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Military Aviation News

Longeron upgrade would keep F-15Cs flying

05/25/2017

The release of president Donald Trump’s fiscal year 2018 budget, which continues millions of dollars in funding for ongoing upgrades to the Boeing F-15C – as well as a new service life-extension programme (SLEP) for the aircraft’s longerons – has allowed the US Air Force to officially quash rumours of a near-term retirement for the fighter.

Budget spares U-2 and A-10 from retirement

The US Air Force has no near-term plans to retire two of its most iconic aircraft: the Fairchild Republic A-10 and Lockheed Martin U-2. President Donald Trump’s fiscal year 2018 budget request ensures that both the close-air support specialist and high-flying surveillance aircraft will remain in the USAF’s inventory – although it is unclear for how long, given the Department of Defense’s shaky overview of its future years' programme budget.

Israeli air force to receive unique test F-35

Israel's air force will take delivery of an additional Lockheed Martin F-35 in 2020 with a special suite of test instrumentation. "This unique aircraft, which was not part of any other F-35 contract, will enable us to begin the work of upgrading the capabilities of this aircraft so that it answers our special operational requirements," says the commander of the air force's test centre, identified only as Lt Col Shlomy.

Israel to boost M-346 capabilities

The Israeli air force is upgrading the capabilities of its Leonardo M-346 advanced jet trainers, to equip the "Lavi" with inert training bombs and external fuel tanks. "We work closely with the manufacturer, and this may lead to offering the same upgrades to other customers," says the commander of the air force's flight test centre, identified only as Lt Col Shlomy. The unit is tasked with overseeing the modifications, as well as opening the trainer's full flight envelope.

ANALYSIS: Swedish air force returns to Cold War footing

Sweden is changing. After a lengthy period of shrinking investment in its armed forces and a tactical shift from national defence to developing expeditionary capabilities, Stockholm's focus has reverted to protecting its population against invasion.

Pentagon Awards $76 Million to Support Afghan Air Force's Chopper Fleet

The Pentagon announced Wednesday it had awarded $76 million worth of foreign military sales contract for logistics support of the Afghanistan Air Force's helicopters. US contractor MD Helicopters won more than $76 million to provide logistics support for the Afghan Air Force’s chopper fleet, the Department of Defense said in a press release.

Friend or Foe? South Korean Military to Upgrade Aircraft Identification System

As threats of military conflict continue unabated from its northern neighbor, South Korea’s military officials have signaled the need to upgrade their nation’s ability to quickly determine whether incoming aircraft are friend or foe.

Air Force Requests 4K More Airmen, 46 F-35s, No Bonus Changes

The Air Force wants to add 4,000 airmen, buy 46 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and keep bonuses relatively unchanged despite a pilot shortage, according to its fiscal 2018 budget request. The service is requesting to boost end-strength by slightly more than 1 percent from 321,000 active-duty airmen in the current fiscal year to 325,000 airmen in the next -- part of a modest increase since reaching a low in 2015, according to budget documents released Tuesday.

China Has a Powerful Air Force (and One Big Flaw It Can't Easily Fix)

China is determined to close that gap, but it has not yet succeeded in doing so. Last year, Beijing setup the Aero Engine Corp. of China (AECC) as part of its efforts to solve the problem. The firm has $7.5 billion in capital and 96,000 employees. According to a CNN report, Beijing's most recent five-year development plan states that developing and producing indigenous engines is one of China’s most important goals.

F-35 remains on track in Trump request

President Trump signs $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia

Cost considerations fuel Israeli tanker debate

Israel divides Hercules unit following upgrade

US Navy Orders High-Tech Upgrades for Hawkeye Maritime Surveillance Aircraft

Military Milestone: All You Need to Know About the New North Korean Missile

Indian Air Force Sukhoi Jet Goes Missing Near China Border

Israeli-American coalition takes on ‘enemy’ aircraft in the south

War with North Korea: An inside look at how U.S. troops would respond worldwide

Kim Jong-un Approves Mass Production of Successfully Launched Ballistic Missile

Indo-Russian project to develop aircraft hits roadblock over price, technology