The US Air Force recently conducted a training exercise focused on Independent Pilot Off-Station Procedures (IPOP) for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, on Apr. 1st, the exercise aimed to equip F-35 pilots with the skills necessary to operate in austere environments with limited support personnel.
U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew Brown, an F-35 assistant program manager assigned to the 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron, refuels an F-35 Lightning II as part of independent pilot off-station procedures (IPOP) at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 1, 2024. Exercises such as IPOP allow pilots the opportunity to learn maintenance and refueling techniques, extending operational range. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brianna Vetro)
Saab achieved a significant accomplishment in its GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) program on April 18, 2024, with the delivery of the fourth aircraft to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This latest delivery comes just four years after the UAE received their first GlobalEye, showcasing the program’s efficient execution.
The Croatian Air Force (Hrvatsko ratno zrakoplovstvo i protuzračna obrana, HRZ i PZO) officially received its first six Rafale fighter jets in a ceremony held on Apr. 25, at the 91st operational base near Zagreb. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing military modernization efforts.
Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas is preparing to welcome a multinational contingent of fighter jets as it gears up to host the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) pilot training program for the F-35 Lightning II. The base is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to accommodate the program, with training expected to begin later this year.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is revving up for its first-ever participation with aircraft in a major international exercise. The PAF announced it will deploy six FA-50PH light combat aircraft and over 100 personnel to Pitch Black, a large-scale multinational air combat exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in Darwin, Australia.