Alert 5

Aviation News

VMFA-311 nears IOC milestone with F-35C

Posted on by alert5

U.S. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA-311) is on the cusp of declaring Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the F-35C Lightning II, marking a significant milestone for the squadron and the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Cassandra Touchstone, left, an F-35C Lightning II pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts pre-flight checks on an F-35C Lightning II aircraft before a basic fighter maneuver training flight at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 12, 2024. During the flight, Maj. Timothy Potter, an F-35C Lightning II pilot with VMFA-311 and a graduate of the U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, commonly known as TOPGUN, instructed Touchstone to increase her proficiency in fighter maneuvers, or dogfighting. Touchstone is pursuing the air combat maneuvering qualification which enables pilots to conduct air-to-air combat training without an instructor present. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

Continue reading “VMFA-311 nears IOC milestone with F-35C”

NORAD tracks Chinese H-6K bombers within Alaska ADIZ for the first time

Posted on by alert5

North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) conducted a series of intercepts involving Russian and Chinese military aircraft operating within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Jul. 24.

Two CF-18 Hornets, two F-35 Lighting II, and two F-16 Fighting Falcons fighter aircraft from NORAD positively identified and intercepted two Russian TU-95 and two PRC H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on July 24, 2024. NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft in seamless interoperability to detect and track aircraft and inform appropriate actions. NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America. (Department of Defense Photo)

Continue reading “NORAD tracks Chinese H-6K bombers within Alaska ADIZ for the first time”

Royal Thai Air Force Gripens excel at Pitch Black 2024 with 100% mission capable rate

Posted on by alert5

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has showcased its capabilities during Exercise Pitch Black 2024, operating a contingent of Gripen fighter aircraft from RAAF Darwin, Australia. The exercise provided a platform for the RTAF to train in a complex, high-intensity environment alongside international partners.

Continue reading “Royal Thai Air Force Gripens excel at Pitch Black 2024 with 100% mission capable rate”

Lockheed Martin unveils Sniper Networked Targeting Pod for enhanced interoperability

Posted on by alert5

Lockheed Martin has unveiled the Sniper Networked Targeting Pod, a revolutionary system designed to significantly improve interoperability between F-35 Lightning II jets, 4th generation fighters, and ground-based artillery systems.

Image: Lockheed Martin
Continue reading “Lockheed Martin unveils Sniper Networked Targeting Pod for enhanced interoperability”