A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, over the North Sea, Sept. 11, 2024. Bomber task force missions demonstrate the credibility and flexibility of U.S. forces to address today’s complex, dynamic and volatile global security environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jesenia Landaverde)

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and four Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lightning IIs, fly in formation over the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility, Sept. 10, 2024. Bomber missions provide opportunities to train and work with our Allies and partners in joint and coalition operations and exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Samantha White)

DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory – A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules lands at the airfield aboard Diego Garcia as part of a scheduled ‘around the world’ tour Sept. 10, 2024. U.S. Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia’s mission is to provide critical support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean, while supporting multi-theater forces operating in the CENTCOM, AFRICOM, EUCOM and PACOM areas of responsibilities in support of overseas contingency operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan Steis)

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II takes off during exercise Agile Shield at RAF Lakenheath, England, Sept. 3, 2024.
Integrating fifth-generation aircraft into Agile Combat Employment training is a vital step towards enhancing security, maintaining air superiority and deterring adversaries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez)

A WC-130J assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron approaches the runway to land at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Sept. 12, 2024. The Air Force Reserve squadron, also known as the Hurricane Hunters, returned to Keesler AFB from Kelly Field at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. They flew missions throughout the duration of Hurricane Francine in order to update forecasters at the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center with live data from the storm. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kristen Pittman)

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber takes off for a Bomber Task Force mission at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia, Sept. 11, 2024. U.S. forces will fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows, at the time and tempo of its choosing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Whitney Erhart)

Royal Thai Air Force Gp. Capt. Dulyakarn Kornsang marshalls a KC-135 Stratotanker under the supervision of Tech. Sgt. Lidia Tellez, 141st Maintenance Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. September 12, 2024. The Royal Kingdom of Thailand is a strategic U.S. partner and has been aligned with the State of Washington as the National Guards State Partnership Program since 2002.
(Photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Brown)

A German Air Force A400M from the Bundeswehr’s Air Transport Wing 62 performs a low pass at a tactical landing zone at Camp Red Devil during Exercise Proptoberfest Sept. 10, 2024, at Colorado Springs, Colorado. The joint training in Exercise Proptoberfest between the Illinois Air National Guard’s 182nd Airlift Wing C-130s and the German Air Force A400Ms reinforces the NATO alliance, building on the successful collaboration during the Air Defender 23 exercise and emphasizing the strategic importance of partnerships in maintaining global security, consistent with the 2022 National Defense Strategy. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Katherine Jacobus)

The Italian Air Force today unveiled the new aircraft that will take over the legacy of the MB-339PAN, the iconic jet that the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team has been using for over 40 years. The new aircraft (M-346 aircraft) will enable the Frecce Tricolori to continue to represent Italian excellence wordlwide.

(Photos courtesy of the Aeronautica Militare)

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II's attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 225, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in international waters east of the Korean Peninsula, Sept. 13, 2024. Boxer and embarked elements of the 15th MEU are conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Luis Agostini)


A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing takes off during exercise Titan Fury 24-7 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Sept. 13, 2024. The KC-135s conducted minimum-interval takeoffs, a critical procedure used in aviation to ensure that aircraft can safely take off and climb to their assigned altitude without interfering with other aircraft's flight paths. Titan Fury is a recurring total force exercise that ensures Fairchild’s Airmen are trained and ready to provide Rapid Global Mobility at a moment’s notice in support of strategic deterrence and the National Defense Strategy. This exercise is an example of how the 92nd Air Refueling Wing is engaged, postured and ready with a credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Morgan St Marks)

A U.S. Air Force pararescueman, assigned to the 57th Rescue Squadron, fast ropes out of a U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk, assigned to the 56th RQS, into the Adriatic Sea during exercise PR ACE Croatia 24 near Pula, Croatia, Sept. 13, 2024. Multinational exercises with Allies and partners demonstrate and strengthen the Alliance’s shared commitment to global security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

13 Sep 2024
The Ministry of Defence has awarded BAE Systems a £60 million contract to upgrade the Royal Navy’s autonomous Sting Ray lightweight torpedo.

The team will design and develop the Sting Ray torpedo upgrade over a four-year assessment phase, which will include the construction of prototypes and in-water trials. The upgrade will implement new technological features, including added deployment options, ensuring that Sting Ray continues to meet the challenge of emerging threats now and into the future.

