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U.S. Air Force expands F-35A and F-15EX fleet with multiple base selections

Posted on April 19, 2023 by alert5

The U.S. Air Force has announced the selection of new bases to receive its latest fighter jets. Barnes Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts will be the host of the next F-35A squadron. Meanwhile, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans and Fresno Air National Guard Base in California will replace their F-15C/D Eagles with F-15EX Strike Eagles.

An F-15EX Eagle II from the 40th Flight Test Squadron, 96th Test Wing out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, flies in formation during an aerial refueling operation above the skies of Northern California, May 14. The Eagle II participated in the Northern Edge 21 exercise in Alaska earlier in May. (Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)

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JACKAL drone completes first missile firing

Posted on April 19, 2023 by alert5

A new milestone has been reached in the world of unmanned air combat as the JACKAL drone completes its first successful firing of a Thales Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM). Developed by UK-based Flyby Technology, in partnership with Turkish firms FlyBVLOS Technology and Maxwell Innovations, the JACKAL drone is designed to operate over land, sea, and air, and can perform a variety of combat missions.

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VMA-311 reactivated as USMC’s second F-35C squadron

Posted on April 18, 2023 by alert5

VMFA-311, also known as the Tomcats, was recently reactivated at U.S. Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, California, on Apr. 14. As the U.S. Marine Corps’ second F-35C squadron, VMFA-311 brings its unique capabilities to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) as a long-range compliment to their existing aviation assets. This reactivation represents a key transition for the squadron to the F-35C Lightning II and supports the Marine Corps’ ongoing modernization efforts across Marine aviation.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), participate in a reactivation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 14, 2023. The reactivation and redesignation of VMFA-311 marks the transition for the squadron to the F-35C Lightning II, which brings its unique capabilities to 3rd MAW as a long-range compliment to existing aviation assets. Formerly Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311, the Tomcats have made their mark on Marine Corps aviation for decades, and now will continue their legacy. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Trent Randolph)

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Iranian Air Force to fly 40 aircraft at National Army Day Parade

Posted on April 17, 2023 by alert5

Iran will mark its National Army Day on Apr. 18, an annual event that showcases the country’s military progress and capabilities. This year’s parade was marked by the presence of over 40 locally produced and non-locally manufactured fighter jets, including the Saeqeh, Kowsar, F-7, F-14, F-4, MiG-29, and Su-24s, which will perform aerial maneuvers over the capital and other parts of the country.

Shahram Sharifi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Germany approves Polish request to send MiG-29s to Ukraine

Posted on April 14, 2023 by alert5

Germany has given its approval to Poland’s request to transfer five Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, as Ukraine continues to seek advanced weaponry to defend itself against Russian aggression. The decision was made after Poland sought permission from Germany, as the receiving country of the aircraft, to send them on to Ukraine.

Nicky Boogaard from Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Netherlands, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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