Japan’s 8th Anti-Ship Missile Regiment established in Oita Prefecture

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has officially established the 8th Anti-Ship Missile Regiment at Yufuin Camp in Yufu City, Oita Prefecture, marking the completion of the government’s planned seven-regiment nationwide deployment. A commemorative ceremony was held on Mar. 30, attended by Vice Minister of Defense Taro Honda, following the unit’s formal activation on Mar. 24.


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NAWCAD achieves fifth-generation integration milestone with F-35 and F-22 Joint Training

In a significant advancement for U.S. joint military operations, Marine Corps F-35 and Air Force F-22 pilots trained together for the first time in the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s (NAWCAD) Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River during the last week of March 2025.

U.S. Navy photo by Terri Thomas

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Norway first F-35 partner nation to complete full fleet

Norway has achieved a significant milestone as the first F-35 partner nation to receive its full complement of aircraft. The final two F-35A fighter jets were delivered on Apr. 1st, bringing the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s (RNAF) operational F-35 fleet to a total of 52 aircraft. This delivery is a major achievement for both Norway and the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO).

A Norwegian F-35 Lightning II closes the gap to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 101st Air Refueling Wing during Nordic Response 24, March 11, 2024. The MAINEiacs are staged at RAF Mildenhall, England, to take part in the Norwegian-led exercise taking place in Norway, Sweden and Finland. Exercises like NR24 solidify operational and tactical relationships; synchronizing tactics, techniques and procedures; and strengthen bonds among U.S., Norwegian and Allied and partner forces.

Photo by Master Sgt. Andrew Sinclair
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Metrea secures Indian Air Force refuelling training contract

Metrea, a leading provider of commercial air-to-air refueling (AAR) services, announced on Mar. 31 that it has been awarded a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to enhance their air-to-air refuelling training capabilities. Under the terms of the agreement, Metrea will provide KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft based out of Indian Air Force Station Agra in Central India. This significant contract is set to considerably expand the IAF’s AAR training capacity, thereby improving their overall operational readiness.

KC-135 (53177452604)
Airwolfhound from Hertfordshire, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Belgium marks first fight of MQ-9B

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian has taken a crucial step towards operational service with the Belgian Air Force as the first of four ordered aircraft completed its inaugural flight, which took place on Feb. 20th. The flight originated from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.’s (GA-ASI) Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in El Mirage, California. This event marks a crucial step in Belgium’s acquisition of a fleet of four MQ-9B aircraft.


Photo: General Atomics
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