USAF F-16s in South Korea are starting to receive the APG-83 AESA radar upgrade

USAF F-16s stationed in South Korea are receiving major upgrades to their radar and avionics systems as part of the Post Block Integration Team project. The project is aimed at improving the lethality and survivability of the F-16s to meet the needs of current and future operations. The APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) with active electronically scanned array and the Center Display Unit (CDU) are the main components of the upgrade that will give pilots a clearer picture of the threat environment, ultimately increasing both the survivability and accuracy of the weapon system.


U.S. Air Force photo by Captain Kaylin P. Hankerson
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Engineers aim to extend life of U.S. Navy’s aerial refueling store pods for MQ-25

The U.S. Navy is testing the possibility of using their aging fleet of Aerial Refueling Store pods on their new air-to-air refueling tanker, the MQ-25 Stingray. Engineers at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) are testing the current pods to determine their potential for life-extension testing, potentially saving the Navy millions of dollars.

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B-52J will be new designation for re-engined bombers

According to the U.S. Air Force’s justification documents for its 2024 budget request, the B-52Hs will be re-designated as B-52Js once they receive their new Rolls Royce F130 engines. This decision puts to rest a longstanding debate on the appropriate designation for the B-52 as it undergoes significant upgrades, including a new radar, communications and navigation equipment, and weapons, aimed at keeping it credible and capable through the 2050s.

B-52H Stratofortress bombers fly over the Pacific Ocean
Airman 1st Class Gerald R. Willis, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Finland selects David’s Sling system as its next long-range air defense system

The Ministry of Defence in Finland has authorized the country’s Defence Forces to acquire the David’s Sling system as its next long-range air defence system. The system will be delivered by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli company, at a cost of around $344 million without value-added tax.

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