The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has made aviation history by becoming the first customer to order Airbus’s next-generation A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+). The order, announced Sept. 25, marks a important milestone for Airbus as it transitions its tanker program from the legacy A330-200 to the more advanced A330neo variant.
Indonesia’s Defense Ministry confirmed Sept. 18 that the country remains interested in acquiring Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets as part of its military modernization efforts, though officials indicated any potential deal remains in early stages.
Lockheed Martin and Saab have both secured government approvals to compete for Peru’s major fighter aircraft modernization program, with the U.S. offering a $3.42 billion F-16 package and Sweden proposing JAS 39 E/F Gripen alternative in what has become South America’s most significant military aviation competition in decades.
Spain launched Exercise Eagle Eye 25-03 on Sept. 15, deploying six F-18 fighters, PATRIOT missile systems, and the frigate “Cristóbal Colón” in a four-day integrated air defense demonstration spanning the Canary Islands and Atlantic Ocean. The exercise tests rapid-response capabilities with 15-minute alert protocols while coordinating assets from all three military services under a unified command structure.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) will embark on its most ambitious trans-Atlantic deployment to date this week, launching the Atlantic Eagles friendly visit that will see approximately 180 personnel and eight aircraft operate across four allied nations in North America and Europe through Oct. 1.
Four Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15J Eagles prepare to take off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 20, 2015, during Red Flag-Alaska (RF-A) 15-3. JASDF and Republic of Korea Air Force units are deployed to Eielson along with assorted aircraft and support personnel from multiple service branches for RF-A, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercise for U.S. and partner nation forces, providing combined offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support, and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Turner/Released) Continue reading “Atlantic Eagles: Japan to deploy F-15s to Canada, Germany, U.K and U.S.”