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 wreckage of the military plane carrying Malawi’s Vice President, Saulos Chilima, has been found with no survivors, President Lazarus Chakwera has confirmed.

The aircraft went missing on June 10, 2024 when it failed to land at Mzuzu International Airport (ZZU).

鈥淭he search and rescue operation I ordered to find the missing plane that carried our vice president and nine others has been completed. The plane has been found. And I am deeply saddened and sorry to inform you that it has turned out to be a terrible tragedy,鈥� Chakwera said in a broadcasted announcement.

“Death is a reminder that we do not have control of so many things that affect our lives,” Chakwera added.

An aircraft carrying the Vice President of Malawi, Saulos Chilima, and nine other individuals is reported to be missing, a statement from the country精东影业 President’s office has said.

The Dornier 228-202K aircraft, with registration, MAF-T03, also carried former first lady of Malawi Shanil Dzimbiri, left the country精东影业 capital city of Lilongwe, at 09:17 local time on June 10, 2024. It was expected to land 45 minutes later at Mzuzu International Airport (ZZU), about 370 kilometers (230 miles) to the north.

Due to bad weather and poor visibility, air traffic control at ZZU airport advised the aircraft not to attempt to land and turn around.

However, a short time later air traffic control lost contact with the aircraft and it disappeared from radar. 

鈥淚 know this is a heartbreaking situation. I know we are all frightened and concerned. I too am concerned,鈥� Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera said in an address on broadcast TV.

鈥淏ut I want to assure you that I am sparing no available resources to find that plane. And I am holding on to every fiber of hope that we will find survivors,鈥� Chakwera said.

A statement from Chakwera精东影业 office said a search and rescue operation had been launched immediately by several agencies including the Malawi Defense Force, the Police Service, and the Department of Civil Aviation.

Chakwera said the group was traveling to attend the burial of former cabinet minister Ralph Kasambara. Three of those aboard were the military crew flying the plane.

Chilima was first sworn in as Vice President of the Republic of Malawi on May 30, 2014. He was sworn in for his second term for the same position in June 2022. 

Kenya Airways issues warning about trapped funds in Malawi, could cut operations

• Airlines

byMichael Jonga

2022-12-19

Exercise Red Flag is a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise held several times a year by the United States Air Force (USAF). It is considered to be the toughest air combat training exercise in the world and aims to offer realistic training for military pilots and other flight crew members from the US and allied countries. 

The exercise makes use of enemy hardware and live ammunition for bombing exercises within the adjacent Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR)

Each year, three to six Red Flag exercises are held at Nellis Air Force Base, while up to four more, dubbed Red Flag 鈥� Alaska, are held at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. 

The Red Flag exercises have been in place for 48 years, with the first exercise launched in November 1975.

This year saw six Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs participate in the exercise for the first time.

On its website, the Nellis Air Force Base said the focus of the January 2024 Red Flag is on Indo-Pacific Theater and combating the pacing challenge alongside its allies and partners.

鈥淭he mission scenarios require coordination to overcome a highly sophisticated air defense network, or precise integration across many domains for us to reach a distant target, all in the face of live and simulated threats,鈥� Wing Commander Adrian Kiely, RAAF Commanding Officer of No. 3 Squadron, said in a statement.

鈥淓xercise Red Flag Nellis provided a highly challenging environment for the participant nations involved, testing our interoperability and allowing us to better understand what we each bring to the fight,鈥� Kiely added. 

As well as Australia and the United Kingdom, other countries that have participated in the Red Flag Exercises include: Argentina, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Malaysia, NATO, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, and Venezuela.聽

Australian F-35As to participate in Exercise Red Flag Nellis for the first time

• Defense

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-01-16

鈥楲asing鈥� is a term used by the USAF to denote the dangerous activity of intentionally aiming laser beams at aircraft. Pilots may be disoriented or even blinded by these laser beams, resulting in fatal accidents.

鈥淩ecent incidents of laser pointers being aimed at fighter aircraft during flight operations have raised significant concerns,鈥� the USAF said in a statement.

The USAF declared that, aside from endangering the lives of pilots and crew, lasing can also be a hazard to the towns, villages and homes that are underneath the approach corridor of RAF Lakenheath.

