Alert 5

U.S. Navy allowed to deploy CMV-22B Ospreys at Iwakuni

Posted on August 28, 2024 by alert5

The Mayor of Iwakuni, Yoshihiko Fukuda, has agreed to the U.S. Navy’s deployment of CMV-22 Osprey aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, marking the first stationing of this tilt-rotor variant in his city. The decision aligns with a broader realignment of U.S. military assets in the region, which includes the rotation of aircraft carriers and the introduction of F-35C stealth fighter jets. This deployment will add to the existing Osprey presence in Japan, complementing the Marine Corps’ MV-22s at Futenma air base in Okinawa and the Air Force’s CV-22s operating from Yokota base near Tokyo.

The first East Coast-assigned Navy tiltrotor vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft CMV-22B Osprey lands at Naval Station Norfolk, April 5. The CMV-22B Osprey belongs to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 40 the “Mighty Bison.” The CMV-22B airframe will provide the fleet’s medium-lift and long-range aerial logistics capability, replacing the C-2A Greyhounds of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 over the next several years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sylvie Carafiol)

Kadena Air Base continues F-15C Eagle divestment, prepares for F-15EX

Posted on August 27, 2024March 27, 2025 by alert5

Kadena Air Base in Japan continued its ongoing F-15C Eagle divestment plan with the departure of four aircraft on Aug. 24. This event marks another milestone in the transition to F-15EX Eagle IIs. The final flight date for the remaining F-15Cs at Kadena remains undetermined, though the process is well underway.

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus
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U.S. Air Force unit enhances Ukrainian F-16s’ Electronic Warfare capabilities

Posted on August 27, 2024 by alert5

The 68th Electronic Warfare Squadron (EWS) recently collaborated with Danish and Norwegian counterparts to upgrade F-16s destined for Ukraine. The squadron’s expertise was critical in reprogramming the aircraft’s electronic warfare (EW) subsystems to counter evolving Russian threats in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Airwolfhound from Hertfordshire, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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B-2 Spirit returns to Edwards AFB for crucial upgrades

Posted on August 27, 2024August 27, 2024 by alert5

The B-2 Spirit bomber returned to Edwards Air Force Base on Jul. 17, marking 35 years since its inaugural flight there. The aircraft, known as the Spirit of Pennsylvania, arrived to undergo critical testing and technological enhancements.

Photo: Christian Turner
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Australia to manufacture JSM and NSM

Posted on August 23, 2024 by alert5

Australia announced an $850 million partnership with Kongsberg Defence Australia to manufacture and service missiles at Williamtown near Newcastle. The initiative aligns with the 2024 National Defence Strategy, focusing on enhancing long-range precision strike capabilities and domestic munitions production.

A Naval Strike Missile streaks out to sea before striking a naval target ship, Aug. 15, 2021, aboard Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Hawaii. The missile flew more than 100 nautical miles before finding its mark. The live-fire sinking exercise demonstrated a Marine fires expeditionary advanced base’s ability to sense, target and strike a target at sea, providing sea control or contributing to sea denial in fleet operations. The Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 centers on Marines providing long-range precision strike capabilities as a stand-in force during littoral operations in a contested environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dillon Buck, released)

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