Air Force Archives - Page 32 of 2550

South Korea mulls F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots amidst North Korean troop deployments to Russia

Posted on October 23, 2024 by alert5

South Korea is contemplating a major shift in policy by providing lethal weapons to Ukraine, including the prospect of training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s, either in South Korea or by South Korean instructors. This potential move is a direct response to North Korea’s increasing military support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a development that has raised considerable concern in Seoul.

A KF-16 Fighting Falcon from the 19th Fighter Wing taxis as another takes off of the runway at Jungwon Air Base, Republic of Korea, during Buddy Wing 15-6, July 10, 2015. In an effort to enhance U.S. and ROKAF air combat capability, Buddy Wing exercises are conducted multiple times throughout the year on the peninsula to sharpen interoperability between the allied forces so that if need be, they are always ready to fight as a combined force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson/Released)

Sweden orders additional Grob 120TP aircraft

Posted on October 22, 2024 by alert5

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a contract for three more Grob 120TP training aircraft, further enhancing the Swedish Air Force’s training capabilities. This follows an initial order in 2021 for 10 aircraft and a simulator, demonstrating Sweden’s commitment to modernising its pilot training programme. Training aircraft play a vital role in air force operations, providing a safe and effective platform for pilots to develop essential skills before transitioning to advanced fighter jets.

MaxSpeed, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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GAO calls for F-35 sustainment overhaul, citing poor performance and rising costs

Posted on October 22, 2024 by alert5

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report that reviewed operation and maintenance (O&M) funding and readiness for fighter aircraft. The report found that while O&M funding execution from fiscal years 2018 to 2023 was generally consistent with requests, tactical aircraft mission capable rates have generally not met service goals. The report attributes this to several factors, including ageing aircraft, maintenance challenges, and issues with supply support.

JOTT, F-35 Five Ship behind tanker, 1 F-35C, 2 F-35B, & 2 F-35A, Edwards AFB, Ca., 20 September 2019

F-16 damaged in collision with runaway munitions loader

Posted on October 20, 2024October 20, 2024 by alert5

An F-16C Fighting Falcon, tail number 89-002023, was badly damaged in a non-flying mishap on Nov. 17, 2023 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. The aircraft, assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, was parked and unmanned at the time of the incident. The accident, which resulted in an estimated $30,241,892.00 in damages to government property and $4,954.00 in environmental cleanup costs, was triggered by a series of events involving a runaway MJ-1 weapons loader, also known as a “jammer.”

Graphic: USAF
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French Rafales soar over Yorktown, marking 200 years since Lafayette’s farewell tour

Posted on October 20, 2024October 20, 2024 by alert5

Two French Rafale jets from the French Air Force have arrived at Norfolk naval air station for a flyover of Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Washington DC. They are joined by a USAF F-22 for the flyover. The Rafale jets belong to the Lafayette Squadron, a squadron with a history dating back to World War I.

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