alert5, Author at Alert 5

Ghost-X makes training debut at Salaknib 2025

Posted on April 3, 2025April 3, 2025 by alert5

The Anduril Ghost-X unmanned aircraft system made its training debut in the Philippines last week during Salaknib 2025, marking a significant milestone in both U.S. military drone deployment and Philippine-U.S. military cooperation.

Philippine Army Soldiers from the 5th and 7th Infantry Divisions and U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, participate in a subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) focused on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations during Salaknib 2025 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, on March 26, 2025. Salaknib 2025 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daria Jackson, 204th Public Affairs Detachment)

Japan’s 8th Anti-Ship Missile Regiment established in Oita Prefecture

Posted on April 2, 2025 by alert5

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has officially established the 8th Anti-Ship Missile Regiment at Yufuin Camp in Yufu City, Oita Prefecture, marking the completion of the government’s planned seven-regiment nationwide deployment. A commemorative ceremony was held on Mar. 30, attended by Vice Minister of Defense Taro Honda, following the unit’s formal activation on Mar. 24.

Continue reading “Japan’s 8th Anti-Ship Missile Regiment established in Oita Prefecture”

NAWCAD achieves fifth-generation integration milestone with F-35 and F-22 Joint Training

Posted on April 2, 2025April 2, 2025 by alert5

In a significant advancement for U.S. joint military operations, Marine Corps F-35 and Air Force F-22 pilots trained together for the first time in the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s (NAWCAD) Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River during the last week of March 2025.

Norway first F-35 partner nation to complete full fleet

Posted on April 2, 2025April 2, 2025 by alert5

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
Continue reading

Metrea secures Indian Air Force refuelling training contract

Posted on April 1, 2025 by alert5

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.

Airwolfhound from Hertfordshire, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Continue reading “Metrea secures Indian Air Force refuelling training contract”