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Category: Air Force

Utah Air National Guard’s KC-135 enhances Battlespace Communications in Joint Exercise Northern Edge 2023-2

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From Jul. 2-21, United States service members came together in Northern Edge 2023-2, a joint field training exercise held at various locations in the Pacific region. This year’s exercise, organized by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, marks a significant departure from its traditional Alaskan setting, as it explores alternate locations within the region, including a Joint Exercise Control Group operating from Hawaii. The exercise’s goal is to deliver a comprehensive and highly realistic training experience, enhancing the readiness of participating forces through interoperability challenges across joint, multinational, and multi-domain operations.

The Raytheon Multi-Program Testbed takes off during exercise Northern Edge 23-2 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 12, 2023. The RMT uses a combination of radar and electronic intelligence sensors to capture information on simulated threats which is then passed on to allied players for enhanced command and control. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sebastian Romawac)

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Australia announces acquisition of 20 new C-130Js

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In a significant move to enhance its defense capabilities, the Albanese Government of Australia has announced the purchase of 20 new C-130J Hercules aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at a cost of $9.8 billion. The acquisition aims to modernize the Air Force’s fleet, providing state-of-the-art C-130 Hercules to meet the nation’s air transport needs for the future.

RAAF Lockheed C-130J Hercules executing go-around
Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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Indian Air Force considers A400M, C-130J, and C395 for Medium Transport Aircraft Replacement

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently evaluating proposals for a Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) to replace its aging fleet of transport planes. The Request for Information (RFI) issued by the IAF seeks a capable MTA with a carrying capacity ranging from 18 to 30 tonnes. The deadline for submissions was extended recently to accommodate potential contenders. Among the aircraft vying for this critical contract are the A400M, C-130J, and C395.


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141st Air Refueling Wing to conduct first-of-its-kind air refueling training in Thailand

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Leaders from the Royal Thai Air Force and the Washington Air National Guard have concluded a pivotal planning conference, laying the groundwork for a historic engagement in the Kingdom of Thailand later this year. The focus of this much-anticipated exercise will be a first-of-its-kind air refueling training conducted by the Washington Air National Guard’s 141st Air Refueling Wing, alongside the Oregon National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing and a Royal Thai Air Force fighter group.

Col. Gent Welsh, (3rd from L), Commander of the 194th Regional Support Wing, Air Vice Marshal Tanasak Metananta (4th from L), and his staff pose for a photo in front of a KC-135 Stratotanker prior to take off for an aerial refueling mission. The General and his staff visited the 141st Air Refueling Wing as part of our State Partnership Program with the Kingdom of Thailand.

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