Alert 5

RAAF and International Partners light up Mindil Beach with Pitch Black Flying Display

Posted on July 19, 2024 by alert5

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) successfully hosted the annual Exercise Pitch Black Flying Display at Mindil Beach yesterday, Jul. 18th. The free, non-ticketed event drew crowds eager to witness a spectacular showcase of international military aircraft.

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Greece weighs F-16 transfer to Ukraine amidst modernization efforts

Posted on July 18, 2024 by alert5

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.

Tim Felce [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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U.S. Army and NATO Allies demonstrate A400M’s HIRAIN capability

Posted on July 17, 2024July 17, 2024 by alert5

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.

Dean Johnson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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Australian P-8A Poseidon flexes anti-submarine muscle at RIMPAC

Posted on July 16, 2024July 16, 2024 by alert5

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 worlds 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.

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

Posted on July 15, 2024July 15, 2024 by alert5

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.