"The Sting Ray torpedo remains at the heart of anti-submarine warfare. It’s a huge sign of confidence for the Company to be entering the next phase of development and be able to demonstrate its additional capabilities. This contract is vitally important to the UK’s strategic underwater defence plans and an important step in the advancement of our capability for decades to come."
Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime Services

The new contract will support more than 80 highly-skilled engineering jobs at BAE Systems’ Maritime Services business in Portsmouth as well as around 20 specialist manufacturing jobs at BAE Systems’ site in Hillend in Fife. It will also create additional investment in UK SME and high-tech suppliers across the UK.

Four F-16 aircraft from The Republic of Singapore Air Force touched down on 10 September 2024 beginning the third rotation of the Extended Fighter Detachment at RAAF Base Pearce.

This rotation will run through September and October and include night flying from 30 September to 02 October.

(Photos courtesy of Michael Thomas RAAF)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 555th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, land after a training flight during Cobra Warrior 24-2 at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Sept. 16, 2024. Twice a year, the U.K. hosts the Cobra Warrior exercise, a multilateral, live-fly field training exercise as part of their fighter weapons school graduation event. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Cody J. A. Mott)


A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 162nd Wing, Arizona Air National Guard, taxis out to the runway, at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Sept. 16, 2024. The Tucson, Arizona based unit spent two weeks in Oregon, training with the 173rd Fighter Wing F-15C Eagles. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar)

North American Aerospace Defense Command F-16 Fighting Falcons pilots conduct final checks on September 11, 2024 before departing Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The F-16’s supported OPERATION POLAR VORTEX and provided integration training with Navy assets in the Alaska Theater of Operations. Continuing our presence in the Arctic through training and operations demonstrates how NORAD and U.S. Northern Command campaign daily in coordination with mission partners to deter aggression; enhance deterrence, stability and resilience; advance capabilities and posture; and detect and respond to threats in support of the layered defense of our nations. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Carson Jeney)


A North American Aerospace Defense Command F-16 Fighting Falcon takes-off in support of OPERATION POLAR VORTEX on September 11, 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The F-16’s conducted integration training with the 611th Air Operations Center and Navy assets in the Alaska Theater of Operations. Deterring and protecting the homelands from aggression requires the persistent and seamless exchange of information with combatant commands, conventional and special operations forces, the intelligence community, and the spectrum of interagency and international partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Carson Jeney)

STRATFORD, Conn., Sept. 17, 2024 – Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), announced that it has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification to offer a one-time life extension for specific main gear box housings on its S-92 helicopters. By leveraging the Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) data collected from Sikorsky’s unmatched S-92 fleet - representing more than 300 aircraft and 2.3 million fleet flight hours - the company developed a methodology to more accurately determine the life-limit for parts and help alleviate supply chain issues affecting the industry.

This earned credit is based upon examination of the HUMS data for individual housings, allowing continued operation beyond the current 4,300 hour limit. This extension is made possible by utilizing Sikorsky’s revolutionary LifePlus™ methodology, which determines remaining component life of S-92 helicopter parts based on actual aircraft usage. The certification will allow operators to keep gearboxes in service for more hours, mitigating downtime, and increasing operational readiness and availability for the fleet. LifePlus™ will continue as a multi-phase intelligent approach to component life calculations with current FAA certifications planned in 2025 and beyond.

"The FAA certification of the main gear box housing earned life credit is just one of the many examples of Sikorsky's continued investment in the S-92 platform," said Leon Silva, vice president of Sikorsky's Global Commercial and Military Systems. "For over a decade, we have been investing in LifePlus™, and we are thrilled to see it becoming a game changer for the industry."

In late 2023, the FAA approved the first component life extension using LifePlus technology on the S-92's main rotor hub, raising the retirement time from 9,000 hours to 15,000 hours or 45,000 ground-air-ground cycles, extending the life of current parts in the fleet.

With LifePlus™, Sikorsky is redefining the way the industry thinks about component life and maintenance, providing operators with the support they need to keep their helicopters in service for longer, while also improving safety and reliability.

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com/s92.

Saab delivers fifth GlobalEye to the United Arab Emirates.

