Air Force Archives - Page 21 of 2550

Philippines to bolster Air Force with 12 more FA-50 fighters

Posted on January 21, 2025January 21, 2025 by alert5

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.

Philippine Air Force (PAF), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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The absence of the Z-20 in Tibet earthquake relief efforts

Posted on January 16, 2025 by alert5

The recent earthquake in Dingri County, Tibet, has prompted discussion regarding the absence of the Chinese-made Z-20 helicopter in relief efforts, according to Singapore Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao. While the Z-20 is promoted as a multi-functional helicopter designed for high-altitude environments like the Tibetan Plateau, it has not been reported in official Chinese media coverage of the disaster response. This absence is particularly notable given the Chinese military’s emphasis on promoting domestically produced equipment.

N509FZ, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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C-17 microvanes poised for fleet-wide rollout

Posted on January 16, 2025January 16, 2025 by alert5

After years of testing and refinement, the U.S. Air Force’s microvane program is nearing full implementation across it’s C-17 fleet. These small, strategically placed devices are set to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase fuel efficiency by redirecting airflow around the aircraft’s fuselage, proving that even the most mature aircraft designs can be enhanced.

U.S. State Department approves sale of Bell helicopters to Zambia

Posted on January 15, 2025 by alert5

The Republic of Zambia is set to enhance its air capabilities after the U.S. State Department approved a foreign military sale. The deal, estimated at $100 million, will provide Zambia with additional Bell 412 Enhanced Performance (EP) helicopters, alongside logistical and program support. Financed by a blend of Foreign Military Financing and Zambian national funds, this acquisition aims to modernise Zambia’s defense infrastructure and highlights its strategic role in South Central Africa.

Sgt. Gregory Williams, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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Vermont F-35As bolster U.S. Indo-Pacific presence at Kadena amidst Eagle retirement

Posted on January 14, 2025January 14, 2025 by alert5

The U.S. Air Force has significantly enhanced its forward posture in the Indo-Pacific with the deployment of F-35A Lightning IIs from the Vermont Air National Guard’s 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (EFS) to Kadena Air Base, Japan, on Jan. 13. The move comes as the service begins to retire its ageing fleet of F-15C/D Eagles in Japan, some of which have been in service for more than four decades.