October 16, 2024 Military Aviation News

First Upgraded CF-18 Hornets Delivered to RCAF Base

10/16/2024

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for its CF-18 Hornet Extension Project (HEP), marking a significant step forward in the modernization of the Canadian fighter fleet. The announcement comes as the first six HEP2-upgraded CF-18 Hornets were delivered to 3 Wing Bagotville in Quebec, part of a five-year collaboration with the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265). The project aims to upgrade a total of 84 aircraft by 2026.

Labour cuts £160m from next-generation fighter jet programme amid concerns over future

10/16/2024

Ministers have been accused of “cutting” the RAF’s next generation fighter programme by 10 per cent this year as Rachel Reeves seeks budget savings. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed £160 million less than expected will be spent on the Tempest project amid wider fears about its future. It comes after Labour was accused of downgrading its pre-election commitment to increase military spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP “as soon as possible”.

Taiwan detects record 153 Chinese aircraft in one day near island

10/16/2024

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported an intense surge of military activity from China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) over a 24-hour period spanning from 05:00 on October 14 to 06:00 local time on October 15, 2024. A total of 153 PLAAF aircraft and 14 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were detected operating near Taiwan, raising concerns of escalating tensions in the region.

The Ukrainian Air Force’s Su-27 fighter begin to be equipped with the GBU-39 glide bombs provided by the U.S

10/16/2024

In a new milestone for the integration of Western weaponry with Russian/Soviet-origin platforms, the Ukrainian Air Force has announced that its Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker fighters have begun to be equipped with GBU-39 SDB glide bombs provided by the United States. This news was confirmed through a recent viral video on social media, showing ground crews loading and equipping a Ukrainian combat aircraft.

Video shows one of Taiwan's F-16s tracking a Chinese J-15 fighter jet with its sniper pod during war games

10/16/2024

A new video from Taiwan's response to China's military exercises this week shows a Chinese J-15 carrier-based fighter jet through the sniper pod on an American-made F-16. The Chinese drills, which were called "Joint Sword-2024B," saw a record number of Chinese aircraft flying around Taiwan, according to data from Taiwan's defense ministry.

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