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Japan grounds its Ospreys amid concerns raised by U.S. crash investigation report

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In response to a recent U.S. military report highlighting potential mechanical issues, Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) has taken the proactive step of suspending flights of its MV-22 Osprey fleet. The report called for the replacement of certain parts to mitigate the risk of accidents, prompting the grounding of fourteen tilt-rotor transport aircraft at the GSDF’s Kisarazu camp in Chiba Prefecture since Jul. 22.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B and a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) V-22 Osprey conduct aerial maneuvers at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, July 9, 2019. Marines assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204 and JGSDF soldiers conducted a confined area landing exercise as part of their integrated training, strengthening relations and interoperability between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elias E. Pimentel III)

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F-35A crash investigation reveals critical errors in Air Data System

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Air Combat Command has recently released the findings of the accident investigation board report concerning the F-35A crash that occurred on October 19, 2022, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The report sheds light on the chain of events that led to the incident, resulting in the loss of a $166.3 million aircraft.

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F-35s arrive in CENTCOM Area of Operations in response to escalating tensions

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On Jul. 26, a squadron of U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II fighters arrived in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Area of Operations. This marked a decisive response to the escalating security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz. The deployment comes in the aftermath of recent alarming events, including the Iranian Navy’s attempted seizure of merchant vessels, prompting the U.S. Department of Defense to take swift action in defending its interests and safeguarding freedom of navigation in the region.

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrive in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility July 25, 2023. The Secretary of Defense approved forces comprising F-35s, F-16s, and the guided missile destroyer the U.S.S Thomas Hudner (DDG-116) to enter into the region. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Staff Sgt. Christopher Sommers)

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Canada strengthens Continental Defence with purchase of Airbus A330 MRTTs

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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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