Aviation News
The U.S. State Department has approved a significant Foreign Military Sale to Japan, involving the acquisition of 1,200 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs). The deal, estimated at a staggering $3.64 billion, includes both the AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 variants. This potential sale was officially communicated to Congress by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency on Jan. 2.
Continue reading “Japan set to bolster air defence with massive AMRAAM purchase”
In the aftermath of the catastrophic Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crash at Muan International Airport on Dec. 29, 2024, which claimed the lives of 179 people, the South Korean military has taken swift action to ensure the safety of its own fleet of Boeing 737-based aircraft. The cause of the devastating accident remains under scrutiny, with investigators focusing on a potential issue with the landing gear.
Continue reading “South Korean military inspects Boeing 737s after fatal crash”
Israeli forces operating in southern Syria have recovered a key component of an Israeli Air Force (IAF) helicopter that crashed more than half a century ago. The discovery, announced on Dec. 23, brings a sense of closure to a tragic incident from the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The recovered part is the rotor head of an SA 321 Super Frelon helicopter, known in the IAF as the “Wasp”. This particular aircraft, designated number 17 in the IAF’s 114th Squadron, was involved in a deadly crash on Apr. 27, 1974, during a rescue mission.
Photo: Israel Defense Forces
Continue reading “Israeli troops in Syria recover rotor head of 1974 crash”
Poland’s first two Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs aircraft arrived at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on Dec. 23. This event initiates a new chapter in the F-35 Foreign Military Sales training program.
aircraft at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort SMith, Arkansas on December 23, 2024. This marks a significant milestone in the Foreign Military Sales training program and highlights the strong partnership between the U.S. and Poland. The aircraft’s arrival will kickstart Polish pilot training at Ebbing ANGB, beginning in January 2025. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by A1C Miles Chrisman)
Continue reading “Ebbing ANGB welcomes first Polish F-35s, kicking off multinational training program”
Babcock International Group has acquired 11 Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros jet trainers from Apache Aviation to support a new fighter pilot training academy in Dijon, France. The academy will offer several programs, including training for aspiring fighter pilots, certification of L-39 pilot instructors, retraining for already qualified fighter pilots, and training for pilots and advanced controllers in close air support missions.
Photo: Babcock
Continue reading “Breitling Jet Team L-39s find new life training fighter pilots”