Lockheed Martin wins contract to upgrade Apache’s Electronic Warfare Capabilities

The U.S. Army’s AH-64E Apache fleet is set to receive a significant electronic warfare upgrade, as Lockheed Martin secures a contract to develop and integrate the Gen 3 Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI) / Radar Warning Receiver system.

Col. Shane Finison, commander of the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, flies an AH-64E Apache helicopter near Tacoma, Wash. on Jul. 11, 2022. This was the final flight for Col. Finison as the brigade commander. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Kyle Abraham, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade)

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U.S. seeks to deploy Multi-Domain Task Force in Japan

In a strategic move aimed at reinforcing its military posture in the Indo-Pacific region, the United States has initiated discussions with Japan regarding the potential deployment of mid-range missiles on Japanese soil. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, speaking at the Defense News Conference in Virginia on Sept. 4, 2024, confirmed that the U.S. has expressed interest to the Japanese Self-Defense Forces in operating the Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) out of Japan, potentially through exercises.

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Apache helicopter arrival for Indian Army pushed to 2025

The Indian Army’s acquisition of Boeing Apache AH-64E attack helicopters faces significant delays, potentially impacting the nation’s defense readiness amid ongoing border tensions. Sources within the defense establishment have revealed to The Sunday Guardian that the first batch of three Apache helicopters is now expected to be delivered by late 2024 or early 2025, with the remaining three projected to arrive three to four months later. This timeline represents a substantial deviation from the original delivery schedule outlined in the $800 million deal signed in February 2020 during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to India.

Col. Shane Finison, commander of the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, flies an AH-64E Apache helicopter near Tacoma, Wash. on Jul. 11, 2022. This was the final flight for Col. Finison as the brigade commander. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Kyle Abraham, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade)

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U.S. Army aviation fleet shows resilience amid modernization efforts, CBO report finds

In a comprehensive analysis of U.S. Army aviation from 2000 to 2023, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has revealed significant trends in fleet size, availability, and utilization. The report, released in Sept. 2024, offers insights into the Army’s ongoing efforts to modernize its aviation assets while maintaining operational readiness.

Georgia Army National Guard’s Detachment 1, Bravo Company, 1-169th General Support Aviation Battalion, conducts multi-ship flight training Wednesday near Savannah Ga. These crewmembers are preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan in the spring of 2014. (Georgia Army National Guard Photo by Maj. Will Cox/Released)

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Two MC-130J Commando II crews earn prestigious Hoyt Award for unprecedented aerial refueling mission

Crews from the U.S. Air Force’s 9th Special Operations Squadron (SOS) at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, have been awarded the 2023 Brig. Gen. Ross G. Hoyt Award for their exceptional performance during a presidentially-directed contingency operation. The operation involved supporting the single-longest U.S. Army helicopter mission to rely entirely on aerial refueling, marking a significant milestone in U.S. military aviation history.

U.S. service members from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), 6th Special Operations Squadron and 109th Airlift Wing watch a MH-47G Special Operations Aircraft assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), refuel mid-air during Arctic Edge 24(AE24) over the Alaskan wilderness, March 2, 2024. During AE24, more than 400 joint and allied Special Operators trained in extreme cold conditions to sharpen SOF readiness across unique specialties like long range fires and movements, special reconnaissance, rapid resupply, personnel recovery, and medical care in the austere Arctic environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Drew Cyburt)

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