The Base Leg Blog

A-50 AEW among 5 Russian aircraft intercepted by JASDF in 1 day

2012-02-09T16:02:00.023+11:00

Russian A-50 AEW. (Photo: unknown)

Japan's Defense Ministry has said that a total of 5 Russian military aircraft were intercepted by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) off Japan on Wednesday, including the appearance of an Ilyushin/Beriev A-50 Airborne Early Warning aircraft for the first time.

The other aircraft intercepted were two Tupolev Tu-95 'Bear' bombers/maritime reconnaissance aircraft and two Sukhoi Su-24 'Fencer' reconnaissance aircraft. According to the chronology provided, the A-50 and two Tu-95s made their appearance at around 0900 Japan Standard Time, triggering the first round of interceptions by the JASDF. This was followed by two Su-24s, flying individually, in the afternoon.

The graphic below, released by the Japanese MoD, shows the flightpath of the respective aircraft taken during Wednesday's interceptions. I'm not sure if I'm reading too much into this, but looking at the flightpath of the 2 Su-24s, it is worth noting that the 'Fencers' were headed on a direct line to Tokyo (light purple track) and the USAF/JASDF based at Misawa (dark purple track) before turning away as they approached Japanese airspace.

Flightpath of Russian military aircraft intercepted on 8 Feb 2012

It is not known which JASDF types/units intercepted the Russians, with Russian press reports citing "F-16 type" fighters (most likely Mitsubishi F-2s) although looking at the flightpath of the intercepted Russians shadowing the Tu-95s alone would have required interceptors (F-15s, F-2s and maybe even F-4s) from multiple JASDF bases taking turns. Intercepting the Mainstay and Fencers would have been more straightforward, with the A-50 and southern Su-24 likely to be intercepted by the F-2s from Tsuiki or F-15s from Komatsu, with the northern Su-24 likely to be handled by F-2s from Misawa.

If the Japanese MoD statement identifying the Fencers as reconnaissance aircraft is accurate, they would possibly be Su-24MRs belonging to the 174 OMShAP (Otdelnyy Morskoy Shturmovoy Aviatsionnyy Polk, or Independent Naval Shturmovik Aviation Regiment) of the V-VS TOF (Pacific Fleet Naval Aviation, AVMF) based at Pristan at the southern tip of the Far East Military District.

Russian AF Sukhoi Su-24MR 'Fencer-E' (Photo: Dmitriy Pichugin)

With the A-50, the Russian AF reportedly operates 26 of the AEW platfrms based on the Ilyushin Il-76, normally based at Ivanovo-Severnyy near Moscow but have been known to deploy to Russia's Far East for exercises on occasion.

Note: We had previously looked at the Russian AF's Tu-95 Bear units of Russia's Far East Military District in an earlier article.

Eielson's Aggressor F-16s to be moved to Elmendorf-Richardson

2012-02-06T21:11:00.002+11:00

USAF F-16C of the 18th Aggressor Squadron (USAF Photo)

The 21 F-16s of the U.S. Air Force's 18th Aggressor Squadron will move from their current home at Eielson Air Force Base, to nearby Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, with the transfer scheduled take place in FY 2013. At the same time, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage will have all four of its C-130H cargo planes retired or transferred.

The move is part of a recently announced restructuring of the USAF.

US Navy to forward deploy Shadowhawks Growlers to Atsugi, Japan

2012-02-03T21:40:00.004+11:00

VAQ-141 EA-18G Growler. Photo by Troy Prince (MidwaySailor) on Fencecheck forums

This news kind of flew under the radar given the original directive was out January 17th. According to the U.S. Navy's Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, the Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 will move to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan, from NAS Whidbey Island at the end of February with six Boeing EA-18G Growlers.

The Shadowhawks will replace five EA-6B Prowlers of VAQ-136 Gauntlets in Japan, home of Carrier Air Wing Five and the USS George Washington (CVN-73), the U.S. Navy's sole carrier air wing/aircraft carrier forward deployed outside of the continental United States.

Philippines AF strike kills 3 terrorist leaders; doubts on aircraft involved

2012-02-03T21:03:00.003+11:00

The Philippine military said that an air strike has killed three of Southeast Asia's most-wanted terrorist leaders on the Filipino island of Jolo, 600 miles south of the capital Manila.

A pair of Philippine AF OV-10 Broncos reportedly attacked the camp using 500-lb bombs deep in the night, killing 15 suspected Abu-Sayyaf/Jemaah Islamiyah members, including three leaders from the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore.

However, Flightglobal's Greg Waldron is not so sure, suspecting that the reported U.S. drone support for the mission extended beyond pinpointing/observing the target. Given the OV-10 is a predominantly a day/clear weather COIN platform without precision munitions capability, suffice to say I'm afraid I am with Greg on this.

USMC Jan 2012 Unit Deployment Program (Japan) update

2012-02-03T17:22:00.001+11:00

The regular rotation of US Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet units forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni under the Unit Deployment Program has taken place, with the following units involved:

Marine Air Group 12 (MAG-12), MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
VFA-94 "Mighty Shrikes" departed Jan 5-7 with 12 F/A-18C Hornets.
VMFA-121 "Green Knights" arrived Jan 25-26 with 9 F/A-18D and F/A-18D (ATARS) Hornets.

Info via Gonavy.

Photo: Kim Jong-Un visits KPAF MiG-29 unit

2012-02-02T19:44:00.009+11:00

Staying on the Korean Peninsula, the recent leadership succession in North Korea has brought about a mini-flood (by North Korean standards) of information and imagery on the Hermit Kingdom's armed forces. The flood has continued, with what must surely be the clearest image of a Korean People's Air Force (KPAF) MiG-29 interceptor to date.

Click on thumbnail to view image in higher resolution

The aircraft, a 9.12B variant, serves as a backdrop to a posed group photo of the "Great Successor" Kim Jong-Un alongside KPAF personnel. This is one of a number of photos released by North Korea's state-controlled news agency of an official visit to an unnamed KPAF airbase. Video of the visit shown on North Korean TV reportedly shows Su-25s in some scenes, so the base is likely to be Sunchon, southwest of North Korea's capital Pyongyang since it is the only KPAF base operating both types.

No Bort number can be discerned from the photo, being obscured by the personnel in the group shot, coupled with the reflection from the sun on the side of the MiG's intake where the number is usually seen.

The camouflage seems to be typical of the KPAF's MiG-29 fleet seen so far, a green over blue scheme, both in a deep shade very similar to that seen on the standard Soviet Air Force summer schemes of World War II. Another point worth noting is the brown leather flight suit donned by the pilot in the photo. Definitely old-school!

Seoul issues RFP for F-X III fighter competition

2012-02-02T19:32:00.000+11:00

South Korea has issued a request for proposals for its F-X III fighter requirement, paving the way for the acquisition of around 60 fighters, with submission guidelines being issued at a meeting in Seoul on Monday.

Contenders for the requirement are the Boeing F-15SE Silent Eagle, Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter and the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Australia considering delaying delivery of 12 F-35s on order

2012-01-30T20:47:00.007+11:00

F-35A during a night test flight (Photo: Lockheed-Martin)

Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith has said that Australia may consider delaying the delivery of 12 of the 14 Lockheed-Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters (JSF) it has on order.

Speaking at a press conference (transcript), the Minister said Australia is contractually bound to purchase two aircraft to be based in the United States for training purposes to be delivered in 2014. However the delivery schedule for the 12 additional aircraft Australia has committed to in 2009, currently set at between 2015 and 2017, will be re-examined.

The Joint Strike Fighter has been beset by a raft of development problems; bedeviled by cost overruns, technical and performance issues, as well as production and flight testing delays. Australia is a Level 3 partner in the program, and several Australian companies are involved in the design and manufacturing of components for the JSF.

Australia has already previously indicated that it is considering purchasing additional Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets to cover any capability gap that may develop if the JSF encounters further significant delays. The Royal Australian Air Force currently operates 24 Super Hornets alongside 4 squadrons of older F/A-18A/B Hornets, which are due to be fully retired by 2020 and replaced by the F-35.

Boeing: F-15SE development continuing (despite reports otherwise)

2012-01-30T15:43:00.005+11:00

Boeing has said that the development of the F-15SE Silent Eagle is continuing, with a new series of ground, windtunnel and flight tests on several key features of the F-15SE due to being in March or April. Flight testing is also planned to begin late in the fourth quarter of 2012 or early next year.

This comes as reports in the South Korean press suggest that the American aircraft manufacturer may pull the F-15SE out of South Korea's F-X III fighter competition due to an inability to complete development work on the semi-stealthy F-15 variant in time to meet the country's 2016 entry into service date requirement.

Shaw Air Force Base F-16s deploy to South Korea

2012-01-25T20:58:00.000+11:00

Approximately 240 personnel and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft deployed from South Carolina's Shaw Air Force Base to Kunsan Air Base in the Republic of Korea (ROK) for a scheduled three-month deployment beginning Jan. 15.

The 20th Fighter Wing's 55th Fighter Squadron, activated as the 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, departed Jan. 10 and will work alongside South Korean and other in-country American forces.

About 200 Airmen and 12 more F-16Cs from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, are currently deployed to Kunsan as the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. Their scheduled deployment began Dec. 3, 2011, and is also scheduled to last approximately three months.

PHOTO: USAF Pave Hawks over the Alaskan twilight

2012-01-25T20:48:00.002+11:00

Click on thumbnail to view high-resolution image (hosted on af.mil).

A pair of 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters fly over Alaska on a training mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Sean Mitchell)

This is a beautiful photo. The lighting, scenery, composition and mood just speaks to me.

Australian Black Hawks return to the skies after grounding

2012-01-24T22:27:00.004+11:00

Australian Army Blackhawk

After a temporary suspension of flying operations for the Australian Army's Sikorsky S-70A-9 Black Hawk helicopters since the 19th of January upon the discovery of a number of fractured bolts during a routine maintenance check, the fleet has returned to full flying operations following the lifting of the suspension.

A thorough engineering investigation was carried out following the discovery of the defective bolts, and results have indicated that the defective bolts were confined to a single manufacturer’s batch and were not a fleet wide issue. The defective batch of bolts has been quarantined from use.

The Australian Army currently operates The Australian Army operates 34 Black Hawk aircraft. Of that fleet, three are deployed to Timor Leste, and the remaining aircraft are based in Holsworthy Barracks in New South Wales and Townsville, Queensland.

Photo: North Korean Su-25?

2012-01-18T21:13:00.001+11:00

Click on thumbnail to view an (ever so slightly) larger image.

I'm on a bit of a North Korean kick of late, and found this photo of a purported Sukhoi Su-25K "Frogfoot" of the Korean People's Air Force online. Real or fake? I'm not too sure, but comparing the snippets of the Su-25s caught in the background of the KPAF MiG-29 photos we published earlier, the camouflage pattern on the Su-25 above does appear to be similar. The only thing missing from this photo would be the 2-digit white "Bort" numbers on the sides of the cockpit.

Can anyone shed more light on this photo?

Indonesia confirms 6-aircraft Su-30 order

2012-01-17T20:52:00.003+11:00

Confirming earlier reports from the Russian press, air force chief of staff Imam Sufaat has said that Indonesia has ordered six more Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighters from Russia. He added that two aircraft will be delivered annually between 2012 and 2014.

The Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara (Indonesian Air Force) currently operates six Su-27SKMs and four Su-30MK2s based at Hasanuddin Airbase in South Sulawesi with 11 Squadron.

