Belgian F-35 arrive at Luke to begin training

The first Lockheed Martin F-35A for the Belgian Air Component touched down at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona on Dec. 3. This marked the beginning of a new era for the Belgian Air Component as they transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the advanced F-35A Lightning II. The arrival represents a significant leap forward for the Belgian Air Component, equipping them with fifth-generation fighter capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Wall, 312th Fighter Squadron commander, taxis the first Belgian Air Component F-35A Lightning II at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Dec. 3, 2024. This milestone marked the beginning of Belgium’s transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the advanced F-35A, ushering in a new era for the Belgian Air Component. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson)

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U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18s to receive upgraded LITENING targeting pods

Northrop Grumman has been tapped to provide a significant upgrade to the U.S. Marine Corps’ F/A-18 fleet, enhancing the aircraft’s targeting capabilities with its Advanced Tactical Data Links (ATDL) technology integrated into the LITENING targeting pods. This move marks a major leap forward in data transfer speeds, equipping Marine aviators with the ability to make decisions more swiftly and effectively in the heat of battle.

Litening Pod on FA-18
US Govermen, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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Valkyrie demonstrates kill chain closure at Emerald Flag

For the first time in a large-force exercise, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) successfully demonstrated cooperative kill chain closure between crewed and uncrewed strike platforms, featuring Kratos’ XQ-58A Valkyrie. The attritable, runway-independent UAV, designed to support manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) operations, was a key participant in Emerald Flag 2024. The Valkyrie was developed under the Marine Corps’ Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer – Portfolio (PAACK-P) program.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Blake Wiles

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Australian Army to choose between HIMARS or StrikeMaster

In a move reflecting the evolving strategic environment, the Australian Army is embarking on a crucial procurement process to strengthen its long-range strike capabilities, ABC news reports. Project LAND 8113 phase two will see the army evaluate two prominent contenders: the indigenously developed StrikeMaster, offering a cost-effective and sovereign solution, and the American HIMARS, boasting proven combat effectiveness but carrying a higher price tag and reliance on U.S. technology. This decision will shape the future of the Australian Army’s long-range firepower and influence the nation’s broader defence industry.


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U.S. Army doubles down on Chinook Block II orders

The U.S. Army is pressing ahead with modernising its fleet of CH-47F Chinook helicopters, with recent contract awards to Boeing for the production of new Block II Chinooks. This latest order underscores the Army’s commitment to upgrading its heavy-lift capabilities for future multi-domain operations.

A Double-rotor CH-47 Chinook from B Co “Big Windy,” 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion spins up for an evening training flight under a double rainbow just after the storm clears on Oct. 6 at Katterbach Army Airfield. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Robert Fellingham)

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