U.S. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA-311) is on the cusp of declaring Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the F-35C Lightning II, marking a significant milestone for the squadron and the U.S. Marine Corps.
U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Cassandra Touchstone, left, an F-35C Lightning II pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts pre-flight checks on an F-35C Lightning II aircraft before a basic fighter maneuver training flight at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 12, 2024. During the flight, Maj. Timothy Potter, an F-35C Lightning II pilot with VMFA-311 and a graduate of the U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, commonly known as TOPGUN, instructed Touchstone to increase her proficiency in fighter maneuvers, or dogfighting. Touchstone is pursuing the air combat maneuvering qualification which enables pilots to conduct air-to-air combat training without an instructor present. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine) Continue reading “VMFA-311 nears IOC milestone with F-35C”
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) conducted a series of intercepts involving Russian and Chinese military aircraft operating within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Jul. 24.
Two CF-18 Hornets, two F-35 Lighting II, and two F-16 Fighting Falcons fighter aircraft from NORAD positively identified and intercepted two Russian TU-95 and two PRC H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on July 24, 2024. NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft in seamless interoperability to detect and track aircraft and inform appropriate actions. NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America. (Department of Defense Photo) Continue reading “NORAD tracks Chinese H-6K bombers within Alaska ADIZ for the first time”
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has showcased its capabilities during Exercise Pitch Black 2024, operating a contingent of Gripen fighter aircraft from RAAF Darwin, Australia. The exercise provided a platform for the RTAF to train in a complex, high-intensity environment alongside international partners.
Darwin, Australia – Jul. 25, 2024 – An Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet involved in the multinational Exercise Pitch Black experienced an incident yesterday, Jul. 24th, at approximately 10:45 AM local time.