October 12, 2012 Military Aviation News

Turkey: Syrian plane was carrying ammunition

10/12/2012

A plane intercepted by Turkish fighter jets on its way from Moscow to Damascus was carrying equipment and ammunition destined for the Syrian Defense Ministry, Turkey’s prime minister said Thursday. Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s comments follow a fierce denial by Syria that anything illegal had been aboard the Airbus A320 that was forced by Turkey to land in Ankara late Wednesday. Syria, whose relations with neighboring Turkey have plummeted over the Syrian war, branded it an act of piracy.

Seoul taps Lockheed for aircraft support

10/12/2012

South Korea has awarded three contracts to Lockheed Martin to support its supply chain needs for aircraft operated by its navy and air force. The contracts have an annual ceiling value of $2 million and are funded incrementally by the government, Lockheed Martin said. No details were disclosed on the length of the supply chain support awards.

Saab early warning aircraft arrives

10/12/2012

The Royal Thai Air Force now has two new, rather strange-looking, aircraft. At first glance they look like ordinary small passenger planes with turboprop engines. If you take a closer look, however, you will see that each is equipped with a long box-like container on the top of the fuselage. The aircraft, the Saab AEW from Sweden, is an early warning aircraft and the box-like container holds its radar system.

Marine Corps Joint Strike Fighter conducts first aerial refuel

10/12/2012

In the sky above the Gulf of Mexico near Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., the future of Marine aviation punched through the warm Florida air Oct. 2. F-35B Joint Strike Fighters with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 from Eglin conducted the first air-to-air refuel of an operational aircraft in the program’s history. Previous aerial refueling operations with the F-35 had been conducted with test aircraft.

Hezbollah admits launching drone over Israel

10/12/2012

The leader of Lebanese Shia militant movement Hezbollah has said that his group was behind the launch of a drone shot down over Israel last week. Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah told the movement's al-Manar television network that the drone was made in Iran and had flown over "sensitive sites" in Israel.

Sweden offers Croatia Gripen fighters

10/12/2012

Sweden has offered eight Saab Gripen fighters to Croatia to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-made MiG-21 combat aircraft, Croatia's defense ministry said Thursday. The offer for a 10-year lease includes a support and training package for Croatian pilots and technicians, plus an unspecified deal with Croatian companies. No financial or other details were released.

Iraq to Buy Czech L-159 Trainer Jets - Prime Minister

10/12/2012

The Iraqi government intends to buy Czech-made Aero Vodochody L-159 advanced trainer/light-attack jets, Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Thursday in Prague after talks with his Czech counterpart Petr Necas, local TV reported. "Further talks about purchasing the L-159 will take place on Friday between the Iraqi and Czech defense ministries," he said. Talks about an L-159 purchase between Baghdad and Prague have been underway for at least three years.

All Articles