“In close partnership with the UAE Air Force, Saab has developed, produced and delivered a fleet of five state-of-the-art GlobalEye aircraft, all in a period of less than 10 years. This further reinforces Saab’s position as leading provider in the airborne early warning and control segment,” says Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.

GlobalEye is an advanced multi-domain AEW&C solution with an array of active and passive sensors that provide long-range detection and identification of objects in the air, at sea and over land. By providing real-time information to units in the air force, army and navy, GlobalEye enables enhanced situational awareness of the surrounding areas and early detection of threats.

Leonardo celebrated a significant milestone with the 100th delivery of the TH-73A Thrasher helicopter to the United States Navy on September 17 at a ceremony in Northeast Philadelphia. Attendees included Vice Adm. Daniel L. Cheever, Commander, Naval Air Forces/Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Lt. Gen. Bradford Gering, Deputy Commandant for Aviation for the U.S. Marine Corps, along with a crowd of over one hundred dignitaries representing government, military, and nonprofit institutions.

In early 2020, the Navy selected the Leonardo TH-73A, an advanced Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) rated version of the commercial AW119Kx, to replace its aging fleet of TH-57B/C Sea Rangers as the primary training helicopter to produce the next generation of rotary and tilt-rotor pilots for the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and selected allied nations.

“We’re proud to continue to provide our contribution to the Navy as it aims at delivering the highest level of quality for their next generation naval aviators’ training,” said Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters. “We’re committed to sustaining this capability with our technology to make sure our partners’ needs are met as frontline capabilities and operational requirements keep evolving.”

“We are thrilled to deliver the 100th TH-73 to our esteemed U.S. Navy partners,” said Clyde Woltman, Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo Helicopters U.S. “This production milestone is a testament to all the collaboration and hard work between our organizations, and we remain focused on preparing for the fleet’s readiness for decades to come.”

The TH-73A Advanced Helicopter Training System represents a pivotal modernization in Navy helicopter training technology, shifting from analog to digital avionics, and is projected to serve the U.S. Navy through 2050 and beyond. This enhanced training capability will help maintain the highest standard of military flight training with current and relevant training platforms. The TH-73A will facilitate a higher quality and more proficient naval aviator who will be ready to meet the operational challenges faced in the fleet.

“The advanced capability of the TH-73 Thrasher is a great training addition for our warfighters,” said Vice Adm. Daniel Cheever, Commander Naval Air Forces. “This means our newest Naval Aviators arrive ready to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win in war.”

TH-73A’s advanced design, based on the IFR-certified variant of the commercial AW119Kx, sets it apart as the ideal selection for initial flight training with the capacity to support advanced operational maneuvers. The helicopter is powered by a robust Pratt & Whitney PT-6 engine and features dual safety and hydraulic systems, ensuring reliability and safety during all aspects of flight operations. With modern digital avionics provided by Genesys Aerosystems, the Thrasher excels in every maneuver within the Navy's training program and expanded the training syllabi, facilitating a seamless transition from fundamental flying activities to complex operational training.

Training by the numbers

As of mid-August, the Navy’s advanced helicopter training syllabus is currently comprised of more than 317 total Student Naval Aviators (SNAs), of which 185, or 58%, are currently in the TH-73A training curriculum. This number is projected to peak at 66% when the second of three squadrons complete the transition this fall. The third and final squadron, Helicopter Training Squadron (HT) 28, is expected to begin the transition to the TH-73 later this year.

In addition, the commitment to flight training is unwavering, evidenced by the safe and effective execution of more than 43,000 flight hours flown in support of the Navy’s training requirements. To support the dynamic training environment, 133 Training Air Wing (TW) 5 instructor pilots have been qualified in the TH-73A, comprised of 86 conversion instructors and 47 new Instructors Under Training (IUTs). Many additional IUTs continue to hone their skills within the helicopter instructor training unit. The program also benefits from the expertise of eight contract maintenance provider Functional Check Pilots who have been qualified in the model in direct support of the program. More than 200 SNAs have completed the TH-73A syllabus and been winged Naval Aviators to date.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Evan Shockley, from Virginia and commanding officer, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, taxis an F-35C Lightning Il at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Sept. 17, 2024. VMFA-251 became the first East Coast-based Marine Corps squadron to receive the F-35C, designed to operate from conventional aircraft carriers or land bases and provides operational flexibility and persistence to II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)



