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Merlin bringing uncrewed flight capabilities to USAF’s KC-135

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Merlin, a leading developer of autonomous flight technologies, has inked a deal with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to explore the integration of uncrewed flight capabilities into the KC-135 Stratotanker. This marks a significant step forward in the development of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for military applications, particularly in the critical domain of aerial refueling.

A Michigan Air National Guard KC-135T from the 171st Air Refueling Squadron at Selfridge ANG Base in flight on a refueling mission over central United States. The KC-135 is used for refueling other aircraft in mid-air across the globe. It has a secondary mission as a transport aircraft, moving personnel and equipment. To learn more about Selfridge and to walk inside the KC-135 Stratotanker yourself, visit the Selfridge International Open House and Air Show June 6 & 7. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Munnaf Joarder)

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U.S. Air Force gets sharper vision with upgraded LITENING LA targeting pod

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The U.S. Air Force is about to see a significant boost in its air-to-ground precision capabilities with the rollout of the Large Aperture (LA) variant of the LITENING targeting pod. Developed by Northrop Grumman, the LA pod represents a leap forward in electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensing and processing, promising to enhance both the effectiveness and safety of attack missions.


Photo: Northrop Grumman
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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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