MCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFNS) --

A 22nd Air Refueling Wing KC-46A Pegasus executed the world’s first nonstop, KC-46A westbound circumnavigation endurance flight, called Project Magellan, June 29-July 1, starting and finishing at McConnell Air Force Base.

This flight was the latest Maximum Endurance Operation (MEO) for the KC-46A, Air Mobility Command’s newest tanker aircraft.

Overall, MEOs extend aircraft missions in both time and aircrew, to enable greater capabilities and greater reach over greater distances. In doing so, MEOs enable AMC to surge personnel, supplies and aircraft to sustain initial operations and project and connect the joint force, anywhere in the world. The foundation of rapid global mobility is fuel, provided by tankers.

“Maximum Endurance Operations are all about overcoming the tyranny of distance: with a 48-hour duty day, you can literally fly across the world,” said Capt. Cody Donahue, 22nd Operations Group executive officer, who has been planning Project Magellan for months. “In an era of Great Power Competition, crews need the ability to operate longer than they have in the past, and Project Magellan is the next step in getting AMC crews experience in the game-changing new construct that is MEO.”

McConnell AFB coordinated receiver aircraft during the mission to demonstrate its ability to operate as a tanker during MEO. During this flight, the KC-46 refueled Air Force B-2 Spirits, C-17 Globemaster IIIs, F-15E Strike Eagles and another KC-46.

The operation also exemplified Team McConnell’s progress in developing and advancing KC-46 capabilities, since receiving its first KC-46s in 2019.

Onboard the global KC-46 flight were: Col. Brent Toth, aircraft commander; Capt. Cody Donahue, instructor pilot; Capt. Daison Batangan, instructor pilot; Capt. T.J. Buckley, instructor plot; Master Sgt. Jonathan Lauterbach instructor boom operator; Master Sgt. Patrick Murray, instructor boom operator; Capt. Jacob Heyrend, flight surgeon; Staff Sgt. Alejandro Melendez, flying crew chief; and Staff Sgt. Dustin Shaffer, flying crew chief.

“It goes without saying that we will be accomplishing training in our primary roles as tanker pilots,” Donahue said. “Our pilots will be conducting multiple heavyweight onloads and our boom operators will be refueling several different types of aircraft throughout the flight.”

McConnell AFB also exhibited its ability to explode into theater – or multiple theaters in this case – by coordinating with three other military bases around the world to pre-position several of the wing’s tankers to refuel the KC-46 enroute so it could fly for 45 hours straight. Two KC-46’s were sent to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, one KC-135 Stratotanker to Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, and one KC-135 to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, in order to rendezvous with the globe-trotting aircraft to resupply their much-needed fuel. Backing up the 22nd ARW airbridge was a KC-135 from 100th ARW out of RAF Mildenhall and a KC-135 deployed from the Utah Air National Guard.

“Not only is the duration of this sortie notable, but we are completing it with just two basic crews,” Donahue said. “Previously, three pilots were able to fly as an ‘augmented’ crew for up to 24 hours. Going forward, AMC is looking to have a crew of four pilots operating for up to 48 hours.”

The command remains focused on providing Mobility Air Forces warfighters with the resources and capabilities required to perform effectively during high-pace operational environment and max-endurance missions.

Namely, long duty days call for safety measures. Capt. Jacob Heyrend, 349th Air Refueling Squadron flight surgeon, was aboard to ensure the health, safety and performance of the crew.

“Goals for this flight were to see the combined capabilities of a modern tanker and augmented crews, pushing the brink of human performance,” Heyrend said. “The final goal I had for the flight was to maintain crew, flight and mission safety and health as the aeromedical element.”

The crew collaborated with a third-party contractor to enroll the crew in a fatigue study. The contractors have experience working with elite sports professionals, NASA and other international space station astronauts.

“They utilize validated metrics, such as the Psychomotor Vigilance Testing,” Heyrend said. “The aircrew self-administered these tests at certain points in the sleep-wake cycle and when prompted by me, or self-initiated utilizing proprietary software. I also performed various ad hoc cognitive assessments in flight, many of which were components of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. I observed task response as well to gain a whole person perspective of each crew member.”

The four pilots and two boom operators aboard the flight took turns resting and relieved their counterparts at set intervals, taking advantage of the built-in bunk beds on the tanker.

