Unsafe intercept: Chinese J-11’s close encounter with B-52 sparks concern

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.

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F-35 Lightning II advances closer to full-rate production after successful JSE testing

In a landmark achievement for the F-35 Lightning II program, the final Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) event was successfully completed on September 21st. This pivotal phase of testing took place in the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE), marking a significant milestone in the development of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

JOTT, F-35 Five Ship behind tanker, 1 F-35C, 2 F-35B, & 2 F-35A, Edwards AFB, Ca., 20 September 2019

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French and Taiwanese pilots collaborate in air combat training exercise

In a demonstration of cooperation and skill-building, the Taiwanese and French Air Forces recently conducted their annual exchange at the Chiashan Air Force Base in Hualien. The event, which took place on Oct. 14, involved mixed teams of pilots from both nations, Central News Agency reported.

ROCAF Mirage 2000-5EI Pilot Opened Canopy and Waveing Hand on Runway 20120602
玄史生, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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KC-135 Stratotankers of the 100th Air Refueling Wing transform operations with RTIC

In a groundbreaking development, the 100th Air Refueling Wing has equipped some of its KC-135 Stratotankers with the Real-Time Information in the Cockpit (RTIC) system, marking a significant leap in military aviation capabilities. The RTIC system introduces advanced communication and information-sharing capabilities, enhancing situational awareness and tactical efficiency for aircrews.

The Real-Time Information in the Cockpit system – more commonly known as “RTIC” – is shown on one of the 100th Air Refueling Wing’s KC-135 Stratotankers, at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Oct. 18, 2023. The communications equipment provides the ability for aircrew to see tactical data-link information in the jet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere)

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