China's carrier-based J-15 fighter photographed at base with ski jump

2012-01-16T21:56:00.006+11:00

More photos have appeared of the Chinese Shenyang J-15 carrier-based fighter have appeared on the internet over the past few days, including a series of seemingly surreptitiously-taken photos shot of a J-15 taxiing past the photographer's location. The latest to appear is aircraft 553, while a surprisingly good quality photograph of aircraft 556 has also been seen on Chinese websites. British military aviation magazine Combat Aircraft Monthly has noted on Twitter that unconfirmed reports have said that up to 5-6 J-15s are currently undergoing testing.

(NOTE: Some of the following images have slightly higher-resolution versions available by clicking on the thumbnail)

In contrast with J-15s snapped earlier at a different location already painted and carrying national insignia, both 553 and 556 are in yellow chromate primer finish, and sport numerous photo calibration markings. Closeup shots of 553 also show a arrester hook peeping out from the lower rear fuselage.

Of some additional interest is the (unknown) base 553 was snapped at, of which a general overview can be seen here

But the noteworthy part is just to the left of the tower in the photos, which is

Various reports in the past few years (see here and here) have previously hinted at ski jumps being built at Chinese airbases, but this would be the first confirmation that one exists. This would also lend weight to the conclusion that the rumoured carriers China is/will be building, in addition to refurbishing the former Soviet Admiral Kuznetsov-class carrier Varyag will utilise the STOBAR method of launch and recovery of carrier-based fixed-wing assets.

Photos of North Korea's rarely-seen MiG-29s

2012-01-13T17:43:00.010+11:00

There are some things in life that are just plain rare. Hens' teeth, blue moons, and there are photos like these gems off the internet. Stumbled across these 3 screen grabs off a video showing the Korean People's Air Force (KPAF) rarely seen MiG-29s. These appear to be the original 9.12 (NATO: MiG-29B Fulcrum-A) variant, most likely the downgraded 9.12B export variant North Korea was reported to have bought from Belarus in 1995. The KPAF is also known to operate the later 9.13 (MiG-29SE Fulcrum-C) with the enlarged dorsal spine.

This is only the 2nd time I've seen KPAF MiG-29 photos, the other occasion being the 2003 incident over the waters off North Korea when a USAF RC-135 was intercepted by KPAF MiGs. Then the aircraft involved were the 9.13s, and that time the MiGs were armed with a 3 drop tanks and 4 R-60 (NATO: Aa-8 Aphid) short-range air-to-air missiles.

According to Aviation Week and Space Technology's 2011 World Military Aircraft Inventory, the KPAF operates 40 MiG-29s with the KPAF's 55th Regiment at Sunchon. Note that in the photo above, it is possible to make out at least 2 Sukhoi Su-25s in the background, serialled White 41 and 45, with the giveaways being the Su-25's distinctive tail, wing pylons and nosewheel mudguard visible. Given that the KPAF's MiG-29s and Su-25s are known to be based at Sunchon, it is almost certain that these screengrabs were taken there.

Re: the large red boxes with Korean lettering seen on at least one the MiG-29s (Bort No. 553?) in the photos; I believe these may be political inscriptions related to the recent leadership succession in North Korea. I have seen inscription in similar style on a KPAF MiG-21PFM dedicated to Kim Il-Sung.

Indonesian Sukhois intercepted bizjet carrying Papua New Guinea PM

2012-01-11T21:31:00.002+11:00

Various Papua New Guinea and Indonesian news outlets have reported that in November last year Indonesian Sukhois intercepted a Dassault Falcon 900 that was ferrying the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister on an official visit from Malaysia to Port Moresby.

According to the Indonesian military, the TNI-AU (Tentera Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara or Indoneisan Air Force) detected the PNG-registered aircraft flying through Indonesian airspace without having been notified of its flight plan and did not respond to attempts to contact the aircraft, hence a pair of TNI-AU Su-27/30s were scrambled to investigate. It was later revealed that the PNG government had filed the Falcon's flightplan on the day of departure so Indonesia had not received notification when it flew over Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.

The PNG ambassador to Indonesia has said that he has accepted Indonesia's explanation for the incident and will report back to his government.

PHOTO: Northrop retro; F-20 Tigershark, RF-5E Tigereye & F-5F Tiger II

2012-01-11T16:00:00.004+11:00

Click on thumbnail to view high-resolution image.

Happened across this photo during one of my trawls of the web and thought this one is definitely interesting and esoteric enough to warrant a post. Probably (obviously?) a Northrop publicity photo showing Northrop F-20 Tigershark prototype (82-0062) leading a pair of Tiger IIs. The further aircraft is a Royal Malaysian Air Force RF-5E Tigereye (I believe M29-20/80-0334 which was delivered to the RMAF in late 1983 while the nearer aircraft is Northrop's in-house F-5F Tiger II twin-seater N9139Y which served as a chase plane for the F-20 program.

In a twist of fate, F-5F N9139Y ended up a stone's throw away from RF-5E M29-20, for when the F-20 program was cancelled in late 1986, Malaysia's neighbour Singapore purchased the aircraft together with 2 other F-5Fs as part of its last batch of two-seaters. This F-5F was assigned the USAF serial 86-0388 (RSAF serial 862) and delivered to Singapore via Prestwick, Scotland in 1987 carrying a hybrid Northrop paint scheme and RSAF roundels/serials. Both aircraft are still in service today with their respective owners, with the twin-seater having been upgraded by Singapore Technologies Aerospace to F-5T standard with new radar and avionics.

Burmese rebels shoot down army helicopter

2012-01-09T19:33:00.002+11:00

Ethnic Kachin rebels have claimed that they have shot down an unidentified Russian-built helicopter belonging to Myanmar's Air Force on the 4th of January. The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) said the pilot died in the crash landing in a paddy field near Sinlum Bum village in N’Mawk (Momauk) Township, and that the helicopter was shot down by small arms fire during a resupply mission.

According to the Asian Military Review, the Myanmar Air Force operates the Mil Mi-2, Mi-8 and Mi-24/35 helicopters, all of which have varying transport capabilities.

PHOTOS: VFA-113 Stingers CAG bird in a special paint scheme

2012-01-06T23:06:00.005+11:00

Click on thumbnails to view high-resolution images. (hosted on the navy.mil website)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 11, 2011) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway on a western Pacific deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

Ed: This F/A-18C (BuNo 164658) is the VFA-113 Stingers "CAG bird" (CAG - Commander, Air Group). CAG birds are the aircraft "assigned" to the commanding officer of U.S. Navy Carrier Air Groups, and are the first aircraft (Modex No x00) of each squadron. They usually sport, at the very least, colourful tail art although as is the case here, can sometimes be in a special paint scheme. Every carrier-based aircraft squadron of the United States Navy has such an aircraft that wears modex usually ending with the '00' numbers.

VIDEO: [HD] F-15SE Silent Eagle South Korean marketing video

2012-01-01T16:49:00.001+11:00

A new, HD version of a Boeing video marketing the F-15 Silent Eagle for South Korea that was shown here a while back has surfaced on Youtube. Take note of the huge one-piece MFD that dominates the cockpit that appears at 0:32 seconds of the video. Enjoy it, in its full 1080p HD glory.

Philippines seeks F-16s from the United States amid China concerns

2011-12-22T23:11:00.004+11:00

USAF F-16C of the 18th Aggressor Squadron (USAF Photo)

The Philippines' Foreign Secretary has said that the South East Asian nation would like to procure a squadron of F-16 fighter jets from the United States as part of stepped up efforts to defend the its territory, as well as bolster its claims to islands in the South China Sea. There have been regular diplomatic incidents between China and the Philippines over the nations' respective claims to the Spratly Island chain.

The United States had offered to sell 26 F-16s to the Philippines in 1998. However, due to the Asian currency crisis, the military expansion plan did not go ahead.

The nation, which has one of the most poorly equipped militaries in Asia, retired the last of its fighter jets, six elderly Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighters, in 2005 and does not currently have any frontline combat aircraft.

No surprise as Japan selects F-35 JSF; to buy 42 aircraft

2011-12-20T14:34:00.002+11:00

In a widely-predicted move, Japan has selected the Lockheed-Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter as the winner of it's F-X next generation fighter program. In a statement, the Japanese cabinet has said that 42 F-35As will be purchased to replace approximately 70 F-4EJ Phantoms currently operated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

The F-35 beat off competition from the Boeing-made F/A-18 Super Hornet and the Eurofighter Typhoon to win selection.

EDIT: According to Asahi's Japan Watch, Japan's MoD says that "the first delivery (of F-35s) will be on time.” The cynic in me takes this to mean that Japan will get a small handful of F-35s to play with by 2016 (Japan's target date for F-X delivery), with a note to "Don't ask about the remaining airframes. It happens when it happens."

JASDF F-15J veers off Okinawa runway during aborted scramble

2011-12-20T00:24:00.001+11:00

Japan Security Watch has reported that a Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J Eagle interceptor has veered off the runway at Okinawa's Naha Airport. According to Japanese media reports, the incident happened soon after the F-15J's scramble order was rescinded just as the aircraft was rolling down the runway. It is not clear if the cancellation of the orders caused the incident.

According to Japan's Ministry of Defense, the scramble mission was unrelated to the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, but has not stated the actual reason for the scramble.

PHOTO: Varyag at sea

2011-12-15T13:43:00.001+11:00

Click on thumbnail to view high-resolution image. (Photo: Digitalglobe)

Commercial satellite company DigitalGlobe says it has managed to take a picture of China's first aircraft carrier during its sea trials in the Yellow Sea. Stephen Wood, director of DigitalGlobe's analysis centre, said the vessel had been photographed on 8 December off the Chinese coast approximately 100km (62 miles) from the port of Dalian by one of the company's orbiting satellites.

Sea King retirement formation flight over Sydney and Canberra

2011-12-14T17:31:00.002+11:00

A formation of Sea King helicopters will fly up Sydney Harbour between 10:20 & 10:30am tomorrow (Thursday 15th Dec) & then fly on to Canberra, arriving between 11:45 & midday. After flying over Canberra they will fly back to Nowra for decommissioning after 35 years of service. 817 Squadron is also being decommissioned after 48 years flying the Wessex and then Sea King helicopters.

Japan set to choose F-35 even as DoD recommends production cut

2011-12-14T13:40:00.002+11:00

Various reports, citing the Japanese media, have said that the Japanese Defence Ministry is set to select the Lockheed-Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter as the winner of the country's F-X next generation fighter competition. Japan's requirement is for 40 aircraft, with delivery expected in 2016. That delivery schedule might not happen, as a special U.S. Department of Defence review has recommended a cut in early F-35 production due to 13 ongoing or likely future design problems.

Aviationweek's Bill Sweetman has a takes a deeper look into the latest JSF issues, with the DoD's "Concurrency Quick Look Review" full report available here.

Meanwhile, on a (slightly) related note, the 195th and final F-22 Raptor has been delivered to the U.S. Air Force, which means the production will now be closed. You might recall Japan looked at the F-22, only to be rebuffed due to the type not being cleared for export.

Boeing Delivers 2nd Peace Eye AEW&C Aircraft to RoKAF

2011-12-13T22:24:00.000+11:00

Photo: Boeing

Boeing has announced that the second Peace Eye 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft has been delivered to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). Carrying the civil registration N341FS, the aircraft was delivered to ROKAF Base Gimhae, the main operating base for the Peace Eye fleet. Two additional Peace Eye aircraft are being modified by Korean Aerospace Industries in Sacheon and will be delivered to the ROKAF in 2012.

