Alert 5

U.S. State Department approves potential $133 million AIM-120C-8 sale to Singapore

Posted on September 10, 2024September 10, 2024 by alert5

The U.S. State Department has given the green light to a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of advanced AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles to Singapore, marking a significant development in defense cooperation between the two nations. The proposed deal, which includes 54 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment, is valued at an estimated $133 million. This sale would bolster Singapore’s air defense capabilities and reinforce its strategic partnership with the United States.

A Singapore Royal Air Force F-15SG assigned to the 428th Squadron (RSAF), Singapore, completes aerial refueling from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 101st Air Refueling Wing, Maine Air National Guard, during RED FLAG-Alaska 24-2 in Alaska, June 7, 2024. RED FLAG-Alaska offers unique opportunities to integrate various U.S. and allied forces into joint, coalition, and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Corban Lundborg)

U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School undergoes major transformation for Great Power Competition era

Posted on September 10, 2024September 10, 2024 by alert5

The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (TPS) at Edwards Air Force Base, California, is implementing a comprehensive strategic plan to revolutionize its operations as it approaches its 80th anniversary. This transformation aims to better prepare Airmen and Guardians for the complex challenges of modern warfare in an era of Great Power Competition.

U.S. Air Force graphic

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Teledyne FLIR Defense delivers Star SAFIRE 380-HLD to JMSDF’s SH-60L helicopters

Posted on September 10, 2024 by alert5

Teledyne FLIR Defense has announced the delivery of its Star SAFIRE 380-HLD multi-spectral imaging systems to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The contract, valued at up to $20.8 million, will see the delivery of ten systems over the next three years.

海上自衛隊, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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U.S. seeks to deploy Multi-Domain Task Force in Japan

Posted on September 9, 2024 by alert5

In a strategic move aimed at reinforcing its military posture in the Indo-Pacific region, the United States has initiated discussions with Japan regarding the potential deployment of mid-range missiles on Japanese soil. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, speaking at the Defense News Conference in Virginia on Sept. 4, 2024, confirmed that the U.S. has expressed interest to the Japanese Self-Defense Forces in operating the Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) out of Japan, potentially through exercises.

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Apache helicopter arrival for Indian Army pushed to 2025

Posted on September 9, 2024 by alert5

The Indian Army’s acquisition of Boeing Apache AH-64E attack helicopters faces significant delays, potentially impacting the nation’s defense readiness amid ongoing border tensions. Sources within the defense establishment have revealed to The Sunday Guardian that the first batch of three Apache helicopters is now expected to be delivered by late 2024 or early 2025, with the remaining three projected to arrive three to four months later. This timeline represents a substantial deviation from the original delivery schedule outlined in the $800 million deal signed in February 2020 during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to India.