A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., prepares to taxi before its first flight during a temporary deployment at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 9, 2024. The transition to more modern aircraft at Kadena exemplifies the U.S. Air Force’s continued commitment to enhancing posture and building on the strong foundation of the U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)

U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard on the flight line in Sioux City, Iowa October 10, 2024.
U.S. Air National Guard photo Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

A group of U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets from the South Dakota Air National Guard’s 114th Fighter Wing off the wing of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 from the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing, October 8, 2024.
U.S. Air National Guard photo Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 8, 2024) An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the “Proud Warriors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72, takes off from the flight deck of the the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Oct. 8. USS Harry S. Truman, the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Logan Nystrand)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 4th Maintenance Group aircraft maintenance qualification program (AMQP) shop conduct an engine run on an F-15E Strike Eagle at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Sept. 27, 2024. The AMQP shop trains 4th Fighter Wing maintainers on F-15E critical maintenance tasks. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Leighton Lucero)


October 10, 2024
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® partnered with the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School to conduct full-scale, live flight tests of the Smart Adaptive Flight Control Environment (SAFE) system on a large-scale aircraft. SAFE is an adaptive technology that makes real-time adjustments to flight control behavior.

What does this mean for the future of flight tests? The answer is simple: more efficient and affordable development and testing. Instead of having to make adjustments or improvements in between flight tests while a jet is on the ground, SAFE demonstrates real-time corrections to the baseline system in flight. This allows our team to continue iterating and testing at a rapid pace, resulting in substantial time and cost savings.

Strategic Perspectives

“The SAFE system has the potential to revolutionize flight tests, operational aircraft performance and safety. Our work advancing state of the art adaptive technologies continues to evolve and deliver more flexible, capable and collaborative capabilities across current and future platforms,” said Jeff Hakes, director, Revolutionary Air Vehicles, Emerging Concepts and Technologies, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.

The series of test flights were conducted on the X-62A Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft (VISTA). VISTA is an experimental flight test platform that allows us to correlate the development and testing of cutting-edge control algorithms with both crewed and uncrewed vehicle designs.

Our SAFE system links with parameter identification schemes and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning methodologies to enable a “learn-on-the-fly" capability.

The next iteration of the system includes advanced software to quickly address flight control errors through online learning.

This system is a true “bolt-on” capability, meaning it can be applied to any aircraft’s control laws, including current and future crewed and autonomous platforms. We’ve been refining our approach to this advanced software for years and have now demonstrated that SAFE can deliver on its promise on a full-scale aircraft.

A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 7th Airlift Squadron refuel an F-22 Raptor on the flightline of Marine Corps Base Hawaii during exercise Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 25-01, Oct. 9 2024. The Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) is the Army’s newest Combat Training Center (CTC) and generates readiness in the environments and conditions where our forces are most likely to operate in. JPMRC 25-01 includes training participants from across the U.S. Joint Force, and multinational Allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aden Brown)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 9, 2024) An MV-22 Osprey, attached to the “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, lifts off from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Oct. 9, 2024. Theodore Roosevelt, flagship of Carrier Strike Group 9, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations – from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Theodore Minkala)

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard mobilizes for an overwater rescue operation at Moffett Air National Guard Base, Calif., Oct. 9, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ray Aquino)

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 144th Fighter Wing passes the control tower as it takes off from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 10 2024. While on a temporary duty assignment from Sept. 3-19 2024, the 144th Fighter Wing participated in blue air support with the Weapons School’s F-15 Eagle weapons instructor course to add complexity to training missions and strengthen camaraderie within the Eagle community. (Air National Guard photo by Maj. Jason Sanchez)

A Boeing 747-400 HD aircraft lands at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 7, 2024. The aircraft carried a group of U.S. Airmen returning from deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado)

An F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the "Fist of the Fleet" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 launches from the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 8, 2024. Theodore Roosevelt, flagship of Carrier Strike Group 9, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy's role across the full spectrum of military operations - from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ryan Holloway)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla, Oct.10, 2024 — The Boeing [NYSE: BA]-built X-37B will soon perform a series of advanced aerobraking maneuvers, taking the dynamic spaceplane from a Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO), where it’s been operating since December 2023, and lowering its altitude using minimal fuel.

This will be the first time Boeing, the United States Space Force (USSF) and the X-37B attempt to accomplish this novel demonstration.

“Space is a vast and unforgiving environment where testing technologies is critical to the success of future endeavors,” said Michelle Parker, vice president of Boeing’s Space Mission Systems. “There is no other space platform as capable, flexible and maneuverable as the X-37B, and its next demonstration will be another proof point that this test vehicle sets the pace of innovation.”

