July 15, 2013 Military Aviation News

Michael Richardson: Sequester inflicts pain, and risk, on Air Force

07/15/2013

I was confused and frustrated by the juxtaposition of two articles in the July 1 Herald-Tribune. The first -- "Sequestration pain fails to live up to billing" - asserted that implementation of sequestration (automatic, across-the-board spending cuts in federal spending) has not produced the dire consequences predicted by the Obama administration.

New aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is taking shape, will carry on his legacy

07/15/2013

As the nation marks the 100th birthday of former President Gerald R. Ford this weekend, another legacy that will carry on his name for the next 50 years or more is being created. In a dry dock at Newport News, Va., more than 3,500 workers are building the USS Gerald R. Ford, a new class of aircraft carrier destined to become the standard bearer for the U.S. Navy well into the 21st Century.

The Unreported Revolution In Air Combat

07/15/2013

One of the major, and little mentioned, revolutions in air combat is the availability of more powerful and reliable helmet mounted displays and sights. This enables a pilot to “look and shoot” as well as keep their heads up more of the time and more quickly make decisions in air-to-air combat. This dramatic change has not gotten much publicity because there has been such little air-to-air combat in the last few decades. But in realistic training exercises the difference has been noted.

French jet fighter firm inks deal with timber board

07/15/2013

The MoU was signed in Johor Baru and entailed the joint exploration of opportunities in Malaysia's natural fibre and bio-composite industry. "The MoU paves the way for future agreement upon identification and completion of feasibility studies of the determined fields.

Combat off the mark

07/15/2013

Already facing a huge delay, the ambitious indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)–Tejas project came up for review at a high-level meeting which was chaired by Union Defence Minister A.K. Antony recently in the Capital. Mr. Antony stressed upon the necessity to adhere to schedule and asked all stake holders for avoiding further slippage on the programme. He also directed the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to make the LCA as its number one thrust area.

Russia close to completing its F-22 aircraft rival

07/15/2013

Completion of the development of an engine for the Sukhoi PAK FA - aka the T-50 fighter - was announced at the Paris Air Show. According to the Russian military, which has finished stage one of its flight tests, their results suggest the Russian fighter turned out to be on a par with - and even better in certain areas - than its main American rival, the F-22 Raptor.

Romanian, US Military Inspectors to Fly Over Russia, Belarus

07/15/2013

Romanian and US military inspectors will make surveillance flights over the territories of Russia and Belarus under the international Open Skies Treaty starting on Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement. Experts from Romania and the United States will conduct the inspection flights on board an Antonov An-30B (Clank) aircraft between July 15 and 19, the statement said.

Russia Readies Strategic Bombers in Snap Far East Military Drills

07/15/2013

Russia’s air base of Tu-95MS Bear-H strategic bombers in the Amur Region is switching to full combat readiness as part of massive snap drills in the Eastern Military District, the Defense Ministry’s press office reported on Sunday. The exercise, which involves over 160,000 servicemen, some 1,000 armored vehicles, 130 aircraft and 70 warships from the Pacific Fleet, was ordered by President Vladimir Putin on Friday evening.

Russian Military Inspectors to Fly Over Estonia, Finland

07/15/2013

Russian military inspectors will make surveillance flights over the territories of Estonia and Finland under the international Open Skies Treaty starting from Sunday, the Russian Defense Ministry said. “As part of implementing the international Open Skies Treaty, a group of Russian inspectors on board an An-30B aircraft are planned to conduct surveillance flights over Estonia and Finland from July 14 to 20,” the statement reads.

Netanyahu Addresses Reported Airstrike on Russian Missiles in Syria

07/15/2013

Speaking on American television on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu evaded a direct response when asked whether his country was involved in a recent airstrike in Syria that reportedly targeted Russian missiles sold to the Syrian government, an ally of longtime Israeli enemy Hezbollah. However, Netanyahu said, Israel's policy "is to prevent the transfer of dangerous weapons to Hezbollah and other terror groups," according to a transcript of the CBS-TV show.

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