Alia eVTOL aircraft makes first official flight test from Eglin Air Force Base

The BETA Technologies Alia electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft marked a historic moment with its first official test flight from Eglin Air Force Base on Nov. 7, 2023. The primary objectives were to assess battery performance over designated distances and power configurations, and to evaluate the logistical aspects of consecutive flights with an electric aircraft.

The Beta Technologies Alia aircraft lifts off from the runway Nov. 7 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The aircraft performed its first official test flight traveling to Tyndall AFB and back recharging and then flying again. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

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Romania inaugurates European F-16 Training Center

In a historic move for both Romania and NATO nations, the Minister of National Defense, Angel Tîlvăr, alongside the Netherlands’ Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren, officially opened the European F-16 Training Center at the 86 Fetesti Air Base on Nov. 13. This center, the first of its kind in Europe, marks a significant step in enhancing Romanian-Dutch cooperation and extending allied support to Ukraine.

Photo: Romania Ministry of National Defense
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Norway’s first female fighter pilot in 29 Years graduates from ENJJPT

In a groundbreaking moment for Norway’s Air Force, the country celebrated the graduation of its first female fighter pilot in almost 30 years. The identity of this accomplished individual remains confidential as per military protocol.

Col. Brad Orgeron, 80th Flying Training Wing commander, receives a photo book of Ankang Airfield from the grandfather of a Norwegian pilot graduate at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program. (Courtesy Photo)

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JASDF aircraft will operate from civilian airports during JX

A massive joint exercise in Japan, aptly named the “Japan Self-Defense Forces Joint Exercise (JX),” will kick off nationwide on Nov. 10. The exercise will involve approximately 40,000 members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military. While this exercise encompasses various aspects of military preparedness, one particular highlight is the planned movement of aircraft, with Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) fighter jets conducting training scenarios that include take-offs and landings at civilian airports not typically used for such operations.

A Japanese Air Self Defense Force F-15J Eagle departs after refueling from a U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender assigned to the 9th Air Refueling Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, California, over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex June 23, 2021. RED FLAG-Alaska 21-1 is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise designed to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment. A series of commander-directed field training exercises provides joint offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support, and large force employment training. The RF-A exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces to include the Japanese Air Self-Defense and Republic of Korea Air Forces into joint and multilateral training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Emily Farnsworth)

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