A massive joint exercise in Japan, aptly named the “Japan Self-Defense Forces Joint Exercise (JX),” will kick off nationwide on Nov. 10. The exercise will involve approximately 40,000 members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military. While this exercise encompasses various aspects of military preparedness, one particular highlight is the planned movement of aircraft, with Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) fighter jets conducting training scenarios that include take-offs and landings at civilian airports not typically used for such operations.
A Japanese Air Self Defense Force F-15J Eagle departs after refueling from a U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender assigned to the 9th Air Refueling Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, California, over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex June 23, 2021. RED FLAG-Alaska 21-1 is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise designed to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment. A series of commander-directed field training exercises provides joint offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support, and large force employment training. The RF-A exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces to include the Japanese Air Self-Defense and Republic of Korea Air Forces into joint and multilateral training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Emily Farnsworth)
In a significant diplomatic development, the Libyan Asset Recovery and Management Office (LAROM) has confirmed the imminent repatriation of a Libyan C-130 aircraft from Malaysia. This achievement stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between internal entities, as outlined in the memorandum of cooperation between LAROM and the Libyan Air Force command. The move follows the successful negotiations that resulted in the lifting of sanctions against Libya, facilitated by discussions with the U.S. State Department.
In a momentous event that brought together history and the present, 100-year-old World War II and Korean War airpower legend, Lieutenant Colonel James H. Harvey III, was awarded an honorary promotion to the rank of Colonel. Harvey, a pioneer among African American fighter pilots with the famed Tuskegee Airmen, was celebrated during the halftime of the Air Force vs. Army game on November 4, held at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
In a disconcerting turn of events, Indonesia has yet again failed to notify the South Korean government of its financial plan for contributing to the KF-21 fighter project, jeopardizing this collaborative endeavor.
In a recent incident over the South China Sea, a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber conducting routine operations in international airspace was subjected to an unsafe intercept by a People’s Republic of China (PRC) J-11 fighter jet. The encounter, which occurred on Oct. 24, has raised significant concerns about international air safety and norms.
