A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress conducts a combat air patrol in support of Operation Inherent Resolve over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Nov. 23, 2024. The deployment of the long-range heavy bombers into the USCENTCOM theater demonstrates the United States’ dedication to deterring aggression and maintaining stability in the region alongside allies and partners. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Gerald Willis)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducts a combat air patrol in support of Operation Inherent Resolve over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Nov. 23, 2024. F-15Es conduct missions within the AOR to compete strategically and deter Iran and its proxies. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Gerald Willis)

The Utah Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment welcomed the newest AH-64E Apache Guardian into its ranks in West Jordan, Utah, Nov. 23, 2024. These are the most advanced attack helicopters to date, enhancing the Utah Army National Guard’s air lethality. (Utah Army National Guard photo by: Sgt. Ian Tracy)

November 25, 2024
Bombardier Defense celebrated the delivery of the first Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft to the United States Army in support of the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program. Bolstered by the Global 6500’s high-performance capabilities, the fixed-wing platform will contribute to strengthening the U.S. Army’s aerial deep sensing abilities and marks a significant milestone toward the United States’ goal of modernizing its aerial military intelligence.

Joined by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), State of Kansas officials, and U.S. Army leaders, the celebration highlighted the delivery of the first prototype airframe for the next-generation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solution and the beginning of the next stage of the program to integrate systems.

“Bombardier Defense is honored to support the U.S. Army with the delivery of the first Global 6500 aircraft, a high-performance platform that possesses the speed, endurance-at-range and altitude capabilities to support deep-sensing for the Army of tomorrow,” said Steve Patrick, Vice President of Bombardier Defense. “This best-in-class jet is the future-proofed solution to provide the U.S. Army with the capabilities needed to face current and future threats.”

“We are proud of the partnership with Bombardier Defense and the mission-focused professionals in the State of Kansas. We remain excited about the opportunities we can unlock by pairing the performance, versatility and reliability of the Global 6500 with modern payloads aligned to priority intelligence requirements. HADES is the centerpiece of the Army's collection strategy, and the Global 6500 is the system that brings that strategy to life. This aircraft gives us the range, payload capacity, speed and endurance to deliver timely, relevant and responsive capabilities for the full spectrum of Army and Joint collection requirements.” – Andrew Evans, Director, HQDA G-2 ISR Task Force

“The partnership between Bombardier, the U.S. Army and the Wichita workforce has produced a next-generation aircraft equipped to meet the demands of warfare in a new era of technology,” said U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS). “The HADES aircraft has the tools needed to deter threats, conduct surveillance and help keep our country safe. This is the start of a new chapter in the aviation capabilities of our military and continues Kansas’ legacy of defense manufacturing.”

Fixed-wing platforms like Bombardier’s Global 6500 aircraft, which flies faster, longer, and higher than legacy airborne sensor platforms, offer a significant advantage toward enhancing performance of aerial ISR missions. The Global 6500 provides several advantages for military entities, such as reliability, operational reach, and expanded operating areas. With a maximum endurance of up to 18 hours, and up to 750 flight hours between maintenance intervals, and part of the Global family that has an impressive 99.83% dispatch reliability, the Global 6500 aircraft is an ideal choice to accomplish operational objectives such as deep sensing.

Bombardier Defense has dedicated in-house engineering and support teams available 24/7 worldwide with the ability to incorporate modifications tailored to the customer’s need with complete certification capabilities across the full spectrum of civilian, military and hybrid operations. Bombardier brings decades of experience working with special mission operators and renowned mission systems integrators to adapt its proven platform for critical operations worldwide.

WICHITA, Kan. (Nov. 25, 2024) – Textron Aviation Defense today announced the arrival of five Beechcraft T-6C Texan II Integrated Training System (ITS) aircraft in support of the Vietnam Air Defense Air Force (ADAF) pilot training program at Phan Thiet Airbase. The historic delivery of the first of 12 T-6C Texan II ITS aircraft highlights the on-time fulfillment of the inaugural Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program established between the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and the ADAF. Contracted in August 2022, the full fleet of 12 T-6C aircraft is anticipated to be delivered by mid-2025. 

