The C-130H aircraft was formerly used by the US Air Force (USAF), and arrived in Botswana on May 24, 2024. It was officially given to the Botswana Defence Force during a handover ceremony on June 27, 2024 at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE).

The handover coincided with the Africa Chiefs of Defence Conference held in Botswana.

鈥淭he transfer of this aircraft from the United States to Botswana is a testament to how the US and Botswana work together to further a shared commitment to peace, security, and prosperity in the region,鈥� US Ambassador to Botswana Howard Van Vranken said in a statement.

鈥淭he United States is honored to play a role in ensuring that the Botswana Defence Force has the capability to perform vital missions not only in Botswana, but when called upon regionally as well,鈥� Van Vranken added.

The C-130H Hercules, worth $30 million, was granted through the US Excess Defense Articles Program, under which the US transfers or hands over excess defense equipment to foreign governments or international organizations.

The US Embassy in Gaborone said the C-130H donation aligns with the US Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa, which emphasizes security cooperation and capacity building.

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is an American four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built by Lockheed Martin, and is known for its toughness and versatility. It is used by operators in the United States and internationally to perform a variety of missions, including fighting wildfires, delivering humanitarian aid, and conducting search, rescue, and defense missions.

US hands over three CN 235-220 maritime surveillance aircraft to Malaysia

• Defense

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-07-01

All three RMAF CN 235-220 transport aircraft were converted into Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA)

A commemorative ceremony was held at Subang Air Force Base, Malaysia on June 27, 2024.

The conversion program began in 2018 and totaled approximately $60 million under the Maritime Security Initiative. The initiative served as the first major US security grant program in Malaysia.

The CN-235s are now enhanced with maritime surveillance radars, electro-optical infrared turrets, beyond line-of-sight communications and roll-on/roll-off system operator stations.鈥� The aircraft are attached to Squadron 1 at Kuching Airbase in Sarawak.

According to the US Embassy in Malaysia, the US government has provided more than $240 million in total security assistance to the country between 2019-2023.

鈥淲ith all three aircraft converted and incorporated into Malaysia精东影业 overall maritime domain awareness architecture, we know that Malaysia is better able to maintain vigilant watch over activities within its Exclusive Economic Zones, and better postured to secure the maritime environment,鈥� US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan said in a statement.

The security cooperation between the US and Malaysia includes 11 bilateral and five multilateral defense exercises, the most Malaysia has with any country. The exercises help enhance Malaysian defense readiness, strengthen multinational relationships, and demonstrate the United States鈥� resolve to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Two Royal Malaysian Navy helicopters collide mid-air, killing all 10 onboard

• Aviation Safety
• Defense

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-04-23

The three-week exercise is the culminating phase of part of a series of exercises that comprise the six-month long Air Warfare Instructor Course (AWIC). 

AWIC encompasses a range of academic activities and practical exercises that expose the candidates to complex scenarios, broadening and improving their skills.

Exercise Diamond Storm tested the planning and decision-making skills of candidate Air Warfare Instructors across nine distinct roles and categories, including fighter combat, surveillance roles, air mobility, intelligence and combat control teams.

During the course of Exercise Diamond Storm 24, flying missions were conducted in the air spaces around Darwin, Tindal, Curtin, Bradshaw Field Training Area, and Delamere Air Weapons Range. 

AWIC candidates have gone through immersive training environment to conduct complex mission scenarios, integrating platforms including F-35A Lightning II, F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, E-7A Wedgetail and ground-based C2 capabilities, C-130J Hercules, P-8A Poseidon, KC-30A, and Combat Controllers.

鈥淧eople are our most important capability, and AWIC graduates aviators who are world-class air power practitioners,鈥� Air Commodore Adrian Maso, Commander of Air Warfare Centre said in a statement.

鈥淒uring Exercise Diamond Storm 24, the candidate instructors combined their own experience with what they have learned in AWIC精东影业 academic study, and practiced through a live training curriculum,鈥� Maso added.

According to the Australian Department of Defence, the instructors will return to their respective workforces as 鈥渉umble, knowledgeable, and approachable experts within their fields of expertise.鈥�

鈥淭he skills and experience they gain on Exercise Diamond Storm 24 give us confidence that we can credibly respond to contemporary threats in our region, in accordance with Australia精东影业 strategy of denial,鈥� Maso said.

Generations of navigation cross paths as graduates reunite at RAAF 40 years later

• Defense
• This is interesting!

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-06-20

The ministry warned that defying these orders could compromise national security and may lead to sensitive information being leaked, a report from . 

Via a WeChat post, the ministry cited an incident in which a foreign national was suspected to have illegally captured images from an aircraft window.

The ministry also said another passenger was detained for seven days after a flight was ordered to return to the gate for security checks after they were seen opening the window shade during takeoff to take a photograph. 

