Alert 5

VAW-123 retires E-2C Hawkeye, embraces E-2D Advanced Hawkeye era

Posted on November 5, 2024November 5, 2024 by alert5

The sun dipped low over the Arizona desert as two E-2C Hawkeyes, their wings casting long shadows across the tarmac, made its final approaches. The aircraft, belonging to Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 123, touched down gently at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the last of their kind to leave the squadron’s care. This event marks the end of an era for VAW-123 and the beginning of its full transition to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.

240909-N-N0783-1003 TUCSON, Ariz. – An E-2C Hawkeye aircraft assigned to Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 123 prepares to land Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the largest aircraft boneyard in the world in Tucson, in September 2024. VAW-123 transferred two of their four E-2C Hawkeye aircraft to the boneyard. This event was part of the squadron’s transition to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to be completed in mid-2025. (Photo courtesy U.S. Navy)

MBDA hits milestone with 4,000th Exocet missile

Posted on November 5, 2024 by alert5

The world-renowned Exocet anti-ship missile family reached a new milestone with the 4,000th unit rolling off the production line at MBDA’s facility in the Centre region of France. The landmark missile was recently handed over to the French Navy, marking a significant achievement for both MBDA and the French armed forces.

Photo: MBDA
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Diplomatic row erupts as China blames Japan for August airspace incursion

Posted on November 3, 2024 by alert5

On Aug. 26th, a Chinese military Y-9 spy plane pierced Japanese airspace, setting off a diplomatic firestorm that shows no signs of abating. For the first time since the incident, China has offered an explanation, but it’s one that has been met with skepticism and anger in Tokyo. Beijing claims an “unexpected obstruction” forced its aircraft into Japanese territory, hinting that the actions of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) were to blame.

防衛省・自衛隊 (MOD, JSDF), CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Eglin AFB hosts first flight of advanced F-16 EW system

Posted on October 31, 2024October 31, 2024 by alert5

The U.S. Air Force has successfully flown an F-16 fighter jet equipped with a new electronic warfare system designed to counter advanced threats on the modern battlefield. The landmark first flight took place last month at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, marking a significant milestone for the Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) program.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron taxies after flying with the Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) for the first time at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, last month. IVEWS is a self-protecting electronic warfare system on the F-16 that provides digital radar warnings and active jamming capability to detect, identify, locate and counter potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Rebecca Abordo)

New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing receives HH-60W Jolly Green II

Posted on October 31, 2024 by alert5

In a ceremony steeped in tradition and brimming with anticipation, the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing welcomed the arrival of its new HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopters on Oct. 25th at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base. This event marks a significant leap forward for the wing, as these advanced aircraft officially replace the aging HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. The new Jolly Green IIs bring a suite of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that will redefine the wing’s ability to conduct rescue operations in the most challenging environments.