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U.S. State Department approves sale of Bell helicopters to Zambia

Posted on January 15, 2025 by alert5

The Republic of Zambia is set to enhance its air capabilities after the U.S. State Department approved a foreign military sale. The deal, estimated at $100 million, will provide Zambia with additional Bell 412 Enhanced Performance (EP) helicopters, alongside logistical and program support. Financed by a blend of Foreign Military Financing and Zambian national funds, this acquisition aims to modernise Zambia’s defense infrastructure and highlights its strategic role in South Central Africa.

Sgt. Gregory Williams, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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Vermont F-35As bolster U.S. Indo-Pacific presence at Kadena amidst Eagle retirement

Posted on January 14, 2025January 14, 2025 by alert5

The U.S. Air Force has significantly enhanced its forward posture in the Indo-Pacific with the deployment of F-35A Lightning IIs from the Vermont Air National Guard’s 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (EFS) to Kadena Air Base, Japan, on Jan. 13. The move comes as the service begins to retire its ageing fleet of F-15C/D Eagles in Japan, some of which have been in service for more than four decades.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxis past Airman 1st Class Connor Blevins, 158th Fighter Wing crew chief, at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 13, 2025. The 134th FS will be integrating with F-22 Raptors and F-16C Fighting Falcons to continually provide forward fighter capabilities in support of theater deterrence and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

RTAF to evaluate Gripen highway operations

Posted on January 13, 2025 by alert5

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is set to conduct a critical evaluation of the Saab Gripen fighter jet, focusing on its ability to operate from makeshift airstrips on public highways, the Nation reports. This test, scheduled for February, is a pivotal moment in the RTAF’s assessment of the Swedish-built Gripen E fighter as a potential replacement for its ageing fleet of F-16 aircraft.

Alert5, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Final Rafale fighter delivered to Greek Air Force

Posted on January 10, 2025 by alert5

The Hellenic Air Force has officially taken delivery of its 24th Rafale fighter jet, marking the completion of a significant acquisition program with France. The final single-seat aircraft, bearing the serial number 457, touched down at the 114th Combat Wing in Tanagra, after a non-stop flight from Mérignac, near Bordeaux. The aircraft was promptly handed over to the 332nd Squadron, which operates the advanced French-made fighters.

NATO member invests $60 million in Elbit’s ReDrone Anti-Drone System

Posted on January 7, 2025 by alert5

Elbit Systems has secured a significant $60 million contract with a NATO European country to supply its advanced ReDrone counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS). This deal highlights the growing concern amongst NATO members regarding the increasing threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and their potential misuse by terrorists and smugglers. Elbit Systems, a leading global defence technology company, is set to deliver the ReDrone system over a three-year period.

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