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Category: Air Force

German Air Force achieves IOC for IRIS-T SLM Air Defense System

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The Luftwaffe has declared Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defense system, achieving a significant upgrade for German air defense capabilities. This achievement comes just one year after the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee approved the procurement of six fire units, marking a rapid transition from acquisition decision to operational readiness.


Photo: Diehl Defence
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Two MC-130J Commando II crews earn prestigious Hoyt Award for unprecedented aerial refueling mission

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Crews from the U.S. Air Force’s 9th Special Operations Squadron (SOS) at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, have been awarded the 2023 Brig. Gen. Ross G. Hoyt Award for their exceptional performance during a presidentially-directed contingency operation. The operation involved supporting the single-longest U.S. Army helicopter mission to rely entirely on aerial refueling, marking a significant milestone in U.S. military aviation history.

U.S. service members from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), 6th Special Operations Squadron and 109th Airlift Wing watch a MH-47G Special Operations Aircraft assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), refuel mid-air during Arctic Edge 24(AE24) over the Alaskan wilderness, March 2, 2024. During AE24, more than 400 joint and allied Special Operators trained in extreme cold conditions to sharpen SOF readiness across unique specialties like long range fires and movements, special reconnaissance, rapid resupply, personnel recovery, and medical care in the austere Arctic environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Drew Cyburt)

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Ebbing Air National Guard Base readies for foreign F-35s as Poland receives its first F-35A

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Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, has recently completed the installation of aircraft arresting system on its runway, marking a crucial step in its preparation for the arrival of the first foreign F-35 fighters set to train there. Coinciding with this development, Poland, slated to be the first foreign air force to send F-35s to Ebbing, has taken delivery of its initial F-35 fighter jet, heralding a new era in NATO’s air defense capabilities.


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Idaho ANG and German Armed Forces strengthen NATO ties through joint training exercise

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The Idaho Air National Guard’s 124th Fighter Wing recently hosted German armed forces joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs) for a joint training exercise. This marks the second time this year that the two nations have collaborated on training.

Tactical Air Control Party Airman with the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron and members of the German Bundeswehr practice medevac procedures at the Orchard Combat Training Center, Boise, Idaho, 28 August, 2024. Those participating in this exercise responded to a simulated medical event, stabilized the patients, and called for transport. (U.S Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Jadyn Eisenbrandt)

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