鈥淲hile a surface-to-air lasing incident is always a hazard for air crew精东影业 near-term vision and long-term optical health, it becomes a critical hazard that impacts safe operation of the aircraft at low altitude,鈥� the USAF added.

The USAF also stressed the legal ramifications and consequences that offenders may face under the Laser Misuse (Vehicle) Bill in the UK.

Under the bill, which was established in 2018, a person found guilty of laser misuse may face the following:

• conviction in England and Wales: to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, to a fine or to both;
• conviction in Scotland: to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;
• conviction in Northern Ireland: to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;
• conviction on indictment: to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, to a fine or to both.

Surge in laser pointer incidents poses threat to USAF aircraft

• Aviation Safety
• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2023-10-13

The aircraft, a Shaanxi Y-8, carried 14 people. Eight were reportedly injured, with four of those in  a critical state.

As conflict between the Myanmar Army and the country精东影业 armed ethnic group continues, more soldiers from the army have crossed the border to India and have taken refuge in Mizoram.

The aircraft involved in the crash was on its way to Mizoram to airlift Myanmar Army personnel in batches.

According to Indian media outlet Deccan Chronicle, the tabletop runway at Lengpui Airport, measuring 2,500 meters in length and located at a height of 1,228 feet above sea level, is known for its challenging maneuvering at the time of landings. 

During landing, the Shaanxi Y-8 aircraft overshot and skidded off the runway and its fuselage split in half.

Mizoram’s Director General of Police (DGP) Anil Shukla confirmed the incident to the media, adding that operations at Lengpui Airport have been suspended.

Shukla also said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an investigation into the plane crash.

Myanmar receives first shipment of Chinese FTC-2000 fighter jets聽

• Defense

byValius Venckunas

2022-12-09

Images captured and shared on social media show military jets lined up at Russia’s Primorsko-Akhtarsk air base. 

At first glance, it just seems to be jets lined up in a row. But on closer inspection, it appears that one (or two) of the jets are quite different from the rest.

Intelligence analyst Brady Africk shared a close up of the jets in a post on X (formerly Twitter), which showed the painted aircraft (decoy) looks flat and without dimensions or shadows when compared to the real ones.

The images, captured on December 28, 2023, were taken by Planet Labs PBC, a San Francisco-based imaging company, and were obtained and published by Business Insider.

Analysts believe that the artful decoy tactic is likely used to create false leads and confuse Ukraine intelligence. It can also prevent outsiders from knowing the actual number of aircraft / fleet the Russian military has.

According to Africk, this is not the first time that Russia has used an optical trick. In June 26, 2023, images captured by Planet Labs PBC revealed painted aircraft lining the country精东影业 Yeysk airbase, a combined civilian and military airfield.

If the lack of shadows and difference in color is not enough of a giveaway, eagle-eyed military and aircraft enthusiasts shared some tips on how to distinguish fake jets from the real ones. 

Camouflage, concealment, and deception are tactics in war that have been used for centuries. Decoy and (1941) have been recorded to keep Germans away from Thrumster in Scotland.

UK MoD warns Russia精东影业 Soviet-era M-55 Mystic B spy plane primed for Ukraine war

• Defense
• War in Ukraine

byIan Molyneaux

2023-11-22

The Russian-made helicopter was on its way to The Democratic Republic of Congo as part of a peacekeeping mission, when it crashed in Nyamisingiri Village, Kichwamba sub-county, Ntoroko district, a Western area of Uganda.

The helicopter精东影业 blades penetrated the roof of a house during the crash, which tragically claimed the life of one civilian.

鈥淯ganda People精东影业 Defense Force Air Force regrets to report a Helicopter crash in the areas of Karugutu-Ntoroko,鈥� Ugandan Air Force spokesperson Maj Naboth Mugisha told various media. 

Brigadier Felix Kulayigye, spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defence Force told local media that bad weather is suspected to be the cause of the crash. 

“The crew died heroes as they participated in the struggle to pacify our western frontier of the dreadful ADF,” Kulayigye said.

Kulayigye also said that the helicopter was flying to Congo, where Uganda’s military is fighting the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an extremist group.

The crashed Mi-28, developed by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, is one of three acquired by the Uganda People’s Defence Force in 2022.聽

US DOT reports record air travel complaints in 2023

• Civil Aviation

byClement Charpentreau

2024-07-08

In 2024, we witness the culmination of these advancements as we present the Top 10 most advanced attack helicopters currently in service. We’ll begin with the 10th place holder, or the least advanced on our list, and conclude with the Top 1.

