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Taiwan seeks six E-2D Hawkeyes

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Amidst a backdrop of escalating regional tensions and a palpable sense of urgency, Taiwan has made a formal request to the United States for six E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft, local media reported. The request occurs at a time when the E-2D production line is active, fulfilling orders for both Japan and France, which may facilitate a smoother acquisition process.

220505-N-KD414-0130 An An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, assigned to the “Black Eagles” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, stands by during a sunset onboard Point Mugu Apr. 30, 2022. NBVC is comprised of three distinct facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, and San Nicolas Island. It is the largest employer in Ventura County and actively protects California’s largest coastal wetlands through its award-winning environmental programs.

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A quick dive into the U.S. Marine Corps 2025 Aviation Plan

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The United States Marine Corps is undergoing a significant transformation of its aviation assets, as detailed in the recently released 2025 Marine Aviation Plan. The plan aims to maintain a lethal and responsive Aviation Combat Element (ACE) by transitioning to an all-5th generation tactical aircraft fleet and modernising all other aspects of the ACE. The plan encompasses a wide range of updates across fixed-wing, tiltrotor, rotary-wing, unmanned, and support aircraft, each playing a crucial role in the Corps’ future warfighting capabilities.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 declares their initial operational capability (IOC) for the F-35C Lightning II, having met the standards set forth by Headquarters Marine Corps. IOC declaration marks a significant accomplishment for VMFA-314 of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) that further enables 3rd MAW to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

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LJDAM integration on F-35 progresses with successful dual external release

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The F-35’s United Operational Test Team has successfully conducted the first ever dual, external release of a GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) from an F-35. This successful test, which took place at Edwards Air Force Base, California, marks a critical milestone in integrating the LJDAM across all variants of the 5th-generation fighter.


Photo: U.S. Air Force
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RNZAF C-130H Hercules retires after 60 years of service

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The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) is bidding farewell to its venerable fleet of C-130H Hercules transport aircraft after six decades of service. The official retirement date for the five-strong fleet was Friday, Jan. 30th, 2025, marking the end of an era for the workhorse aircraft that have served New Zealand both at home and around the globe. To commemorate their service, the Hercules fleet has recently conducted flypasts over Northland and the central North Island, and has scheduled further flypasts over the South Island for Monday and Tuesday, next week.

20231025 NZDF K1055157 003
Corporal Naomi James, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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