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    93 views100 pages

    AirForces Monthly (September 2023)

    Uploaded by

    Tamás Varga

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
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    of 100
    TAKUBA ANOTHER SECRET FRENCH WAR \ Cee eas ae . Nad Pra MONTHLY Azerbaijan’s pie < a ohh ES ‘boul a i N How the Air Force Defender 23 orlneleloly , e Russian gunshif Taming Leopard tanks e Stand-off weapons now King CR ciel No - a peta Rn alla) ion ct September 2023 #426 ately eee SE nee ue toct Cn ad Cd + Headines (98) + UK (p8) + Europe (o oo) PR) Parone ene eras Pepin iuerripioreereenpe yin emetic entre eat rr ee es entree ee en Roldaereny sane Peek mena ere renee rn 32 Taming the Leopard reer ra eee RnR eae errr ete rts Trennoronieeal ost Aa erty enter) PESO A Ur) F-AIR Colombia ed See ete are ad feet) Sy ry Cte ena ee eats eter) aco) eer ad Oe aL] SUBSCRIBE NN PRY WS etd aN ges Ce ences eee Lr) 38 RAF on Action Stations ee aren ee es eee Leto Sea ete eeeeod Cee CUP Cg rr ee ceed eee ey cs rey ae ea pee een a euea Pe nen 48 Taking Jihadists to task ets Prekoo alr utercelnics Cae aa Flowing on from thelr Azerbalian Ar Force report ast month, Onur Kure and Tayfun errata error eee ure coat Cee CUR LC Po ete ead Pee ree Cec 64 Granite Pegasus Rear naetan kerrns Cees tenor cele tery ed ees 70 Weaseling About Ceti ers PS ae arald ee ren Pee) 76 The Long Way Around SP rn ny et ent eee er) pao] Pee remit reese Cee) omc then honing peeve acter) ee teers VISIT OUR ONLINE SHOP shop.keypublishing.com/A6intruder egendary but no longer in service, the GSN MMMM | ps ernicr vcs the Us Novy ond US Marine Corps’ primary attack aircraft for 30 years. Grumman built nearly 700 of them. ‘Combat proven in Vietnam, Libya and Iraq, the A-6 Intruder could detect and identify tactical or strategic targets and deliver both conventional and nuclear ordnance under zero-visibility conditions. Its maximum bomb payload was 18,000Ib. A6 Intruder tells the story of the aircraft including numerous accounts by US naval aviators of flying the jet in peacetime and in war from 1963 to 1997. + FREE ea) PSO aC Mes Smtr Tore tie eos PA See) FREE P&P* when you order online at... shop.keypublishing.com/A6intruder Call +44 (0)1780 480404 stiondey Fay Som-s.30pm Gur) Also available from W.H Smith and all leading newsagents. *Free 2nd class PAP on all UK& BFPO orders. Overseas charges apply. ‘Subsore 10 war Key Aero forsaking rows tors Ema the rows ean etoreaitoresmonthiy com Wildcat launches Martlet in counter-UAS role IN A recent series frais, a Leonardo Helicopters AW159 Wiidcat HMA2 mut helicopter from the Royal [Navy Feet Air Arm's £815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) at RNAS Yeouiton, ‘Somerset, cartied out the fist successful test fring cof @ Marte ightweight ‘mult-role missie against an aerial target. Led by the Operational ‘Advantage Centre (Mesitime Warfare}, the Royal Navy's lead organisation on tactical development, Inconunction wth Industry partners, Thales ‘and Qineti, this latest round of extensive lve- fire testing = known as Titon's Arrow Iwas, UK Home Office calls [AS PART ofthe UK government's efforts to tackle the use of small boats by immigrants crossing the English Channel the Home Office has contracted Canada's PAL Aerospace to provide an inteligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (SF)- configured Dash 8-815 and ‘re. C-GFMX (cin 410) passed through Shannon Airpon,keland, over May 11-12, while heading for Lydd Airport in Ket, from where the alrcratt now ‘conducts its patrols and wal continue fo for an inital Period of 18 months This is one of a number of aircrat being used to Undertake surveilance {or the UK Home Office's Small Boat Command. It is equipped with state- of-the-art ISR technology ‘capable of tracking illegal activity on water while also hosting UK immigration ‘enforcement officers on worn Key Aare ‘conducted over a two- ‘week period onthe UK. MOD's Aberporth range in ‘Wales. The activity, which the Navy announced had been completed on July 21, aimed to extensively tect the boundaries of the Martet's capabiitios ‘and culminated with the fist successful air-to-air firing ofthe missile from a ‘wideat against a Banshee unmanned aeral target ‘According to