Discover the essential elements that define a modern attack helicopter, including tandem seats, armored crew compartments, potent armaments, and state-of-the-art sensor suites. These helicopters also integrate cutting-edge technologies, such as short-range air defense systems. 

10. Denel Rooivalk

The South African Rooivalk is based on French A茅rospatiale SA 330 Puma. As such, the design is highly dependent on French technology and spare parts. With the bold intention of manufacturing one of the best attack helicopters globally, Denel Aviation succeeded in producing an aircraft on par with its rivals. Armed with highly sophisticated indigenous Mokopa anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), the Rooivalk outmatches everything South Africa could potentially face in its geopolitical region. 

With only 12 examples produced and financial difficulties shadowing operational readiness, the Rooivalk is a far-reaching idea, but Denel精东影业 technological reach somewhat exceeds its grasp. 

9. Changhe Z-10 

Lighter than its contemporaries, the Chinese Changhe Z-10 was designed with input from the Russian Kamov design bureau. It is the first indigenous attack helicopter produced in China. A fresh design with an introduction dating back to 2012, numerically, it already covers the needs of the Chinese armed forces.

So far, over 200 have been produced for the People精东影业 Liberation Army. 

8. Mil Mi-24

For the past four decades, the aging yet iconic design of the Mi-24 helicopter has been a recurring aerial image in Asian and African conflicts. This versatile platform has served numerous nations and paramilitary groups, becoming the equivalent of the AKM assault rifle in the helicopter world.

An interesting development occurred on August 25, 2020, when a new variant, the Mi-35P, commenced serial production for an . With over 50 operators worldwide and a production count exceeding 2,600 units, the Mi-24 holds the record as the most manufactured attack helicopter in history.  

7. Agusta A129 Mangusta

The A129, an Italian creation, holds the distinction of being Western Europe’s inaugural domestically manufactured attack helicopter. Following the conclusion of the Cold War, the Italian design underwent a transformation to align with NATO‘s changing strategic objectives. With the diminished likelihood of encountering a Soviet armor onslaught, the aircraft was streamlined, resulting in reduced ballistic protection. During its prime, it was regarded as a viable counterpart to the American AH-64 Apache.  

Equipped with standard NATO armaments like Hellfire and TOW ATGMs, the A129 boasted compatibility with allied forces. A total of , with over 30 of them still in active service to this day. 

6. Kamov Ka-52

Probably the most unique attack helicopter in service today, the , with tandem side-by-side seating, ejection seats, dual contra-rotating main rotors, and no tail blades. It is one of the most maneuverable helicopters of any kind in the world today.  

With an advanced battlefield management system, the Ka-52 can serve a command and control role for a larger helicopter group of Mi-24s and Mi-28s as a target detector and designator. In addition to its unique characteristics, the Ka-52 employs all the firepower expected from a modern attack helicopter, albeit its autocannon is mounted in a fixed position, lacking the flexibility of a turret. 

There are currently over 196 units manufactured, with , North Macedonia, and Russia serving as the current operators. 

5. TAI T129 ATAK 

A Turkish modernization of the Agusta A129 Mangusta, the T129 shares only the fuselage with its Italian counterpart. The internals are proprietary Turkish technology with upgraded avionics, airframe, and weapons.  

78 units have been built as of 2022. With interest from multiple nations, such as , , and , T129 is a seemingly more successful international version of its Italian predecessor. Its current operators are , , and Turkey.

4. Eurocopter Tiger

A joint Franco-German development, the Tiger is the second and the most recent attack helicopter to emerge from Western Europe. With more than 180 units produced, it is the most successful and widespread European design. Employing a composite layout, 80% of the airframe is made of carbon laminates, Kevlar, and honeycomb-shaped structures.

Configured with a plethora of Western missiles, rockets, and a French cannon, the Tiger is employed by German, French, Spanish, and Australian forces. However, Germany is planning to retire all the Tiger models between 2031 and 2038. 

Initially scheduled for the , the Tiger Mk3 upgrade was supposed to encompass several significant enhancements. Notably, the upgrade was to include the adoption of a standardized anti-tank missile, along with additional improvements to the communication system. However, due to Germany’s planned divestment, the standard was reformed under a more conservative Mk2+ standard.