Australia acquires more Chinooks, replaces aircraft lost in Afghanistan

2011-12-13T20:20:00.001+11:00

Australia is to acquire two Boeing CH-47D Chinook transport helicopters to replace the CH-47D lost in Afghanistan earlier this year. The aircraft will be delivered to Townsville by the end of January 2012 to be brought up to similar standard with the five remaining aircraft and are expected to be fully operation by June.

Marine Harriers, USAF F-16s in Singapore for Commando Sling

2011-12-12T21:14:00.014+11:00

AV-8B Harrier of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214 Blacksheep on board USS Makin Island (US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Gene A. Ainsworth III)

Singapore's Paya Lebar Airbase is currently hosting United States Marine and Air Force AV-8B Harriers and F-16 Fighting Falcons for a Commando Sling exercise. The Harriers are drawn from Marine Attack Squadron 214 (VMA-214), more famously known as the Blacksheep, and are currently attached to the Red Dragons of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced). HMM-268 (Rein) is the Air Combat Element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) on board the USS Makin Island (LHD-8).

Eyes on the ground have reported that the USAF F-16s taking part are from the Flying Fiends of the 36th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Wing normally based at Osan, South Korea. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will be represented by its F-5S/T Tiger IIs, F-15SG Strike Eagles and F-16C/D Fighting Falcons.

USS Makin Island is currently on a port visit to Changi Naval Base, Singapore. In addition to the Harriers taking part Commando Sling exercises in Singapore, embarked 11th MEU Marines will also be taking part small unit subject matter expert exchanges and training in an urban environment with the Singapore Armed Forces. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, which also comprises of the USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor, is currently on a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East.

The annual Commando Sling series began in 1990 to provide combined air combat training for United States and Republic of Singapore Air Force combat aircraft units. Pilots on both sides hone their skills in various scenarios ranging from one-on-one dogfights to advanced Air Combat Manoeuvring (ACM) missions involving multiple aircraft and mixed flights over the South China Sea. The exercises enable air force units to sharpen their air combat skills, improve procedures to conduct air operations at a non-U.S. base, and enhance partnerships between participating air forces and nations.

Assuming my memory has not failed me, this is the first Commando Sling since the mid-to-late 1990s that have involved a Marine Harrier unit, and is also the first 3-cornered Sling for several years. Marine aviation assets have also not taken part in Commando Slings since 2008.

In recent years Commando Sling exercises have been scaled back gradually with only three iterations conducted during FY2011, all involving the USAF's Pacific Air Forces units. This was in contrast to their heyday in the late 1990s when up to six Slings happened annually. Although the exercises also mostly involved Pacific Command units, CONUS-based F-15 and F-16 units of the USAF, Air National Guard (ANG) and even Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and Air Education and Training Command (AETC) were also a regular sight in Singapore's skies, making the long trip to Paya Lebar to train with the RSAF.

With the recent drawdown in American forces from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, coupled with regional tensions involving China and an increased American force posture in the Asia-Pacific region, there is every likelihood that regional exercises involving American forces such as Commando Sling may increase in scope.

RAAF prefers the C-27J over the C295

2011-12-10T22:01:00.000+11:00

In not-so-surprising news, it has been revealed that the Royal Australian Air Force has a preference for the Alenia C-27J over the Airbus Military C295 to meet its requirement for a tactical transport to replace the retired de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou.

Russia signs preliminary agreement with Indonesia for more Su-30s

2011-12-08T21:31:00.000+11:00

Russian sources have said that Russia’s state-arms exporter Rosoboronexport has concluded a preliminary agreement to sell six more Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighters to Indonesia. Russian business daily Kommersant reported that the deal was struck on the first day of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia.

Indonesia already operates ten Flankers, a mixture of Su-27SK/SKM and Su-30MK/MK2s ordered in 2003 and 2007.

PHOTOS: Malaysian AF MiG-29 in 17 Skuadron 53rd anniversary tailart

2011-12-07T11:12:00.009+11:00

Photos © Roy R.X. Click on thumbnail to view high-resolution images.

Roy RX has kindly sent us these two photos of a Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (Royal Malaysian Air Force) MiG-29 'Fulcrum' serialled M43-03 carrying striking commemorative tailart marking the 53rd anniversary of it's unit, Kuantan-based 17 Skuadron. The MiG-29 is a participant at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, which will run from the 6th to the 10th of December at Langkawi, Malaysia. Malaysia is seeking to replace it's MiG-29 fleet by 2015 with next generation multi-role fighters.

Republic of Korea AF Hawk crashes, both crew killed

2011-12-05T22:58:00.001+11:00

A Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) BAe Hawk trainer jet has crashed during an exercise, killing both pilots aboard. According to the RoKAF, the trainer crashed this afternoon at 2.27pm local time near the aircraft's base at Yecheon, North Gyeongsang Province, about 250 kilometers southeast of Seoul. Both pilots, 34-year-old Major Park Jeong-soo and 33-year-old Major Kwon Seong-ho, were unfortunately killed in the crash. No casualties were suffered on the ground, although 3 greenhouses were damaged by fire. The aircraft had reportedly crashed soon after taking off for an emergency landing practice exercise.

The RoKAF took delivery of 20 Bae Hawk 67 trainers (known locally as T-59s) in 1992, and the remaining 15 (after today's crash) serve with the RoKAF's 216th Flight Training Squadron/16th Fighter Wing at Yecheon. South Korea reportedly wants to retire their Hawk fleet by 2013, possibly replacing them with locally-built KAI KT-1 basic trainers. Indonesia has been reported as being a possible buyer of the Korean Hawks.

Australia receives final Tiger attack helicopter

2011-12-05T21:10:00.000+11:00

Australian Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter firing Hellfire missile at the Building target on Woomera Range© Commonwealth of Australia

Completing its order and bringing its fleet of the type to 22 aircraft, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has received its final Eurocopter Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopter. Under Project Air 87, Australian Aerospace provides assembly of the helicopters in Brisbane, plus crew training, programme management and through-life support. The Tigers are deployed with the army's 1st Aviation Regiment in Darwin, at the Army Aviation Training Centre at Oakey in Queensland and also at the Royal Australian Air Force's Edinburgh base in South Australia.

VIDEO: RAAF KC-30A Tanker Refuels F/A-18B

2011-12-02T16:52:00.000+11:00

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) KC-30A aircraft are conducting air-to-air refuelling trials with RAAF F/A-18 Hornets. Commencing with the first air-to-air contact on October 18, the trials are a mixture of 'dry' and 'wet' contacts (confirming safe connections can be made and fuel transferred respectively), and are intended to provide a partial clearance for hose-and-drogue refuelling contacts with the KC-30A, expected to be declared in December 2011. The test program will then expand throughout 2012 to increase the envelope of hose-and-drogue refuelling to other conditions, as well as train additional KC-30A personnel to conduct these tasks. Initial Operational Capability, which will include the KC-30A clearance to conduct hose-and-drogue refuelling and strategic air lift missions for the Australian Defence Force, is expected in late 2012. Air Force is receiving five KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transports, to be operated by No. 33 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley.

Transforming the Varyag from hulk into an operational PLA Navy carrier

2011-11-29T21:36:00.004+11:00

Click on the above image for the story of how the former Ukrainian aircraft carrier Varyag was transformed from an incomplete, abandoned hulk to China's first operational aircraft carrier. (Note: Link leads to external site)

Spotters badge to Alvaro Munoz-Aycuens on Twitter.

On the back of recent news that the Varyag has left Dalian for her second set of sea trials, the above link is a good recap of the Varyag's story.

Malaysia's fighter contest intensifies ahead of LIMA air show

2011-11-29T20:53:00.002+11:00

Royal Malaysian Air Force MiG-29s. Click on thumbnail to view high-resolution image. (Photo © Commonwealth of Australia)

Greg Waldron of Flightglobal's Singapore office has a piece out on Malaysia's bid to replace a number of elderly combat aircraft types. Against the backdrop of increased regional tensions over territorial and resource exploration rights, analysts anticipate that the Royal Malaysian Air Force will face the challenge of shifting its focus from air defence to project airpower to enforce its territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Contenders for the requirement include the Boeing F/A-18 E/F, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Saab Gripen with the French-built Dassault Rafale reportedly also considering throwing its hat into the ring.

Retired Australian F-111s dumped at landfill

2011-11-28T21:40:00.001+11:00

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has buried 23 of its retired General Dynamics F-111 strike aircraft at a landfill near their former base of RAAF Amberley, close to Brisbane in the Australian state of Queensland. The RAAF retired their last F-111s in December 2010, and the hulks have been in open storage since. Export restrictions, as well as health concerns, meant that the RAAF's options for disposal of the airframes were severely limited.

The F-111 disposal contract was awarded to Thiess Services, which was selected due to it's expertise in waste management as well as the security offered by Swanbank Landfill. The precise GPS coordinates of the resting place of each aircraft has been recorded to ensure the site is marked as off-limits to future excavation. Eventually the F-111s will rest deep beneath the landscape as the mountain of landfill rises above them.

Six F-111s have already been allocated for preservation at RAAF Bases, comprising two at RAAF Base Amberley, two at the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, Victoria; one at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia; and one at RAAF Base Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. It was also announced on September 30, 2011, that a further seven F-111s are being made available to interested Australian aircraft museums and other historical organisations. The video below is a compilation of how two of Australia's commercial TV networks covered the story.

PHOTO: Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon air-to-air over Malaysia

2011-11-25T21:10:00.003+11:00

Typhoon FGR.4 ZK314/EO of 6 Sqn RAF over Malaysia's turquoise green waters. Click on thumbnail to view high-resolution image. (BAe photo)

BAe Systems has released on their Flickr stream a series of photos of the Royal Air Force's 6 Sqn Eurofighter Typhoons taking part in the Five Power Defence Arrangement's Exercise Bersama Lima in Malaysia, including some air-to-air photographs.

Chinese MPA/ASW aircraft based on Y-8F-600 sighted

2011-11-23T12:01:00.002+11:00

Photos have appeared on the internet of a new Chinese Maritime Patrol/Anti-Submarine variant of the AVIC-Shanxii Y-8F-600, a modernized version of the Y-8 transport, which is itself a clone of the Soviet/Russian Antonov An-12. The photos seen so far appears to show a weapons bay, chin-mounted surface-search radar, Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) turret immediately in front of the weapons bay and a Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) boom on the rear fuselage, which does not have a cargo ramp.

Aviationweek's Bill Sweetman has a little more about this on his blog, as has Feng on http://china-pla.blogspot.com/ which has more photos of the beast(s).

Australia to donate 4 used C-130s to Indonesia

2011-11-22T19:45:00.007+11:00

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced that Australia will donate up to four of its C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to Indonesia for disaster relief and humanitarian work in the first military swap of its kind between the two countries. The C-130s, most likely the four C-130H airframes which have been mothballed after the arrivals of the newer C-130J models, will reportedly cost about A$25 million to be made airworthy and were due to be sold on the open market before this decision.

The RAAF currently operates eight C-130H and twelve C-130J aircraft with 37 Sqn at RAAF Richmond, to the west of Sydney.

