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All-female crew takes E-3A AWACS for NATO vigilance mission

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In a historic first for NATO and a milestone for gender equality in military aviation, an all-female crew recently completed a successful mission aboard an E-3A AWACS aircraft. Organized by the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force (NAEW&CF) Women in Tech (WIT) initiative, this flight, conducted on Feb. 9, as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Vigilance Activities (eVA), marked a significant moment in breaking down barriers and showcasing the vital role women play in safeguarding airspace.


Photo: NATO
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Indonesia axes Mirage 2000-5 deal

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In a significant shift, Indonesia has officially cancelled its planned acquisition of 12 used Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from Qatar. The decision, announced on Feb. 11, follows months of debate and concerns regarding the deal’s fiscal viability and aircraft age.

Dassault Mirage 2000-5 participating in Odyssey Dawn (cropped)
U.S. Navy Photo by Paul Farley, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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First American ace since the Vietnam War?

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In the skies above the volatile Red Sea, U.S. Marine Corps Captain Earl Ehrhart V has become a silent guardian against Houthi drone threats. As an AV-8B Harrier pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), attached to the elite 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), Captain Ehrhart has amassed an impressive record: seven confirmed Houthi drones intercepted since December 2023.

231226-M-VB101-1095 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 26, 2023) U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Earl Ehrhart V, an AV-8B Harrier pilot attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), receives signals during flight operations aboard amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), Dec. 26. Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), embarked on the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, are on a scheduled deployment as the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command crisis response force with elements deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operation to increase maritime security and stability, and to defend U.S., Allied, and Partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean)

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A-10s bid farewell to Davis-Monthan, paving the way for new capabilities

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For nearly five decades, the iconic A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately nicknamed the “Warthog,” has been a defining symbol of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. But after serving with distinction in close air support missions worldwide, the time has come for these legendary aircraft to step aside. Their retirement marks a significant chapter in Davis-Monthan’s history, paving the way for the integration of next-generation technology and expanded capabilities.

An A-10C Thunderbolt II, aircraft taxis towards the 309 Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb. 6, 2024. Davis-Monthan will divest its entire fleet of A-10s within 3-5 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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U.S. Army procures 600 Coyote 2C Interceptors

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In a move echoing the urgency exposed by the recent attack on U.S. forces in Jordan, the U.S. Army awarded a $75 million contract to RTX Corporation on Jan. 16 for the production of 600 Coyote 2C Interceptors. This swift action, leveraging the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s rapid acquisition authority and completed within 30 days, underscores the critical need to strengthen counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) capabilities following the tragic loss of three American soldiers on Jan. 28.

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