Diplomatic row erupts as China blames Japan for August airspace incursion

On Aug. 26th, a Chinese military Y-9 spy plane pierced Japanese airspace, setting off a diplomatic firestorm that shows no signs of abating. For the first time since the incident, China has offered an explanation, but it’s one that has been met with skepticism and anger in Tokyo. Beijing claims an “unexpected obstruction” forced its aircraft into Japanese territory, hinting that the actions of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) were to blame.

Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft violates Japanese airspace
防衛省・自衛隊 (MOD, JSDF), CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Eglin AFB hosts first flight of advanced F-16 EW system

The U.S. Air Force has successfully flown an F-16 fighter jet equipped with a new electronic warfare system designed to counter advanced threats on the modern battlefield. The landmark first flight took place last month at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, marking a significant milestone for the Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) program.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron taxies after flying with the Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) for the first time at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, last month. IVEWS is a self-protecting electronic warfare system on the F-16 that provides digital radar warnings and active jamming capability to detect, identify, locate and counter potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Rebecca Abordo)

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New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing receives HH-60W Jolly Green II

In a ceremony steeped in tradition and brimming with anticipation, the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing welcomed the arrival of its new HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopters on Oct. 25th at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base. This event marks a significant leap forward for the wing, as these advanced aircraft officially replace the aging HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. The new Jolly Green IIs bring a suite of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that will redefine the wing’s ability to conduct rescue operations in the most challenging environments.

An HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopter assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing conducts a flyover during an HH-60W conversion ceremony at the 106th Rescue Wing based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, N.Y., October 25, 2024. The ceremony celebrated the official conversion of the 106th from the HH-60G Pave Hawk search and rescue helicopter to the HH-60W Jolly Green II. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Sarah McKernan)

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