Portuguese F-16s conduct first intercept during current Baltic Air Policing deployment

On Apr. 15th, Portuguese F-16 fighter jets assigned to NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission conducted their first intercept mission of the current deployment. The scramble, initiated by the Combined Air Operations Centre at Uedem, Germany, marked the first time the Portuguese detachment launched jets for an air interception during their seventh rotation at Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania.


Photo: Portuguese Air Force
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Exercise Agile Reaper 24-1 is taking place in Tinian

The skies above the remote Pacific island of Tinian recently witnessed a resurgence of American airpower. Once home to the B-29 Superfortresses that helped end World War II, Tinian served as a key location for Exercise Agile Reaper 24-1 (AR 24-1), showcasing the U.S. Air Force’s next generation of power projection capabilities.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxis to the runway for takeoff during exercise Agile Reaper 24-1 at Tinian International Airport, Northern Mariana Islands, April 10, 2024. Pacific Air Forces is resolute in the collective defense of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. PACAF projects strength by exercising unique American capabilities, generating new strategic dilemmas for authoritarian regimes. PACAF will enhance interoperability and integration between systems, platforms, and Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Britten)

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USAF pioneers digital acquisition for Light Reconnaissance Aircraft in FMS Deals

The US Air Force (USAF) Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate is pioneering a digital acquisition process for light reconnaissance aircraft destined for Foreign Military Sales (FMS). This initiative, spearheaded by a newly formed Digital PAQuisitions Team, aims to significantly reduce development and fielding times for partner nations.

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