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) Continue reading “U.S. Air Force retires A-10s from South Korea in strategic shift”
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.
A recent BBC report shines a light on India’s expanding footprint in the Indian Ocean, focusing on the small island of Agalega, part of the Mauritius archipelago. Located approximately 1,100km (680 miles) north of Mauritius, Agalega was once an isolated community of 350 individuals sustained by fishing and coconut farming. Now, the island is rapidly transforming into a strategic hub, raising questions about India’s military ambitions and their implications for regional security.
Agile Combat Employment (ACE), a concept increasingly adopted by NATO allies, has been put to the test by the French Air and Space Force. The exercise, conducted in early November 2024, saw Rafale fighter jets deployed to bases in Germany and Croatia, highlighting France’s commitment to operational resilience.
The roar of jet engines echoed across the Nevada desert on Nov. 7 as the U.S. Air Force paid tribute to a legendary fighter pilot, Col. Gail Peck, who died two weeks ago.