EDIT: The Australian Prime Minister's Office has released the official transcript of the press conference in which she made the announcement. Below is the portion of her speech regarding the C-130 transfer:

"Building on the disaster management cooperation that was agreed at the East Asia Summit, I was also pleased to advise President Yudhoyono that Australia will gift up to four C-130 Hercules aircraft to the Indonesian air force for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

These are aircraft that require work and repairs but Indonesia is very keen to have them to assist with disaster management. And I was able to convey to President Yudhoyono from my own personal experience during our summer of natural disasters that these aircraft are very important to the movement of people and equipment and food during times of difficulty."

PHOTO: A-10 Thunderbolt II takes off from Osan Air Base

2011-11-21T15:35:00.001+11:00

Click on thumbnail to view high-resolution image.

6th November 2011 - An A-10 Thunderbolt II close air-support aircraft takes off from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea Nov. 15, 2011, during Beverly Bulldog 11-03, a peninsula-wide operational readiness exercise. The exercise allows Airmen to demonstrate their ability to complete the mission in a simulated hostile environment while executing their primarily duties. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Daylena Gonzalez)

Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia to purchase planes; missiles from US

2011-11-20T20:39:00.006+11:00

Looks like the region is busy shopping for arms. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of possible foreign military sales to three Asia-Pacific air forces for aircraft and missiles within the past week; with Malaysia acquiring AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, presumably for its 8 F/A-18D Hornets, while another step has been taken in the protracted Indonesian purchase of 24 refurbished and upgraded ex-USAF/ANG Block 25 F-16C/Ds and finally, Australia, with its actions showing what it thinks of the C-17 Globemaster III, is ordering a 6th aircraft, its second repeat order of the versatile transport.

Russian press: Malaysia to announce purchase of 18 more Su-30s

2011-11-16T20:53:00.003+11:00

RMAF Su-30MKM thunders off the runway. Photo © Chenjun. Click on thumbnail to see high-res image on airliners.net

Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti, quoting Russian daily Izvestia, has claimed that Malaysia may sign a contract to buy 18 more Su-30MKM multirole fighters when Malaysian Defense Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi visits the Irkut aviation plant today. It also reports that the Malaysian defense minister also plans to discuss integrating new missiles, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles jointly developed by Russia and India, on the Su-30MKMs already operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

However, Malaysian defence journalist Dzirhan Mahadzir, writing in his Twitter feed, feels that an additional Sukhoi order now is unlikely, although the chances of Brahmos may be more likely. I tend to agree on this, there has little indication from Malaysia that more Su-30 purchases in the short term are forthcoming, although I can see Malaysia being keen on further batches of Su-30MKMs in the future.

The Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (Royal Malaysian Air Force) currently operates 18 Su-30MKMs with Gong Kedak-based 11 Skuadron.

CATIC Chairman: J-10 not cleared for international sales

2011-11-16T19:44:00.000+11:00

Speaking to Air Forces Monthly military correspondent and former editor Alan Warnes at the Dubai Airshow, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) chairman Ma Zhiping has said that the Chengdu J-10 has not been cleared for export.

PHOTO: MC-130P Combat Shadow refuels HH-60G Pave Hawks

2011-11-02T22:10:00.001+11:00

Click on thumbnail to view high-resolution image.

An MC-130P Combat Shadow from the 17th Special Operations Squadron refuels HH-60G Pave Hawks from the 33rd Rescue Squadron, both stationed at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, as they fly to Osan Air Base Korea for PACIFIC THUNDER Oct. 27. PACIFIC THUNDER is an annual 10-day exercise that takes place Oct. 31- Nov. 9 at Osan Air Base, Korea involving the 33rd Rescue Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, and the 25th Fighter Squadron, Osan Air Base, Korea. These units work together to practice Combat Search and Rescue tactics to prepare for real-world emergency situations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Angelique Bilog)

Story and more images at Kadena Air Force Base's website

South Korea suspected of tampering with TigerEye IRST

2011-11-02T18:14:00.003+11:00

South Korean newspaper the Chosun Ilbo has reported that an un-named official with the Asian nation's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has told the newspaper that the United States has investigated suspicions that South Korea had illegally disassembled the TigerEye Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) systems supplied to the Republic of Korea Air Force's F-15K SLAM Eagle fighters. However, the DAPA official has also reported said that the Americans tentatively concluded that the RoKAF had not illegally mishandled the IRSTs.

Meanwhile, Greg Waldron (@asiajetwatch) over at Flightglobal gives his take on the whole affair, as well as his insights on the development of South Korea's K-FX fighter program, which would have been the intended beneficiary if the TigerEyes were indeed tampered with.

Updates: RAF Typhoons at Exercise Bersama Lima

2011-11-01T20:17:00.002+11:00

The Royal Air Force has been following 6 Sqn's activities in Malaysia for Bersama Lima. Late last month they covered the deployment of the squadron's Tranche 2 Typhoons (Typhoon FGR.4 in RAF parlance) to Butterworth, Malaysia, with the 7000-mile flight marking the Typhoon's longest ever deployment so far, as well as being the Tranche 2's inaugural overseas exercise.

And yesterday, the RAF has posted an update of the squadron's activities at Bersama Lima, and the tropical conditions they face, during the exercise. 6 Squadron has so far flown sorties alongside F/A-18, Mig-29, F-5 and F-16 aircraft from the other 4 FPDA nations, and are now preparing for the final stage of the exercise where all participating air forces will fly missions within a complex scenario.

PHOTO: RAAF 75 Sqn 70th Anniversary F/A-18A Hornet in good light

2011-11-01T17:10:00.003+11:00

© Comonwealth of Australia/LAC Terry Hartin. Click on thumbnail to view high-resolution image.

So good, we had to bring it to you twice. The Royal Australian Air Force has released new high quality images of the commemorative 70th Anniversary livery on 75 Squadron F/A-18 Hornet A21-38, pictured on the tarmac at RAAF Base Tindal in bright sunshine following what's probably a Top End shower. A vast improvement over the pics from Bersama Lima, which were unfortunately slightly backlit and shot under very harsh lighting conditions. More photos of this plane can be found at the Australian Defence Force's Photo Gallery by searching for "Hornet" (among other search terms)

While we're on the topic, Temora Aviation Museum in New South Wales has just announced that a RAAF Hornet will be performing at their inaugural Warbirds Downunder airshow on November 19th. I have heard that Temora is also working on bringing this aircraft down to the show on static. I'm keeping my fingers crossed they're successful!

VIDEO: P-3 Orion Desert to Delivery

2011-10-27T20:51:00.001+11:00

Lockheed-Martin's in-house video team takes us through the process of refurbishing and upgrading ex-US Navy P-3C Orions that have been stored in the desert Boneyard of Arizona. The fuselages are trucked almost 2,000 miles (3,200 km) to South Carolina where they will be mated to new wings that have been built in (relatively) nearby Georgia as part of a Mid-Life Upgrade program for the venerable Orion. In the past few years the Orion has been a popular choice in Asia with countries keen to enhance their anti-submarine and maritime patrol capabilities, with Pakistan and South Korea taking deliveries of refurbished aircraft. Taiwan has similar aircraft on order with deliveries expected in 2012, while Singapore is reportedly also interested in the type.

PHOTO: Royal Australian AF 75 Sqn 70th Anniversary F/A-18A Hornet

2011-10-24T21:34:00.004+11:00

© Comonwealth of Australia/LAC Terry Hartin. Click on thumbnail to view high-resolution image.

Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A Hornet A21-38 takes off from Butterworth Airbase in Malaysia. This aircraft, A21-38 carries a new commemorative scheme marking 75 Squadron's 70th Anniversary in 2012.

75 Squadron have deployed to Butterworth to take part in Exercise Bersama Lima, a Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA) air, ground and naval exercise between the armed services of Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Australia in various locations on the Malaysian Peninsula and in the South China Sea.. 2011 marks the 40th Anniversary of successful co-operation between the founding members of the FPDA.

75 Sqn RAAF was formed in Townsville, Australia on the 4th of March 1942 with 25 Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawks. Within nine days the squadron was deployed to New Guinea against the Japanese onslaught, claiming an enemy aircraft shot down just 12 days later. After the war, the squadron operated various types of aircraft including the De Havilland Vampire and Dassault Breguet Mirage III before transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet and moving to its present base at Tindal in Australia's Northern Territory in 1988.

Eurofighter Typhoon reportedly out of Japan's F-X competition

2011-10-23T22:49:00.005+11:00

Japan Security Watch, referencing a Nikkei news article (in Japanese only) is reporting that Japan's Ministry of Defence has eliminated the Eurofighter Typhoon from its shortlist of fighters in the running for the country's next generation F-X fighter aircraft competition. This leaves Boeing's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Lockheed-Martin's F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to vie for Japan's fighter contract.

Observers have always felt the sole European bid was a dark horse in the competition, given Japan's traditional close military and political ties to the United States. That said, one does get the feeling based on statements issued by Japanese political and military officials, that the country already has its heart set on the F-35, and that the competition was a procedural necessity.

That might explain the absence of Boeing's F-15SE Silent Eagle in the Japanese competition, whose Air Self Defence Force already operates legacy variants of the type. With the boast of advanced low-observable features (albeit less capable than the F-35) but almost certainly costing significantly less than the JSF, the Silent Eagle would have at the very least provided some competition in a head-to-head fly-off against the Lockheed-Martin product.

We leave you with a Boeing marketing video for the Silent Eagle, shown at the recently held Seoul Airshow in South Korea, taking out some (North Korean?) bad guys:

VIDEO: 16 RAAF Super Hornets over the Gold Coast

2011-10-21T12:53:00.000+11:00

The first videos are out of the multi-ship RAAF Super Hornet flyover over South-East Queensland we mentioned here a few days ago. Here's one from @theantipop1991 of a 16-ship formation prior to the arrival of the last 4 RAAF aircraft being delivered today.

Australia considering Super Hornet conversion to Growlers

2011-10-20T23:07:00.004+11:00

US Navy EA-18G Growler of VAQ-135 Black Ravens. Photo © f18e777 on Flickr

Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith has confirmed that Australia is considering the acquisition of an electronic attack capability through the modification of up to 12 of the RAAF’s Boeing F/A-18F+ Super Hornets.

Speaking to SKY News on October 19, Mr Smith said “we are now starting the process of looking very closely and carefully at whether this is a capability that Australia should acquire.”

12 of the RAAF’s 24 Super Hornets have been pre-wired and have had other preparatory work done on the production line in anticipation of a possible conversion to EA-18G Growler standard. It has been reported elsewhere that the cost of acquisition of associated equipment and conversion of six of the RAAF's existing Super Hornets could cost up to A$400 million.

RAAF deploys Hornets to Perth ahead of Commonwealth meeting

2011-10-20T22:02:00.006+11:00

Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A Hornet.

Eight Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornets have flown into Western Australia as part of the security operation to protect the gathering of world leaders during next week's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The fighter jets, from Williamtown in NSW, will be on standby at RAAF Pearce, just north of Perth, throughout the CHOGM. The commander of the task force charged with providing security for CHOGM, Rear Admiral David Johnston, said the Australian Defence Force would also have surveillance aircraft (presumably the Wedgetails of the 2 Sqn, also normally based at Williamtown) available for monitoring the airspace in and around Perth for the duration.

He said the pilots of the Hornets would carry out training missions over Perth in coming days to ensure they were familiar with the city. According to Australian planspotters monitoring air traffic control frequencies, the Hornets tasked with protecting the CHOGM have been drawn from 3 Sqn.

Singapore Hosts FPDA Joint Exercise

2011-10-18T20:43:00.000+11:00

Singapore's Ministry of Defence has announced that Singapore is hosting Exercise Bersama Lima, a major Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) joint exercise involving air, maritime and land forces from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom. The exercise, held from 17 Oct to 4 Nov 2011, will involve about 4000 personnel, 68 aircraft, 18 ships, two submarines and various support elements from the FPDA member nations.

