RTAF to investigate double F-16 crash

Bangkok Post Photo

The RTAF will conduct an investigation of yesterday's crash of two of its F-16s. The aircraft were part of a flight of four F-16ADFs from the RTAF's Wing 1 based at Nakhon Ratchasima. The crash occurred in the neighbouring province of Chaiyaphum.

Iraq diverts F-16 budget for food rations to feed the poor

With an eye on protests partially inspired by recent uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, Iraq has postponed the planned purchase of 18 F-16 fighter planes from the United States and diverted the funds to feeding the poor. Iraq has been offered Block 52 versions of the F-16 in a US$3 billion package.

Indonesia to accept US grant of F-16s

Indonesia has said that the Tentera Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udrara (TNI-AU or Indonesian Air Force) will accept a grant of two squadrons of F-16A/B Fighting Falcon fighters from the United States. According to the Indonesian Armed Forces chief, accepting the grant was far more practical than buying new aircraft, and the aircraft will likely be upgraded in the future.

Thai F-16s collide during Cobra Gold sortie; both pilots safe

Soon after the fatal crash late last year, two Royal Thai Air Force F-16s have crashed after a mid-air collision during a Exercise Cobra Gold sortie. Both pilots ejected safely after the collision, which happened in Chaiyaphum province.

ISR needs puts fighters in Surveillance Role

Aviationweek looks at how changing combat conditions in Afghanistan and the advent of high-resolution pod-mounted sensors have seen fighter aircraft being used in what we now know as Non-Traditional Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (NTISR). Targeting, reconnaissance and Synthetic-Aperture Radar pods are now a vital weapons in the arsenal against the insurgency.

US announces F-16 sale to Iraq, then retracts statement

The United States military in Iraq issued and quickly retracted a statement on Tuesday that Iraq had agreed to purchase 18 F-16 fighters, stating that "Approval of the sale has NOT/NOT occurred" and that any approval will be made by Iraq's government. The retracted news release, however mentioned a 2013 delivery date, and that Iraqi pilots were already training in the United States.

USAF F-35 students to train on Talons, Vipers

In a curriculum similar to that used to train F-22 pilots, the USAF will train future F-35 pilots on the T-38 Talon trainer and F-16 fighter before moving on to the fifth-generation jet. The T-38 is deemed unequal to the task of preparing new aviators for fifth-generation fighters hence a stopgap F-16 bridging course is required until a new trainer is available.

Pakistani F-16s being upgraded in Turkey

Pakistan's Chief of Air Staff Air Chief has said that 45 Pakistani Air Force F-16 fighters are being upgraded in Turkey. No details of the upgrades being carried out were forthcoming.

Edit: Thanks to Steve Rush over at Air Forces Intelligence, who has just reminded me that TAI is conducting the Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) of Pakistan's F-16A/Bs.

Iraqi government approves F-16 purchase

The Iraqi government has approved a plan to purchase 18 F-16s from the United States. A earlier US Defense Security and Cooperation Agency news release indicated that Iraq has been offered the F-16IQ version of the F-16, along with weapons and other support in a US$4.2 billion package

Greek jets intercept Turkish jets over Aegean

The Turkish military has said that Greek Mirage 2000 and F-16s have intercepted Turkish F-16s which were on training flight over the Aegean Sea. It detailed three encounters between the two air forces, which has previously escalated into casualties on both sides in the past.

Minnesota ANG to test new F-16s at Combat Archer

More than 100 members of the 148th Fighter Wing have deployed to Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida last week. The Minnesota ANG unit will test their newly acquired Block 50 F-16 Fighting Falcons at Exercise Combat Archer, which will include missile live firings.

Air National Guard unit CO used F-16 for personal trips

A decorated Alabama Air National Guard fighter-wing commander has been gound guilty of receiving unauthorized compensation and regularly flown an F-16 fighter on personal trips. However, officals have so far refused to reveal what, if any punishment will be meted out

China’s new fighter prompts renewed F-16 plea from Taiwan

Citing China’s recent unveiling of the J-20 stealth fighter, Taiwan's president has renewed his nation’s plea to the U.S. for more F-16s. The Taiwanese Air Force operates a 150-strong fleet of late block F-16A/Bs and wants 66 new F-16C/Ds.

Pakistani F-16s to get more DB-110 recce pods

More toys for Pakistan's F-16s. Goodrich Corporation has been awarded a US$72 million contract to equip Pakistan's F-16s with five DB-110 reconnaissance pods and associated ground equipment. The Pakistani air force is already operating two similar recce pods.

Dutch F-16s intercept Russian Tu-95s over Dutch airspace

Radio Netherlands Worldwide has reported that Dutch F-16 fighters have intercepted a pair of Russian Tu-95 "Bear" long range bombers flying over Dutch airspace. The bombers had previously been intercepted by Norwegian and Danish patrols.

Japan-based USAF & Marines' fast jets to move some training to Guam

While the main focus has been on the F-15s of Okinawa's controversial Kadena airbase, it has been reported that Misawa's USAF F-16s and Iwakuni's Marine Corps F/A-18s will join Kadena's F-15s in moving part of their training to Guam. The agreement was reached by the joint committee on the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement.

RAAF KC-30A, Portuguese F-16 damaged in mid-air incident

The Australian Defence Force has said that a Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) has been damaged in a mid-air incident with a Portuguese Air Force F-16. The KC-30A, operated by Airbus prior to delivery to the RAAF, suffered damage and partial loss of its boom.

FY 2012 could boost new USAF bomber; F-16 & F-15 upgrades

After $34 billion of projects to cut in order to fund higher-priority initiatives, Fiscal Year 2012 could see the USAF prioritise work on the new long-range bomber as well F-15 and F-16 upgrades, the latter to mitigate against the F-35's delays.

Pakistan, Saudi air forces conduct joint exercise

The Pakistani and and Royal Saudi Air Forces are conducting a two-week joint air exercise in Saudi Arabia. Codenamed 'Al Saqoor-II’, the exercise will see Pakistani F-16s and Mirages pitted against Saudi F-15s.

PHOTO: Eielson Aggressor F-16 soars over the Alaska Range

(Click on thumbnail for high res image)
An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 18th Aggressor Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, soars over the Alaska Range April 20, 2010, during RED FLAG-Alaska 10-2. Aggressor pilots are trained to act as opposing forces in exercises like Red Flag to better prepare Air Force pilots for air combat. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

See the USAF's 2010 in Photos