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Warrant Officers return to the U.S. Air Force

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Sixty-six years after the last U.S. Air Force warrant officer retired, a new generation donned the distinctive rank insignia, signifying a return to a tradition rooted in technical mastery. On Dec. 6, 30 individuals graduated from the Warrant Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, ready to embark on careers as technical experts and advisors in specialized fields like cyber, intelligence, and space. Their graduation marks the culmination of a strategic initiative led by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin to address the service’s growing need for highly skilled technical professionals.

Warrant Officer Training School class 25-01 meets with Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Dec. 6, 2024. The Warrant Officer Candidates endured an 8-week training intended to make the candidates professional warfighters, technical integrators and credible advisors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evan Lichtenhan)

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Belgian F-35 arrive at Luke to begin training

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The first Lockheed Martin F-35A for the Belgian Air Component touched down at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona on Dec. 3. This marked the beginning of a new era for the Belgian Air Component as they transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the advanced F-35A Lightning II. The arrival represents a significant leap forward for the Belgian Air Component, equipping them with fifth-generation fighter capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Wall, 312th Fighter Squadron commander, taxis the first Belgian Air Component F-35A Lightning II at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Dec. 3, 2024. This milestone marked the beginning of Belgium’s transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the advanced F-35A, ushering in a new era for the Belgian Air Component. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson)

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U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18s to receive upgraded LITENING targeting pods

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Northrop Grumman has been tapped to provide a significant upgrade to the U.S. Marine Corps’ F/A-18 fleet, enhancing the aircraft’s targeting capabilities with its Advanced Tactical Data Links (ATDL) technology integrated into the LITENING targeting pods. This move marks a major leap forward in data transfer speeds, equipping Marine aviators with the ability to make decisions more swiftly and effectively in the heat of battle.

Litening Pod on FA-18
US Govermen, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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Valkyrie demonstrates kill chain closure at Emerald Flag

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For the first time in a large-force exercise, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) successfully demonstrated cooperative kill chain closure between crewed and uncrewed strike platforms, featuring Kratos’ XQ-58A Valkyrie. The attritable, runway-independent UAV, designed to support manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) operations, was a key participant in Emerald Flag 2024. The Valkyrie was developed under the Marine Corps’ Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer – Portfolio (PAACK-P) program.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Blake Wiles

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Australian Army to choose between HIMARS or StrikeMaster

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In a move reflecting the evolving strategic environment, the Australian Army is embarking on a crucial procurement process to strengthen its long-range strike capabilities, ABC news reports. Project LAND 8113 phase two will see the army evaluate two prominent contenders: the indigenously developed StrikeMaster, offering a cost-effective and sovereign solution, and the American HIMARS, boasting proven combat effectiveness but carrying a higher price tag and reliance on U.S. technology. This decision will shape the future of the Australian Army’s long-range firepower and influence the nation’s broader defence industry.


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