In addition to the Field Training Exercise (FTX), this year's Bersama Lima, which marks 40 years of the FPDA, will include a shore phase held at the Command and Control Centre of Singapore's Changi Naval Base. A two-day humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) workshop involving other government departments and non-governmental organisations will be conducted in conjunction with the exercise.

Meanwhile the Australian Defence Department has already put up photos of an air-to-air Photo Op between a Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A Hornet of the RAAF's 75 Sqn together with a MiG-29 Fulcrum and F/A-18D Hornet of the Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (Royal Malaysian Air Force) with (I'm sure) more to follow as the exercise progresses.

RAAF Super Hornets to make 20-ship flypast of SE Queensland

2011-10-18T17:41:00.003+11:00

RAAF Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet A44-208

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will welcome home the last four Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets it currently has on order with a flypast of up to 20 Super Hornets around South-East Queensland this Friday the 21st of October.

Sixteen aircraft will depart RAAF Base Amberley between 10 am and 10.30 am and will fly in a loose formation to a point off North Stradbroke Island, where they will form up and fly south, crossing the coast at Southport before flying down the Gold Coast to Tweed Heads.

The armada will then fly out to sea and reform at a point off the Sunshine Coast where it will join with the four new Super Hornets.

The formation will fly south from Noosa Heads down the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane where it will then fly over the CBD en route to Ipswich and RAAF Amberley. It is expected to pass over the base at 11.30am.

The formation will be accompanied at intervals by up to two Hawk Mk127 lead-in fighters. Full details on the RAAF's Facebook page.

RAF Typhoons Malaysia-bound for Five Power exercise and airshow

2011-10-16T01:46:00.000+11:00

RAF Leuchars-based 6 Sqn Typhoon. Photo by Bob Franklin via Key Aero

According to Scottish newspaper The Courier, the Royal Air Force (RAF) will be sending its Eurofighter Typhoons to Malaysia to participate in Exercise Bersama Lima, scheduled to be held in and around Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore from 21st October to 2nd November 2011. The aircraft and crew will come from the RAF's 6 Sqn, normally based at RAF Leuchars on Scotland's east coast.

Bersama Lima is an air and naval exercise held under the auspices of the Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA). 2011's exercise will mark the FPDA's 40th Anniversary of the pact between the armed forces of the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore.

In addition, the Typhoons will showcase its capabilities to Malaysia during the exercise and the subsequent Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), to be held from the 6th to the 10th of December at the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi. According to Jane's Defence Weekly's Malaysia correspondent Dzirhan Mahadzir, two Typhoons will stay on after the exercise and will be on display at LIMA.

Malaysia had earlier confirmed that the Typhoon is being considered by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) as its next fighter, alongside Sukhoi’s Su-35, Boeing’s F/A-18E Super Hornet and Saab’s JAS-39 Gripen. The winner of the competition will replace the RMAF's fleet of MiG-29 Fulcrums, due to be retired in 2015.

Additional Resources:
Bersama Lima AIP Supplement issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore [pdf document]

VIDEO: Chinese JH-7 fighter bomber crashes at airshow

2011-10-14T23:34:00.005+11:00

A Chinese-built Xi'an JH-7 Flying Leopard fighter-bomber has crashed during a demonstration at an airshow in Pucheng, Shaanxi Province in northern China. A video of the crash (see embedded video above) released by CCTV, China's state broadcaster, appears to show the aircraft suddenly departing controlled flight and plunging nose-first into the ground, resulting in a fireball. One crewmember was seen to eject, reportedly with injuries, however another pilot was reported as missing. More reports from The Bangkok Post and CNN.

The JH-7 is in service with both China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the People's Liberation Army Navy Air Force (PLANAF). First entering service in the 1990s, the new type replaced the elderly Harbin H-5 (Ilyushin Il-28 'Beagle' copy) and Nanchang Q-5 (Chinese built derivative of the MiG-19/Shenyang J-6). Considered a relatively limited ground attack platform powered by locally manufactured derivatives of imported Rolls-Royce Spey engines, an improved variant, the JH-7A, introduced a lighter, composite platform, new avionics and radar, precision strike capability and increased payload. 114 aircraft have been built so far and serve in the precision attack and maritime strike roles.

Singapore studying the STOVL F-35B?

2011-10-06T22:37:00.028+11:00

RSAF Northrop F-5S Tiger II deploys its drag chute upon landing on a public road during an Alternate Runway exercise. (Photo: Singapore MINDEF)

Stephen Trimble's (aka @thedewline) piece on Flightglobal regarding the F-35B's recent flightdeck tests on the deck of the USS Wasp contained this nugget:

"Meanwhile, Singapore - a security co-operation participant in the F-35 joint programme office - has launched studies aimed at considering the STOVL (Ed: Short Take Off Vertical Landing) variant, said Gregg Pyers, lift fan programme director for UK-based Rolls-Royce."

It has always struck me as slightly odd that up to now, there were no indications that Singapore, a strategic, heavily-defended small island-state less than 50km from one end to another has seemingly never seriously considered (not publicly, anyway) VSTOL/STOVL solutions for its air force. One can assume that even had the RSAF looked into such capabilities before, the only realistic contender prior to the F-35, the Harrier, did not "bring enough to the table" in terms of combat capabilities to warrant introducing a new type (with its associated support requirements) into the inventory.

Then again, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has several measures in place to mitigate any attempt to restrict its air operations, including hardened/camouflaged airbases, a well-established runway repair capability, main taxiways which serve as secondary runways and public roads which double up as emergency runways should the need arise. And until the procurement by neighbouring Malaysia of the Brazilian ASTROS Multiple Rocket Launcher system, its nearest potential adversaries had little capability of putting its runways out of action, and even so, it was unlikely that any adversary will be able to sustain any operation to keep the RSAF's runways closed for an extended period of time.

Still, a squadron of easily-dispersed STOVL-capable assets would ensure that the RSAF would be able to keep up combat air operations even in the event of it's runways being out of action, even for a short period of time. Knowing that the RSAF retains an air combat capability even without runways in operation would complicate any adversary's calculations in attempting a first strike to negate Singapore's defences.

Endurance 160 Multi-Role Support Ship

There is another dimension in Singapore's interest in the F-35B. At Euronaval 2010 in Paris and again at Singapore's International Maritime and Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) in May 2011, defence contractor Singapore Technologies (ST) Marine displayed a scale model of a Multi-Role Support Ship based on its Endurance 140 Landing Platform Dock (LPD) design. Looking suspiciously like a miniature Landing Helicopter Dock, or LHD in US Navy parlance and designated the Endurance 160, the design displaces 14,500 tonnes, measures approximately 163m by 26m and is equipped with 5 deck spots for helicopters and 2 elevators.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) already operates 4 Endurance 140s, and while Singapore has not officially announced the purchase of any Endurance 160s, a reported offer of an Endurance 140 for the Chilean Navy may point to the RSN looking to free up personnel to crew other (newer?) ships.

Studying the Endurance 160 model, the deck elevators as displayed are too small for F-35Bs to be struck belowdecks which would preclude sustained operations, but it is still entirely possible for a detachment of F-35Bs to operate from the flight deck for short operations. Alternatively a larger lift could be incorporated into the design, either expanding the size of one of the elevators (which has the effect of reducing hangar space) or adding a deck edge elevator to operate the fighters.

A bigger issue would be the length of the flight deck, being too short for F-35B operations (550ft/168m being the minimum for F-35B operations on a conventional flight deck) or the addition of a ski jump which would reduce the F-35B's take off distance to 450ft/137m. Should the RSN purchase the Endurance 160, having F-35Bs would maximize the capabilities of such a vessel, albeit with modifications to the existing flight deck design.

It would be interesting to see how the this study on the F-35B's suitability for the RSAF, presumably carried out by Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency, pans out. With the advent of the 5th Generation F-35 and a level of parts/logistics commonality with the Conventional Take-off Landing F-35A variant, it seems Singapore's defence planners have seen something in the STOVL F-35B worth looking further into.

Then again, the cynic in me reckons the statement might just be a marketing plug by Rolls Royce to keep the troubled F-35B, and hence Rolls Royce's own lift fan programme, alive by advertising the presence of another potential export customer.

EDIT (7th Oct 2011): Amended flightdeck requirements of F-35B operations relative to the Endurance 160, thanks to reader feedback. (h/t kotay)

Indonesia goes F-16 shopping; MPs still wary over reliance on US

2011-10-06T00:15:00.006+11:00

Indonesia's Jakarta Post is reporting that the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) is soon to be shopping for Lockheed Martin F-16s at Arizona's Boneyard, otherwise known as AMARG or the USAF's 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group.

The TNI-AU will choose 30 stored ex-USAF F-16A/Bs, with 24 to be upgraded for use and the remainder to be cannibalized for spares. This forms the grant of the aircraft offered by the US announced earlier this year, and the aircraft to be put into service will be upgraded with modern avionics and other weapons.

However, Trefor Moss over at The Diplomat blogs that Indonesian lawmakers are still wary of the deal and a perceived reliance on the US for Indonesia's defence needs. This stems from the crippling US arms embargo on Indonesia from 1992-2005 over human rights violations in East Timor (now Timor Leste), which severely curtailed the serviceability and operations of the TNI-AU's F-5E/F Tiger II, A-4H Skyhawk, F-16 and C-130 Hercules fleets.

Indonesia has since adopted a policy of divesting its sources for defence equipment, and the TNI-AU today operates Russian-made Sukhoi Su-27/30 Flankers alongside it's F-16A/Bs and F-5E/Fs in the air defence role.

VIDEO: F-35B 1st Landing on USS Wasp

2011-10-04T13:27:00.000+11:00

USS WASP, At Sea (NNS) -- The Navy and Marine Corps Team made naval aviation history Oct. 3 as the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) test aircraft BF-2 landed safely on USS Wasp's (LHD 1) flight deck, the first at-sea vertical landing for the Marine Corps' F-35 JSF version.

Marine Corps test pilot Lt. Col. Fred Schenk landed BF-2 at 3:12 pm...

More on the US Navy's website

F/A-18E/F, F-35 and Eurofighter Typhoon bid for Japan's F-X

2011-09-28T16:02:00.004+10:00

In line with a deadline, Japan's Defense Ministry received bids from Boeing's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II JSF and Eurofighter's Typhoon for the country's next generation F-X program. Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa has said he expects a final decision by December with the aircraft to be delivered in 2016.

Japan will likely call for the purchase of about 40 to 60 planes to replace 70 F-4EJ Phantom IIs, and all three manufacturers are believed to be willing to localize at least part of the aircrafts' production in Japan, which Japan has historically insisted on.

Aviationweek has noted that proposals for the F-X program were due on Sept. 26, while the last two of 94 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries F-2 strike fighters are scheduled to be completed on Sept. 27, which means that for the first time in 56 years, there are no fighter aircraft currently being built in Japan.

Related stories:

PHOTOS: Libyan Mirage F-1 in Malta gets new national insignia

2011-09-27T20:52:00.004+10:00

Photos © Paul J Harvey via Alvaro Munoz-Aycuens. Click on thumbnails above to view high resolution photos in Paul's Photostream.

