January 2015 Air Force Military Aviation Defence Industry News
 
 

India plans to kick-off future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft development project in 2015

India plans to kick-off future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft development project in 2015
 
India plans to kick-off its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) development project this year to build on the expertise gained in the long developmental saga of the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft. Top defence sources on Wednesday said the preliminary design stage of the futuristic fighter called the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA), with collaboration among IAF, DRDO and Aeronautical Development Agency, is now "virtually" over.
India plans to kick-off its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) development project this year to build on the expertise gained in the long developmental saga of the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft. Top defence sources on Wednesday said the preliminary design stage of the futuristic fighter called the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA), with collaboration among IAF, DRDO and Aeronautical Development Agency, is now "virtually" over.
 

Dunlop won contract to supply tires to world's fleet of Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifters

Dunlop won contract to supply tires to world's fleet of Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifters
 
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres, based in Birmingham, UK, has won a deal to support the world’s fleet of more than 270 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft. News of the deal – one of the biggest in Dunlop Aircraft Tyres’ 105-year history – follows the announcement that the company is investing in establishing its first ever tyre distribution and retreading facility in the United States.
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres, based in Birmingham, UK, has won a deal to support the world’s fleet of more than 270 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft. News of the deal – one of the biggest in Dunlop Aircraft Tyres’ 105-year history – follows the announcement that the company is investing in establishing its first ever tyre distribution and retreading facility in the United States.
 

RAF Lakenheath airbase selected by US Air Force to permanently host the F-35A Lightning II

RAF Lakenheath selected by US Air Force to permanently host F-35A Lightning II squadrons
 
Royal Air Force Lakenheath, U.K., was selected as the first U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) base to host the F-35A Lightning II, announced the US Air Force in an official statement on Thursday, January 8. Air Force officials and the secretary of Defense chose RAF Lakenheath based on numerous attributes, including the air space, infrastructure and combined training opportunities the U.K. has to offer.
Royal Air Force Lakenheath, U.K., was selected as the first U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) base to host the F-35A Lightning II, announced the US Air Force in an official statement on Thursday, January 8. Air Force officials and the secretary of Defense chose RAF Lakenheath based on numerous attributes, including the air space, infrastructure and combined training opportunities the U.K. has to offer.
 

Indian Air Force receives first Su-30MKI fighter aircraft overhauled by HAL

Indian Air Force receives first Su-30MKI fighter aircraft overhauled by HAL
 
The first overhauled Su-30 MKI (SB 027) aircraft reached the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday. The Su-30MKI is currently the backbone of fighter fleet with IAF, has long needed an overhaul. In an official press release issued here, HAL said: "After the overhaul, the Su-30MKI aircraft (SB 027) is ready for IAF's use. The serviceability levels of Su-30 MKI fleet will enhance greatly resulting in strengthening of air defence capabilities."
The first overhauled Su-30 MKI (SB 027) aircraft reached the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday. The Su-30MKI is currently the backbone of fighter fleet with IAF, has long needed an overhaul. In an official press release issued here, HAL said: "After the overhaul, the Su-30MKI aircraft (SB 027) is ready for IAF's use. The serviceability levels of Su-30 MKI fleet will enhance greatly resulting in strengthening of air defence capabilities."
 

Philippines and United States finalize purchase of two more C-130 Hercules military airlifters

Philippines and United States finalize purchase of two more C-130 Hercules military airlifters
 
The Philippines and the United States have finalized the purchase by the former of two C-130 “Hercules” following an inspection by Army Major General Victor Bayani, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (J4) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The Philippines and the United States have finalized the purchase by the former of two C-130 “Hercules” following an inspection by Army Major General Victor Bayani, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (J4) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
 

Thailand's military confirms interest for the US-made UH-72 Lakota light utility helicopter

Thailand's military confirms interest for the US-made UH-72 Lakota light utility helicopter
 
The Thai military is moving toward making the American-made UH-72A Lakota Thailand’s main light-utility helicopter with the army planning to add on to last year’s order of 15 Airbus Helicopters choppers with more to replace its ageing fleet of Vietnam-era aircraft, reports today the Bangkok Post.
The Thai military is moving toward making the American-made UH-72A Lakota Thailand’s main light-utility helicopter with the army planning to add on to last year’s order of 15 Airbus Helicopters choppers with more to replace its ageing fleet of Vietnam-era aircraft, reports today the Bangkok Post.
 

Turkey plans to purchase four more F-35 jet fighters and five CH-47F transport helicopters

Turkey plans to purchase four more F-35 jet fighters and five CH-47F transport helicopters
 
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has announced plans by his country to purchase four more F-35 fighter jets and an additional five helicopters from the US. “It is planned that Turkey will buy 100 F-35 warplanes in the project. We previously ordered two in this framework. We have now decided to order four more,” Davutoglu said on Wednesday following a meeting of Turkey’s Under-secretariat for Defense Industries concerning defense purchases.
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has announced plans by his country to purchase four more F-35 fighter jets and an additional five helicopters from the US. “It is planned that Turkey will buy 100 F-35 warplanes in the project. We previously ordered two in this framework. We have now decided to order four more,” Davutoglu said on Wednesday following a meeting of Turkey’s Under-secretariat for Defense Industries concerning defense purchases.
 

