Canada confirms MQ-9B SkyGuardian acquisition

Canada is entering a transformative phase to significantly enhance its national defense capabilities, as the government has committed to acquiring a fleet of 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). This strategic investment, valued at $2.49 billion, underscores Canada’s dedication to modernizing its aerospace capabilities and ensuring it remains at the forefront of defense technology.


Image: GA

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Groundbreaking reverse air refueling enhances tanker aircraft capability

In a groundbreaking demonstration of strategic air power, the 22nd Airlift Squadron successfully executed a reverse flow air refueling, passing 23,500 pounds of fuel from a C-5M Super Galaxy to a KC-10 Extender over the skies of Northern California and Oregon on Dec. 12.

A C-5M Super Galaxy approaches the boom of a KC-10 Extender to perform reverse aerial refueling training in an aerial refueling track over Northern California and Oregon, Dec. 12, 2023. The KC-10 supported a C-5M’s proof of concept testing in its ability to provide a tanker aircraft fuel in an emergency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Traci Keller)

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U.S. Air Force plans beddown of Singapore F-15s at Andersen AFB, Guam

In a move strengthening ties between the United States and Singapore, the U.S. Air Force has unveiled plans to beddown up to 12 Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-15 fighter jets at Andersen Air Force Base (AFB), Guam. The decision is part of a revised proposal for the base’s infrastructure upgrades, aligning with strategic initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region.

A Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15SG taxies off the runway after landing for a deployment on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, May 24, 2021. The RSAF has been deploying fighter aircraft to Guam for rotational training since 2017. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael S. Murphy)

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USMC F-35Bs land at Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan for the first time

For the first time, U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighters touched down at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Nyutabaru Base in Shintomi Town for the first time. This marks the first-ever landing of the F-35B at Nyutabaru Base, signifying a new chapter in joint training between Japan and the United States.

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Holloman Air Force Base to get third F-16 unit

In a significant development for New Mexico, the U.S. Air Force has finalized its decision to permanently base a training squadron of 26 F-16 fighter jets at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, along with Representative Gabe Vasquez, commended this move, emphasizing the crucial role Holloman plays in training America’s fighter pilots.

Maintenance before flight (14710234407)
By US Air Force from USA (Maintenance before flight) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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