Airlines normally require passengers to have windows open during takeoff and landing for security and in the event of emergencies.

The ministry also pointed out that protecting national security is the responsibility and obligation of every citizen and that taking photographs of military facilities and equipment is an act that 鈥渟eriously endangers national security鈥�.

Joint use airports, or military-civilian airports, make up nearly a third of China精东影业 airports. Used for both military and civil aviation, these airports typically contain facilities of both a civil airport and a military air base. These airports are reserved for military use in times of war.

Examples of joint use airports outside of China are Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) in Florida, Belfast International Airport (BFS) in Northern Ireland, UK, and Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), sharing facilities with Changi Air Base.

North Korea warns of consequences for US spy planes violating its airspace

• Defense

byEmilia Stankeviciute

2023-07-10

Poulsen said that Denmark will be transitioning to the newer F-35 jets, which will use the Skrydstrup Air Base where Ukrainian pilots are currently being trained.

鈥淲e have to devote all our unmitigated energy on this, hence we cannot continue training Ukrainian pilots post 2024,鈥� Poulsen was quoted to have said during the press conference.  

By the end of 2024, Denmark will have trained around 20 Ukrainian pilots.

The minister stated that Denmark will still contribute to the training of Ukrainian pilots, but in other countries. Poulsen also said that Denmark will deliver 19 F-16s to Ukraine once the pilot training is completed.

The United States, the Netherlands and Denmark are leading the international coalition tasked with training F-16 pilots, technicians, and support personnel for the Ukrainian Air Force. The coalition was formed in July 2023 during the Vilnius Summit. 

Denmark has ordered 27 F-35s but has been met with delivery delays due to Lockheed Martin struggling to complete an upgrade known as Technology Refresh 3.

Denmark to retire F-16s sooner and pave way for Ukraine donation: MoD

• Defense
• War in Ukraine

byClement Charpentreau

2023-06-27

Both aircraft were manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), a South Korean aerospace and defense company founded in 1999.

The Telegram channel reportedly posted in February 2024 that it had 鈥渃ollaborators within the military and the Agency for Defense Development,鈥� and stated that it is selling documents related to Korea精东影业 first home-developed utility helicopter, the Surion. 

The channel also uploaded photos presumed to be of some helicopter parts.

Telegram is a messaging app launched in 2013. Unlike other messaging platforms, Telegram allows group chats with up to 200,000 members and permits users to share files of up to 2GB each, supporting a wide range of file types.

The channel also alleged that it was able to secure “technology documents of the KF-21鈥� which it will sell 鈥渁fter finishing our own cross-check process”. The channel精东影业 operator also said it has documents related to the Freedom Shield joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States.

On June 13, 2024, it was reported that the KF-21 fighter jet is facing financial pressure due to reduced contributions from Indonesia.  

Indonesia精东影业 reduced payment of $437 million, much less than the $1.16 billion initially pledged, has raised concerns about South Korea shouldering the financial burden for the project, Seok Jong-gun, chief of South Korea精东影业 Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), said in an interview with the 

DAPA still aims to stick to its deadline of 2026 to complete the KF-21.聽

Emirates serves over 45 million luxury chocolates per year to its passengers 聽

• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2024-07-04

The close-knit group of friends reunited to visit what was then called the RAAF School of Air Navigation. Despite one member passing away, six surviving graduates toured simulators and observed the latest software at RAAF Base East Sale精东影业 Air Mission Training School.

The class of 1984 donned their old flying jackets and suits as they surveyed takeoff checks on the ground missions trainer simulator, showcasing technology that is remarkably different from the 1980s. 

Back then, manual navigation over water relied on whatever positional data was available 鈥� often celestial cues and solar observations.

Sextants and mathematical equations helped calculate heading and airspeed, always mindful of the wind’s potential to alter its course.

Despite the 鈥榥avigator鈥� title no longer existing, many aspects of the role remain the same.

鈥淭he work during our course was vastly different from what students do now, but someone still occupies the seat I once did, they just have extra duties and a bit more comfort with modern equipment,鈥� one of the group members, retired Wing Commander Gavin Small, said in a press release published by the RAAF.

The former navigators marveled at how today’s compact A4-size charts starkly contrasted with the sprawling maps of the past, which required origami techniques to fold.

The veterans’ strong bond left an impression on current students, offering them a glimpse at what their futures might hold.

The group told the students that their classmates could potentially become lifelong friends, not just temporary acquaintances.

鈥淲e wanted to show them that we old blokes are still great friends, as it certainly never crossed our minds during the course that we would forge such a lasting bond,鈥� Small said.

The class of 鈥�84 group previously celebrated their 30th reunion, with plans already underway for a 45th reunion.

Small said: 鈥淲e don鈥檛 want to wait too long between gatherings; after all, we鈥檙e not getting any younger.鈥�

The deal includes 38 firm orders with options for a further six H225 helicopters, which is popular among commercial operators and governmental agencies for its long range and all-weather capabilities. The contract also includes training amenities and spare part packages.

