Canada strengthens Continental Defence with purchase of Airbus A330 MRTTs

In a bid to bolster its continental defence capabilities, the Government of Canada has awarded Airbus Defence and Space a contract for four newly-built Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft (MRTT) and the conversion of five used A330-200s. With an order value of approximately CAD $3 billion, this Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) initiative aims to replace the ageing CC-150 Polaris (A310 MRTT) fleet currently operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Graphic: Airbus
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U.S. Marine Corps activates its first Tomahawk cruise missile battery

In a momentous event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, history was made as the 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, activated the Marine Corps’ inaugural long-range missile battery. The ceremony held on July 21 marked the birth of a new era for the Corps, as they embraced the capability of the Tomahawk cruise missile to bolster their long-range strike and sea denial capabilities.

A U.S. Marine Corps Long Range Fires Launcher is staged for the activation ceremony for Long Range Missile Battery A, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 21, 2023. The activation of the battery is a major step in providing 1st MARDIV with additional long range missile and over-the-horizon fire support capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Migel A. Reynosa)

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55th Operations Group Detachment 1 established at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for enhanced Indo-Pacific operations

In response to the ever-increasing combatant command and national intelligence requirements in the Indo-Pacific region, the 55th Operations Group Detachment 1 has been recently established at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). The primary goal of this new detachment is to serve as a strategic launch and recovery point for RC-135V/W Rivet Joint operations and exercises within the region. This development comes as a significant step towards providing the necessary flexibility and responsiveness needed to meet the growing intelligence demands in the area.


U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Moises Vasquez
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