The Beechcraft T-6C Texan II is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.

“It’s an honor to support the United States and its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam as together they focus on a prosperous, open, resilient, and peaceful Indo-Pacific Region,” said Travis Tyler, President and CEO, Textron Aviation Defense LLC. “We also welcome the Vietnam Air Defense Air Force as the 14th nation to place its confidence in the T-6 Texan II and we celebrate the arrival of the T-6C at Phan Thiet Airbase.”

The initial USAF FMS contract award features three T-6C ITS aircraft, site survey, ground support equipment, two spare engines, spare parts, personal life support equipment, external fuel tanks and pylons, aircraft ferry, program support and country specific technical orders. Subsequent contract awards increased the ADAF fleet of T-6C aircraft to twelve.
About the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II

The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is the world’s premier military flight trainer. Backed by more than 90 years of experience delivering more than 250,000 aircraft worldwide, the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II’s low acquisition, operating and sustainment costs enable global air forces to fast-track pilot production. With an installed base that more than quadruples its closest competitor, the family of Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has been the world’s number one Integrated Training System (ITS) for more than 20 years. The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II capitalizes on an active production line with an industry-leading Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) rating of 10 as well as a proven supply chain and the affordability of 85 percent parts commonality with the Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine. To date, the global fleet of more than 1,000 Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has surpassed 5 million flight hours across 14 nations and two NATO flight schools.

A vital asset, the T-6 empowers global pilot training across the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Flight Training program in Canada, the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) at Sheppard AFB, Texas and the U.S. Air Force Aviation Leadership Program as well as the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Coast Guard, the Hellenic Air Force, the Argentine Air Force, the Israeli Air Force, the Royal Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, Mexican Navy, the Mexican Air Force, the Royal Moroccan Air Force, the Colombian Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force, Tunisian Air Force and the Vietnam Air Defense Air Force.

The CC-295 Kingfisher of the RCAF recently completed the rescue phase of its Operational Test and Evaluation Program. This activity is used to determine if the aircraft meets the operational capability requirements in realistic scenarios, to search for and locate vessels or people in distress, and to complete the rescue part of the mission. Achieving this milestone means the aircraft is on track to reach Initial Operational Capability in early 2025 and will be ready to carry out critical, life-saving SAR missions across Canada’s vast and challenging territory.
(Photo courtesy of the RCAF)

U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Navy flight demonstration squadron, arrive at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire, Nov. 25, 2024. The Blue Angels scheduled a winter visit tour of the base in preparation for the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show scheduled for Sept. 2025. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. April S. Jackson)

Members of Air Forces Northern (AFNORTH) participated with the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense (Defensa), Mexico’s Service to Navigation in the Mexican Air Space (SENEAM) and other interagency partners in AMALGAM EAGLE 24, a live-fly air defense exercise conducted November 13-14, 2024. Amalgam Eagle is a bilateral air defense and search and rescue exercise with its primary objective to enhance the operational and communications capabilities between Air Forces Northern and the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense. The U.S. and Mexico share a close partnership that ensures we are able to stand together and build upon our existing security cooperation efforts.
(Photos by Michael Dougherty)


A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron takes off from RAF Fairford, England, for a training mission with the Royal Moroccan Air Force during Bomber Task Force 25-1, Nov. 22, 2024. The U.S. and Morocco's strategic partnership is based on mutual interests in regional peace, security and prosperity, and we remain dedicated to working together on shared concerns. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers)

A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 183rd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron sits on a flightline within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 20, 2024. The C-17 supports troop and cargo movements along with aeromedical evacuation operations. (Photo by Senior Airman Violette Hosack)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Nov. 22, 2024. The Fighting Falcon is highly maneuverable and has proven its capabilities in air-air combat and air-to-surface attack. (Photo by Staff Sgt. William Rosado)

North Olmsted, Ohio, November 26, 2024 – CommuteAir and Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3) have expanded their cooperation by entering into a contract for the Exchange Plus Program to support CommuteAir’s E-Jet fleet. Through the program, CommuteAir will be able to access tailored inventory management and repair services from Embraer’s worldwide supply chain.

