Alert 5

Sweden orders additional Grob 120TP aircraft

Posted on October 22, 2024 by alert5

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a contract for three more Grob 120TP training aircraft, further enhancing the Swedish Air Force’s training capabilities. This follows an initial order in 2021 for 10 aircraft and a simulator, demonstrating Sweden’s commitment to modernising its pilot training programme. Training aircraft play a vital role in air force operations, providing a safe and effective platform for pilots to develop essential skills before transitioning to advanced fighter jets.

MaxSpeed, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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GAO calls for F-35 sustainment overhaul, citing poor performance and rising costs

Posted on October 22, 2024 by alert5

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report that reviewed operation and maintenance (O&M) funding and readiness for fighter aircraft. The report found that while O&M funding execution from fiscal years 2018 to 2023 was generally consistent with requests, tactical aircraft mission capable rates have generally not met service goals. The report attributes this to several factors, including ageing aircraft, maintenance challenges, and issues with supply support.

JOTT, F-35 Five Ship behind tanker, 1 F-35C, 2 F-35B, & 2 F-35A, Edwards AFB, Ca., 20 September 2019

Team Pellonia’s airborne laser self-protection system proves impregnable in Swedish trials

Posted on October 21, 2024 by alert5

The British Ministry of Defense says a new airborne laser self-protection system has demonstrated its effectiveness by successfully neutralising 100% of targets during a live firing trial conducted in Sweden. This breakthrough signifies a major advancement in safeguarding RAF aircraft against missile threats. The laser system is intended for integration into a range of Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft, including the Shadow R2 and the A400M transporter.

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South Korean military reconsiders Apache purchase

Posted on October 21, 2024 by alert5

The South Korean military is reconsidering the purchase of 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States. The potential deal, which the Defense Security Cooperation Agency approved in August for an estimated cost of $3.5 billion, has come under scrutiny due to several factors.

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)

F-16 damaged in collision with runaway munitions loader

Posted on October 20, 2024October 20, 2024 by alert5

An F-16C Fighting Falcon, tail number 89-002023, was badly damaged in a non-flying mishap on Nov. 17, 2023 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. The aircraft, assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, was parked and unmanned at the time of the incident. The accident, which resulted in an estimated $30,241,892.00 in damages to government property and $4,954.00 in environmental cleanup costs, was triggered by a series of events involving a runaway MJ-1 weapons loader, also known as a “jammer.”

Graphic: USAF
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