The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) recently engaged in a joint air defense drill with the French Navy from Sept. 4-7, showcasing the growing emphasis on defense diplomacy and operational synergy between the two nations. The exercise, which took place following the port visit of the French Navy’s frigate FS Bretagne to Kota Kinabalu, underscored the commitment of both countries to enhancing their maritime and aerial capabilities in the region.
Teledyne FLIR Defense has announced the delivery of its Star SAFIRE 380-HLD multi-spectral imaging systems to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The contract, valued at up to $20.8 million, will see the delivery of ten systems over the next three years.
The U.S. Navy has revealed for the first time its previously undisclosed attempt to acquire F-16 Fighting Falcons from Greece, as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize its adversary air capabilities. This revelation comes as the Navy Reserve welcomed its newest F-16 to the fleet on August 27, 2024, marking a crucial milestone in the Tactical Support Wing’s (TSW) long-term modernization strategy initiated in 2009.
The Japanese government has announced plans to equip the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (MSDF) Aegis destroyer JS Chōkai with the capability to launch U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The Mayor of Iwakuni, Yoshihiko Fukuda, has agreed to the U.S. Navy’s deployment of CMV-22 Osprey aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, marking the first stationing of this tilt-rotor variant in his city. The decision aligns with a broader realignment of U.S. military assets in the region, which includes the rotation of aircraft carriers and the introduction of F-35C stealth fighter jets. This deployment will add to the existing Osprey presence in Japan, complementing the Marine Corps’ MV-22s at Futenma air base in Okinawa and the Air Force’s CV-22s operating from Yokota base near Tokyo.
The first East Coast-assigned Navy tiltrotor vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft CMV-22B Osprey lands at Naval Station Norfolk, April 5. The CMV-22B Osprey belongs to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 40 the “Mighty Bison.” The CMV-22B airframe will provide the fleet’s medium-lift and long-range aerial logistics capability, replacing the C-2A Greyhounds of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 over the next several years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sylvie Carafiol) Continue reading “U.S. Navy allowed to deploy CMV-22B Ospreys at Iwakuni”
