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American F-35s landed in Sweden for the first time

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The deployment to Sweden as part of Exercise Nordic Response 24 marked the first overseas exercise for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542 since achieving Initial Operational Capability (IOC) on Feb. 5. The historic landing of a U.S. F-35B on Swedish soil took place on March 13, 2024.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), refuel an F-35B Lightning II jet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542, 2nd MAW, using aviation-delivered ground-refueling during Exercise Nordic Response 24 in Lulea, Sweden, March 13, 2024. VMFA-542 and VMGR-252 demonstrated aviation-delivered ground refueling during a distributed aviation operation to showcase expeditionary advanced-base operations using host-nation support. The training event marked the first U.S. F-35 landing in Sweden at Kallax Air Base. Exercise Nordic Response 24 is designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting scenarios under challenging arctic conditions while providing U.S. Marines unique opportunities to train alongside NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

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The Oregon Air National Guard takes historic first flight with F-15EX

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The skies above Florida recently bore witness to a momentous occasion for the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing, as Lt. Col. Joel “Thermo” Thesing, an F-15C instructor pilot from the 123rd Fighter Squadron, became the unit’s first aviator to take the controls of the highly anticipated F-15EX fighter jet. This inaugural flight marks a significant step forward as the 142nd Wing prepares to transition its fleet to this next variant of the Boeing F-15.

123rd Fighter Squadron pilot, Lt. Col. Joel “Thermo” Thesing climbs into an F-15 EX at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., March 7, 2024. Thesing is the first Portland, Ore.-based pilot to fly and train in the EX, marking a significant milestone for his unit, the 142nd Wing, which is slated to receive their first EX this summer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mr. Dave Shelikoff)

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Defense titans unite: Embraer and ST Engineering ink collaboration agreement

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Embraer Defense & Security and ST Engineering have joined forces in a strategic partnership to explore joint ventures across the Asia Pacific and South American regions. This collaboration aims to leverage the complementary strengths of both companies and unlock new growth opportunities.


Photo: Embraer
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Every U.S. Navy ship a carrier with AI drones?

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The colossal aircraft carrier, once an emblem of unchallenged maritime power, now faces an uncertain future. Vulnerable to sophisticated missile systems and burdened by exorbitant operational costs, its long-term viability sparks debate. A novel proposal by LCDR Jeff Zeberlein emerges, aiming to reshape the naval landscape: transforming every vessel, from the mighty destroyer down to the utilitarian fleet tanker, into a mini-carrier equipped with a squadron of AI-powered drones.

V-BAT is prepared for launch from USS Michael Monsoor during RIMPAC 2022
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Megan Alexander, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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USN might adopt South Korea’s Bigung system to counter drone swarm attacks

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LIG Nex 1, a South Korean defense contractor, is ramping up efforts to secure a historic arms deal with the United States. The company aims to finalize an export contract for its Bigung 2.75-inch (70mm) infrared-guided anti-ship missile system.


Photo: U.S. Navy
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