Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel Locklear, told Congress that China’s may be able to enforce a Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) over South China Sea once reclamation works on islands it occupied there are completed.

By CIA. Cropped and Flags added by Estarapapax. (Central Intelligence Agency.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

“It allows them to exert basically greater influence over what’s now a contested area. Expanded land features down there also could eventually lead to the deployment of things such as long-range radars, military, and advanced missile systems,” he said.

Source: Alert 5

By Cpl. Rodion Zabolotniy (https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1601355) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Alert 5

Boeing is looking at a new Harpoon Next Generation anti-ship missile that will have its range double from 67 nm to 134 nm.

By USN [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The upgrade – consists of a more fuel-efficient engine, additional fuel, and a smaller 300-pound class warhead – can be retrofitted by existing customers of Harpoon Block II missiles themselves.

Company officials say the kit is expected to be ready in 2018.

Source: Alert 5

Jane’s reported that the first two F-35As for Israel will arrive home in December 2016.

By U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brett Clashman [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

In addition, five pilots and a squadron commander from Nevatim Air Base have been selected to form the core group of Israeli F-35 instructors.

Source: Alert 5

India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya will finally get an surface-to-air missile system for self-defense.

By Natan Flayer (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY-SA 4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons

A Barak 1 from frigate INS Godavari has been cannibalized and is being installed on the carrier at Karwar.

Source: Alert 5

Six Finnish Air Force F/A-18s are in the Netherlands to participate in an exercise under the NATO Partnership for Peace program.

By bomberpilot (imx00000351Uploaded by High Contrast) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Next week, another two Hornets will travel to the Baltic states for a separate exercise.

Source: Alert 5

A top Boeing executive believes a Middle East nation will shortly decide whether to buy his company’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.

By LTJG Douglas Spence [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Howard Berry, vice president for international sales of the F/A-18, told reporters that Belgium and Denmark are potential customers as well.

Source: Alert 5