Two B-52H bombers assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing flew a 30-plus hour, 14,000 mile nonstop mission to Jordan for exercise Eager Lion 2015.

By United States Air Force [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

During the exercise, B-52 crews joined up with the Jordanian air force F-16s over Jordan, conducting a low flyover and a conventional weapons demonstration. Additionally, while in flight, bomber crews coordinated with Jordanian joint terminal attack controllers on the ground to increase cooperation and understanding regarding tactics, techniques and procedures for future interoperability, according to the press release.
Both aircraft return home to Barksdale Air Force Base on May 18.

Source: Alert 5

The 95th Fighter Squadron has returned home to Tyndall Air Force Base after a six month deployment to Southeast Asia.

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alex Echols

Source: Alert 5

Six U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs have landed on board USS Wasp (LHD-1) on May 18 to kickoff the first Operational Test (OT-1).

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Remington Hall

Source: Alert 5

A Hungarian Gripen was lost after it failed to stop on the runway and entered the field during exercise Lion Effort on May 19.

Both pilots ejected safely from the JAS-39D and this was the first crash of an export Gripen.

Source: Alert 5

The Russian military will start testing of the Sosna short-range air defense missile system in summer.

Photo: KBtochmash

Source: Alert 5

The U.S. Government Accountability Office had eight focus group sessions with U.S. Army pilots training to fly UAVs and found that trainees did not get adequate training as they had to perform menial tasks.

By Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

“Army UAS pilots in all of the focus groups we conducted stated that they had difficulty completing UAS pilot training in units because they spend a significant amount of time performing additional duties such as lawn care, janitorial services, and guard duty,” according to the 44-page report.

Source: Alert 5

Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology (NCSIST) will showcase its Sky Bow III, Red Sparrow 2 UAV and other weapons at this year’s Paris airshow.

Source: Alert 5

Northrop Grumman will enter a flying wing concept for the upcoming NASA New Frontiers competition.

Image: Northrop Grumman

Source: Alert 5

A Boeing official said the Pentagon is expected to order more of the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP).

By DoD photo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dod_dtra/4327700817/) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

“MOP is not only in the inventory, but there’s additional procurements expected in the near term as well,” Debbie Rub, vice president and general manager of Boeing Global Strike, says.

Source: Alert 5