“CommuteAir is excited to build on its existing partnership with Embraer for our ERJ145 aircraft to now include parts inventory and repair support for our E-Jet aircraft,” said Lon Ziegler, CommuteAir’s Vice President of Technical Operations. “Embraer will help ensure we have a ready supply of parts to support our charter operations using the 76-seat E170 aircraft.”

“We are very pleased to partner with CommuteAir to offer the Exchange Plus Program for supporting its E-Jet operation. Embraer has a long-term relationship with the company and our goal is to offer the best-in-class support that makes the difference on our customer’s operations”, said Carlos Naufel, President and CEO, Embraer Services & Support.

Exchange Plus Program is an integrated solution for customers seeking efficiency and cost-effective management of repairable components. With tailored inventory management and comprehensive repair services, customers can optimize their operations while minimizing downtime and associated costs. CommuteAir and Embraer have already partnered on rotable and expendable parts support for the ERJ145 fleet through the Pool and Inventory Planning programs.

About CommuteAir

CommuteAir, a United Express partner, operates over 200 daily flights using 57 Embraer ERJ145s for United Airlines, connecting communities globally. Additionally, CommuteAir offers charter services with an Embraer E170 under its own brand. Headquartered in suburban Cleveland, CommuteAir has major hubs at Houston Intercontinental and Washington Dulles airports. The company also operates maintenance hangars in Houston, Albany, N.Y., and Lincoln, Neb.

One of the RNZAF new C-130J-30 has completed it's first mission to the ice.

Yesterday, NZ7011 flew to Antarctica for the first time. The Hercules was loaded with cargo that will support the New Zealand and United States scientific research programmes at Scott Base and McMurdo Station.

The C-130J is scheduled to make six trips this summer season carrying a mix of passengers and cargo.
(Photo courtesy of the RNZAF)

Some photos from SIRIO24, of 201 and 301 Fighter Squadron (F-16M) of the Força Aérea Portuguese , who were participating in exercise.
(Photos courtesy of the Ejército del Aire)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, flies over the Philippine Sea, Nov. 26, 2024. The aircraft flew to train with Philippine Air Force FA-50s to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific and enhance regional security in the Philippine Sea. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, and Philippine Air Force FA-50s fly over the Philippine Sea, Nov. 26, 2024. The aircraft conducted training operations to enhance interoperability and promote regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron flies over the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 26, 2024. The Fighting Falcon is renowned for its fly-by-wire system, and exceptionally flexible design, enabling it to excel worldwide in a range of both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

A French Air and Space Force Dassault Rafale B receives its final pre-flight checks during an Agile Combat Employment Exercise at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Nov. 7, 2024. Due to its multi-role capabilities, the Rafale is ideal for ACE movements where it is used to conduct air to air/air to ground missions such as air policing, nuclear deterrence duties and power projection. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Albert Morel)


U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Tad Cark, 31st Fighter Wing commander, taxis to the runway in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov 21, 2024. The wing’s motto, “Return with Honor” is painted on the wing’s heritage tail as a reminder to respect the past and embrace the future. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Heather Ley)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron, takes off for a Weapons School Integration mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 21, 2024. WSINT is a series of complex, large-force employment missions that serve as the capstone portion of Weapons School classes, which takes place twice a year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josey Blades)

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 17th Weapons Squadron takes off for a Weapons School Integration mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 21, 2024. The F-15 is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josey Blades)

An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 65th Aggressor Squadron, takes off for a Weapons School Integration mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 21, 2024. WSINT is a series of complex, large-force employment missions that serve as the capstone portion of Weapons School classes, which takes place twice a year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josey Blades)

A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler assigned to Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center, Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, takes off for a Weapons School Integration mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 21, 2024. The EA-18G is a variant in the F/A-18 family of aircraft that combines the proven F/A-18F Super Hornet platform with a sophisticated electronic warfare suite. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josey Blades)

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 27 November 2024 – Emirates has taken delivery of its first A350-900 aircraft, marking an important step in Emirates' fleet growth strategy. It marks the long-standing partnership between Emirates and Airbus which is built on innovation, efficiency and operational excellence. The A350 is set to enhance Emirates’ medium and long-haul operations beyond the airline’s existing network.

