AFSOC receives first AC-130J
U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command received its first AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Hurlburt Field on Jul. 29.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Kai White
The 1st Special Operations Group Detachment 2 will begin operational tests and evaluation with the aircraft.
Source: AFSOC receives first AC-130J
India cancels MMRCA tender
India has officially withdrawn the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender for 126 Rafale fighters, Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar told the Upper House of Parliament in a written reply.
By USAFE AFAFRICA from Ramstein Air Base, Germany (150621-F-RN211-305) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Source: India cancels MMRCA tender
Japan high court bans JMSDF night, early morning flights at Atsugi
The Tokyo High Court has upheld a lower court’s decision to ban the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force from operating flights at Atsugi late at night and early in the morning.
By Yamaguchi Yoshiaki from Japan (JMSDF P-3C (5056) @RJTAUploaded by russavia) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The case is unique as the court also ordered the government to pay damages for future noise pollution at the base.
However, the residents failed to get approval to ban U.S. flights there.
Source: Japan high court bans JMSDF night, early morning flights at Atsugi
Malaysia signs contract for Starstreak MANPADS
Malaysia has bought the STARStreak MANPADS. The contract signing was witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Defense Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and Bristish Minister of State for Defense Procurement, Philip Dunne.
U.S. delivering eight F-16 Block 52s to Egypt
The United States is delivering eight F-16 Block 52s to Cairo West Air Base, Egypt between Jul. 30-31, a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Cairo said.
Photo: U.S. Embassy in Cairo
Another four F-16s will be delivered this fall.
Source: U.S. delivering eight F-16 Block 52s to Egypt
RAF Eurofighters intercept 10 Russian military aircraft in a single QRA mission
Eurofighters from RAF’s 6 (Fighter) Squadron intercepted 10 Russian military aircraft during a single Baltic Air Patrol, Quick Reaction Alert mission on Jul. 24.
Photos: Royal Air Force
The ten Russian aircraft consists of: 4 Su-34 fighters, 4 MiG-31 fighters and 2 An-26 transports.
Source: RAF Eurofighters intercept 10 Russian military aircraft in a single QRA mission
Snowbirds won’t be flying at Wings Over Waukegan airshow
The Canadian Snowbirds aerobatic team will not be performing at the Wings Over Waukegan airshow as the organizers failed to get permission from residents around Waukegan National Airport to setup a buffer zone.
By John Davies – CYOW Airport Watch [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons
Source: Snowbirds won’t be flying at Wings Over Waukegan airshow
Britain to double number of military personnel in South East Asia war games
British Prime Minister David Cameron announced during his visit to Malaysia that the number of British military personnel taking part in the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) exercises will double from around 100 this year to 200 by 2021.
Photo: BAE Systems
He also revealed that RAF Eurofighters will be back for the exercises in 2017.
Source: Britain to double number of military personnel in South East Asia war games
Best set of air-to-air photos from Exercise Indradanush so far
Photos: Royal Air Force
Source: Best set of air-to-air photos from Exercise Indradanush so far
Cathay Pacific 777 departs Eareckson Air Station, Alaska after emergency landing
Cathay Pacific Flight 884 was forced to make an emergency landing at Eareckson Air Station in the Alaskan Aleutian Islands on Jul. 29 after smoke was detected on board.
Edwinの航空写真 [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The Boeing 777-300ER airliner was flying from Hong Kong to Los Angeles with 276 passengers and 18 crew members.
The plane eventually left around 11:15 a.m. local time for Anchorage after spending nearly five hours on the ground in Shemya island.
Source: Cathay Pacific 777 departs Eareckson Air Station, Alaska after emergency landing