A CNN team was given exclusive access to a U.S. Navy P-8A flight over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

The TV crew listened as a Chinese warship warned the aircraft to stay away via radio.

Source: Alert 5

France has declared Initial operating capability (IOC) of its modernized E-3F AWACS with the delivery of the second upgraded aircraft by Boeing.

By Jerry Gunner from Lincoln, UK [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Alert 5

The World’s first commercial imaging satellite with a one-meter resolution was retired from service on Mar. 31.

Photo: Lockheed Martin

Source: Alert 5

According to Reuters, Airbus Defence & Space had sent at least one of the black boxes on board the A400M that crashed to OEM L3 Communications for decoding.

By Tim Felce (Airwolfhound) (A400M – RIAT 2010Uploaded by russavia) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The news comes as the aircraft manufacturer asked all operators to conduct a check on the engine’s Electronic Control Units (ECU) before the next flight.

Source: Alert 5

The Russian Navy is reported to be keen to restart production of the Mi-14 anti-submarine helicopter.

By Pokazylotniczepl (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Kazan Helicopter Works is reported to be preparing to resume the production line.

Source: Alert 5

USSOCOM has decided to integrate the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) II on board the AC-130W.

By U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cory D. Payne [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Elbit Systems of America will work on the integration contract over the next two years.

Source: Alert 5

Four USAF A-10 attack jets arrived at Sliač airport in Slovenia on May 18 for exercises with local soldiers.

They jets flew in from Romania and their next destination is Poland.

Source: Alert 5

The Wall Street Journal reported that the parent company of Sikorsky Aircraft, United Technologies, is talking to possible buyers of the helicopter maker.

By Andrés Ramírez (provided via email by author) [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Alert 5

Flight testing of the Astra air-to-air missile has been delayed after the Su-30MKI fleet was grounded due to a crash on May 19.

By Asian Defence (Asian Defence) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The fighter had taken off from Tezpur airbase at 12.17 p.m. and the crew had to eject thirteen minutes later.
It was the sixth loss of the Su-30 fighter for India.

Source: Alert 5

The U.S. Marine Corps revealed that MV-22Bs were airborne and on their way to rescue a Jordanian F-16 pilot that ejected over Syria last December.

By U.S. Federal Government employee (U.S. Federal Government) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Col. Jason Bohm told reporters during a briefing at the Pentagon that a system had been set up such that the Ospreys could reach any location where coalition aircraft were operating in the Middle East within 30 minutes.

Source: Alert 5