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Black Knights strike first with F-35C

Posted on November 21, 2024November 21, 2024 by alert5

In a significant development for naval aviation, the F-35C Lightning II, the U.S. Navy’s latest carrier-borne fighter, has conducted its first combat strikes. This milestone marks the F-35C’s operational debut, showcasing its capabilities in a real-world conflict.

LEMOORE, California (June 5, 2019) The first Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 “Black Knights” F-35C aircraft from Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore flown by CAPT Tommy Beau Locke from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125 “Rough Raiders” flies in formation over the Sierra’s with the VFMA-314 squadron F/A-18A++, flown by LtCol Cedar Hinton aircraft “passing the lead” as part of the F/A-18 Sundown with the Black Knights. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Darin Russell/Released)

KC-46 demo team takes to the skies

Posted on November 15, 2024November 15, 2024 by alert5

The 56th Air Refueling Squadron has unveiled the world’s first KC-46 Pegasus demonstration team at the Wings and Warriors Fly-In in San Marcos, Texas, on Nov. 9. This debut performance marked a major milestone for the KC-46, highlighting its advanced capabilities and the crucial role it plays in modern air operations.

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonah Bliss
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Swedish fighter jets in play as Colombia weighs Saab offer

Posted on November 14, 2024 by alert5

Reuters has reported that Swedish defence firm Saab has offered to sell Gripen fighter jets to Colombia. Saab CEO Micael Johansson confirmed the offer in an interview, stating that Colombia is evaluating the proposal. This follows an earlier report from Swedish public radio, which cited unnamed sources claiming that Colombia was poised to purchase Gripen jets. The specific number of aircraft offered by Saab remains undisclosed.

U.S. Air Force retires A-10s from South Korea in strategic shift

Posted on November 14, 2024 by alert5

The United States Air Force is preparing to withdraw its fleet of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from Osan Air Base in South Korea, marking a significant shift in its military strategy in the region. The 25th Fighter Squadron, nicknamed the “Assam Draggins”, has been stationed at Osan AB since 1982, playing a crucial role in maintaining peace on the Korean peninsula. However, as part of a sweeping modernisation effort, the A-10s will be phased out by the end of fiscal year 2025.

A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II, with the 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, sits on the flight line of Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 16, 2016, after having flown missions in support of Exercise Balikatan 16. The A-10Cs stayed supporting a newly stood up Air Contingent in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The contingent provides opportunities to expand cooperation and interoperability with Philippine counterparts and reassure partners and allies of the United States’ commitment in the region. The five A-10Cs were joined by three HH-60G Pavehawks and approximately 200 Pacific Air Forces personnel including aircrew, maintainers, logistics and support personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

Gray Eagle STOL completes historic first flight from South Korean warship

Posted on November 14, 2024 by alert5

In a significant leap for naval aviation, the Gray Eagle STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) unmanned aircraft successfully completed its first flight from a South Korean warship to a land base on 12 November 2024. The event, which took place off the coast of Pohang, South Korea, underscores the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern naval operations.

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