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Poland takes step closer to Apache acquisition with offset deals

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Poland has moved closer to finalizing its $12 billion deal for 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters by signing offset agreements with Boeing and General Electric worth nearly $255 million. The deals are designed to bolster the Polish defense industry and enhance the country’s military capabilities.

Col. Shane Finison, commander of the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, flies an AH-64E Apache helicopter near Tacoma, Wash. on Jul. 11, 2022. This was the final flight for Col. Finison as the brigade commander. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Kyle Abraham, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade)

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Boeing delivers first production MH-139A Grey Wolf to U.S. Air Force

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Boeing has delivered the first production MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter to the U.S. Air Force. This aircraft, part of a 13-helicopter initial order, will be stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.

A special operations Airman rappels from a MH-139A Grey Wolf Oct. 6 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This was the first test of the fast rope system and rappelling on the new aircraft since the Air Force took ownership Aug. 12. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Blake Wiles)

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U.S. Marine Corps seeks new long-range cruise missile capability for expeditionary platform

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The U.S. Marine Corps is on the hunt for a new ground-based, long-range cruise missile system. This system will provide precision kinetic fires using the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) and its Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS).

A Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System launcher deploys into position aboard Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Hawaii, Aug. 16, 2021. The NMESIS and its Naval Strike Missiles participated in a live-fire exercise, here, part of Large Scale Exercise 2021. During the training, a Marine Corps fires expeditionary advanced base sensed, located, identified and struck a target ship at sea, which required more than 100 nautical miles of missile flight. The fires EAB Marines developed a targeting solution for a joint force of seapower and airpower which struck the ship as the Marines displaced to a new firing position. The Marine Corps EABO concept is a core component of the Force Design 2030 modernization effort. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Maj. Nick Mannweiler, released)

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JASDF C-2 delivers AN/TPS-80 radar to Camp Yonaguni for Resolute Dragon 24

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The U.S. 12th Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) has deployed an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) system to Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan. The radar, transported by a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) C-2 transport aircraft, marks the first time the system has been deployed to the strategic island.

A U.S. Marine Corps AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar is deployed during exercise Resolute Dragon 24 at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 2, 2024. The radar was deployed to support training with enhanced sensing and targeting data between 12th MLR and the JSDF during RD 24. This effort aims to enhance operational readiness in the region, underscoring the U.S. Marine Corps’ commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific through realistic training with innovative and proven technology. RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in the III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

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F-15C MiG Killer donated to New England Air Museum

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The 104th Fighter Wing has donated an F-15C Eagle to the New England Air Museum as the unit transitions to the F-35A Lightning II. The aircraft, tail number 85-101, will be displayed at the museum as a static exhibit.

The 104th Fighter Wing CDDAR team worked with members of the New England Air Museum to help transport the donated F-15C aircraft 85-101 from Bradley Air National Guard Base to the NEAM, August 1, 2024, East Granby, Connecticut.
MSgt Adam Dempsey, 104th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron repair and reclamation supervisor, expressed his excitement over the successful completion of the exercise.
“When we were notified of the task to tow the aircraft to the museum, we were excited to take part in preserving a piece of Barnes’ history,” said Dempsey. “Utilizing our local CDDAR team and members of the CT ANG, we persevered through the challenges and successfully completed the mission at hand, and we look forward to seeing the aircraft on display at the NEAM for years to come.”
Col. Michael ‘Shot’ Glass, 104th Fighter Wing Operations Group Commander, flew the F-15 to Bradley Air National Guard Base before the aircraft was donated and transported to the museum for display.
(U.S Air National Guard Photos by Jay Hewitt)

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