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Dutch Air Force first to fly Pilatus’ new PC-7 MKX trainer

Posted on February 10, 2025February 10, 2025 by alert5

Pilatus has secured a significant win with the Royal Netherlands Air Force choosing its PC-7 MKX training system as the cornerstone of their basic training program. This contract, which includes eight aircraft and associated training systems, is slated to deliver the first aircraft from the first half of 2027. The PC-7 MKX platform is based on the PC-7 Mk II, which has a well-established reputation for reliability. Netherlands becomes the launch customer of the PC-7 MKX with the contract signing.

Photo: Pilatus
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TNI AL considers aircraft carrier acquisition amidst fleet modernisation

Posted on February 7, 2025 by alert5

In a move that signals a significant shift in its naval ambitions, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) is actively exploring the acquisition of an aircraft carrier. This development comes as the TNI AL undertakes a substantial modernisation of its fleet.

Indonesian Navy Information Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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Air Force of Zimbabwe pilot dies in training accident

Posted on February 7, 2025 by alert5

A tragic accident has claimed the life of an Air Force of Zimbabwe student pilot during a training mission near Gweru. Air Lieutenant Nesbert Tambudza was killed when his Karakorum-8 (K-8) jet trainer crashed approximately 5 kilometres east of Guinea Fowl. The accident occurred on Feb. 6th.

Danie van der Merwe from Cape Town, South Africa, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Rheinmetall delivers Skyranger 30 verification model to Bundeswehr

Posted on February 6, 2025 by alert5

Rheinmetall has handed over the first Boxer-mounted Skyranger 30 cannon-based air defence vehicle to the German Bundeswehr, marking a crucial step in the nation’s efforts to bolster its mobile air defence capabilities. The delivered system is a verification model, intended for use in the Bundeswehr’s rigorous approval process, and is a prototype of the systems that will follow. This delivery signals significant progress in the country’s air defence modernisation program, against a backdrop of growing threats from unmanned aerial vehicles and other airborne weapons.

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Firefighter stands watch over Black Hawk Crew Chief after Potomac crash

Posted on February 5, 2025 by alert5

Sean Wathen, a probationary firefighter with the D.C. Fire Department and a former Marine, stood guard over the body of Staff Sgt. Ryan O’Hara for approximately four hours after the soldier was recovered from the Potomac River. O’Hara was the crew chief of the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines flight near Reagan National Airport on Feb. 5th.

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