolk naval air station for a flyover of Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Washington DC. They are joined by a USAF F-22 for the flyover. The Rafale jets belong to the Lafayette Squadron, a squadron with a history dating back to World War I.
B-2 carried out airstrikes in Yemen
On Oct. 16, the Pentagon dispatched B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers to strike five hardened underground weapons storage facilities in Yemen controlled by the Houthi movement. These strikes, authorised by President Biden, were carried out by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The U.S. claims the strikes were a direct response to Houthi attacks on international shipping, as well as threats against U.S. and allied forces in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden.
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