the Royal Navy this milestone has proved that Martlet can be stfecively employed in a ‘counter-UAS role. Based ‘on Thales aser-guided lightweight maltirole missile and acquired by the UK MOD to ful the Royal Navy's Future Anti Surface Guided Weapon (Light) requirement, the Marti ‘This Leonardo Helicopters AW159 Wildcat HMA2 (serial 22415) rom the Royal Navy Fleet AirArm’s 815 NAS launches a Martlotightweight muliole missle ata target during the ‘two-week Triton's Arrow Il tal MOD Crown Copyright Phot Dan Boconbaury is pray designed to neutralise small, fast- ‘moving naval vessels and ‘now airborne treats In total, 20 Martets can be loaded onto a single Widcat, each able to eee Force a hn proved i lve — in ra and Syria Bon Staley Hall which E-7 is destined to replace, was withdrawn ‘rom service shorty after the publication ofthe original Integrated Review in 2021, This has crested an important capability 9, especially in view of the war in Ukraine. ‘Moreover, the three £7 Wedgetals which the RAF stil intends to buy wil be absolutely prize targets fr the airforce of ary potential adversary. This makes the reduction in planned airframes from five to three appear an even greater false economy, indeed an absolut folly, not justin financial but ais in operational terms as well Launching the report worn Ky Aero on July 17, Chairman af the Defence Sub. Committee on Defence Equipment and Support Mark Franco MP, sald “Our report finds that the Ministry of Defence's approach to procurement is well and trly broken, Bureaucratic, sloed and slow-moving = this is a dysfunctional system that has left multiple programmes floundering in its wake, This urgently needs to change, ‘Bureaucratic buck: passing and the shirking of responsibility has ‘meant that there is all to0 often no one to hold personally accountable when highty expensive programmes fall” ‘Simon Lee Capability gap The decision to cut he RAFs Boeing E-7A Wedpetal sirore ely wang and nto (AWC fe to just ‘tree ara wil eave the fore ony alto provide vita coveforup 0 2 hous, defence industy emer hae sai ‘nwt eence submits tothe UK Defence Selec Commit’ oncxng Inqiy into mitary vation procurement Norton Grumman sling that the cu om ve to toe \Weogetas wll mean ony two sora woul be operation at anyone time, leaving a severe capably ge. ‘The US defence contractor proving the sophisticated MESA (ut roleBecsroncally Scanned Ary radar and her ystems ortho Weogeal scurenty vorking onthe aircraft being ult InBetain-Te giant US ‘campany has sai thatthe warn aie ha exposed the wealoese the Minky of Detene'scesln to nly purchase tree E75, ‘ns eidence Notrop Gunman sald “The I DCP erated Review Detence Command Pan) set ot the procurement oft 7A arames © replace the RAF let ot seven E20 art that have been retred fom operation service, Nottistanding te ‘utstandng sensor capabites thatthe 7A wil ing, hs isnotable or two rasa. Te st san unacceptable apatilty gap between 30 retirement ard E-7A ety nto service, The second thatthe planed E-7 feet isto smal tote cansisres a resent ‘api wit adequate volbily and redindancy to rane 24-ter operations fram a deployed cat, “The MOD has inthe recent past accepted capability (aps o capa olay! ‘where he Department ‘cept the risk that a apabity might be equied ut weld te urable tote fede, fora cartan period of time Law grade mitigation usualy putin place focussed the temporal at of he isk and may nce ‘seed coring with alles fo alow rapid re-establishment of ‘apabity The mao issue wih his ctrl acceptance of capi olay isha ks wil vont ou Tis has occured inthe curent European stuton where 3 AE E-30 woud have been leo canto tthe NATO ISTAR force being sed for survellanc and Ae Policing tasks rund Urine had tot been removed from service, “History cates that 2417 i C2 (Command and Contr capably isan ont requirement of ay antngent operation Win that in ming fone was 0 Took atte geowapticaly convenient exampie of Ucaine wid STAR ois valle InPoan,a tans from a Ua base such as RAF \Weongon to beginning operations over Warsan oul ake approsimatey thee hous. Thus, single ‘it wih art on ese 24/7 wou ony be possible wth re ara werkng on ‘the asumpton of sie nous ‘on task ana tree-haur {um around at base. Cary, ‘he face muting eects of aito-a reeling could be cad upon to etd cperatons but facts such ‘crew duty time nd maintenance requirements ‘Sciats that Bis rat an ‘enduring solution" Noxhop Grumman set ‘utina tbl, theft of ‘operating wih et of ust thre ara, saying tat taving oi wo avaiable or ‘operatons woul mean tat ater 12 hours there woul be RAF cover aval The company add: “Hfne factors in outro rantorace, ale recta, and upgrade a thre arf eet can ony ‘uarnte wo avaable rer is thretoe immedaty apparent tat ata ara oot annot met the seeming simple task of persistent oi at ‘elatvely shor range fo a ‘single tas thea Ths is ‘bout exacerbated futher by cancurent operations and rang “Provo erence in Bosna showed that o deploy ‘the tree ara nde to const an ending ‘capa ok our depoyed ‘rows and uses ne entraty fa sven ara est inrotatin. avers were requrea all greater ‘than pomal duty mes or the crews.” ‘Northrop Grumman's Mult:role Eletronicaly Scanned Aray MESA) sansor has been instailed ‘onan E-7 Weagetall Mkt Airborne Early Warning & Control AEWAC) aera forte RAF Boag September 2025 1/11 Norway postpones helicopter fleet recap, opts to upgrade 412s ‘THE NORWEGIAN MoD. hhas approved plans to partially upgrade Paar aay SP utlity helicopters and to postpone the recapitalistion ofthe Foyal Norwegian Air Force's (RNOAF) special ‘operations rotorcrat fleet byat least 15 years— a ‘move that goes against the advice of the head of, the armed forces. (slo announced on June 26 that it intends to spend $92m on upgrading nine of the RNOAF's current 18-strong Bell 412HP/SP fleet and extending the type's operational fe by “atleast 15 years ‘This wil gee the elderly rotorcratt remaining in ‘active Norwegian military service well beyond the 80-year mark and its previously planned worn Key Aero retirement date in 2026. The upgrade programme — which stil ‘needs to be approved by the Norwegian Parliament ~is due to start betore the end ofthis year, with the fist enhanced helicopters expected to be operational in 2025. I given the green light, upgrade work wi take place at a new maintenance, repair ‘and overhaul facity at BBardufoss Air Staton. Norway intially received 19 Ball 4125Ps botween September 1987 and October 3990 - one aircraft was lost to attrition and a further six helicopters were upgraded to ‘412HP-standard by Hol-One in Stavanger, Norway, in 2010. The type is operated from Bardufoss by 339 R \ %) An RNoAF- operated Bel 412SP ceria 161)propares fo land atthe ‘otandar Drop Zane during the Joint Forcible Entry Norway portion of ‘Exorcice Suit Response on hay 10 2022 US Armyitat Sgt Taras Mort SSkvadron (Squadron), Which also maintains @ detachment at Ayage Ale Station However, the Norwegian Mobs move to upgrade these ageing helicopters Contracts the recent recommendations outlined by Gen Eirk kristoffersen - Chief of the Norwegian Armed Forces ~in his Security in Uncertain Times repor, which was published on June 7 and is intended to inform the MoD's long- term defence plan and Is sotto be presented to the nation’s lawmakers in 2024 “The Chief of Defence recommends that the IRNoAE] should not Upgrade its Bell 412 helicopter capabilties and thatthe helicopters be phased out atthe ond of therlife cycle” the report stated Kristoffersen continued, there was an “imbalance between the armed forces" tasks, structures and finances,” adding that ‘ongoing procurement processes relating to ew tactical transport helicopters forthe army and special forces will be terminates" He then recommended that "further development ofthe armed forces? helicopter fleet be assessed holistically and be based on one helicopter family. “This means that future procurement of ant submarine helicopters, special forces helicopters and transport helicopters must emphasise cost effective training, Having announced that it was to scrap its contract with NHindustries and ‘mothball its 18 NHEO NATO Frigate Helicopters (NH) with immediate effect in June 2022, due toa long-running dispute over delivery delays and poor availabilty rates, (Oslo revealed in Apri that it wil acquire an intial six-strong float of Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk mul-role ‘maritime helicopters to partialy replace its now- ‘axed NHOO fet. ‘As por Kristotersen's recommendations for building a helicopter fleot that spans multiple capabilities across one platform type, Norway's acquisition of the MH-60R ‘could open the door for future purchases of Black Hawk family-standard helicopters from Sikorsky. September 2025 1/ 7 United Kingdom F-35B delays could limit UK combat DELAYS IN confirming array (AESA) radar and as foree composition _forecasts of FCAS/ ‘two are connected due future orders of the short significant portions of changes withthe advent Tempest capability and _to the risk already being take-off and vertical the aireraft's structure, ofthe future combat air waning Typhoon relevance taken on combat air mas. landing (STOVL) Lockheed nits evidence, the system (FCAS).It'should present a capability ‘The only realistic means Martin F-358 Lightring frm said: "The IR/OCP be noted that F-358. deficit from which there for mitigating this riskis a IV ftth-generation multi- [Integrated Review! benefit from awellfound iso acceptable means combination of increased role stealth fighter could Defence Command Pian] _foow-on development of escape in the early to F-35 numbers and early leave the RAF onl able was equivocal about programme, which Keeps mid-2030s. The cost per adoption of uncrewed tofelda single squadron F-85 numbers in thatthe system relevant in the air systom of an F-35 will systoms that currently for combat air operations, an increase In numbers fa@ of Increasing threats. _likoly rise in this tmascale fall within the FCAS force Britsh MPs have been beyond the curent 48 “Theres an obvious as the production run mix. However, the publicly warned was announced but the attraction to MOD to delay declines. stated aspiration to field In writen evidence to the scale and timing of te further F-35 offtake unt “FCAS fas opposed -—_an unerewed lightweight UK Pariament’s Defence increase was not. The _—itbecomes clear what to Tempest, the Core ___afordable novel combat Soloct Committoe's inquiry UK benefits greatly rom the FCAS programme will Manned Platform) cannot aircraft (LANGA) alongside into military aviation the F-35 programme and deliver. This is sensible, be removed from the _F-35 and Typhoon procurement, Northrop enteredinto ton a par but thereisarisk that iscussion on F-35.and requires significant Grumman wamed that not with the US services for decision delay, optimistic Typhoon numbers. The progress to be made. Committing to go beyond a comparatively small the current order of 4 investment. The UK F-35, F-258s could have serious fleet on order amounts to congequences. While the 48 alrraft of which some UK Ministry of Defence are not permitted to leave (MOD) has indicated thatthe USA and over the itis preparing to order a air system's service ite, further 16 arcatt from this level of commitment the next production block, is unlikely to result in a Ithasnot yet ormaly deployable ore of greater febmites'n oder or Shan singe squscron fpproved tang forthe "Clary onthe sale purchase. and tiring of free Nontop Grumman FSS by woud merase proves ay ayetoms confidence ofthe UR forthe F-35 incudng beng able todepioy a thecorminatons, _resllent combat ar force navigation and and woul alow greter a iantcaton ste, Understanding of how : : the AWAPG-BI acte the UK plans to delver ‘ean an Hs econ Eeaoth (8) rng Exeras Ste Warr on May S021 WO tlectontcaly canned combat a capaliien Sonn SoprgniPbhot nym Final RAF C-130Js head into storage Lil ‘The formal retement ofthe RAF's Lockheed Martin C-1904 Hercules C4/CS feet was completed on June 28, when the fina transport were flown trom RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, to Cambridge City Airport in Cambridgeshire, fo storage and preparation Tor any prospective ‘Second. hand sale bythe Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group (MADG). The two aircraft serials 2H067 and ZH670) both of which are the stretched” Ca variant, performed a low fypast over Cambridge before landing, aftor which, ZH870— which had special tall sticker to mark the type's retirement ~ was treated tothe adtional waterjet salute from two ofthe MADG's fre engines Bab Archer UPGRADED KAMOV a-S2M Hokum-B attack helicopters are boing used by the Russian ‘Aerospace Forces (RUAF) for the fist time as part of a response to Ukraine's ‘armoured counteroffensive in the nation’s Zaporizhehia region. ‘On duly 27, the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) revealed in its dally inteligence update that the