RNZAF C-130H Hercules retires after 60 years of service

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) is bidding farewell to its venerable fleet of C-130H Hercules transport aircraft after six decades of service. The official retirement date for the five-strong fleet was Friday, Jan. 30th, 2025, marking the end of an era for the workhorse aircraft that have served New Zealand both at home and around the globe. To commemorate their service, the Hercules fleet has recently conducted flypasts over Northland and the central North Island, and has scheduled further flypasts over the South Island for Monday and Tuesday, next week.

20231025 NZDF K1055157 003
Corporal Naomi James, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Japan to deploy F-35A to Cope North for the first time

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) is deploying its advanced F-35A stealth fighter jets for a joint training exercise with the United States and Australia near Guam this February. This marks the first time the JASDF has dispatched the F-35A to the Cope North exercise, and is being called the “first gathering of F-35s from all three countries”.

F-35A from the Japan Air Force
防衛省・自衛隊ホームページ, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Hill Air Force could get a portable nuclear reactor

Hill Air Force Base (HAFB) is being considered as a potential location for a groundbreaking energy project: a portable nuclear reactor. The project, spearheaded by Radiant Nuclear, could see the base utilising a small modular reactor as early as 2028. This development is part of a broader effort to enhance the resilience of military installations and meet ambitious carbon-free energy goals.


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Lakenheath Eagles get new electronic warfare edge with EPAWSS arrival

The first F-15E Strike Eagles equipped with the advanced Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS) have touched down at RAF Lakenheath, marking a significant leap in electronic warfare capabilities for the U.S. Air Force in Europe. The arrival of these upgraded aircraft on Jan. 16, signals a major step in the Air Force’s modernization efforts to ensure the F-15 fleet remains effective against evolving threats.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft arrives at RAF Lakenheath, England Jan. 15, 2025. The F-15E Strike Eagles aircraft are equipped with the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System marking the delivery of the first F-15E’s integrated with one of the world’s most advanced electronic warfare suites in the European theater.

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Seleena Muhammad-Ali
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Philippines to bolster Air Force with 12 more FA-50 fighters

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is poised to significantly enhance its combat capabilities with the planned acquisition of 12 additional FA-50 light combat aircraft from South Korea, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reports. This procurement, detailed in the country’s Department of National Defense’s Procurement Monitoring Report, is valued at approximately P40 billion. The deal, a government-to-government agreement between Manila and Seoul, is currently in the final stages of negotiation, with both sides ironing out the terms of reference.

One of the PAF FA50s that made a debut appearance at the Mindil Beach Flypast in Darwin, Australia
Philippine Air Force (PAF), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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