During aerobraking, the X-37B will use the drag of Earth’s atmosphere to slow it down, reducing the vehicle’s energy and changing the orbit while expending minimal fuel. The Service Module disposal will be conducted in accordance with established standards for space debris mitigation, and the X-37B’s orbit change will occur in a safe and responsible manner. Once aerobraking is complete, the X-37B will resume its test and experimentation objectives.

“This first-of-a kind maneuver from the X-37B is an incredibly important milestone for the United States Space Force as we seek to expand our aptitude and ability to perform in this challenging domain,” said Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations.

The program will leverage six successful missions of safely operating the X-37B around Earth during this next demonstration. Boeing brings decades of lessons learned from operating other spacecraft in a variety of orbits, from the Apollo missions, the Space Shuttle Program, and hundreds of government and commercial satellites.

Today, the UK became the first nation to conduct a full transit of NATO’s eastern border, from its southern most point in Greece, to the most northerly point in Finland.

The RAF Rivet Joint completed the flight with support from NATO partners including the US, Sweden and Finland.

This is a landmark moment. While the Rivet Joint conducts routine transits along the borders of individual NATO countries, this is the first complete transit of NATO’s eastern border. The UK’s commitment to NATO is unshakeable.
(Photos courtesy of NATO)

From October 14, 13 countries, including the Netherlands, will take part in the NATO -exercise Steadfast Noon. Steadfast Noon is an annual recurring routine exercise practicing aspects of nuclear deterrence.
Through our participation we make an important contribution to the federal deterrence and thereby to the safety of NATO and the Netherlands.
(Photo courtesy of the Koninklijke Luchtmacht)

A United Airlines 777-300ER performs aerial maneuvers at the EXPO on the Marina Green during San Francisco Fleet Week 2024 in San Francisco, Oct. 13, 2024. SFFW, now in its 43rd iteration, is a time-honored sea service celebration that allows citizens of the Bay Area to witness today’s maritime capabilities firsthand. Nearly 2,500 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen will showcase their capabilities and equipment, participate in various community service events, and enjoy the hospitality of the Bay Area during the event. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bruin Largent)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Zachary Hartnett, from Illinois and the commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, taxis an F-35B Lightning II jet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 11, 2024. VMFA-533 received their first F-35B Lightning II jet, marking their transition from the F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35B. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nathan Saucier)

An F/A-18 Super Hornet attached to the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, performs aerobatic maneuvers over San Francisco Bay during San Francisco Fleet Week 2024 in San Francisco Oct. 11, 2024. SFFW, now in its 43rd iteration, is a time-honored sea service celebration that allows citizens of the Bay Area to witness today’s maritime capabilities firsthand. Nearly 2,500 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen will showcase their capabilities and equipment, participate in various community service events, and enjoy the hospitality of the Bay Area during the event. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Dimal)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 12, 2024) An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the “Proud Warriors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72, takes off from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Oct. 12. USS Harry S. Truman, the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations supporting U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Logan Nystrand)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 12, 2024) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the “Pukin' Dogs” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, prepares to take off from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Oct. 12. USS Harry S. Truman, the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations supporting U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Logan Nystrand)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 12, 2024) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the “Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, prepares to take off from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Oct. 12. USS Harry S. Truman, the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations supporting U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Logan Nystrand)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 12, 2024) F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the “Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, takes off from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Oct. 12. USS Harry S. Truman, the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations supporting U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa to defend U.S., allied and partner interest. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Logan Nystrand)

Leonardo has launched a new product, called ‘BriteStorm’, that will allow armed forces to operate deep within enemy territory, even when that territory is guarded by modern Integrated Air Defence Systems (IADS).

BriteStorm is able to perform ‘stand-in jamming’: an airborne electronic warfare capability, deployed ahead of the main force, to deliver high-powered interference against a wide spectrum of threats. By doing so, BriteStorm degrades the enemy’s IADS, supressing its ability to detect and lock onto other platforms, protecting friendly forces and enabling their mission.

The BriteStorm payload is designed to be installed on the widest possible range of UAVs and launched effects. It will equip each platform with an advanced array of digital deception techniques, deployable at long range.

The UK Royal Air Force's Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) is working with Leonardo in relation to the capability and has purchased payloads to conduct trials. Successful flights with the RCO proving the capability have already taken place.

Developed at Leonardo’s electronic warfare research and manufacturing base in Luton, UK, BriteStorm builds on the Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) technology underpinning Leonardo’s in-service BriteCloud countermeasure, the only DRFM-based expendable on the market to have been demonstrated effective in live tests. In contrast to BriteCloud, which is designed to disrupt incoming missiles’ radar guidance systems, BriteStorm has been engineered to confuse and suppress ground-based surveillance radars, preventing the enemy from tracking and then engaging friendly forces.

