A former Republic of China Air Force (RoCAF) pilot, identified as Huang Yang Te in a recent interview, has revealed details of an unusual exchange that saw him fly a French Air Force Mirage 2000B during the 1996 Asian Aerospace airshow in Singapore. The pilot, a former F-16 instructor and also an instructor in the Fighter Weapon School, detailed his unexpected opportunity to fly the French delta-wing fighter, which was serving as a back-up to the Rafale prototype demonstrator that was flying at the show.
U.K. MoD bolsters ISR capabilities with Airbus Oberon satellite contract
The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded Airbus a significant contract to design and build two advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, named Oberon, marking a crucial step in the nation’s pursuit of enhanced space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The Oberon system, slated for launch in 2027, promises to deliver day-and-night, all-weather surveillance capabilities.
Image: Airbus
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British MoD under pressure to act quickly on aircrew cancer claims amid growing concerns
The U.K. government is investigating claims that aircrew were exposed to toxic fumes from military helicopters, leading to cancer diagnoses, with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) under scrutiny, according to a BBC news report. At least six cases have been settled out of court, with many more aircrew and families pursuing legal action. The MoD is now investigating the extent of the issue among both active and veteran personnel across the RAF, Army, and Navy.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Kevin H. Tierney, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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Memorial flight marks Anniversary of E-11A tragedy in Afghanistan
To honour the enduring legacy of the two pilots who died in the E-11A crash in Afghanistan five years ago, the U.S. Air Force’s 430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron (EECS) conducted a combat memorial flight over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility on Jan. 27, carrying an American flag in tribute.
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Dutch Air Force first to fly Pilatus’ new PC-7 MKX trainer
Pilatus has secured a significant win with the Royal Netherlands Air Force choosing its PC-7 MKX training system as the cornerstone of their basic training program. This contract, which includes eight aircraft and associated training systems, is slated to deliver the first aircraft from the first half of 2027. The PC-7 MKX platform is based on the PC-7 Mk II, which has a well-established reputation for reliability. Netherlands becomes the launch customer of the PC-7 MKX with the contract signing.
Photo: Pilatus
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