Alert 5

Aviation News

Category: Air Force

F-35A Frankenjet is now operational

Posted on by alert5

The U.S. Air Force has successfully returned a reconstructed F-35A fighter jet to operational status after combining parts from two damaged aircraft, officials announced this week.

An F-35A Lightning II, known as “Frankenjet” and assigned to the 4th Fighter Generation Squadron, 388th Fighter Wing, returns to Hill Air Force Base on March 26, 2025. The aircraft previously underwent final maintenance at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas, before reentering operational service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Nathan Poblete)

Continue reading “F-35A Frankenjet is now operational”

Japan simulated attacks on Chinese ships during Taiwan invasion scenario during Exercise Keen Edge 2024

Posted on by alert5

Japan and the United States conducted a joint military exercise in February 2024 that simulated Japanese forces attacking Chinese vessels during a Taiwan invasion scenario, according to an exclusive report published by Sankei Shimbun on Apr. 6.

Members of United States Forces Japan, Japan Joint Staff, and Australian Defence Force coordinate plans during Exercise Keen Edge 24 at the Bilateral Joint Operations Coordination Center on Yokota Air Base, Japan, Feb. 1, 2024. Historically a bilateral JJS and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercise that allows the United States and Japan to practice coordination procedures, this iteration will also include the participation of Australia for the first time, further highlighting the multinational commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. KE24 is scheduled to continue through to Feb. 8, one of many annual U.S.-Japan operations and exercises that increases readiness to respond to a variety of crises and contingencies, maintaining the Alliance as a credible deterrence in an increasingly complex threat environment.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Wright

Continue reading “Japan simulated attacks on Chinese ships during Taiwan invasion scenario during Exercise Keen Edge 2024”

Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Photographing Fighter Jets at Suwon Air Base

Posted on by alert5

Two Chinese teenagers have been detained by South Korean authorities for illegally photographing military aircraft at an air force base in Suwon, according to a report published by JoongAng Ilbo on Apr. 7.

Republic of Korea Air Force KF-5 aircraft takeoff from Suwon Air Base, South Korea, Aug. 7,2024. Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 224, Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), known as the Fighting Bengals, are conducting joint training with the Republic of Korea Air Force to enhance their standard of readiness and lethality with our allies. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson)

Continue reading “Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Photographing Fighter Jets at Suwon Air Base”

Sweden secures production slots for four C-390 transport aircraft

Posted on by alert5

Sweden has officially committed to acquiring four C-390 aircraft from Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer, securing necessary production slots as part of a joint European procurement effort. The announcement was made during the LAAD Defence & Security 2025 exhibition in Rio de Janeiro on Apr. 1.


Photo: Embraer
Continue reading “Sweden secures production slots for four C-390 transport aircraft”