Alert 5

Aviation News

Netherlands expands MQ-9A fleet to 8 aircraft

Posted on by alert5

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering its surveillance and security capabilities, the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has announced its decision to double its fleet of MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from four to eight. The MQ-9A Reapers, designed and developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), are poised to play a pivotal role in the RNLAF’s operations.

An MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle comes in for a landing at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, Nov. 20. Reapers are remotely piloted and can linger over battlefields, providing persistent strike capabilities to ground force commanders. This Reaper is deployed to the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance and Attack Squadron from Creech Air Force Base, Nev.

Continue reading “Netherlands expands MQ-9A fleet to 8 aircraft”

Poland cleared to buy up to 96 AH-64E attack helicopters

Posted on by alert5

In a significant move to enhance its defense capabilities, the Government of Poland has set forth plans to acquire a fleet of AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters along with associated equipment. This decision, with an estimated cost of $12.0 billion, has received approval from the U.S. State Department and aims to bolster Poland’s security posture while aligning with the nation’s foreign policy goals.

Col. Shane Finison, commander of the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, flies an AH-64E Apache helicopter near Tacoma, Wash. on Jul. 11, 2022. This was the final flight for Col. Finison as the brigade commander. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Kyle Abraham, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade)

Continue reading “Poland cleared to buy up to 96 AH-64E attack helicopters”

Australia boosts defence capabilities with $1.7 billion investment in advanced weapons

Posted on by alert5

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is set to receive a significant boost in its strike capabilities as the Albanese Government commits more than $1.7 billion to acquire some of the most advanced and potent weapons systems available.

Long-range strike missiles and guided weapons play a pivotal role in enhancing the ADF’s capacity to deploy powerful strikes and maintain a strategic advantage against potential adversaries over extended distances. To establish and enhance this critical capability, the government has taken decisive steps to acquire advanced weaponry.

180918-N-VG727-1129 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 18, 2018) A tomahawk cruise missile launches from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) for a live-fire exercise during Valiant Shield 2018. Valiant Shield is a U.S. only, biennial field training exercise (FTX) with a focus on integration of joint training in a blue-water environment among U.S. forces. This training enable real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces through detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land, and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Collins III)

Continue reading “Australia boosts defence capabilities with $1.7 billion investment in advanced weapons”

Fairchild Air Force Base launches KC-46 Weapons Instructor Course

Posted on by alert5

Fairchild Air Force Base, located in Washington state, has taken a significant step in enhancing its training capabilities with the creation of the KC-46 Weapons Instructor Course (WIC). This initiative involves the recruitment of experienced KC-46 Pegasus pilots to shape the course and curriculum for future graduates.

Continue reading “Fairchild Air Force Base launches KC-46 Weapons Instructor Course”