Air Force Archives - Page 35 of 2552

Greece declines NATO Baltic Air Policing mission

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

Greece has declined a request from the Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to take part in air patrols over their airspace. The Baltic countries, which lack their own fighter jets, had asked Greece to send F-16s to contribute to the NATO air policing mission, which helps safeguard their skies.

A Hellenic Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon escorts a U.S. Air Force 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress over Greece during a Bomber Task Force mission Aug. 26, 2022. B-52Hs from the 23EBS flew to Greece to demonstrate their Global Strategic Bomber presence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

P-38 pilot honoured with heritage jet

Posted on October 18, 2024October 18, 2024 by alert5

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.

A P-38 sits on static display next to the 155th Air Refueling Wing’s KC-135 with invasion stripes, Sept. 22, 2024, during the Central Coast AirFest at the Santa Maria Airport in Santa Maria, California. The KC-135’s heritage paint scheme honors Jim Kunkle, World War II U.S. Army Air Corps veteran. Kunkle served as a fighter pilot during WWII in the 401st Fighter Squadron which transformed into the 173rd Air Refueling Squadron, 155th ARW. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander D. Schriner)

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RTAF strengthens partnership with Diehl Defence for IRIS-T

Posted on October 17, 2024October 17, 2024 by alert5

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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FA-50PL delivery delays raise concerns in Poland

Posted on October 15, 2024 by alert5

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
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HMS Prince of Wales and 809 NAS unite for Exercise Strike Warrior

Posted on October 15, 2024October 15, 2024 by alert5

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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