As the first main operating base for the KC-46, McConnell AFB has refined its approach to the Air Force’s newest tanker to provide rapid airlift, air refueling and aeromedical evacuation for the joint force. Successfully flying its longest KC-46 MEO yet is a testament to the hard work of the McConnell AFB Airmen.

"The 22nd ARW's recent MEO around the world showcased not only the unmatched endurance of the KC-46 aircraft, but also the incredible resilience and professionalism of our aircrew,” said Col. Cory Damon, 22nd ARW commander, who was aboard the final tanker refueling this worldwide KC-46 flight. “This mission was a true test of our capabilities and a shining example of the critical role our tankers play in providing fuel and support to the joint force. I'm incredibly proud of our team's achievement in pushing the boundaries of what our tankers and their crews can do, and I have no doubt that this historic mission will serve as a foundation for future maximum endurance operations and further solidify our position as a key enabler of global power projection.”

Also, aboard that last tanker in the global airbridge refueling the around-the-world KC-46 flight was Brig. Gen. Gerald Donohue, Headquarters AMC, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration director of operations, observing this latest demonstration of the KC-46’s capabilities to provide rapid global mobility and global reach.

“Learning in training mitigates risk in crisis,” Donohue said. “This mission provided AMC another opportunity to learn lessons and capture best practices for increasing human performance during MEO. You need to look no further to see that the Mobility Air Forces are deadly serious about our role as the joint force maneuver.”
(U.S. Air Force photo)

An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, lands on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in the Pacific Ocean, June 30, 2024. George Washington is deployed as part of Southern Seas 2024 which seeks to enhance capability, improve interoperability, and strengthen maritime partnerships with countries throughout the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility through joint, multinational and interagency exchanges and cooperation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David C. Fines)

An F-16 Viper assigned to the 8th Fighter Squadrons waits on a runway at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 28, 2024. The squadron’s new flagship honors the F-117 Nighthawk, which was flown by the 8th FS for over 25 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michelle Ferrari)

An F-16 Viper assigned to the 8th Fighter Squadrons flies over Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 6, 2024. The squadron’s new flagship honors the F-117 Nighthawk, which was flown by the 8th FS for over 25 years.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michelle Ferrari)

MORRIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ariz,-- The Morris ANGB is home to the Air National Guard’s premier F-16 fighter pilot training unit, the 162nd Wing, providing training for coalition war-fighting partners for the United States Air Force and international allies, which is why the Department of the Air Force selected Morris ANGB to receive up to nine Slovak-owned F-16 Block 70s. The first Block 70 aircraft arrived here, June 13.

“As the Slovakian air force prepares its air bases to receive their newly acquired F-16 Block 70s, it was determined that the most advantageous location to base their first aircraft was Morris ANGB,” said Col. Thomas Obrochta, 162nd Operations Group commander. “This will enable the first Slovakian F-16 pilots to train on their own aircraft prior to delivering them to their home nation.”

Beyond this initial delivery of Slovak F-16s to Morris ANGB for training, two additional jets will arrive in Slovakia later this summer to begin in-country operations. The First F-16s with Block 70 capabilities to operate in Europe.

The Slovakia Republic Minister of Defense established an intensive commission on the selection of the aircraft to replace the obsolete MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters.

“The process of selecting new fighter aircraft began in 2015,” said Col. Adolf Ulicny, Slovakia Foreign Liaison Officer. “The fifth generation F-16 Block 70 aircraft fulfilled all our ideas and the entire spectrum of our tasks.”

The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft, and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. The latest version F-16 Block 70 offers unparalleled capabilities.

“The F-16 Block 70 is the latest edition of one of the most combat proven fighter jets of all time,” said Obrochta. “It includes an advanced APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array [AESA] fire control radar, a high-resolution Center Pedestal Display, which provides critical tactical imagery to pilots and allows them to take full advantage of AESA and targeting pod data, advanced weapons integration, and an extended structural life of 12,000 hours-- more than 50 percent beyond that of previous production F-16 aircraft.”

The initial cadre of Slovakian F-16 pilots have been training at Morris ANGB for the last two years.

