More on F-16 CAPES, Gen. Hostage speaks & Japan's F-35 costs balloon

Photo © Tom Harvey/Lockheed Martin

Defensenews is on a roll the past few days, with several interesting stories being posted. First up, a follow-up to their story on the United States deciding to defund the USAF/RoCAF F-16 CAPES upgrade program, this time focusing on how Taiwan's and Singapore's upgrades are affected. They also interviewed the chief of the USAF's Air Combat Command (ACC), Gen. Michael Hostage who talks about A-10s, F-35s, F-22s and budgets.

Last but not least, they look at how spiraling costs (a recurring theme) has clouded Japan's planned purchase of the F-35.

Asia-Pacific Military Aviation News roundup: 24 Sept 2013

Well, this is a surprise. South Korea has decided against acquiring the Boeing F-15SE Silent Eagle and will likely restart the fighter competition to select a replacement for the RoKAF's F-4 and F-5 fleets.

Chatter is increasing that budget problems will see the USAF retire its entire A-10 fleet. In the Asia-Pacific region this will affect one squadron based at Osan in South Korea.

The impending delivery of Taiwan's first P-3C Orion has been delayed due to a tropical storm forming in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Various companies are forming teams to offer proposals for Australia's Project AIR 5428 to supply trainers for Australia's fixed-wing pilot training system.

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

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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)

Spangdahlem-based A-10 crashes; pilot survives

The US Air Force has announced that a Spangdahlem-based A-10 Thunderbolt II has crashed north of the city of Wittlich, Germany. The unidentified pilot ejected from the aircraft and is being treated at a local hospital.

American P-3 Orion, A-10 attack Libyan Coast Guard vessels

After being observed firing on merchant vessels near the Libyan port of Misrata, a Libyan Coast Guard vessel and two smaller craft were attacked by an US Navy P-3 Orion and an USAF A-10 using an AGM-65 Maverick and cannon fire. All 3 Libyan ships were hit, with one sinking and another 2 rendered inoperable.

AC-130s and A-10s start operations over Libya

Spectres and Hogs have joined the fray. The USAF has started using the AC-130 gunship and A-10 close support aircraft in operations over Libya. This points to me that 2) the coalition is confident of local air supremacy and b) They feel that these types of close-support assets are better suited to support anti-Gaddafi rebels against regime heavy weapons mingling close to civilians

APKWS II to be integrated on USMC Harriers and USAF A-10s

As it approaches IOC with the US Marines' attack helicopters, the US Navy and BAE Systems are entering a program to integrate the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) on the Marines’ AV-8Bs and US Air Force’s A-10s. Integration of the weapon will allow greater standoff range and target engagement closer to friendly troops during CAS missions.

51st Fighter Wing completes A-10C transition

The last A-10A Warthog of the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan, South Korea has departed the unit, completing the unit's transition to the upgraded A-10C variant of the venerable Close Air Support aircraft. The first A-10C arrived at Osan in March 2010.

Hawgsmoke Photo Slideshow

The US Air Force has a photo slideshow on Hawgsmoke 2010. The competition involves 40 jets and 72 pilots from 18 different units and was hosted by the Idaho Air National Guard's 124th Wing.

Hawgsmoke 2010 under way in Idaho

The United States Air Force has announced that Hawgsmoke 2010, the biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II bombing, missile and tactical gunnery competition, has begun. This year's competition stages out of Gowen Air National Guard Base in Boise, Idaho.

USAF finalises planned aircraft retirements

The USAF has moved the last of 252 aircraft it has planned to retire to the boneyard at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. F-15s, F-16s and A-10s were retired.

PHOTO: PACAF A-10 at Misawa Air Festival

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An A-10 Thunderbolt II performs an aerial demonstration during Misawa Air Festival 2010 Sept. 19, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer/Released)

USAF releases A-10 crash report

The US Air Force has released the crash report for the loss of an A-10C during an aborted takeoff in May. Pilot error has been cited as a major cause.

PHOTO: USAF A-10C Thunderbolt II

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A-10C Thunderbolt IIs from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., as the one pictured, will participate in the Enhanced Mojave Viper Exercise in Arizona later in August. Moody A-10Cs will provide close air support to U.S. Marine Corps and Navy forces during the three-week exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)