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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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Iranian Air Force to fly 40 aircraft at National Army Day Parade

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Iran will mark its National Army Day on Apr. 18, an annual event that showcases the country’s military progress and capabilities. This year’s parade was marked by the presence of over 40 locally produced and non-locally manufactured fighter jets, including the Saeqeh, Kowsar, F-7, F-14, F-4, MiG-29, and Su-24s, which will perform aerial maneuvers over the capital and other parts of the country.

A formation of IRIAF F-4s over Bushehr
Shahram Sharifi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Germany approves Polish request to send MiG-29s to Ukraine

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Germany has given its approval to Poland’s request to transfer five Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, as Ukraine continues to seek advanced weaponry to defend itself against Russian aggression. The decision was made after Poland sought permission from Germany, as the receiving country of the aircraft, to send them on to Ukraine.

PAF MIG-29's passing over the airbase (39716709450)
Nicky Boogaard from Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Netherlands, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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RAAF and U.S. military partnership paves the way for successful MQ-4C deployment in Guam

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The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is playing a vital role in the deployment of the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicle. Recently, RAAF personnel worked alongside their counterparts from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy to facilitate the shipment of Forward Operating Base (FOB) equipment and a Mobile Remote Quick Look (RQL) trailer to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam in February.

Royal Australian Air Force Squadron Leader Stephen Grimmer, assigned to the Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office (PMA-262) Triton – Cooperative Program out of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, and Teresa Ruleman, Dayton T. Brown Inc. electrical engineer, attach a support to a Mobile Remote Quick Look trailer aboard a C-17 Globemaster III at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Feb. 1, 2023. The RQL trailer was flown to Andersen AFB, Guam by a 3rd Airlift Squadron aircrew. (U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik)

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Radar obsolescence: RBS 70 unusable during Biden visit

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In an effort to protect U.S. President Joe Biden during his visit to Ireland this week, the Irish Armed Forces had planned to deploy the RBS 70 air defence system. However, military officials had to abandon this plan due to the Giraffe short range radar system, which works in tandem with the RBS 70, being obsolete.


Photo: Saab

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