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301st Fighter Wing receives first F-35A

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The 301st Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, ushered in a new chapter in its storied history on Aug. 8, with the arrival of its first F-35A Lightning II. This delivery marks a significant milestone for both the wing and the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), as the 301st becomes AFRC’s inaugural stand-alone F-35 wing.

An F-35A Lightning II from Hill Air Force Base, Utah arrives to the flightline at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, Aug. 8, 2024. The 301st Fighter Wing is the first Air Force Reserve Command unit to own, maintain and operate the fifth generation platform. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Chad Dixon)

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U.S. considers supplying JASSM cruise missiles to Ukraine, Politico reports

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In an exclusive report, Politico reveals that the Biden administration is “open” to providing Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSMs) to Ukraine, marking a potential significant escalation in U.S. military aid. This long-range cruise missile, if approved, would dramatically enhance Ukraine’s strike capabilities in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

U.S. Air Force Major Jacob Rohrbach, a pilot assigned to the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, releases the first Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range, or JASSM-ER, from an F-16 over the Gulf of Mexico on September 19th, 2018. The test gathered data on safe separation and software integration of the JASSM-ER, and demonstrated the Eglin test range’s ability to monitor and control test items in flight over the Gulf of Mexico.

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Korean Air and L3Harris propose advanced AEW&C solution for ROKAF

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Korean Air and L3Harris Technologies have unveiled a collaborative proposal for the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) next-generation Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, according to reports from local media outlets. The proposal was presented during the “L3 Industry Day” event held at the Air Force Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul on Aug. 13.


Photo: Korean Air
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Turkey and Spain negotiate swapping A400M with Hürjet

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In a significant development for both nations’ defense sectors, Turkey and Spain are in advanced talks over a potential military aircraft exchange. The deal, valued at approximately $793 million, could see Turkey acquiring six Airbus A400M military transport jets from Spain in exchange for 24 Turkey’s domestically produced Hürjet training aircraft.


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F-35 pilot achieves 1,000-hour milestone at Luke AFB

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Lt. Col. Christopher “Lube” Lowe, a U.S. Air Force Reserve pilot assigned to the 944th Fighter Wing, recently crossed a significant milestone by accumulating 1,000 flight hours in the F-35 Lightning II. The milestone flight took place on Aug. 9 at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

Reserve Citizen Airman Lt. Col. Christopher “Lube” Lowe, an F-35 instructor pilot and the 56th Operations Group deputy commander, proudly displays a special patch commemorating his 1,000th flight hour in the F-35 Lightning II at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Aug. 9, 2024. Lowe is one of only five members in the 944th Fighter Wing to reach this milestone, underscoring his commitment and the collective efforts of the Airmen who support every mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken)

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