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Aviation News

Category: Air Force

Sweden paves way for potential Gripen transfer to Ukraine with $220 million parts package

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In a significant development for Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, Sweden has unveiled a comprehensive military support package that includes substantial provisions for the potential future transfer of JAS 39 Gripen fighters. The Swedish government, recognizing the strategic importance of bolstering Ukraine’s aerial warfare capabilities, has allocated approximately $220.8 million for acquiring materiel parts specific to the JAS 39C/D variants of the Gripen multirole fighter aircraft.

Saab JAS-39C Gripen, Sweden - Air Force AN2279593
Oleg V. Belyakov – AirTeamImages, CC BY-SA 3.0 GFDL 1.2, via Wikimedia Commons
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U.S. State Department approves potential $133 million AIM-120C-8 sale to Singapore

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The U.S. State Department has given the green light to a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of advanced AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles to Singapore, marking a significant development in defense cooperation between the two nations. The proposed deal, which includes 54 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment, is valued at an estimated $133 million. This sale would bolster Singapore’s air defense capabilities and reinforce its strategic partnership with the United States.

A Singapore Royal Air Force F-15SG assigned to the 428th Squadron (RSAF), Singapore, completes aerial refueling from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 101st Air Refueling Wing, Maine Air National Guard, during RED FLAG-Alaska 24-2 in Alaska, June 7, 2024. RED FLAG-Alaska offers unique opportunities to integrate various U.S. and allied forces into joint, coalition, and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Corban Lundborg)

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U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School undergoes major transformation for Great Power Competition era

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The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (TPS) at Edwards Air Force Base, California, is implementing a comprehensive strategic plan to revolutionize its operations as it approaches its 80th anniversary. This transformation aims to better prepare Airmen and Guardians for the complex challenges of modern warfare in an era of Great Power Competition.


U.S. Air Force graphic

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U.S. Navy had tried to acquire Greek F-16s for its adversary squadrons

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The U.S. Navy has revealed for the first time its previously undisclosed attempt to acquire F-16 Fighting Falcons from Greece, as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize its adversary air capabilities. This revelation comes as the Navy Reserve welcomed its newest F-16 to the fleet on August 27, 2024, marking a crucial milestone in the Tactical Support Wing’s (TSW) long-term modernization strategy initiated in 2009.

F-16 belonging to VFC-13, flying over Carson Valley, NV.

Photo: U.S. Navy
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Northrop Grumman’s IVEWS clears hurdle for integration on the F-16

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Northrop Grumman’s AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) for the F-16 fighter jet has successfully completed testing at the U.S. Air Force’s Joint Preflight Integration of Munitions and Electronic Sensors (J-PRIMES) facility, paving the way for flight testing on Air Force F-16 aircraft.


Photo: Northrop Grumman
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