“The cadre of Slovakian F-16 pilots underwent an initial basic course covering air-to-air and air-to-ground tactics,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Hodges, squadron commander when Slovakian cadre of pilots started. “After they completed the basic course, they then seasoned and built the hours required for the Flight Lead upgrade and some continuing to season for the instructor pilot upgrade to be able to go back to Slovakia and start their own F-16 operations.”

According to Obrochta, the 162nd Wing is committed to providing the highest quality training to international military personnel instilled with sound piloting skills.

“Training with the Block 70’s at the 162nd Wing enables Slovakian pilots to gain proficiency in their aircraft while integrating with other U.S. fighter and support aircraft,” said Obrochta. “In addition, it provides 162nd instructor pilots critical experience in the Block 70 so that they are better prepared to teach future international students.”

The Slovakia air force modernization acquisition of the F-16 Block 70 aircraft aims to bolster Slovakia’s defense capability, capacity and competence, strengthening bilateral defense operation, and increase interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces.

“So far, 11 pilots have been trained for the F-16 Block 70”, said Ulicny. “Pilots in the training program at other air bases in the U.S. must all come to the 162nd Wing to retrain for the highest type of aircraft, the F-16 Block 70.”

Some Slovak-owned F-16 Block 70s will be temporarily stationed in the United States through fiscal year 2026 at the 162nd Wing, with others beginning operations in Slovakia later this year.

“It has been a pleasure to watch them grow in their tactics, understanding and realization that they are the ones who will be working together to safeguard Slovakia,” said Hodges.
(U.S. Air National Guard photo. by Senior Airman Guadalupe Beltran)

ISTANBUL, July 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Turkish Airlines today announced an order for four 777 Freighters to further strengthen the airline's position in the global air cargo market. With this order, Turkish Airlines will operate 12 777 Freighters.

"This new investment in expanding our cargo fleet underscores our commitment to meeting the growing global demand for air freight services," said Turkish Airlines Chief Cargo Officer Ali Türk. "The addition of these Boeing 777 Freighters will not only enhance our operational capabilities, but also serve as another step in our strategic vision to reach the top of air cargo sector worldwide while maintaining our leading position with our unparalleled service and efficiency for our customers across the globe."

Turkish Airlines' purchase of additional 777 Freighters will help the carrier meet growing demand for freight services, driven by the rapid growth of e-commerce and the need for efficient and reliable transportation across the globe. The new freighters will enable Turkish Airlines to optimize its cargo operations, reduce costs and deliver goods to destinations worldwide on time.

"We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Turkish Airlines and support its expansion of cargo operations with the addition of Boeing 777 Freighters," said Paul Righi, vice president of Boeing Commercial Sales for Eurasia. "The 777 Freighter's payload capacity, range and flexibility will enable Turkish Airlines to deliver exceptional customer service while maximizing operational efficiency."

The Boeing 777 Freighter is the world's most capable twin-engine freighter with a maximum payload capacity of 102 metric tons (112 tons) and a range of 9,200 kilometers (4,970 nautical miles).

With more than 265 deliveries, the 777 Freighter is Boeing's best-selling freighter airplane of all time. As the market leader in cargo airplanes, Boeing provides more than 90% of the worldwide dedicated freighter capacity, including new production and converted airplanes.

In addition to freighters, Turkish Airlines operates a fleet of Boeing airplanes that includes the 777-300ER (Extended Range), Next-Generation 737, 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.

The RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers conducted air to air refuelling with two KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft during Exercise Diamond Spear 24, held over the east coast of Australia.

Exercise Diamond Spear 2024 forms part of the #AusAirForce’s Air Warfare Instructor Course (AWIC). The exercise provides an essential live training environment to develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed to grow the next generation of Air Warfare Instructors.
(Photos courtesy of CPL Kieren Whiteley & LACW Taylor Anderson RAAF)



Al Udeid (Qatar), 30 June 2024 - The #MilitaryAirforce air campaign in the Indo-Pacific officially took off yesterday.