A Libyan Air Force Mirage F-1ED fighter jet had its all-green roundel of the deposed Gaddafi regime replaced by the colours of Libya's National Transitional Council amid applause at Malta International Airport, where the jet was on static display as part of the recently-concluded Malta Airshow. The jet, together with another, was flown to Malta at the beginning of the Libyan revolution in February by pilots who had refused orders to attack anti-Gaddafi protesters from the air.

Related story: Mirage gets colours of liberated Libya

DSCA notification of Taiwanese F-16 upgrade; China reacts accordingly

2011-09-22T21:24:00.005+10:00

Full details of the recently announced upgrade for Taiwan's Lockheed Martin F-16A/B Fighting Falcons, as released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. AESA radars, AIM-9X Sidewinders and the associated Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems, advanced targeting pods (Sniper/Litening) and a variety of precision air-to-ground ordnance are included in the package. However as widely expected, Taiwan's request to purchase 66 later-model F-16C/Ds has been rejected.

Meanwhile, as expected, China's reaction has been swift (and follows it's regular script), with the American ambassador in Beijing summoned to receive an official protest from the Chinese deputy foreign minister.

PHOTO: TNI-AU F-16B at Exercise Elang AusIndo

2011-09-22T21:10:00.002+10:00

Click on thumbnail to view high resolution image.

A TNI-AU (Tentera Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara or Indonesian Air Force) F-16B Fighting Falcon passes in front of a Thai Airways passenger jet during Exercise Elang Ausindo at Denpassar International Airport in Bali. The exercise is a bi-lateral Fighter exercise between the TNI-AU and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The exercise will enhance tactical fighter coordination and cooperation between the RAAF and TNI-AU, and further develop the relationship between Australia and Indonesia. This year's exercise saw the RAAF's 77 Squadron deploy eight F/A-18 Hornets and approximately 80 personnel to Indonesia to participate in the exercise (Photo © Commonwealth of Australia)

USMC Sept 2011 Unit Deployment Program (Japan) update

2011-09-20T20:35:00.000+10:00

The regular rotation of US Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet units forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni under the Unit Deployment Program has taken place, with the following units involved:

Marine Air Group 12 (MAG-12), MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
VMFA-314 "Black Knights" departed Aug, Sep 5/6 with 12 F/A-18A++ Hornets.
VMFA-115 "Silver Eagles" arrived Sep 4/5 with 10 F/A-18A++ Hornets.

Info via Gonavy.

RoKAF conducts air-to-air refueling exercises with USAF

2011-09-20T20:13:00.003+10:00

RoKAF F-15K Slam Eagles refuel from a USAF KC-135R (ROKAF Photo)

South Korean newspapers Chosun Ilbo and The Korea Herald have both ran stories in their respective English editions about the Republic of Korea Air Force participating in aerial refueling exercises with the USAF for the first time in South Korean airspace over the West Sea.

Starting Friday the 16th of September, a KC-135R Stratotanker of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, 18th Wing normally based out of Kadena AFB, Okinawa, will conduct refueling exercises with the RoKAF's F-15Ks and KF-16C/Ds. 16 RoKAF pilots (8 from each type) will participate in the exercise, which are expected to run till September 30th. The 16 pilots are expected to qualify for aerial refueling after this exercise, which will require four successful refueling attempts; two by day and a further two at night.

The RoKAF, which currently does not possess tanker aircraft, hopes to conduct similar exercises with the USAF every six months to allow it's refueling-qualified aircrew to stay current, while at the same time, setting a target of qualifying 16 pilots for aerial refueling every year.

Efforts by the RoKAF to acquire it's own tankers have stalled, mainly over budgetary concerns.

Australia takes delivery of 5th C-17, carries out first RAAF KC-30 flight

2011-09-16T21:15:00.001+10:00

Been a couple of busy days for the Royal Australian Air Force's big birds; the RAAF taking delivery from Boeing of it's fifth C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft on the 14th of September, while back home it has carried out the first flight of its new Airbus KC-30A tanker. Initial operational capability with the KC-30A is expected in late 2012.

VIDEO: Aerial view of Taiwanese RF-5E, F-5F crash site

2011-09-15T23:32:00.005+10:00

Raw video taken from a helicopter of the site of the recent crash of the Republic of China Air Force RF-5E Tigereye and F-5F Tiger II two-seat conversion trainer. More details on the crash in yesterday's report.

RoCAF F-5F and RF-5E crash in eastern Taiwan; 3 pilots killed

2011-09-14T15:29:00.012+10:00

RoCAF RF-5E of the 12th TRS/401st TFW. Photo © Hsu Chun-Yuan. Please visit his Photostream for high-res images.

Sad news from Taiwan. The Republic of China Air Force (RoCAF) has lost a RF-5E Tigereye photo-reconnaissance jet and a F-5F Tiger II fighter/trainer when both aircraft crashed into mountains in eastern Taiwan yesterday during a night training sortie. Reports this morning have indicated that all 3 pilots have been killed in the crash, which occurred near Su-Ao Township in Yilan County.

In a statement, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said the two jets took off from their base at Hualien at 7:39pm local time yesterday evening, with radio contact being lost at 7:48pm and both aircraft disappearing from radar shortly after, at 7:52pm. The RF-5E pilot has been identified as Captain Hsiao Wen-ming, 29 while the F-5F was crewed by Lieutenant Colonel Chang Chien-kuo, 41 (pilot) and Major Wang Hong-Hsiang, 36 (co-pilot). The RF-5E was flying in the lead, with the F-5F the wingman.

Fishermen from nearby coastal towns approximately 100km north of Hualien witnessed the aircraft flying along the Suhua Highway before hearing the crash and observing flames from nearby mountain peaks. The witnesses then notified authorities, which initiated a search of the reported area of the crash before locating the wreckage as well as the bodies of the pilots.

RoCAF F-5F 5401/83-0127 of the 12th TRS/401st TFW. This is reportedly the F-5F which crashed last night. Photo © Hsu Chun-Yuan. Please visit his Photostream for high-res images.

Taiwan's fleet of F-5E/F Tigers were locally produced under licence, with 308 aircraft being manufactured between 1974 and 1983. Seven F-5Es were converted into RF-5E Tigereyes by Singapore Technologies Aerospace in 1999-2000.

The RF-5E lost is reported to be 5506 (83-0093/former RoCAF F-5E 5323) while the F-5F is reported to be 5401/83-0127. Taiwan's Tiger II fleet has suffered from a relatively high loss rate, with more than 30 airframes known to have been written off due to crashes and accidents.

Hualien is home to the RoCAF's 401st Tactical Fighter Wing/12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron which reportedly only operates the RF-5, but as the above photo shows, it also holds at least one (but probably a handful of) two-seater(s), most likely for pilot training/conversion.

Additional information courtesy of Don Chan, Taiwan Air Power and Scramble.

Added a new Image Gallery...

2011-09-13T22:23:00.003+10:00

I've been meaning to do this for a while and finally got around to creating a new gallery on the main site, for military aviation aircraft images that don't fit anywhere else. Images from older airshows, aircraft carrier visits, spotting trips, etc will go to this new Gallery, which I've imaginatively titled Miscellaneous. It's just started off with 15 photos, with more to come.

Today, ten years ago...

2011-09-11T23:06:00.006+10:00

Boeing 757-223 N644AA/5BP, which crashed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 as American Airlines Flight 77. Photo © Sunil Gupta

...the world changed.

It had gone by like just another day for me. A day at university, in the third of a four-year course in Aerospace Engineering in Melbourne, Australia. It was coming up to 11pm, and like most other evenings, I was completing assignments from school while flitting in and out of my favourite scale modeling internet forums when posts started appearing about a plane hitting the World Trade Centre in New York. Great, some fool had made a pig's ear of a stunt flying between the towers was the first thought that sprang into my head, without bothering to read the threads. And went back to my work.

It was my next visit to the forums, about 20 minutes later, when I saw reports that a second plane had hit the second WTC Tower, and someone had remarked that it 'looked like a 737' (strange how the human mind remembers little details like that) and that was the point when I realised something big was happening. Two planes. Two buildings. Two jetliners. This was no accident, or a stunt gone wrong. I started combing through the news websites like BBC, CNN and NBC only to find all the sites were down, crashed due to the surge in hits on the sites. Without cable TV then, I waited till the next scheduled news bulletin was on before flicking on the TV, only to find I needn't had waited as all terrestial channels had already crossed over to live feeds from American TV networks, and there was already wall-to-wall footage of the second plane (as it turned out, United Airlines Flight 175) crashing into the WTC's South Tower.

The next couple of hours were a mixture of shock, horror, confusion and numbness as bit by bit, news of what we now know, started filtering in.

The world had changed.

Russian Bears circle off Japan, South Korean and Japanese intercept

2011-09-11T01:00:00.000+10:00

Japan has said that a pair of Russian Tupolev Tu-95MS 'Bear' bombers have conducted an overflight of the seas off Japan, heading through the Straits of Tsushima before turning around and flying back to their base via the Pacific Ocean east of Japan. (NOTE: The Bears were likely to be from the 79th or 182nd GBAD/Heavy Bomber Air Regiment based at Ukrainka-Seryshevo in Russia's Far East)

Russian defence authorities have confirmed that the aircraft conducted a mission lasting 19 hours over the Pacific. It added that the Tupolevs were escorted by Japan Air Self Defence Force and Republic of Korea Air Force fighters at various times, and that there were no violations of Japan's airspace.

Russia and Japan are embroiled in a dispute over the ownership of the Kurile Islands, north of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido.

VIDEO: CNN tours Libya's Mitiga Airbase

2011-08-31T00:42:00.003+10:00

1980s Soviet plane-porn alert! CNN's Nic Robertson takes us on a tour of Libya's Mitiga Airbase soon after the fall of Tripoli to Libya's rebels, including climbing into the cockpit of a derelict Mi-8, shots of other derelict Mi-8s, MiG-23s, Chinooks, various VIP transports and the show-stealer of the piece, a carcass of a Tu-22 Blinder bomber.

PHOTO: Royal Thai Air Force jet trainers (Alpha Jet and L-39)

2011-08-30T00:59:00.005+10:00

The recent Thai Boomerang exercise between the Thai and Australian Air Forces offered a glimpse of the Royal Thai Air Force's Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jets and the Aero L-39ZA/ART Albatros trainers. Note that the L-39 shown below is armed with AIM-9P Sidewinder Air-to-Air missiles. The RTAF currently operates 36 L-39ZA/ARTs with two squadrons and 19 (out of an original 25) Alpha Jet As with one squadron.

Ex Thai Boomerang 2011 was hosted by the RTAF's Wing 1 at Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) Royal Thai Air Force Base and also involved the host unit's F-16s along with F/A-18A Hornets of the RAAF's Williamtown-based 77 Sqn.

Click on the thumbnails below to view high-resolution images.

© Commonwealth of Australia

© Commonwealth of Australia

Pentagon's 2011 report on China's military; J-20 operational by 2018

2011-08-27T21:16:00.004+10:00

The Pentagon's annual report to Congress on China's military and security developments is out. It can be found here.

Meanwhile Greg Waldron over at Flightglobal has nicely summed up what the report says about the J-20.

VIDEO: Dutch F-16s Intercept Tu-95

2011-08-25T21:40:00.006+10:00

The Dutch military has released this video of a close encounter between the Dutch KLu's F-16s and a Russian Air Force Tupolev Tu-95 'Bear' maritime reconnaissance aircraft/missile carrier. This marked the fourth time this year that Dutch fighters have been scrambled to intercept Russian bombers.