Emirates has ordered a total of 65 A350-900s as part of the airline’s’ broader plans to support Dubai’s’ Economic Agenda, which aims to add 400 cities to Dubai’s foreign trade map over the next decade. The A350 will play a vital role in establishing the newly announced Dubai World Central (DWC) mega hub, further strengthening Dubai’s position as a global aviation leader.

Emirates A350-900 will feature three spacious and comfortable cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers (32 business, 21 premium economy and 259 spacious economy class seats). Emirates will also be the first airline in the Middle-East to introduce Airbus' new HBCplus satcom connectivity solution, offering seamless, high-speed global connectivity.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long range leader in the 300-410 seater category. Its clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies, aerodynamics, lightweight materials and latest generation engines that together deliver a 25% advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and CO₂ emissions. The A350’s Airspace cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle in the sky featuring a 50% noise footprint reduction versus the previous generation aircraft.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

At the end of October 2024, the A350 Family had won more than 1,340 firm orders from 60 customers worldwide.

28.11.2024
Pilatus is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of a major contract with KF Aerospace as part of its collaboration with SkyAlyne for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) “Future Aircrew Training” (FAcT) program. The contract involves the delivery of nineteen state-of-the-art PC-21 training aircraft.

The nineteen PC-21s will be stationed at the air force base in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, from 2026. They will primarily be used to provide advanced training for aspiring military pilots. The 25-year FAcT program is designed to fundamentally modernize and expand the RCAF training capabilities.

“SkyAlyne is excited to be working with Pilatus on this important project. The PC-21 offers numerous benefits over conventional training aircraft and is equipped with cutting-edge avionics to ensure a seamless transition to frontline jets,” explains SkyAlyne senior executive Kevin Lemke. “In addition, the PC-21’s innovative design delivers a significant reduction in operating costs and greater efficiency in training operations. These qualities make the PC-21 the ideal choice for Canada.”

Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, commented as follows on this important new contract: “This contract is further proof of the capabilities of our PC-21 training system. Canada ranks amongst the world’s most renowned and professional air forces, and we‘re very proud to be part of this groundbreaking project. We‘re very much looking forward to working with our partners and we can assure everyone of our commitment to providing Canada with the best training system and the best possible customer support. We‘d like to thank everyone for their confidence in Pilatus and the PC-21, our Next Generation Trainer made in Switzerland!”

Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President Government Aviation at Pilatus, added: “This milestone is a significant achievement for all involved, and we’re very proud that the PC-21 will now serve as the backbone of Canada’s military pilot training program for decades to come.”

Proven, integrated training system

The PC-21 by Pilatus offers an advanced training platform specifically designed to meet the requirements of modern pilot training. The PC-21 is known for its efficiency and versatility, and is recognized worldwide as a leading training aircraft. Besides the aircraft itself, the integrated PC-21 training system also includes mission planning and debriefing systems as well as training materials – all essential elements to support ground-based training.

The total fleet of PC-21s worldwide currently stands at just under 250. Customers include the world’s leading air forces in Europe, the Middle and Far East, and Australia. The Swiss Air Force adopted the PC-21 in 2008, and has used it to successfully train future military pilots ever since then.

Belgium.
Major-General Thierry Dupont, Executive Director of the Belgian Military Navigability Authority, signed the F-35A military type certificate.

This signature confirms that the design of this ultramodern fighter aircraft meets the airworthiness specifications.

A big step forward: this certificate paves the way for the award of individual airworthiness certificates, essential for making every F-35 operational for Belgium.
(Photo courtesy of the Belgian Air Force)

Enhanced Air Policing: the Rafale of the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace have taken over in Lithuania to ensure the protection of the Baltic airspace.
Four Rafales and a hundred personal have been deployed on Šiauliai Air Base, since November 28. They provide the sky police under the command of #NATO for a period of four months.

This is the 11th contribution of the French Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace since 2007 and the second for the Rafale.
Coming from the 4th hunting squadron from the Saint-Dizier base, they will be relayed midway by the 30th hunting squadron from Mont-de-Marsan base.
(Photo courtesy of the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace )

Toulouse, France, 29 November 2024 – Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, has taken delivery of its first A330neo.