With the first leg, from Sea Exercise at Al Udeid, Qatar, the deployment of Armed Forces personnel to participate in the International Exercise Pitch Black 2024 has begun in Australia, with a contingent of over 400 women and men and 15 fighter aircraft and support aircraft; some of these latest deployments are a complex transfer phase to and from Italy.
(Photos courtesy of the Aeronautica Militare)

A KC-46A Pegasus arrives at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, July 1, 2024. The aircraft executed the world’s first nonstop, westbound circumnavigation endurance flight, called Project Magellan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Paula Arce)

A P-8A Poseidon attached to Patrol Squadron 46, the "Grey Knights," lands at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, July 2. Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to Aug. 1. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class William Sykes)

A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Kawasaki P-1 lands at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, July 2, during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024. Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to Aug. 1. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class William Sykes)

Members of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Combined Task Force 172 pose for a photo in front of a JSMDF Kawasaki P-1 after it's arrival at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, July 2, during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024. Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to Aug. 1. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class William Sykes)

Training Air Wing - 2 Commemorates One Million T-45 Goshawk Hours.
Capt. Aaron Rybar, Commander, Training Air Wing - 2, addresses the crowd during a commemorative ceremony onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, July 2. TAW-2 has operated the T-45 Goshawk since September 1991.
(Photo by Ensign Alan Wang)

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 1, 2024) Sailors prepare to launch an EA-18G Growler, attached to the Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, from the flight deck of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Pacific Ocean, July 1. The primary role of EA-18G Growlers is to disrupt the ability to communicate between units in combat through the use of electronic warfare. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kazia Ream)

Marignane – Airbus has delivered the first H160 in the U.S. to PHI, marking the beginning of H160 operations in the country. This is the first of the initial four H160 helicopters that PHI will operate for offshore transportation in the Gulf of Mexico.

Prior to beginning commercial operations, the helicopter will be used in a route-proving programme designed to demonstrate the H160’s capabilities in the demanding offshore environment. This will help facilitate a smooth entry into service, ensuring the operator and final customer are familiar with the aircraft’s advanced technology and safety features.

“This is an exciting milestone for our teams and partners,” said Scott McCarty, CEO of PHI Group. “The H160 represents a new era for PHI, enhancing our commitment to safety, quality and efficiency for our operations in the Gulf of Mexico. We are proud to officially welcome this next-generation aircraft into our fleet as we kick off route-proving. Congratulations to everyone who helped make this achievement possible!”

“With its state-of-the-art technology, the H160 has set a new standard in the helicopter industry and we are pleased U.S. customers will now benefit from the aircraft’s superior performance,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H160’s lower fuel consumption, its ability to use up to 50% blended SAF, comfortable cabin, and excellent cockpit visibility make it ideally suited for offshore operations, and we are confident that it will excel in PHI’s energy missions.”

The H160 has proven to be a popular choice for customers in North America and the first Canadian delivery of the helicopter type was made recently to Chartright Air Group. The H160 has entered into service in Brazil, Japan, Saudi Arabia, France, and many other European countries.

Some more photos from Aeronautica Militare's deployment to Australia to take part in the Pitch Black 2024.

July 2, 2024 - The atolls of white beaches and the crystal blue of the Indian Ocean have opened the wonderful doors of the Maldives Islands, the second stage of the deployment of the Italian contingent
(Photos courtesy of the Aeronautica Militare)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, take off in MV-22B Ospreys during an Exercise Predator’s Run warm start at Robertson Barracks, NT, Australia, July 3, 2024. Marines participated in a warm start planning exercise in preparation for Predator’s Run Warfighting Exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Juan Torres)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, fly an MV-22B Osprey during an Exercise Predator’s Run warm start at Robertson Barracks, NT, Australia, July 3, 2024. Marines participated in a warm start planning exercise in preparation for Predator’s Run Warfighting Exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Juan Torres)

An MQ-9 Reaper stands ready for launch as maintainers and pilots from the 163d Attack Wing conduct final checks at March Air Reserve Base in Moreno Valley, California, on July 3rd, 2024. The unit's mission is to train future pilots and sensor operators, ensuring U.S. global readiness. The California Air National Guard remains on high alert for threats both foreign and domestic.
(Photo by Tech. Sgt. Paul Duquette)

A German Air Force PA-200 Tornado lands at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, during German Air Force-led deployment Pacific Skies 24 at JBER, Alaska, July 2, 2024. Aircraft and personnel have been conducting low-level flying training as part of the deployment. Pacific Skies is a combination of several exercises in the Indo-Pacific theater in which German, French and Spanish air forces participate with U.S. forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shelimar Rivera Rosado)