Polish Air Force deploys four Mig-29s in Lithuania to join Baltic Air Policing Mission

Polish Air Force deploys four Mig-29s in Lithuania to join Baltic Air Policing Mission
 
On January 8 four MiG-29 fighters of the Polish Air Force will land at the Lithuanian Air Force Base at Šiauliai to join the Baltic Air Policing Mission, announced today the Lithuanian Defence Ministry. The Polish contribution will reinforce the mission carried out by an Italian air contingent.
On January 8 four MiG-29 fighters of the Polish Air Force will land at the Lithuanian Air Force Base at Šiauliai to join the Baltic Air Policing Mission, announced today the Lithuanian Defence Ministry. The Polish contribution will reinforce the mission carried out by an Italian air contingent.
 

Iran starts mass production of the indigenous Saeqeh-80 fighter jet

Iran starts mass production of the indigenous Saeqeh-80 fighter jet
 
Iranian Air Force Spokesman General Hossein Chitforoush announced on Wednesday that the country has started production of its home-made Saeqeh fighter jets in large numbers. "The fighter jet is now on the way of mass-production," Chitforoush said in an interview with the state-run news agency.
Iranian Air Force Spokesman General Hossein Chitforoush announced on Wednesday that the country has started production of its home-made Saeqeh fighter jets in large numbers. "The fighter jet is now on the way of mass-production," Chitforoush said in an interview with the state-run news agency.
 

Djibouti Air Force receives two ex-US Army C-23B+ Sherpa transport aircraft

Djibouti Air Force to receive two ex-US Army C-23B+ Sherpa transport aircraft
 
The United States has donated military equipment to Djibouti in the past and has now earmarked two ex-US Army C-23B+ cargo aircraft for the Djibouti Air Force, reports today defenceWeb. They will be donated as Excess Defence Articles after being retired as a cost cutting measure.
The United States has donated military equipment to Djibouti in the past and has now earmarked two ex-US Army C-23B+ cargo aircraft for the Djibouti Air Force, reports today defenceWeb. They will be donated as Excess Defence Articles after being retired as a cost cutting measure.
 

Peruvian Air Force finalizes purchase of a second batch of two C-27J Spartan military airlifters

Peruvian Air Force finalizes purchase of a second batch of two C-27J Spartan military airlifters
 
In accordance with a recent announcement by Peruvian Defense Minister Peter Cateriano Bellido, Material Command of the Peruvian Air Force (FAP) has completed the purchasing process for a second batch of two C-27J Spartan multirole military transport aircraft, manufactured by the Italian company Alenia Aermacchi.
In accordance with a recent announcement by Peruvian Defense Minister Peter Cateriano Bellido, Material Command of the Peruvian Air Force (FAP) has completed the purchasing process for a second batch of two C-27J Spartan multirole military transport aircraft, manufactured by the Italian company Alenia Aermacchi.
 

New squadron of 19 F-35 jet fighters to be incorporated in Israeli Air Force in 2019

New squadron of 19 F-35 jet fighters to be incorporated in Israeli Air Force in 2019
 
A new squadron of 19 F-35 jets will be incorporated into the Israeli Air Force beginning in 2019 after the decision to purchase another set of planes was confirmed by the IAF and government officials. These newly engineered fighters are a step up compared to the F-16I, especially with the addition of new "state-of-the-art" stealth technology and avionics.
A new squadron of 19 F-35 jets will be incorporated into the Israeli Air Force beginning in 2019 after the decision to purchase another set of planes was confirmed by the IAF and government officials. These newly engineered fighters are a step up compared to the F-16I, especially with the addition of new "state-of-the-art" stealth technology and avionics.
 

Cubic Corporation wins support contract for F-35 fighter jet's Air Combat Training System

Cubic Corporation wins support contract for F-35 fighter jet's Air Combat Training System
 
Cubic Corporation announced yesterday it was awarded a series of contracts from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics to produce and add enhancements to the Air Combat Training System (ACTS) of the F-35 fighter jet, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Unlike the wing-mounted pods used on fourth generation fighters, the F-35 version of the P5 Combat Training System (P5CTS) incorporates an internally mounted subsystem that enables the F-35 to maintain its stealth characteristics while training.
Cubic Corporation announced yesterday it was awarded a series of contracts from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics to produce and add enhancements to the Air Combat Training System (ACTS) of the F-35 fighter jet, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Unlike the wing-mounted pods used on fourth generation fighters, the F-35 version of the P5 Combat Training System (P5CTS) incorporates an internally mounted subsystem that enables the F-35 to maintain its stealth characteristics while training.
 

