In a significant stride towards bolstering its aerial prowess, Taiwan’s Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology is at the forefront of developing the next generation of air-to-air missiles. Named the Tien Chien V, this cutting-edge missile system promises to redefine Taiwan’s combat capabilities by combining enhanced range, advanced technologies, and improved anti-jamming features.
Indonesia’s latest military aviation milestone has been marked with the arrival of the third C-130J-30 Super Hercules cargo aircraft, as reported by Antara news. Touching down at the Perdanakusuma Air Base on Aug. 9, this significant development underscores the nation’s ongoing efforts to enhance its aerial transport capabilities.
Lockheed Martin delivered the first of five C-130J-30s to the Indonesian Air Force on Feb. 21, 2023. Lockheed Martin photo by Thinh D. Nguyen.
In a significant development, Dassault Aviation has announced the activation of the second tranche of a contract signed with Indonesia in February 2022. This contract entails the acquisition of 42 Rafale aircraft, with the latest tranche comprising 18 Rafale jets. This follows the earlier activation of the first tranche in September 2022, which consisted of 6 Rafale aircraft. With this, the total number of Rafale aircraft on order by Indonesia reaches 24.
In a poignant moment marking the end of an era, the 457th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (EFS) recently concluded its overseas deployment with the F-16C “Fighting Falcon” aircraft. This deployment holds special significance as it marks the squadron’s final mission with the venerable aircraft before embarking on an exciting transition to the cutting-edge F-35.
Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3 marked a significant achievement as they reached Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the MQ-9A Extended Range Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) Medium-Altitude, High-Endurance (MALE) aircraft. In a unit-led ceremony, VMU-3 commemorated their years of dedicated effort and introduced the operational MQ-9A to Marines, family members, and distinguished guests.
The U.S. Marine Corps MQ-9A MUX/MALE is formally unveiled during a ceremony for Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 (VMU-3), Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Aug 2, 2023. The ceremony commemorated the squadron’s years of dedicated effort and work to reach Initial Operational Capability with the MQ-9A. VMU-3 can support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force by providing multi-surveillance and reconnaissance, data gateway and relay capabilities, and enabling or conducting the detection and cross cueing of targets and facilitating their engagement during expeditionary, joint and combined operations.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christian Tofteroo)