RUAF was operating *a small number” of the Ka-52Ms on the Zaporzhahia front. t sald the qunship's improved systems alowed crows to engage targets "beyond the range of Ukrainian air defences” “The first dozen or so of te upgraded attack helicopters were delivered tothe RUAF on January 4, 2023, according to the Russian state-owned news agency, TASS, The new helicopters Headlines incorporate many features to improve their right attack and stand- off capablities. These Inolude the adation of a modernised GOES-451M electro-optical targeting turret with an increased range, strengthened undercartiage, enhanced ‘communications and impeoved cockpit ergonomics to enhance right~vision goggle performance, The LMUR missile, which boasts a ange of up to 14.5km, can be fired from the gunship and a new sel-protection system has been ited, replacing the older L370- 5 Vitobek suite tat wae previously used. The deployment of the Ka-52M emerged as the Ukrainian Armed Fores tried to step up its counterotfensive in the region, During the final days of July, Ukraine launched two mare ‘Above: A stl from a Russian MoD video shows what are said tobe a number of destroyed Ukrainian armoured ve including several US-made M2 Brady infantry fighting, Vohicles and at ast ane Garman-bulf Leopard 2 main batts tank ~ at an unidentified Iocation in Ukraine's southern Donatsk region on June 10. Top: RUAF gunships, such as brigad-level armoured relentlessly attacked assaults in the central and by Russian attack westem sectors of the helicopters loitering Zaporizhehia front. Just munitions and artilery. lke the attacks in June On the central axis, (eee Taming the Leopard, around the town of, 32-37), the Ukrainian _Staromaiorske, the armoured columne made Ukrainians moved some limited progress forward by just over Skm but they were soon being before becoming bogged ‘down in bitter fighting in ‘the runs ofthe settlement In the space of a week, the Ukeainiane appear tohave lost another 70 armoured vehicles, ‘according o analysis ‘of video footage ‘rom the battlefield ‘Tim Ripley BRITAIN'S decision to cutis order for Boeing 7 Wedgetall Arbome Early Warning and Control arratt has been described as “absolute folly” ina damning report by an influential group ofMPs ‘They said that the move ta reduce the intial order of five airoraft to three, which the report says was ordered by ministers 10 cut costs, leaves the RAF with a serous ceapabilty gap and is a false economy Ienas also emerged thatthe contract leaves the Ministry of Defence (MOD) stil obliged to buy five sophisticated radar systems, despite only having three airframes. United Kingdom ‘The MOD was also criticised forthe decision 10 retire the RAF's Boeing 2 Sentry AWACS aircrat in 2021, long before the Wedgetal could enter earviee, leaving the air foree with 1 serious capability gap. ‘The report by the Detence Select Committe, tiled “Its Broke - And it's Time to Fixit, examined the curent state of UK. defence procurement, looking at how miitary ‘equipment is purchased land problems with costs and delays in contracts. Is findings on the Investigation into the Wedgetail contract said i March 2019 the MOD signed a contract to buy five E-7 Wedgotails. At the time, the €-7 was already in service with the Royal Australian Airforce and had been used during operations in Iraq and Syria. It isa proven’ capability, which is aiso likely to be procured, in timo, by the US Ar Force. “The UK's initial order for five E-Ts was reduced to three in the Defence Command Paper of 2021. The reduction in fleet size, which was a ministerial decision, was likely related to cost However, the original order of five E-7s was estimated to cost £2 bn, while the three E-7s wil cost £1.89bn (partly because the MOD is contractually obligated to buy five associated arbome radar, regardless) “Even baie arithmetic would suggest that ordering three E-7s rather than five fat some 80% of the original acquisition cost) represents extremely poor value for money.” ‘The report also found that the date forthe Wedgetal to enter service with the RAF is likely o be delayed further with initia Operating Capability (100) potential sipping to 2025, The report adds: “in September 2022, the IO for the E-7 Wedgetail slipped trom 2023 to 2024 but even this date remains subject to stil