The Dutch F-16s intercepted two Bears that entered Dutch airspace without identifying themselves on Aug. 17, after the Bears had been shadowed by Danish F-16s. After leaving Dutch airspace, Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons took over.

Back to the familiar scenes like this that we saw often during the Cold War, only with different interceptors, and we get JHMCS-recorded videos to gawk at these days as well.

Boeing Delivers 3 More F-15K Slam Eagles to the Republic of Korea

2011-08-25T11:33:00.011+10:00

F-15K at a 2008 Red Flag (USAF Photo/Chief MSgt. Gary Emery)

Boeing has announced that it has delivered three more F-15K Slam Eagle aircraft to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) at Daegu Air Base on the 20th of August.

The aircraft left the Boeing St. Louis facility on Aug. 16 and made stops in Palmdale, Calif., Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, before arriving in Korea.

This brings F-15K deliveries to the RoKAF to 53 aircraft out of a total of 61 ordered. Forty aircraft were ordered in 2002 with deliveries starting from 2005, with another 21 aircraft ordered in 2008 which are currently being delivered to the RoKAF starting in 2010. One aircraft from the first batch had been lost in 2006. The RoKAF's F-15Ks are currently serving with the 11th Fighter Wing's 102nd, 122nd and 151st (or 110th - conflicting information) Fighter Squadron at Daegu.

More on the F-15K (Wikipedia)

Australia to decide on whether to acquire more Super Hornets in 2012

2011-08-18T22:39:00.006+10:00

Royal Australian Air Force Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet

Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith has revealed that Australia will decide in 2012 on whether to acquire more Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets to mitigate against the risk of an air defence capability gap developing in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as a result of the risks of further cost blowouts and delays afflicting the troubled Lockheed-Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program, coupled with the RAAF's "legacy" F/A-18A/B Hornet fleet's planned retirement by 2020.

Responding to a question posed in Parliament, the minister has stated that while Australia has placed "sufficient padding" around the program to ensure that the nation is sufficiently covered in air defence, the JSF program's troubles was reducing the buffer against risk mitigation measures in terms of schedule, and although the Australian Defence Department has recommended that a decision has to be made on enacting alternative plans to the JSF by 2013, he has decided that a decision will be made next year to avoid having to make last minute decision. In addition, Australia, together with other Joint Strike Fighter program partners, will carry out an exhaustive risk assessment of delivery schedule by the later this year.

Australia has signed up with the Joint Strike Fighter program and has committed to buying 14 aircraft with two training aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2014. It has an eventual requirement for up to 100 JSF's. The RAAF currently operates 20 F/A-18F Super Hornets, with four more aircraft to be delivered. (as of August 2011)

Full transcript of the Minister's speech to the Australian House of Representatives, 17 August 2011.

Asia's F-16 operators eye AESA radar upgrades

2011-08-18T21:52:00.007+10:00

Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16C Block 52

Aviationweek has reported that three Asian F-16 operators, namely the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Taiwan are keen on upgrading their respective F-16 fleets with the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. This follows the United States Air Force, already facing delays with the controversial Lockheed-Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program, recently requesting information on F-16 AESA upgrades for 300-600 of the USAF's current F-16 fleet. The AESA radars in contention for all the potential upgrades are likely to be between Northrop Grumman’s Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) and the Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar (RACR).

The Republic of Korea Air Force currently operates 169 F-16C/D Block 32/52s, with the Republic of Singapore Air Force operating 60 F-16C/D Block 52/52+ and the Republic of China (Taiwan) Air Force having 145 F-16A/B Block 20s in its inventory.

PHOTO: Highlight at MAKS 2011, the Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA

2011-08-17T00:42:00.003+10:00

Just had to share this here: A nice shot of Russia's Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA fifth-generation fighter being "wrung out" (does anybody still use that term?) at MAKS 2011 (International Aviation and Space Salon) that's held at Russia's Zhukovsky/Ramenskoye Airfield. Photo by Fyodor Borisov/Russian AviaPhoto Team with link to high resolution photo on airliners.net

More MAKS 2011 photos here

Sidewinders move to Lemoore; to transition to Super Hornets

2011-08-11T21:36:00.003+10:00

US Navy Photo

The US Navy's Pacific Fleet's carriers have gained a new fast jet squadron in the form of VFA-86 Sidewinders which has moved to Naval Air Station Lemoore. The squadron will also trade in their F/A-18C Hornets and transition to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The Sidewinders have already made a WestPac deployment with the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) in 2009/2010, even though at the time the unit was based on the opposite coast at Marine Combat Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina.

USMC July 2011 Unit Deployment Program (Japan) update

2011-08-11T21:02:00.002+10:00

The regular rotation of US Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet units forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni under the Unit Deployment Program has taken place, with the following units involved:

Marine Air Group 12 (MAG-12), MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
VMFA(AW)-533 "Hawks" departed Kadena Jul 15 with 13 F/A-18D Hornets.
VFA-94 "Mighty Shrikes" arrived July 14 with 12 F/A-18C(N) Hornets.

Info via Gonavy.

Varyag makes maiden voyage from Dalian for sea trials

2011-08-10T13:19:00.003+10:00

Varyag pictured pierside in Dalian, 17th April 2011. Photo © Reuters

The former Soviet Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier Varyag, refusbished by China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has left its berth at Dalian, China at 5.09am on Wednesday the 10th of August 2011 for its maiden sea trials. It is expected that the sea trials will last a few days.

The Chinese government's official news agency Xinhua has reported that “China’s refitted aircraft carrier left its shipyard at Dalian Port in northeast Liaoning Province on Wednesday morning to start its first sea trial. Military sources said that the first sea trial was in line with schedual [sic] of the carrier’s refitting project and would not take a long time. After returning from the sea trial, the aircraft carrier will continue refit and test work.”

Meanwhile, Andrew S. Erickson over at The China Signpost has highlighted a few things to watch out for during the still-unnamed carrier's maiden voyage.

PHOTO: Royal Thai Navy takes delivery of MH-60S Seahawks

2011-08-10T12:58:00.001+10:00

Photo © Sikorsky. Click on thumbnail to view high resolution image.

BALTIMORE, Maryland - Two MH-60S Seahawk helicopters flew into the Port of Baltimore headed to the Royal Thai Navy, marking the first delivery of the MH-60 to an international customer.

The U.S. Navy flew the aircraft from Owego, N.Y., to the Port of Baltimore, Md., ahead of their ocean voyage to Thailand. The aircraft were acquired via the U.S. Government’s Foreign Military Sales program.

“MH-60S ‘Sierra’ helicopters have proven to be highly reliable utility aircraft for the U.S. Navy fleet,” said Michael Sears, the U.S. Navy’s international H-60 deputy program manager. “We are honored to provide Thailand with the same capability, along with pilot and maintainer training, spares and logistical support.”

The new Sierra aircraft are an integral part of the Royal Thai Navy’s fleet modernization program to augment the capabilities of six Sikorsky S-70B SEAHAWK and six marinized S-76B helicopters acquired through U.S. Foreign Military Sales in the late 1990s. The Navy has expressed interest in additional MH-60S purchases.

The MH-60S helicopters acquired by the Royal Thai Navy are designed for utility missions, such as logistics and troop transport. In addition, the standard searchlight and rescue hoist will enable aircrew to perform search and rescue missions.

Varyag sailing imminent; first Z-8 helicopter arrives on board

2011-08-07T00:50:00.005+10:00

The writing has been on the wall the past few weeks, but signs are pointing to the former Soviet/Russian aircraft carrier Varyag, now owned by China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), making it's maiden voyage for sea trials from Dalian, China before the next week is out. From the Chinese government officially acknowledging that the ship exists and will be used as a training carrier with a view to building more such ships, to daily eyewitness reports online of activity on board, things are definitely moving along.

Meanwhile, Kyodo's Chinese website has released photos, dated August 5 2011, showing a Changhe Z-8 helicopter (licence-built Aerospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon) operating from the Varyag/Shi Lang.

Photos © Kyodo

It has been reported that the ship will be renamed, after a Qing Dynasty admiral who conquered Taiwan in 1681, but that has not been officially confirmed.

Singapore looking to replace KC-135s, would it acquire more than 4?

2011-08-02T22:07:00.032+10:00

Aviationweek ran an article a few days ago about how Boeing's commitment to build 180 KC-46 tankers for the USAF might leave the field for other air forces' tanker contracts open to Airbus. It's worth a read, but what caught my eye was the following:

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) currently operates four Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers with 112 Sqn from Changi West Airbase. All four aircraft were former US Air Force KC-135As pulled out from storage in the late 1990s and upgraded to KC-135R standard with new turbofans, avionics, a glass cockpit and a pair of Sargent-Fletcher Mk.32 (now known as the Cobham 500/700-series) refueling pods on the wings to refuel probe-equipped aircraft in addition to the fuselage mounted boom to refuel receptacle-equipped aircraft. The oldest of the RSAF's KC-135s was built in 1959, with the newest built in 1963 which would make the fleet ripe for replacement in the timeframe stated in the article.

However, what Aviationweek did not mention specifically was the number of tankers the RSAF was looking to acquire, for in addition to the KC-135s, the RSAF also operates a fleet of ten Lockheed C-130B/H Hercules transports with Paya Lebar-based 122 Sqn, most, if not all* of which are capable of mounting a pair of Cobham 48" series wing-mounted refueling pods. Furthermore, since the introduction of the KC-130s in the 1980s and the KC-135s in 1998, the RSAF's force structure has undergone a radical change. Gone from the RSAF's combat orbat are the McDonnell-Douglas A-4SU Super Skyhawks, with the locally-upgraded Northrop F-5S/T Tiger II soon to follow. In their place are 60 Lockheed-Martin F-16C/D Fighting Falcons and 24 Boeing F-15SG Strike Eagles, and it is widely expected that Singapore will be a future customer for the Lockheed-Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

RSAF C-130H 731 in tanker configuration. Most, if not all of the RSAF's ten-strong C-130 fleet can be configured as tankers.

What this means is that when the F-5S/T retires, the RSAF's current (and possibly future) combat fleet will comprise exclusively of aircraft which utilise the boom-and-receptacle method of inflight refueling. This would render obsolete the C-130's tanker capabilities in the RSAF (even if its transport capabilities are very much still in demand), and with US-based RSAF F-15 and F-16 training detachments needing (occasional?) support, along with frequent participation in multinational and unilateral exercises overseas**, there will almost certainly be a shortfall in the RSAF's refueling capacity, if there isn't already.

So where does this lead? I would speculate that the RSAF will acquire more than four new tankers, replacing the KC-135s and KC-130s at the same time. It is not expected that the KC-130s will be replaced on a 1-for-1 basis, given the costs involved and the disparity in capabilities of the possible contenders over the KC-130. With all of that in mind, I would, however, be very surprised if the RSAF's tender for new tankers, which Aviationweek expects to be issued as early as next year with selection in early 2013, would be for less than 6 aircraft, with even 8 aircraft being a possibility.

* - It is commonly mistakenly reported that only five of the RSAF's C-130s (four C-130Bs and one C-130H) can be configured as tankers.

** - Singapore-based RSAF jets deploy frequently to Australia, France, India, Indonesia and Thailand for exercises, with flights to and from the first three-named countries definitely requiring tanker support for F-15/F-16s to reach when flying from Singapore.

PHOTO: RAAF F/A-18A Hornet & JASDF F-15J Eagle over the tundra

2011-08-02T20:21:00.006+10:00

Photo © Commonwealth of Australia. Click on the thumbnail to view hi-resolution image.