Algeria's first Mi-26T2 heavy transport helicopter started flight tests

Algeria's first Mi-26T2 heavy transport helicopter started flight tests
 
The first Mil Mi-26T2 heavy lift helicopter for the Algerian military is being flight tested in Russia, reported yesterday defenceWeb. It is the first of up to six believed to have been ordered by the North African country. The helicopter was seen performing its maiden flight from Rostvertol’s factory in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on December 25. It appears to be the first of an initial three, with another three planned to be acquired in a second batch.
The first Mil Mi-26T2 heavy lift helicopter for the Algerian military is being flight tested in Russia, reported yesterday defenceWeb. It is the first of up to six believed to have been ordered by the North African country. The helicopter was seen performing its maiden flight from Rostvertol’s factory in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on December 25. It appears to be the first of an initial three, with another three planned to be acquired in a second batch.
 

Pakistan could be interested by China's Z10 attack helicopter

Pakistan could be interested by China's Z10 attack helicopter
 
Pakistan seems to be interested in purchasing the Chinese Z10 attack helicopter. According to reports, three Z10 helicopters are expected to be included in Pakistan Army aviation fleet, which will be helpful in fighting terrorism in the country.
Pakistan seems to be interested in purchasing the Chinese Z10 attack helicopter. According to reports, three Z10 helicopters are expected to be included in Pakistan Army aviation fleet, which will be helpful in fighting terrorism in the country.
 

Elbit Systems wins contract for maintenance of Israeli Air Force's F-16 fighter aircraft fleet

Elbit Systems wins contract for maintenance of Israeli Air Force's F-16 fighter aircraft fleet
 
Elbit Systems Ltd. announced on Sunday, January 4, that it was awarded an approximately $90 million contract from the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) for the maintenance of the Israeli Air Force's (IAF) F-16 array's avionics systems. The project, to be performed over 11 years, will include the establishment of a new and cutting edge national maintenance center for the IAF's squadrons and bases.
Elbit Systems Ltd. announced on Sunday, January 4, that it was awarded an approximately $90 million contract from the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) for the maintenance of the Israeli Air Force's (IAF) F-16 array's avionics systems. The project, to be performed over 11 years, will include the establishment of a new and cutting edge national maintenance center for the IAF's squadrons and bases.
 

Rostvertol to start export deliveries of the Mi-26T2 heavy transport helicopter in 2015

Rostvertol to start export deliveries of the Mi-26T2 heavy transport helicopter in 2015
 
Russian company Rostvertol, part of the holding “Russian Helicopters”, in 2015 starts export deliveries of deeply modernized heavy transport helicopter in Mi-26T2 modification, a source in the military-industrial complex reported to “Interfax-AVN”.
Russian company Rostvertol, part of the holding “Russian Helicopters”, in 2015 starts export deliveries of deeply modernized heavy transport helicopter in Mi-26T2 modification, a source in the military-industrial complex reported to “Interfax-AVN”.
 

First serial-production Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A strategic airlifter made its maiden flight

First serial-production Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A strategic airlifter made its maiden flight
 
The first serial-production Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A (Il-476) strategic transport aircraft has made its maiden flight, the Russian Aviastar-SP production facility announced on 30 December. Aircraft 0104 flew for more than two hours at Aviastar-SP’s Ulyanovsk aircraft factory, about 700 km east of Moscow.
The first serial-production Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A (Il-476) strategic transport aircraft has made its maiden flight, the Russian Aviastar-SP production facility announced on 30 December. Aircraft 0104 flew for more than two hours at Aviastar-SP’s Ulyanovsk aircraft factory, about 700 km east of Moscow.
 

US Armed Forces awards a $662 mn contract to Lockheed Martin for 10 C-130 military airlifters

US Armed Forces awarded a $662 mn contract to Lockheed Martin for 10 C-130 military airlifters
 
Lockheed Martin Corp has been awarded a $662,032,335 contract by the United States' Department of Defense for the purchase of two MC-130J, two HC-130J, three KC-130J, one C-130J, two U.S. Coast Guard HC-130J production aircraft, and 20 quick engine change assemblies under the basic contract. Work will be performed in Marietta, Georgia, with an expected completion date of Jan. 31, 2018.
Lockheed Martin Corp has been awarded a $662,032,335 contract by the United States' Department of Defense for the purchase of two MC-130J, two HC-130J, three KC-130J, one C-130J, two U.S. Coast Guard HC-130J production aircraft, and 20 quick engine change assemblies under the basic contract. Work will be performed in Marietta, Georgia, with an expected completion date of Jan. 31, 2018.
 

Royal Thai Armed Forces likely to upgrade several military aircraft fleets in 2015

Royal Thai Armed Forces likely to upgrade several military aircraft fleets in 2015
 
Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is pushing the military to more quickly draft its spending plans for the 2016 fiscal year and submit them within the month, reports today the Bangkok Post. The Royal Thai Army and the Royal Thai Air Force are expected to prepare their budgets by mid-January, and are likely to focus on upgrading some of their respective military aircraft fleets.
Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is pushing the military to more quickly draft its spending plans for the 2016 fiscal year and submit them within the month, reports today the Bangkok Post. The Royal Thai Army and the Royal Thai Air Force are expected to prepare their budgets by mid-January, and are likely to focus on upgrading some of their respective military aircraft fleets.
 

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