The H225精东影业 payload, range and advanced systems make it a versatile aircraft capable of conducting a large array of law enforcement and homeland security missions ranging from special forces transport to firefighting and disaster relief.

The H225 will replace the H155 and AS332 helicopters that have been in service with the German Federal Police for over 20 years. The order for the H225 will ensure a seamless transition for pilots and maintenance personnel. 

The new fleet of H225 helicopters will be powered by Safran精东影业 Makila 2A engines. According to Safran, the Makila 2A, powering all variants of the H225, is a 2,100 shaft horsepower (shp) engine which will contribute to expanding the Bundespolizei’s operational capabilities.

The German Bundespolizei currently operates 94 Airbus helicopters, ranging from the single-engine H120 used for pilot training, to more than 40 twin-engine H135 family helicopters for several missions including emergency medical services. The Bundespolizei will receive support from Safran Helicopter Engines鈥� Germany facility in Hamburg.

Germany精东影业 partnership with Airbus began in 1962, when the Bundespolizei (at that time Bundesgrenzschutz) started operation of its Alouette II, manufactured by Airbus predecessor company A茅rospatiale. 

鈥淭he Bundespolizei can look forward to a modern helicopter thanks to the continuous improvements we’ve made to our H225 in recent years. It will remain one of the most advanced helicopters available on the market for the decades to come,鈥� Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters said in a statement.

Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2029.

Airbus H225 performs first helicopter flight with 100% SAF in both engines

• Sustainability

byJean Carmela Lim

2022-06-23

The drill was performed on June 5, 2024, where eight McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets landed and took off on a section of the A1 motorway between the towns of Avenches and Payerne in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.

The section of the motorway was closed for 36 hours and cordoned off.

The F/A-18 is a multirole aircraft, originally designed for use from US Navy aircraft carriers. Switzerland currently operates around 25 Hornets fighter jets, which it will eventually replace by Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

According to the Swiss Air Force, the goal of 鈥楢lpha Uno鈥� is to test whether its fighter jets can take off and land at improvised locations. SwissInfo reported that the Air Force wants to strengthen its defense capability due to the 鈥渄eteriorating security situation鈥� in Europe, largely due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The last time that the Swiss Air Force performed this type of operation was more than 30 years ago in 1991, in the midst of the Soviet Union collapse.

The use of motorways as runways has gained popularity among NATO air forces. Called Agile Combat Employment (ACE) by the US Department of Defense, the operation is designed to improve resilience and survivability by dispersing air combat power from home bases to geographically dispersed locations, such as highways. 

The practice gained prominence during the Cold War era, and has experienced a resurgence of interest in the doctrines of Western armed forces as they prepare for high-intensity conflicts.  

The Finnish Air Force, which annually holds a road base exercise, performed the drill in September 2023, where F/A-18 fighters and various other Finnish Air Force aircraft took off and landed on a road base in Tervo. They were joined by Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35s and British Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons.

Royal Air Force joins Finland for agile combat employment exercise

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2023-09-21

The accident occurred during the morning of May 13, 2024 when the pilot精东影业 T-6A Texan II aircraft ejection seat activated during ground operations at Sheppard Air Force Base near Wichita Falls, Texas.

The pilot has been identified by Sheppard Air Force Base as Captain John Robertson of the 80th Operations Support Squadron.

In a statement released by the Air Force Base, acting wing commander Colonel Mitchell J. Cok said: “This is a devastating loss for Captain Robertson’s family and loved ones, and for the entire 80th Flying Training Wing.” 

“Captain Robertson was a highly valued Airman and instructor pilot. Our deepest condolences go with all who knew and loved him,” Cok added.

Cok also expressed gratitude for those who responded to the incident:

“We are thankful for the M1 maintenance team who immediately provided life-sustaining care, and for the heroic efforts of the security forces, fire and medical personnel here on base and at United Regional Hospital. Their efforts allowed time for Captain Robertson’s family to be at his side when he passed.”

According to Sheppard Air Force Base, an interim safety board investigation was convened immediately following the incident, and a full Air Force Safety Investigation Board is expected to take place. The base has said that the board will release the report once the investigation is complete. 

Unfortunately, this is not the first time that a pilot has died due to an ejection seat activating on the ground. 

In 2011, Martin-Baker Aircraft, an ejection seat firm, admitted breaching health and safety laws over the death of a Red Arrows pilot who was ejected unexpectedly from his jet while it was on the ground at RAF Scampton. 

The pilot, an Iraqi war veteran, had been carrying out pre-flight safety checks in his Hawk T1 jet when the seat fired.

US temporarily grounds most of its F-35s over ejection seat issues

• Defense

byValius Venckunas

2022-08-01