A B-21 Raider conducts flight testing, which includes ground testing, taxiing, and flying operations, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The B-21 will be the backbone of the service’s future bomber force, and will possess the range, access and payload to penetrate the most highly-contested threat environments and hold any target around the globe at risk. The bomber platform is being developed through the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, which utilizes streamlined methods to develop, produce and field critical combat capabilities. (Courtesy photo)

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 71st Fighter Training Squadron, one of three flying squadrons assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia are displayed on the flight line during exercise Iron Forge at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, September 12, 2024. Iron Forge is the final phase of F-22 pilot training aimed at equipping aviators for air-to-air combat, honing warfighter capabilities and practicing air combat tactics crucial for countering adversaries and dominating threats worldwide. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Christa J. Ross)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron flies during Range Day 2024 at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 13, 2024. Range Day allowed aircrews to demonstrate their flying, navigation, and communication skills in a realistic setting, ensuring they are well prepared for real world missions and enhancing operational readiness and effectiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick Boyle)

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 47th Fighter Squadron banks in flight during Hawgsmoke 2024 at the Barry M. Goldwater Range near Gila Bend, Ariz., on Sept. 13, 2024. The 47th FS emerged victorious, reaffirming its position as the top attack team in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken)

Bali, 18 September 2024 – The Indonesian Air Force has placed an order for four Airbus H145 helicopters as part of its training modernisation programme. The order was announced during the Bali International Airshow taking place this week.

Under the agreement between the Indonesian Air Force and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), Airbus will deliver the five-bladed H145s to PTDI, who will manage the reassembly and completion of the mission equipment and other customisation work at its facility in Bandung, Indonesia, for final delivery to the air force. These multi-mission helicopters will be deployed for military training and light search-and-rescue missions.

“We are honoured by Indonesia’s selection of the country’s first Airbus H145 for its new training fleet. We are fully confident that the highly versatile H145 will make a positive impact in enhancing its military pilot training and at the same time be a critical enabler for its search-and-rescue operations. With a trusted partner in PTDI, we look forward to working together in support of Indonesia’s fleet,” said Vincent Dubrule, Head of Asia-Pacific, Airbus Helicopters.

“We are deeply honoured by the trust placed by the Indonesian Air Force through their order of the H145 helicopters as part of their training modernisation programme. This collaboration not only strengthens the long-standing partnership between PTDI and Airbus, but also showcases our commitment to providing innovative and reliable solutions for national operational needs. Through this close partnership, PTDI will not only support the delivery of the H145 helicopters but will also enhance our capabilities in terms of integration and assembly at our facilities. We are confident that this cooperation will create new opportunities for the development of the national aerospace industry and further sustain the long-term relationship between PTDI and Airbus, which we continue to strengthen for a more advanced future,” said Gita Amperiawan, President Director, PT Dirgantara Indonesia.

Airbus Helicopters and Indonesia have an enduring relationship of close to 50 years dating back to 1976 when PTDI first obtained a licence to produce the NBO-105 helicopter. PTDI became a key supplier of Airbus H225’s rear fuselage and main airframe in 2008, with full production in place in Indonesia by 2011. The two companies expanded the industrial cooperation in 2017, to include support and services dedicated for the Indonesian military fleet of helicopters, and most recently deepened the collaboration to explore the development of aerostructure production for the manufacturer's helicopter platform, helicopter completions, and enhancing local maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities.

The latest version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 adds an innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission H145, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design eases maintenance operations, improves serviceability and reliability, and enhances flight comfort for both passengers and crew.

Worldwide there are more than 1,700 H145 family helicopters in service, with a total of more than 7.9 million flight hours. The Helionix digital avionics suite includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class, while its CO2 emissions are the lowest among its competitors. The H145 family is used to train military personnel by armed forces around the world, including the US Army, the UK Armed Forces and soon Germany.

For the first time an MQ-9 Reaper flies over the Netherlands.

The unmanned aircraft made a practice flight over the north and adjacent sea area this afternoon. In the coming weeks, soldiers will be training together with fighter jets, ground troops and air traffic management, the MQ-9 will be joining the Weapon Instructor Course (WIC).

(Photos courtesy of the Koninklijke Luchtmacht )