A German Air Force PA-200 Tornado takes off from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, during German Air Force-led deployment Pacific Skies 24 at JBER, Alaska, July 2, 2024. Aircraft and personnel have been conducting low-level flying training as part of the deployment. Pacific Skies is a combination of several exercises in the Indo-Pacific theater in which German, French and Spanish air forces participate with U.S. forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shelimar Rivera Rosado)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing lands at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson during German Air Force-led deployment Pacific Skies 24 at JBER, Alaska, July 2, 2024. The Raptor is designed to project air dominance and cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft, providing power projection across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shelimar Rivera Rosado)

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 3, 2024) An EA-18G Growler, attached to the Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, launches from the flight deck of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), before air combat-skills practice in the Pacific Ocean, July 3. The primary role of EA-18G Growlers is to disrupt the ability to communicate between units in combat through the use of electronic warfare. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Dimal)

A German Air Force PA-200 Tornado takes off with U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Nahom, commander, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, Alaskan Command and Eleventh Air Force, flying in the backseat during German Air Force-led deployment Pacific Skies 24 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 1, 2024. Aircraft and personnel have been conducting low-level flying training as part of the deployment. Pacific Skies is a combination of several exercises in the Indo-Pacific theater in which German, French and Spanish air forces participate with U.S. forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Julia Lebens)

A Royal Canadian Air Force P-3 Orion and its crew arrive at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, to participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, July 3. Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to Aug. 1. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class William Sykes)

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 3, 2024) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, launches from the flight deck of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), before air combat-skills practice in the Pacific Ocean, July 3. The Diamondbacks conduct carrier-based air strikes and strike force escort missions, as well as ship, battle group, and intelligence collection operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Stanton)

The RAF is sending aircraft and personnel to join two major exercises in the Indo-Pacific Region this summer. One exercise will be based in Australia and the other Hawaii.

To get to Australia, the RAF is taking the opportunity to work with the French Air and Space Force, conducting a joint activity to get both nation’s aircraft to Australia.

The Anglo-French ‘Trail’ will be under the control of the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force, a force set up by the two nations to promote closer defence co-operation. Branded as Exercise Griffin Strike, airborne tanker aircraft and transport aircraft from both nations will support fighter aircraft on the nearly 10000-mile journey.

The two nations' aircraft will assemble in Lyon, southern France and after stops in the Middle East and Singapore, they will arrive in Darwin Australia. Here the aircraft will join the Royal Australian Air Force led multi nation Exercise Pitch Black.

Held biennially, Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Force’s capstone air war fighting exercise. Typhoons from RAF Coningsby based XI (F) Squadron, supported by a RAF Brize Norton based Voyager, will join units from nineteen other nations for the three-week exercise. In addition, the RAF’s Air Mobility Force will provide transport aircraft to enable the participation and subsequent recovery to the UK.

At the same time as Exercise Pitch Black, the annual US Navy led Rim of the Pacific exercise, known as RIMPAC, will see RAF Poseidon P-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft participate for the first time. This will be the furthest range and longest duration exercise for the RAF Poseidon Force to date. The training will see the maritime patrol aircraft crews operate in a wide variety of operational scenarios including disaster relief.

The participation in exercises such as RIMPAC and Exercise Pitch Black is essential training for the RAF, as it allows the deploying elements to experience the challenges of operating over vast distances in the region, as well as integrating with regional Allies and partners to understand their procedures and operating practices.
(Photos courtesy of the RAF)

Poseidon adventure! Operation Gateway, Australia’s longest running Defence operation has successfully concluded following a #AusAirForce P-8A Poseidon deployment from Royal Malaysian Air Force Base (RMAF) Butterworth.

The maritime domain awareness operation involved patrols along some of the world’s busiest shipping routes in the North Indian Ocean and South China Sea.
(Photo courtesy of the RAAF)

Three Rafale from the 4th Saint-Dizier Fighter Squadron were deployed to Guyana on July 1st to strengthen protection of the Guyana Space Centre ahead of the launch of the Ariane 6 rocket.
(Photos courtesy of the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace)



Darwin (Australia) 5th July 2024 - Here we go! We have arrived in Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, Australia.
For the next 3 weeks this city will be the new home for over 400 MilitaryAirforce women and men for the exercise “Pitch Black 2024” as part of the Indo-Pacific air campaign.
(Photo courtesy of the Aeronautica Militare)