Air Force Archives - Page 49 of 2528

American F-35s landed in Sweden for the first time

Posted on March 16, 2024 by alert5

The deployment to Sweden as part of Exercise Nordic Response 24 marked the first overseas exercise for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542 since achieving Initial Operational Capability (IOC) on Feb. 5. The historic landing of a U.S. F-35B on Swedish soil took place on March 13, 2024.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), refuel an F-35B Lightning II jet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542, 2nd MAW, using aviation-delivered ground-refueling during Exercise Nordic Response 24 in Lulea, Sweden, March 13, 2024. VMFA-542 and VMGR-252 demonstrated aviation-delivered ground refueling during a distributed aviation operation to showcase expeditionary advanced-base operations using host-nation support. The training event marked the first U.S. F-35 landing in Sweden at Kallax Air Base. Exercise Nordic Response 24 is designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting scenarios under challenging arctic conditions while providing U.S. Marines unique opportunities to train alongside NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

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The Oregon Air National Guard takes historic first flight with F-15EX

Posted on March 16, 2024March 16, 2024 by alert5

The skies above Florida recently bore witness to a momentous occasion for the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing, as Lt. Col. Joel “Thermo” Thesing, an F-15C instructor pilot from the 123rd Fighter Squadron, became the unit’s first aviator to take the controls of the highly anticipated F-15EX fighter jet. This inaugural flight marks a significant step forward as the 142nd Wing prepares to transition its fleet to this next variant of the Boeing F-15.

123rd Fighter Squadron pilot, Lt. Col. Joel “Thermo” Thesing climbs into an F-15 EX at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., March 7, 2024. Thesing is the first Portland, Ore.-based pilot to fly and train in the EX, marking a significant milestone for his unit, the 142nd Wing, which is slated to receive their first EX this summer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mr. Dave Shelikoff)

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Pentagon deploys the secretive N7700 to Sri Lanka

Posted on March 14, 2024March 14, 2024 by alert5

A joint training program focusing on Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations commenced on Mar. 12, at the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Base Ratmalana. This initiative, facilitated collaboratively between the United States Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, and the SLAF, aims to enhance Sri Lanka’s maritime domain awareness (MDA) capabilities.

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Airbus C295 hits 300 orders, solidifying market leader status

Posted on March 14, 2024March 13, 2024 by alert5

Airbus Defence and Space has reached a significant milestone with its C295 medium tactical transport aircraft, surpassing the 300-order mark. This achievement was most recently set by the Republic of Kazakhstan’s acquisition of a third aircraft, in transport configuration, for the National Security Committee Aviation Service. The continued selection of the C295 by a growing number of operators around the world underscores the aircraft’s enduring popularity and solidifies its position as a global leader in its category.

Photo: Airbus
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United States approves potential billion-dollar boost to Polish air power

Posted on March 13, 2024 by alert5

The United States Department of State has greenlit a trio of potential Foreign Military Sales (FMS) packages to Poland, significantly bolstering the nation’s air defense capabilities.