3. Bell AH-1Z Viper

The American Viper is a third-generation descendant of the venerable Bell AH-1 Cobra, the predecessor of all modern attack helicopters. The US Marines Corps鈥� asset traces its lineage back to 1965. The latest model in the class-defining design, the Viper proves to be a competent and long-lasting platform.  

Introduced in 2010, the Marines s, with additional orders from Bahrain, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic bringing the total number of built Vipers to . 

2. Mil Mi-28NM Havoc

The newest Russian attack helicopter is supplementing the iconic Mi-24 and the unique Ka-50 series. With an exceptionally long development time, from the first flight to introduction having passed 27 years, the Havoc has finally shaped itself into an all-around efficient design. It is primarily known for its armor, with windshields withstanding a hit from 14.5脳114mm cartridges. 

As of 2024, it is in service with Russia, Iraq, Uganda, and Algeria. Currently, there are .  

Top – 1 AH-64E Apache Guardian 

The US Army精东影业 workhorse, the Apache is the most numerous and widespread attack helicopter of the Western world and its allies. As of today, were built for the US and its partners, with 18 operators as of 2024. The most experienced and proven Western warfighter in its category today, the Apache has seen action in every major American and NATO conflict since its introduction.  

The AH-64E Apache Guardian is the latest and most advanced variant of the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter series. It is an upgraded version of the earlier AH-64D Apache Longbow variant with upgraded engines, and new composite rotor blades.

The holy trinity of trusty offenses: Hellfire missiles, M320 chain gun with 1200 rounds of 30 mm ammunition, and Hydra rockets 鈥� a highly reliable and successful platform, the Apache is here to stay at least until 2048. 

Poland cleared to acquire 96 AH-64E Guardian attack helicopters for $12 billion

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2023-08-22

Top 10 world’s most advanced attack helicopters in service in 2024

1. AH-64E Apache Guardian 
2. Mil Mi-28NM Havoc
3. Bell AH-1Z Viper
4. Eurocopter Tiger
5. TAI T129 ATAK TAI
6. Kamov Ka-52
7. Agusta A129 Mangusta
8. Mil Mi-24
9. Changhe Z-10
10. Denel Rooivalk

Note: This article has been recently updated by Rosita Mickeviciute on January 17, 2024, to ensure accuracy and relevance. The following changes have been implemented to enhance the content: revised introduction, updated photographs, and refreshed information to reflect the most current data available.

The Myasishchev M-55, or Mystic B, was developed in the USSR, following the United States (US) dominance in the field of reconnaissance during the 1950s.  

At the time the US was deploying spy balloons above Russia and China and gathering crucial intelligence from over 60,000 feet, out of the reach of Soviet aircraft.聽聽

The USSR in turn tried to develop an aircraft that would reach the same heights as the reconnaissance balloons so they could be destroyed. 

When a US U2 spy plane, itself capable of flying at 70,000 feet, was shot down in 1960 over the USSR, the Soviets were able to gain vital knowledge in high-altitude spy plane technology.  

Rather than developing a combat aircraft the USSR set about developing its own spy plane which eventually produced the M-55.  

However, since the Cold War M-55 aircraft (of which five were reportedly made) have been deployed to carry out earth-sciences research rather than any military missions. 

The MOD精东影业 latest warning has advised that an M-55 has been observed carrying a 鈥渕ilitary reconnaissance pod鈥� and that Russia is likely considering bringing the high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft back into service. 

In an update on November 19, 2023 the said: 鈥淎 critical flaw in Russian procurement strategy has been its failure to establish an adequate Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability. This is critical for the timely and accurate prosecution of targets by air, sea, and ground forces.鈥澛犅�

The MOD continued: 鈥淭here is a realistic possibility that the M-55 will return to frontline service to bolster Russia精东影业 limited ISTAR capabilities over Ukraine. Operating at high altitudes enables the sensors to work at considerable stand-off range. It is almost certain that the aircraft will conduct missions against Ukraine from the relative safety of Russian airspace.鈥澛�

US Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft overshoots runway in Hawaii, crashes into water

• Defense

byJean Carmela Lim

2023-11-21