Greece weighs F-16 transfer to Ukraine amidst modernization efforts

Greece is considering the potential transfer of 32 older F-16 Block 30 fighter jets to Ukraine as the war-torn nation seeks to bolster its air defense capabilities. This decision comes as Greece embarks on a significant modernization of its own air force, upgrading existing F-16s and acquiring new Rafale and potentially F-35 fighter jets.
F16 - RIAT 2015 (23239764043)
Tim Felce [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Continue reading “Greece weighs F-16 transfer to Ukraine amidst modernization efforts”

U.S. Army and NATO Allies demonstrate A400M’s HIRAIN capability

The U.S. Army, in conjunction with NATO allies, has successfully conducted a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Rapid Infiltration (HIRAIN) operation utilizing an Airbus A400M transport aircraft for the first time. This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant advancement in the rapid deployment of HIMARS using cargo aircraft.

M142 HIMARS fires a rocket as part of Nordic Strike 22 (2)
Dean Johnson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Continue reading “U.S. Army and NATO Allies demonstrate A400M’s HIRAIN capability”

Australian P-8A Poseidon flexes anti-submarine muscle at RIMPAC

A P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft assigned to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) No. 11 Squadron conducted a simulated attack on a US Navy Los Angeles-class attack submarine, USS Topeka (SSN 754), utilizing four Mark 54 Lightweight Exercise Torpedoes during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024.

Air Force aviators from No. 11 Squadron, CPL Brendan King and CPL Zachary Sellman, fit a Mk54 Lightweight Exercise Torpedo to a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. *** Local Caption *** Approximately 320 Australian Defence Force personnel have joined twenty-nine international partners to undertake the world’s largest international maritime exercise.
Held across training areas in and around the Hawaiian Islands from 26 June to 02 August 2024, Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024 (RIMPAC) is a biennial international military exercise hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
The ADF contribution includes the Royal Australian Navy Hobart Class guided missile destroyer (DDG) HMAS Sydney and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
RIMPAC aims to be the premier joint combined maritime exercise and enables Australia to strengthen international partnerships, enhance interoperability and improve readiness for a wide range of potential operations.
This year RIMPAC will feature 30 nations, 40 surface ships, four submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 170 aircraft and approximately 25,000 personnel.

Continue reading “Australian P-8A Poseidon flexes anti-submarine muscle at RIMPAC”

Public debut of Oregon ANG’s first two F-15EX fighters

The future of air defense for the Oregon Air National Guard and the United States Air Force unfolded on Jul. 12, during a ceremonial unveiling at the Portland Air National Guard Base. The event marked the official unveiling and public debut of the first two operational F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets assigned to the 142nd Wing.

An F-15EX Eagle II, assigned to the 142nd Wing, takes off during the official Unveiling Ceremony for the new fighter jet at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon on July 12, 2024. The 142nd Wing will be replacing the F-15 C/D model Eagles with the new F-15EX Eagle II models. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Continue reading “Public debut of Oregon ANG’s first two F-15EX fighters”

AV-8B BuNo 164560 flying final flight today to HAM

The Hickory Aviation Museum (HAM) is thrilled to announce the upcoming arrival of a retired McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II Plus aircraft (BuNo 164560) to its collection.

U.S. Marines Cpl. Asiel A. Perez, left, and Cpl. Blake R. Phillips, power line mechanics with Marine Attack Squadron 231 (VMA-231), maintain an AV-8B Harrier II, Camp Leatherneck, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, March 5, 2013. These Marines maintain aircraft as part of their daily inspections. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Gabriela Garcia/Released)

Continue reading “AV-8B BuNo 164560 flying final flight today to HAM”