The A330-900, is the first of 20 to be leased from Avolon by MAG, setting new standards for fuel efficiency and passenger experience.

MAG’s A330neo is configured with a premium two-class layout, featuring 297 seats, with 28 fully-flat Business Class suites and an all-new Economy cabin accommodating 269 passengers. Passengers will enjoy more personal space throughout, with larger overhead storage, improved air quality and the latest in-flight entertainment and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.

The airline will deploy the aircraft on routes across Asia and the Pacific, as well as on selected routes to the Middle East.

MAG is the 20th to join a growing number of global airline operators of the modern fuel efficient A330neo. To date, Airbus has delivered more than 140 A330neo aircraft to airlines worldwide, with the model offering unmatched efficiency in its class.

Dutch F-35s have landed in Estonia for NATO -airspace surveillance.
Four aircraft have just arrived at NAmari Air Base in Estonia, where they will guard NATO airspace on the eastern border of the treaty area until the end of March.

Around 90 to 150 servicemen are part of the air force detachment. Monitoring the airspace and the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) are part of their assignment.

The presence not only serves as a deterrent to Russia, but also contributes to the training of our military and strengthens cooperation with other countries.
(Photos courtesy of the Koninklijke Luchtmacht)

Published Dec. 2, 2024
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) --

The environmental assessment and legal review are complete, officially paving the way for the temporary movement of 17 B-1B Lancers and 800 Airmen from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, to Grand Forks AFB, beginning in December.

The aircraft, assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth AFB, will continue to support home station taskings out of Grand Forks AFB during their relocation, expected to last about 10 months. As the first base to receive the new, next generation bomber – the B-21 Raider – the temporary relocation allows Ellsworth AFB to complete a runway construction projection as part of the base’s preparations for its arrival.

“The runway construction at Ellsworth AFB is a key milestone in ensuring we’re ready to receive the B-21 Raider,” said Col. Derek Oakley, 28th BW commander. “This project illustrates the U.S. Air Force’s commitment to our nation’s newest long-range strike bomber and to the surrounding community.”

While residents around Ellsworth AFB notice more construction traffic, locals in the Red River Valley will begin seeing an increase in military vehicle freight and air traffic noise throughout the fall and into winter.

The first B-1B expected to arrive in December will be remain in place to help prepare the maintenance operations before the full fleet arrives early next year. Aircraft maintenance professionals will conduct day-to-day inspections and repairs to ensure the B-1B fleet is safe for flight, and large-scale, scheduled maintenance activities will be performed at the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, Texas.

“There’s no doubt integrating the B-1 community into our Grand Forks Unmanned Aerial System ecosystem will pay dividends for everyone involved,” said Col. Tim Monroe, 319th Reconnaissance Wing commander. “This temporary relocation is the vanguard of Air Force integration, readiness, and agile combat employment, and epitomizes the mantra of One Team, One Fight.”

The 319th RW is the headquarters operating the RQ-4B Global Hawk, a high-altitude, long-endurance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance unmanned aircraft launched and flown remotely all over the world by Airmen at Grand Forks AFB. As enablers of one of the Air Force’s key missions, sensor operators use information gleaned from watching pattern-of-life to defend NATO’s eastern flank and monitor multiple areas of operation with growing strategic interest.

The temporary relocation of B-1Bs facilitates key basing actions for Ellsworth AFB, without sacrificing readiness of the fleet. Earlier this year, several of Ellsworth AFB’s bombers relocated to Dyess AFB. While there, they were tasked and conducted strikes in Iraq and Syria against Iranian-backed militant groups.

After the runway construction is completed next year the bombers and Airmen will return to Ellsworth AFB. The B-21 Raider is projected to arrive in the mid-2020s.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Emma Funderburk)

A 40th Flight Test Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon flies with a Stand-in Attack Weapon on its rail Nov. 7 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The mission marked the first time the weapon was successfully released from an aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Blake Wiles)

A 40th Flight Test Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon releases a Stand-in Attack Weapon for the first time Nov. 7 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The mission marked the first time the weapon was successfully released from an aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Blake Wiles)