Norway first F-35 partner nation to complete full fleet

Norway has achieved a significant milestone as the first F-35 partner nation to receive its full complement of aircraft. The final two F-35A fighter jets were delivered on Apr. 1st, bringing the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s (RNAF) operational F-35 fleet to a total of 52 aircraft. This delivery is a major achievement for both Norway and the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO).

A Norwegian F-35 Lightning II closes the gap to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 101st Air Refueling Wing during Nordic Response 24, March 11, 2024. The MAINEiacs are staged at RAF Mildenhall, England, to take part in the Norwegian-led exercise taking place in Norway, Sweden and Finland. Exercises like NR24 solidify operational and tactical relationships; synchronizing tactics, techniques and procedures; and strengthen bonds among U.S., Norwegian and Allied and partner forces.

Photo by Master Sgt. Andrew Sinclair
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Metrea secures Indian Air Force refuelling training contract

Metrea, a leading provider of commercial air-to-air refueling (AAR) services, announced on Mar. 31 that it has been awarded a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to enhance their air-to-air refuelling training capabilities. Under the terms of the agreement, Metrea will provide KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft based out of Indian Air Force Station Agra in Central India. This significant contract is set to considerably expand the IAF’s AAR training capacity, thereby improving their overall operational readiness.

KC-135 (53177452604)
Airwolfhound from Hertfordshire, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Belgium marks first fight of MQ-9B

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian has taken a crucial step towards operational service with the Belgian Air Force as the first of four ordered aircraft completed its inaugural flight, which took place on Feb. 20th. The flight originated from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.’s (GA-ASI) Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in El Mirage, California. This event marks a crucial step in Belgium’s acquisition of a fleet of four MQ-9B aircraft.


Photo: General Atomics
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Final USAF active-duty F-15C made historic last flight in Japan

The U.S Air Force’s 18th Wing conducted the final flight of a Kadena F-15C Eagle, marking not only the end of the aircraft’s 45-year legacy at the base but also the last flight of any active-duty F-15C in the U.S. Air Force. The milestone event, which follows the base’s “Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration” held in April 2023, coincided with a major organizational transformation as the base activated the 67th Fighter Generation Squadron (FGS) on Jan. 24.


U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel
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Two Patrouille de France Aircraft collide during practice

Two aircraft belonging to the French Patrouille de France aerobatic display team collided during a training exercise near Saint-Dizier air base on the afternoon of Mar. 25. The incident, involving two Alpha Jet aircraft, occurred at approximately 15:35 local time.


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