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Category: Air Force

India eyes Su-30 exports in major defense manufacturing push (Financial Express)

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India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is in discussions to export Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, according to a report by Financial Express. This development marks a significant milestone for India’s defense manufacturing capabilities and its aspirations in the global arms market.

An Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighter aircraft lands at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 16, 2016. Indian Air Force airmen arrived at Eielson in preparation for RED FLAG-Alaska 16-1. On average, more than 1,000 people and up to 60 aircraft deploy to Eielson during the two-week exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Turner)

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Saudi Arabia orders four more Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft

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Airbus has secured a new order from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for four additional A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. These aircraft will bolster the Royal Saudi Air Force’s (RSAF) aerial refueling and strategic airlift capabilities.

2403 Airbus A330 MRTT Royal Saudi Air Force RAF Fairford 12.7.23 (53072925746)
Colin Cooke Photo, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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F-15E with unique air-to-air kill surpasses 15,000 flight hours during combat mission

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A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, tail number #89-0487 and nicknamed “Lucky,” has achieved a remarkable feat, surpassing 15,000 flight hours during a combat sortie on May 17. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone for this Strike Eagle which is the only F-15E credited with an air-to-air kill.

F-15E Strike Eagle aircrew, consisting of a pilot and weapon systems officer, exit the cockpit at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 17, 2024. The Strike Eagle consists of two aircrew who employ the advanced weapon system’s radar, electronic warfare sensors, and traditional weapons loadouts. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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U.S. Marines and RAAF achieve F-35 pilot interchangeability

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In June 2024, during a joint training exercise at RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, two United States Marine Corps (USMC) F-35B pilots from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214 successfully flew Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A aircraft. This accomplishment signifies a significant step towards interchangeable operations between the two forces.

From left, Royal Australian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Stuart Atkin, an F-35A Lightning II pilot with the RAAF No. 75 Squadron; RAAF Squadron Leader Brett Gordon, an F-35A Lightning II pilot with the RAAF No. 75 Squadron; U.S. Marine Corps Maj. John Rose, an F-35B Lightning II pilot and executive officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing; and RAAF Flight Lieutenant Nicholas Ebzery, an F-35A Lightning II pilot with the RAAF No. 75 Squadron, pose for a picture after a flight at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory, Australia, June 13, 2024. Leaders with VMFA-214, a USMC F-35B squadron, flew the RAAF F-35A during bilateral training, exhibiting interchangeability between RAAF and U.S. Marine aviation. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

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