U.S. Army aviation fleet shows resilience amid modernization efforts, CBO report finds

In a comprehensive analysis of U.S. Army aviation from 2000 to 2023, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has revealed significant trends in fleet size, availability, and utilization. The report, released in Sept. 2024, offers insights into the Army’s ongoing efforts to modernize its aviation assets while maintaining operational readiness.

Georgia Army National Guard’s Detachment 1, Bravo Company, 1-169th General Support Aviation Battalion, conducts multi-ship flight training Wednesday near Savannah Ga. These crewmembers are preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan in the spring of 2014. (Georgia Army National Guard Photo by Maj. Will Cox/Released)

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U.S. Navy had tried to acquire Greek F-16s for its adversary squadrons

The U.S. Navy has revealed for the first time its previously undisclosed attempt to acquire F-16 Fighting Falcons from Greece, as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize its adversary air capabilities. This revelation comes as the Navy Reserve welcomed its newest F-16 to the fleet on August 27, 2024, marking a crucial milestone in the Tactical Support Wing’s (TSW) long-term modernization strategy initiated in 2009.

F-16 belonging to VFC-13, flying over Carson Valley, NV.

Photo: U.S. Navy
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Northrop Grumman’s IVEWS clears hurdle for integration on the F-16

Northrop Grumman’s AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) for the F-16 fighter jet has successfully completed testing at the U.S. Air Force’s Joint Preflight Integration of Munitions and Electronic Sensors (J-PRIMES) facility, paving the way for flight testing on Air Force F-16 aircraft.


Photo: Northrop Grumman
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German Air Force achieves IOC for IRIS-T SLM Air Defense System

The Luftwaffe has declared Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defense system, achieving a significant upgrade for German air defense capabilities. This achievement comes just one year after the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee approved the procurement of six fire units, marking a rapid transition from acquisition decision to operational readiness.


Photo: Diehl Defence
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