The United States Air Force is preparing to withdraw its fleet of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from Osan Air Base in South Korea, marking a significant shift in its military strategy in the region. The 25th Fighter Squadron, nicknamed the “Assam Draggins”, has been stationed at Osan AB since 1982, playing a crucial role in maintaining peace on the Korean peninsula. However, as part of a sweeping modernisation effort, the A-10s will be phased out by the end of fiscal year 2025.
A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II, with the 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, sits on the flight line of Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 16, 2016, after having flown missions in support of Exercise Balikatan 16. The A-10Cs stayed supporting a newly stood up Air Contingent in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The contingent provides opportunities to expand cooperation and interoperability with Philippine counterparts and reassure partners and allies of the United States’ commitment in the region. The five A-10Cs were joined by three HH-60G Pavehawks and approximately 200 Pacific Air Forces personnel including aircrew, maintainers, logistics and support personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton) Continue reading “U.S. Air Force retires A-10s from South Korea in strategic shift”
Agile Combat Employment (ACE), a concept increasingly adopted by NATO allies, has been put to the test by the French Air and Space Force. The exercise, conducted in early November 2024, saw Rafale fighter jets deployed to bases in Germany and Croatia, highlighting France’s commitment to operational resilience.
The roar of jet engines echoed across the Nevada desert on Nov. 7 as the U.S. Air Force paid tribute to a legendary fighter pilot, Col. Gail Peck, who died two weeks ago.
In a major boost to its special operations forces, the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has signed a deal for 12 Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters. The agreement, inked at the Euronaval trade show in Paris, sees the Netherlands become the latest nation to embrace the combat-proven platform.
Image: Airbus Continue reading “Netherlands boost special ops with H225M deal”
On Aug. 26th, a Chinese military Y-9 spy plane pierced Japanese airspace, setting off a diplomatic firestorm that shows no signs of abating. For the first time since the incident, China has offered an explanation, but it’s one that has been met with skepticism and anger in Tokyo. Beijing claims an “unexpected obstruction” forced its aircraft into Japanese territory, hinting that the actions of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) were to blame.
