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Bulgaria’s First F-16 Block 70 Takes Flight

Posted on October 25, 2024October 25, 2024 by alert5

On Oct. 22nd, the first of Bulgaria’s F-16 Block 70 fighter jets successfully completed its inaugural flight at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Greenville, South Carolina. This marks a significant milestone for the Bulgarian Air Force as it modernises its fleet with 16 of these advanced aircraft. OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, highlighted the importance of this event, stating, “With the F-16 Block 70, the Bulgarian Air Force will be well-equipped to secure its borders and partner with U.S, European and NATO allies.”

Photo: Lockheed Martin
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A first for the Burkes: Fitzgerald launches NSM

Posted on October 24, 2024October 24, 2024 by alert5

In a historic first, the United States Navy successfully launched a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from a destroyer during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024. This significant event marks a key advancement in the Navy’s capabilities. While the NSM has been integrated onto several Littoral Combat Ships, this firing represents a crucial expansion of the weapon system.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), while participating in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, fires the first naval strike missile from a U.S. destroyer July 18. Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to Aug. 1. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

PEGASUS takes flight: German Armed Forces’ new surveillance aircraft completes first test flight

Posted on October 24, 2024October 24, 2024 by alert5

The PEGASUS aircraft, a modified Bombardier Global aircraft, has successfully completed its first test flight, marking a significant milestone for the Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System (PEGASUS) program. This modified business jet will play a crucial role in bolstering the German armed forces’ reconnaissance capabilities.

Photo: Bombardier
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U.S. military conducts airfield seizure exercise in Palau

Posted on October 23, 2024October 23, 2024 by alert5

The U.S. military carried out a significant airfield seizure exercise on the island of Palau as part of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 25-01. The exercise, which took place from Oct. 10–11, involved the airfield seizure of Roman Tmetuchl International Airport in Palau.

U.S Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs participate in a High-Intensity Rapid Air Insertion exercise during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 25-01 on Palau, Oct. 11, 2024. The Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) is the Army’s newest Combat Training Center (CTC) and generates readiness in the environments and conditions where our forces are most likely to operate in. JPMRC 25-01 includes training participants from across the U.S. Joint Force, and multinational Allies and partners. (U.S Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mark Sulaica)

South Korea mulls F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots amidst North Korean troop deployments to Russia

Posted on October 23, 2024 by alert5

South Korea is contemplating a major shift in policy by providing lethal weapons to Ukraine, including the prospect of training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s, either in South Korea or by South Korean instructors. This potential move is a direct response to North Korea’s increasing military support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a development that has raised considerable concern in Seoul.