BriteStorm works by using Leonardo’s mission-tested DRFM technology to detect and evaluate the electronic warfare threat environment and then choose the most relevant countermeasure technique. Depending on the situation, BriteStorm’s effects can range from barraging the enemy system with electronic noise to more sophisticated techniques such as creating dozens of realistic ‘ghost’ fighter jet signatures, confusing and misdirecting the enemy response.

BriteStorm is small, lightweight and platform-agnostic. A standard BriteStorm fit incorporates a platform-specific antenna, transmit-receive modules and Leonardo’s Miniature Technique Generator. It is simple to integrate, making BriteStorm an accessible route to establishing a powerful, attritable, stand-in jamming capability. The BriteStorm development team has drawn on Leonardo’s company-wide programme of digital transformation to create a powerful and sophisticated product, whilst ensuring the payload can be considered attritable.

In addition to the UK Ministry of Defence, Leonardo views the U.S. Department of Defense as a key potential customer for BriteStorm, with the payload able to deliver a capability advantage to operators in contested electronic warfare environments, while being rapidly reprogrammable to match the pace of the threat. BriteStorm has been designed to be readily exportable, with demonstration units already in the USA. Leonardo is expecting to see further interest in BriteStorm from customers in Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

SAN DIEGO – 14 October 2024 – On Sept. 30, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) completed a major milestone with the full-scale fatigue testing of an MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The team completed the “second lifetime” of fatigue testing, which is equivalent to 80,000 operating hours and represents an important step in validating the design of the airframe system. The testing is part of the aircraft certification to NATO standard STANAG 4671, where the aircraft will ultimately be tested through three lifetimes, thereby proving the 40,000-hour lifetime of the airframe.

The full-scale fatigue test simulates the aircraft’s design service through the application of repeated structural loading on the assembled airframe. The testing identifies any potential structural deficiencies ahead of fleet usage and assists in developing inspection and maintenance schedules for the airframe. The results of the test will be used as part of the documentation for certification and will form the basis for in-service inspections of structural components.

MQ-9B is GA-ASI’s most advanced RPA and includes the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® models as well as the new Protector RG Mk1 that is currently being delivered to the United Kingdom Royal Air Force (RAF).

“Full-scale fatigue testing is an integral part of validating the airframe design and a key input for the certification of the airframe prior to entering service,” said Chris Dusseault, vice president of MQ-9B in Europe. “The completion of the fatigue test builds confidence for our MQ-9B customers that the SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian meets the stringent design rigor and is mature at Entry into Service.”

The testing is the validation of years of design and analysis efforts. This is the second of three lifetimes of testing for the airframe. Two of the lifetimes simulate the operation of an aircraft under normal conditions, and the third has intentional damage inflicted on the airframe’s critical components to demonstrate its resistance to operational damage that may occur over the lifetime of the air vehicle.

Testing was conducted from Jan. 31, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2024, at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research in Wichita, Kansas. The airframe tested is a production airframe purpose-built to support the test campaign.

In addition to the RAF, contracts have been signed for MQ-9B with Belgium, Canada, Japan, Taiwan and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating the SeaGuardian for maritime operations, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) selected SeaGuardian for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPA System Trial Operation Project.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable RPA systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than eight million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent situational awareness. The company also produces a variety of sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas.

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com

SAN DIEGO – 15 October 2024 – As part of the U.S. Army’s Vanguard demonstrations that took place in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, on Sept. 17–18, 2024, a Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) provided by the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) showcased several new capabilities, including the integration of an Expeditionary Cyber Chassis (ECC) for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) and Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) with Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) radios from Silvus Technologies.

Sponsored by Col. Danielle Medaglia, Product Manager for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, and operated by U.S. Army Soldiers, the GE-ER successfully demonstrated data relay and voice communication over significant distances, extending the range, quality, and speed of data exchanges for ground units. The demonstration also verified the capability of relaying video and chat messages between ground users equipped with Silvus 4200 MANET radios, highlighting the progress being made in enhancing tactical communications and situational awareness.

While utilizing the COMINT system, Gray Eagle was able to detect stationary and moving targets at significant ranges and provide data for analysis to expeditionary intelligence cells. This expansion of Gray Eagle capabilities is due to its open architecture, which exemplifies the Army’s Transformation in Contact (TIC) concept. The Army benefits by using an existing system to reduce risk and impacts while gaining new capabilities without the prolonged timelines of an acquisition new start.

