January 14, 2016 Military Aviation News

U.S. military may expand ISIS fight beyond Iraq and Syria

01/14/2016

Defense Secretary Ash Carter signaled Wednesday that the U.S. military will expand efforts to target Islamic State militants beyond the group's territory in Iraq and Syria, potentially involving airstrikes and raids in other Islamic countries. “The threat posed by ISIL, and groups like it, is continually evolving, changing focus and shifting location,” Carter said, using an alternative acronym for the Islamic State group.

Export Sales Reported for Sino-Pakistan JF-17 Combat Jet

01/14/2016

Further exports of the Sino-Pakistan JF-17 “Thunder” combat aircraft have been reported, following an initial sale last year, which is now known to be 16 aircraft for Myanmar. According to Pakistan's President Mamnoon Hussain, Azerbaijan and Nigeria are both interested. But a proposed sale to Sri Lanka has been opposed by India, according to unconfirmed reports.

Vietnam's Plan to Deter China With Western Jets

01/14/2016

Vietnam is negotiating with American and European manufacturers to purchase new warplanes—including fighters, maritime patrol aircraft and unmanned aircraft. The move comes as part of Hanoi’s strategy to lessen its dependence on Russian hardware and to counter China’s growing power.

Air Force delays mothballing A-10 Thunderbolt to combat Islamic State

01/14/2016

The Air Force is delaying plans to retire the A-10 Thunderbolt attack plane due to its usefulness in the campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Officials say the “Warthog” will still need to be shelved at some point to make room for newer warplanes, but the timeline for its retirement has been thrown off due to increased demand from commanders who now depend on the Warthog to bomb Islamic State targets, Defense One reported, citing unnamed Air Force sources.

Bulgaria Could Have New Combat Aircraft after 3-1/2 Years – Defence Minister

01/14/2016

The Bulgarian Air Force could have its ageing Soviet-made combat aircraft replaced by new multi-role warplanes in the next three to three-and-a half years, Defence Minister Nikolay Nenchev said on Wednesday. The government commission tasked with studying the available options is expected to submit a report by the end of March, Nenchev told bTV broadcaster.

Iran frees U.S. sailors with start of nuclear deal in sight

01/14/2016

Iran freed 10 U.S. sailors on Wednesday, a day after detaining them aboard two U.S. Navy patrol boats in the Gulf, bringing a swift end to an incident that had rattled nerves just before the expected implementation of a landmark nuclear accord.

Boeing Delivers Six Enhanced B-52 Bomber Weapons Bay Launchers

01/14/2016

Six of the U.S. Air Force’s B-52 bombers can now take flight with a greater variety of weapons, thanks to enhanced internal weapons bay launchers delivered by Boeing [NYSE: BA]. The upgraded launchers allow the B-52 to carry GPS-guided or “smart” weapons in the weapons bay for the first time and are ready for use.

China Could Join Russian Anti-Daesh Campaign in Syria

01/14/2016

China is concerned about a growing number of "Chinese-origin" terrorists within Daesh group, which is banned in a range of countries, including Russia and the United States, the newspaper said on Wednesday.

Turkey Conducts Airstrikes Against Kurdish Positions in Northern Iraq

01/14/2016

According to the sources four F-16s and two F-4 combat aircraft were involved in the operation. Turkish warplanes destroyed Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK) shelters and warehouses in the Avasin-Basyan, Gare and Zap camps in northern Iraq. The positions were identified by drones prior to the attack.

Russian Knights Aerobatic Team Ready to Steal Bahrain Air Show

01/14/2016

The Russian aerobatic team Russkiye Vityazi (Russian Knights) on Wednesday completed preparations for a performance at the international air show in Bahrain, the Russian Defense Ministry’s press service said in a statement.

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