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Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration

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The Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration was held on Apr. 14-15 to pay tribute to the legacy of the F-15C/D Eagle aircraft, which is being phased out of service after 44 years at the base. The event in Japan brought together F-15 pilots, intelligence professionals, maintainers, families, and others who directly contributed to the success of the aircraft over the years.

Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces commander, returns from a flight at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 17, 2023. As part
of its modernization plan, the U.S. Air Force is returning Kadena’s aging fleet of F-15C/D Eagle aircraft back to the United
States. In coordination with Allies and partners, the 18th Wing will continue to project decisive airpower to ensure
regional stability and security while promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman
Sebastian Romawac)

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Limited User Test of AN/MPQ-64A4 radar has started

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The U.S. Army has started a three-week test of an updated air and missile defense sensor. The Limited User Test (LUT) of the Sentinel A4 AN/MPQ-64A4 is being conducted by 30 soldiers and 85 government civilians and contractors at White Sands Missile Range. The test is being held to determine if the Sentinel A4 can replace the Sentinel A3 AN/MPQ-64A3 as the U.S. Army’s primary intermediate air and missile defense sensor.

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U.S. Air Force expands F-35A and F-15EX fleet with multiple base selections

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The U.S. Air Force has announced the selection of new bases to receive its latest fighter jets. Barnes Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts will be the host of the next F-35A squadron. Meanwhile, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans and Fresno Air National Guard Base in California will replace their F-15C/D Eagles with F-15EX Strike Eagles.

An F-15EX Eagle II from the 40th Flight Test Squadron, 96th Test Wing out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, flies in formation during an aerial refueling operation above the skies of Northern California, May 14. The Eagle II participated in the Northern Edge 21 exercise in Alaska earlier in May. (Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)

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JACKAL drone completes first missile firing

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A new milestone has been reached in the world of unmanned air combat as the JACKAL drone completes its first successful firing of a Thales Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM). Developed by UK-based Flyby Technology, in partnership with Turkish firms FlyBVLOS Technology and Maxwell Innovations, the JACKAL drone is designed to operate over land, sea, and air, and can perform a variety of combat missions.

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VMA-311 reactivated as USMC’s second F-35C squadron

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VMFA-311, also known as the Tomcats, was recently reactivated at U.S. Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, California, on Apr. 14. As the U.S. Marine Corps’ second F-35C squadron, VMFA-311 brings its unique capabilities to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) as a long-range compliment to their existing aviation assets. This reactivation represents a key transition for the squadron to the F-35C Lightning II and supports the Marine Corps’ ongoing modernization efforts across Marine aviation.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), participate in a reactivation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 14, 2023. The reactivation and redesignation of VMFA-311 marks the transition for the squadron to the F-35C Lightning II, which brings its unique capabilities to 3rd MAW as a long-range compliment to existing aviation assets. Formerly Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311, the Tomcats have made their mark on Marine Corps aviation for decades, and now will continue their legacy. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Trent Randolph)

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