Aviation News
At 102 years old, retired Captain Jim Kunkle received a tribute that few could imagine: a KC-135R Stratotanker adorned with the colours of his wartime P-38. Kunkle, a P-38 pilot from the 401st Fighter Squadron during World War II, was honoured by the Nebraska Air National Guard’s 155th Air Refueling Wing at the Central Coast AirFest last month. The newly painted KC-135 features black-and-white invasion stripes and nose art inspired by Kunkle’s P-38.
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has signed a new support contract with Diehl Defence for the IRIS-T short-range missile system. This agreement builds upon a long and successful collaboration between the two entities. The RTAF already utilises IRIS-T missiles on its Gripen, F-16, and F-5 aircraft.
Photo: Diehl Defence
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The Polish Air Force’s plan to swiftly modernise its fighter fleet has hit a snag. Delivery of 36 FA-50PL light fighters, a deal valued at nearly $3.3 billion, has been postponed according to Wnp.pl. The initial target of receiving the first FA-50PLs in 2025 is no longer feasible. This setback means Warsaw’s ambition to have all 36 aircraft operational by 2028 has been pushed back.
Photo: KAI
Continue reading “FA-50PL delivery delays raise concerns in Poland”
The Royal Navy is once again operating fast jets from a British aircraft carrier after a 15-year hiatus. The UK Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, has assembled in the North Sea for Exercise Strike Warrior. This exercise marks the integration of 809 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) and its F-35B Lightning stealth fighters and is a crucial step in restoring the Royal Navy’s carrier strike capability. This signifies Britain’s commitment to global power projection.
Photo: Royal Navy
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In a move aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s maritime security and sovereignty, the United States has gifted a Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). The official handover ceremony, held at Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake, underscored the enduring partnership between the two nations and their shared commitment to regional stability in the Indian Ocean.
Photo: U.S. State Department
Continue reading “U.S. government donates King Air 360ER to Sri Lanka Air Force”