Alert 5

USAF demonstrates Rapid Dragon capability in Qatar

Posted on August 27, 2023 by alert5

The U.S. Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) has showcased a significant capability by successfully demonstrating the loading and unloading of the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) onto the MC-130J Commando II aircraft. The airmen also demonstrated the arming of Rapid Dragon using the AGM-158. This demonstration took place at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Aug. 6.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Frank Rohrig
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U.S. Marine Corps set to strengthen Air Defense with additional purchase of Iron Dome system

Posted on August 27, 2023 by alert5

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is poised to bolster its defense capabilities with the acquisition of the Iron Dome air defense system, a move outlined in an official notice of intent recently published on the System for Award Management site. This strategic procurement involves the acquisition of 1,840 Tamir interceptor missiles, 44 launchers, and 11 US-made command centers, signaling a significant enhancement to the Marine Corps’ air defense capabilities.

A BQM-177 is launched from the Marine Corps’ Medium Range Intercept Capability system during Live Fire 2 as part of a quad-launch event at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, in September 2022. A project of Program Executive Officer Land Systems, MRIC provides the warfighter with a state-of-the-art missile system that detects, tracks, identifies, and defeats enemy cruise missiles and other manned and unmanned aerial threats.

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North Korea said to have started program to convert outdated fighters into suicide drones

Posted on August 25, 2023 by alert5

Choe Su-ryong, a former agent of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), has revealed that North Korea has embarked on a significant military modernization effort, repurposing outdated fighter jets into suicide drones armed with precision-guided munitions. These unmanned suicide drones are intended to strike major industrial and infrastructure facilities in South Korea, according to Choe’s statements to The Korea Times.

元諜報員, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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#FighterFriday

Posted on August 25, 2023 by alert5

Three U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, part of the 18th Aggressor Squadron stationed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, soar in formation alongside a KC-46A Pegasus from the 133rd Aerial Refueling Squadron, stationed at Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire. This synchronized flight occurred during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-3 over the expansive expanse of the Joint Pacific-Alaska Range Complex on August 18, 2023. At the heart of this joint exercise, the 18th Aggressor Squadron plays a vital role by sharing insights into adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures, enhancing the preparedness of all participating units.

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andrew Britten
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Innovating flight instrumentation for B-52 : Human Factors integration takes center stage

Posted on August 24, 2023 by alert5

A dedicated team of experts from the Global Power Bombers Combined Test Force has embarked on an ambitious journey to enhance the B-52 Stratofortress’ flight instrumentation due to the B-52 Stratofortress Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP). As part of this endeavor, the team is delving into the realm of human factors integration, aiming to equip air crews with advanced tools to navigate and control this legendary bomber more effectively.

U.S. Air Force photo by Giancarlo Casem
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