“We’re excited to work with our Army customer to increase the relevance and capabilities of the GE-ER platform,” said Chris MacFarland, sector vice president of Strategic Development for Army Programs. “These efforts of Vanguard to demonstrate new capabilities hosted on CMOSS hardware will improve the Army’s premier UAS platform in supporting advanced UAS operations.”

Built by GA-ASI and operated by the U.S. Army, the GE-ER participating in the exercise represents the future capabilities of the Gray Eagle 25M’s open architecture design, allowing for rapid integration of vendor-agnostic sensors, radios, and payloads needed for Multi-Domain Operations. The ability to fully integrate internally mounted long-range sensors and launched effects, while controlling them with modernized laptop ground control systems, significantly enhances its survivability and lethality. Along with advanced data links, resilient GPS navigation systems, and an upgraded propulsion system, the GE 25M is resilient to electronic threats when deployed in expeditionary and austere locations.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable RPA systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than eight million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent situational awareness. The company also produces a variety of sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas.

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com

The UK Carrier Strike Group with HMS Prince of Wales as its focal point is off the coast of Scotland to carry out Exercise Strike Warrior – military drills that will confirm that the task force is ready for operations.

It is all in preparation for the Carrier Strike Group 25 deployment, which will send British warships, support vessels and jets across the world on the first mission of its kind since HMS Queen Elizabeth led a 49,000-mile mission to Japan and back in 2021.

For now, F-35B Lightning jets, frigates, destroyers, submarines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary tankers, and helicopters are in the North Sea, as they test their ability to carry out operations seamlessly together.

This will be supported by the RAF who will provide aircraft to support anti-submarine operations and test the air defence capability of the task group.

Running the exercise from HMS Prince of Wales is Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, and his battle staff, who carefully coordinate operations, ensuring the task group works as a highly effective unit.

He said: “The UK’s Carrier Strike Group is the 1* battle staff that commands the fleet embarked on HMS Prince of Wales.
“I have command of highly capable assets and personnel, which provide a powerful capability across all domains from anti-air to cyber.

“This exercise is important because it will validate my team as a “Very High Readiness” force, which means we can be ready to command a fleet with a few days’ notice.

“This is all in preparation for next year’s exercise across which will see us traverse the globe to achieve.”

“Exercise Strike Warrior is an important milestone for 809 NAS, being the Squadron’s first return to sea since the Falklands conflict and an important stepping stone in developing our Initial Operational Capability.”

During Strike Warrior, HMS Prince of Wales will be surrounded by warships, including HMS Portland, HMS Iron Duke, HMS Dauntless and an Astute-class submarine which will protect her from a range of threats.

HMS Portland (Type 23 frigate) will work on countering threats beneath the waves in their primary role as submarine hunters, aided by Merlin helicopters and P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft from the RAF.

Type 45 destroyer Dauntless brings world-class air defence to the task group, with her powerful Sampson radars and Sea Viper missiles acting as a shield from above – systems which have just proved their prowess against drones and missiles with HMS Diamond in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

An Astute-class hunter killer submarine is lurking beneath the waves, capable of fending off adversary subs but also hitting targets with Tomahawk missiles.

Over the next two weeks, this potent task group will come up against intensive warfare scenarios to test their ability to firstly protect HMS Prince of Wales and her air group, which will be required to carry out flying operations throughout.

The UK Carrier Strike Group will operate with NATO warships from Standing NATO Maritime Group 1—the alliance’s premier task force in Northern European waters – throughout Strike Warrior.

The two task forces will test tactics across a range of scenarios, including anti-submarine warfare, countering attacks from uncrewed systems, air defence exercises, pilot rescues and practising sailing through narrow straits while under threat.

While all of this takes place, F-35B jets from 809 Naval Air Squadron will be flying sorties, including carrying out mock long-range strikes into mainland Europe.

It is the first time Marham-based 809 have deployed on the carrier after standing up at the end of last year.

809 Naval Air Squadron’s Commanding Officer, Commander Nick Smith, said: “The F-35 Lightning Force, specifically the front-line units 617 Squadron and 809 Naval Air Squadron, bring the headline Carrier Strike capability to the task group. The 5th Generation capability we bring ranges from projection of firepower ashore, to support of other theatre assets or defence of the task group.
(Photos courtesy of the RN)

The last part of the weapons instructor training is about to begin. After months of intensive theory and practical classes, both in the Netherlands and Norway, in two weeks it will be time for the ultimate test: the two-week final exercise.

During this final exercise of the Weapons Instructor Course (WIC), the trainees fly both above the North Sea and in military airspace above the north of the Netherlands. This is what they do from Vliegbasis Leeuwarden , which can be noticeable both during the day and in the evening.

(Photos courtesy of the Koninklijke Luchtmacht)