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Category: Air Force

F-35s arrive in CENTCOM Area of Operations in response to escalating tensions

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On Jul. 26, a squadron of U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II fighters arrived in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Area of Operations. This marked a decisive response to the escalating security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz. The deployment comes in the aftermath of recent alarming events, including the Iranian Navy’s attempted seizure of merchant vessels, prompting the U.S. Department of Defense to take swift action in defending its interests and safeguarding freedom of navigation in the region.

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrive in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility July 25, 2023. The Secretary of Defense approved forces comprising F-35s, F-16s, and the guided missile destroyer the U.S.S Thomas Hudner (DDG-116) to enter into the region. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Staff Sgt. Christopher Sommers)

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Canada strengthens Continental Defence with purchase of Airbus A330 MRTTs

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In a bid to bolster its continental defence capabilities, the Government of Canada has awarded Airbus Defence and Space a contract for four newly-built Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft (MRTT) and the conversion of five used A330-200s. With an order value of approximately CAD $3 billion, this Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) initiative aims to replace the ageing CC-150 Polaris (A310 MRTT) fleet currently operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Graphic: Airbus
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55th Operations Group Detachment 1 established at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for enhanced Indo-Pacific operations

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In response to the ever-increasing combatant command and national intelligence requirements in the Indo-Pacific region, the 55th Operations Group Detachment 1 has been recently established at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). The primary goal of this new detachment is to serve as a strategic launch and recovery point for RC-135V/W Rivet Joint operations and exercises within the region. This development comes as a significant step towards providing the necessary flexibility and responsiveness needed to meet the growing intelligence demands in the area.


U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Moises Vasquez
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