A No 3 Squadron F/A-18 Hornet and an F-15 Eagle from the Japan Air Self Defence Force fly low over the Alaskan tundra during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 11-2. During the exercise, RAAF Hornets from 3 Sqn and JASDF F-15 Eagles from No 4 Air Wing (Ed: Insignia on this F-15J is for the JASDF's 303 Kokutai/6 Kokudan based at Kanazawa-Komatsu) have completed bilateral flying operations for the first time. In addition, the RAAF aircraft made a stopover at the JASDF's Misawa Airbase on their way back from Red Flag Alaska. The four-day exchange programme included several activities to enhance shared cooperation between the Australian and Japanese fighter squadrons.

Formerly known as Cope Thunder, Red Flag Alaska is a United States Pacific Air Forces Command led large force employment exercise designed to replicate a high-end combat environment. Aircrew will be exposed to large force employment where they perform counter air, precision strike and offensive air support in packages of up to 100 aircraft. The exercise also provides invaluable training for logistics, support and maintenance personnel as they are able to practice deploying to another country and working together with other Air Forces.

Red Flag Alaska is a large-forces exercise conducted in interior Alaska to simulate air combat. Aircrews will be operating in the 67,000 square-mile Joint Alaska Pacific Range Complex, which offers adequate space and ranges for crews to simulate full-scale aerial battles.

Exercise Red Flag Alaska 11–2 was conducted at the USAF's Eielson Air Force Base between 4 and 22 July.

VIDEO: F-35C first catapult launch

2011-07-28T23:12:00.000+10:00

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, LAKEHURST, N.J. – The F-35C completed its first steam catapult launch July 27 marking another milestone toward initial ship trials in 2013.

Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Launch and Recovery Equipment) Brandon Barr used a TC-13 Mod 2 test steam catapult, representative of current fleet technology, launching F-35C test aircraft CF-3 into the sky...

Full press release from Naval Air Systems Command

PHOTO: Republic of Singapore AF C-130Bs in Asia Minor scheme

2011-07-21T21:13:00.009+10:00

Photo credit: unknown

Got alerted to this very cool, old-school photo overnight; Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130B 725 pictured in February 1979 carrying RSAF markings but in what was then known as the USAF's Asia Minor scheme, betraying its Royal Jordanian Air Force origins. The RJAF scheme was carried only for a short period of time when in RSAF service, where it soon acquired a more suitable camouflage for its new home, similar to the USAF's Southeast Asia scheme then common among the RSAF's aircraft.

Originally a USAF machine bearing the serial 60-0308 (cn 3620), this aircraft was known to have served with the US Air Force Reserves' (AFRES) 313th Tactical Airlift Wing at Forbes AFB, Kansas before being transferred to the RJAF which assigned it the serial 143. In 1978, Singapore purchased two of the RJAF's C-130Bs (the other aircraft being C-130B 60-0302/cn 3611 which became 724 in the RSAF) to join two ex-USAF C-130Bs purchased the year before for the RSAF's nascent transport fleet.

The four C-130Bs were incorporated with four new C-130Hs into the RSAF's 122 Sqn in 1980, where 725 still serves with today, albeit modified to allow it to operate as a KC-130B tanker since the mid-1980s. The RSAF's C-130 fleet is currently being upgraded with modern avionics and is expected to serve well into the 2020s.

Spotters badge to Roy RX, and thanks for the headsup. More photos of the RSAF's C-130Bs in RJAF camo:

Photo credit: unknown (via http://www.herkybirds.com)

Photo credit: unknown (via http://www.herkybirds.com)

RSAF Open House photo feature in Air Forces Monthly

2011-07-12T21:19:00.003+10:00

A photo feature containing some of my photos from the recent RSAF Open House is in August 2011's issue of Air Forces Monthly (Key Publishing, UK). Available for purchase now at Key Publishing or coming soon to a newsagent near you!

PHOTOS: Singapore's US-based F-15s participate in Red Flag Alaska

2011-07-12T20:31:00.002+10:00

The Royal Australian Air Force has just released a series of photos of Exercise Red Flag Alaska 11-2 which is being held at the USAF's Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska from July 7-22, and will involve participants from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the United States. Among the participants captured on camera by the RAAF's photographers are the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) Boeing F-15SG Strike Eagles of the 428th Fighter Squadron, 366th Fighter Wing, a joint RSAF-USAF training squadron based at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. Click on the following thumbnails to view the high-resolution images.

Photos © Commonwealth of Australia

Formerly known as Cope Thunder, Red Flag Alaska is a United States Pacific Air Forces Command led large force employment exercise designed to replicate a high-end combat environment. Aircrew will be exposed to large force employment where they perform counter air, precision strike and offensive air support in packages of up to 100 aircraft. The exercise also provides invaluable training for logistics, support and maintenance personnel as they are able to practice deploying to another country and working together with other Air Forces.

Red Flag Alaska is a large-forces exercise conducted in interior Alaska to simulate air combat. Aircrews will be operating in the 67,000 square-mile Joint Alaska Pacific Range Complex, which offers adequate space and ranges for crews to simulate full-scale aerial battles.

PHOTO: Royal Thai AF Gripen and Saab Erieye Air-to-Air photography

2011-07-11T22:01:00.001+10:00

The Royal Thai Air Force has done some none-too-shabby air-to-air photography of their new Gripens and Saab 340 Erieye Airborne Early Warning platforms. Both types were inducted into the RTAF a few days ago.

More photos in this link.

JASDF F-15 crashes into sea off Okinawa; pilot missing (Updated)

2011-07-06T00:04:00.005+10:00

An F-15J Eagle fighter of the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) has crashed into the East China Sea approximately 110 miles (180 km) northwest of its base at Naha, Okinawa while on a training exercise. The jet and its pilot, 37-year-old Maj. Yuji Kawakubo, was on a training flight when an emergency signal was sent around 1033 Local (0133 GMT), and the jet disappeared off radar soon after.

An extensive search by thirteen JASDF aircraft along with ships and aircraft of the Japanese Coast Guard has located a wing, a vertical tail and airbrake of the aircraft but Maj. Kawakubo remains unaccounted for. It is not known if he had ejected from the crashed aircraft. There are conflicting reports on whether the aircraft was alone or part of a larger formation prior to the crash.

The Japanese Defence Ministry has launched an investigation into the crash.

UPDATE: The JASDF has announced that in the wake of the crash, it has grounded its F-15J/DJ fleet, numbering approximately 200 airframes and spread among 9 difference squadrons throughout Japan. The type currently forms the backbone of the JASDF's air combat strength.

Notes: Naha (OKA/ROAH) is home to the F-15J/DJs of the JASDF's 203 Hikotai (Squadron)/83 Kokutai (Wing), operating alongside other JASDF units at Naha and sharing the premises with Okinawa's main civilian airport.

PHOTO: RAAF Hornets refuel from Omega KDC-10 at Aces North

2011-06-30T21:27:00.002+10:00

The Royal Australian Air Force has released a stunning series of air-to-air imagery of it's F/A-18 Hornets performing inflight refueling operations with an Omega KDC-10 tanker during Exercise Aces North over the Top End (Northern Territory). Aces North represents the culmination of the RAAF's challenging Fighter Combat Instructor course, which sees advanced fighter combat tactics and scenarios played out during the three-week exercise. The post-graduate course is conducted every two years and provides experienced F/A-18 Hornet Pilots with extensive training in all air combat related roles. Click on the thumbnails below to view the high resolution images. (All photos © Commonwealth of Australia)

Media Release: Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011

2011-06-22T23:59:00.001+10:00

More than 22,000 Australian Defence and US Defense personnel are participating in the military training exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 in Australia 11-29 July.

Talisman Sabre is a biennial training activity jointly sponsored by the US Pacific Command and Australian Defence Force (ADF) Joint Operations Command to train the US 7th Fleet and Australian Deployable Joint Headquarters staffs as a designated Combined Task Force.

Brigadier Bob Brown, the Australian spokesman for Talisman Sabre, said that the exercise is a unique and invaluable opportunity to exercise combined and joint Defence capability between Australia and the US.

“This is a major undertaking which reflects the closeness of the Australian and US alliance and the strength of the military-to-military relationship,” Brigadier Brown said.

This year’s exercise is the first time there will be significant involvement from other Australian and US government agencies.

Active participation by Australian government agencies includes the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, AusAID, Australian Federal Police, and the Asia Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence.

US agencies participating in the Exercise include the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization, and members of the US Civilian Response Corps from the Departments of State, Justice, Commerce, Agriculture, Homeland Security, Health & Human Services, and the US Agency for International Development.

The inclusion of civil agencies this year will help to strengthen civil-military collaboration for future operations and the bilateral partnerships between the US and Australia.

Approximately 14,000 US and 8,500 Australian personnel will conduct sea, land, and air training predominantly in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area near Rockhampton, but also in Royal Australian Air Force Bases in Townsville, Darwin, Tindal and Amberley. Exercises will also be conducted in the maritime areas of the Coral, Timor and Arafura Seas.

The ADF has conducted a full environmental impact assessment on the Shoalwater Bay region and strong measures have been put in place for participants to respect and protect the marine environment within which they will be operating.

Additional information on the exercise and environmental measures is available at http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/exercises/ts11/

Ed: The US Talisman Sabre website is at http://www.cpf.navy.mil/talisman-sabre/

Airbus Military and Elta Systems Introduce CN295 AEW&C

2011-06-21T22:53:00.007+10:00

The CN295 AEW&C. (IAI Photo)

Airbus Military and IAI/Elta Systems announced the joint development of an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system based on the Airbus Military/CASA C295 medium transport. The aircraft will be equipped with a rotating 4th generation Elta Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and a C295 demonstrator fitted with a rotodome is already conducting flight trials from Airbus’ Seville facility. The companies have signed of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the 2011 Paris Air Show.

Australia Chooses MH-60R to equip frigates; replace earlier Seahawks

2011-06-20T21:52:00.021+10:00

After a sometimes-arduous process which included the embarrassing cancellation of an attempt to modernise the Kaman SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite for the role, Australia has chosen to purchase 24 Sikorsky/Lockheed-Martin MH-60R helicopters as its next naval rotary-wing platform. The multi-mission 'Romeo' will take on the role intended for the Super Seasprites in fulfilling Australia’s AIR 9000 Phase 8 requirement, to operate from its Anzac-class frigates and replacing 16 Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawks as the Royal Australian Navy's anti-submarine warfare helicopter.

Equipped with a mind-boggling array of modern sensors and weapons including the advanced AN/ASQ-22 dipping sonar (which has been likened to being an "underwater AEGIS"), AN/APS-147 multi-mode radar and capable of being armed with the Mk-54 air-launched torpedo and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare respectively, the two dozen-strong fleet will allow the RAN to keep eight ships equipped with a helicopter at any one time.

The value of the order is estimated at AU$3 billion ($3.15 billion), and will be processed through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) channels, managed by the U.S. Navy. The RAN is expected to take delivery of the first two MH-60R helicopters in 2014.

The MH-60R has beaten off competition from the NH Industries NH90-based NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter), which would have offered significant commonality with the MRH90 battlefield transport helicopters being delivered to the Australian army. Despite this, problems with the Army's MRH90s that recently saw it narrowly avoid being put on the Defence Department's dreaded Projects of Concern list might have done a lot to derail the NFH's bid. That, combined with questions of how its composite airframe would react in a saltwater environment, swung the tide in favour of the more mature Sikorsky/Lockheed-Martin product.