outstanding confirmation ofthe Full Business. Case (FBC). The |OC may now slip into 2028, ifthe MOD receives its fist €-7 in late 2026. Boeing has put the delay down to supply chain issues related to Covid- 19 and related workforce issues. However, DESS (the MOD's Defence Equipment and Support body) are stil negotiating an FBC and associated in-service support contract with Boeing, which should already have been successtlly finalised long ago. "This situation exacerbated by the fact ‘thatthe Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft, “Trying to break through the Fussian frontline, st up in the southem reaches of Ukraine around Zaporizhzhia, has been tough going. Tanks, armoured vehicles and many other heavy vehicles have been attacked and destroyed, kiling hundreds of Uxainian Army personnel who have been trying to reciaim their ‘sovereign tertry Using tanks in open ground, moving behing slow moving mine- Clearing tanks must be teiying {as the Russian missiles come raining dowm. The crews on board the recently acquited Leopard 2 main battle tanks and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles would have been siting ducks, even in the dark. Advancing in the open without the cover of trees was always going tobe risky business, ‘especially without the appropriate fair cover Russia has not too ‘surprisingly taken advantage of the Etor Modern itary Aton: Siren se ‘Coup Eto ot arg An res Dent Edtor len aes [east itary Eater Deve Apo ‘edt itary Eater: ben Sar Hak ‘loupPrucion Ear bss noe Prandin eto Sy Hato on Pao, Head Design an Proton: Lee Howson Design racy ray Os, at Fe, ory enswoed Ds Water ‘overs ScrewWesan Mead Sale ana Marco: Suse Tee Decngastandng oer wh your newsagent brews tae comact ou Creston Manager evbsskypusening com, Serine can aioe neat tortor Mesa Sart wor Key Aero ‘uation on the ground by sending attack helicopters forward when the Ukrainian Army is moving, tipped off by is special forces. ‘The newly upgraded Kamoy Ka-52M Hokum-Bs appears to hhave been at the centte of these tactics onthe font line, with its Improved night attack and stand off capablity working with a newer, better helicopter-launched Light Muttiourpose Guided Rocket (LMUR,, which has a reported range of around 14.5kms. It mean ‘they can fie at vehicles trom within their own air defence zone ‘and the Ukrainians dont appear tohave a solution, Not unless they move more NATO-suppied portable surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems tke the Starstreak fr Stinger, and the bigger Norwegian Advanced Surface-to- ‘Ar Missa System (NASAMs) or Patriot battery systems into the region. technologies. AoveRTisens britemat ae, nag, Bt at ed may, ‘mansere,phtgrapr opto noratone ‘ire ot, S085 1081 USPS19, 5 purse Kay Plans, PO Bae alot the USA by get ae Wore Conarer NE ‘15 ube Sara NY 1613 USA Paton postage pi = Boayn MY 1258 Postmaster Sos aes change to ures Monthy, ‘Gooner ia acing a malin apr The eter hop ores contrbuons AFM Pease ‘oot Submited mate especay Mustsons shoud ame so aed lay maa’ ahd | tanpodessesod omoope seus bcrcosea te Russian aggression does ‘succeed in Ukraine, then other ‘countries will undoubtedly be Joking at their own tactics and inventories. Some counties wil be looking at what the Russians have done and want a piece of those Meanisile, come wil even {question the need for tanks in ‘open warfare, just asthe former UK Prime Minister Boris Johneon did inate 2021 and those who ‘supported him wil at some point bring up the losses in Ukraine again to fight the argument Inteligence personel, ‘commanders and tacticlans from miltaies all over the word wil be ‘watching on, learning from some ‘ofthe iesues the Ukrainian mitary has faced and continues to face, Undoubtedy, lots of lessons are bing learnt inthe Ukraine on how to fight the Russians, ensuring that tactics are being honed justin cease the need should ever arse to Confront he Russians themselves. For more on this, se@ Taming the Leopard (p82-37), Alan Warnes Group Editor at Large ‘Contact tho team at ‘sorarereronthcm [Seep curt andcontons wich re rary “paid wit por nee andre sy vl a Ry ‘tain dor dora vom wi haying oom. ‘Mita nageryshousb eat 300 and 1028 ‘een sem 203m nase. au 44470075720 Walt wm ay Aa Spree 2 Paty rn nen SAS “Tr ee coven ct ArForces Monty copia ant {ry fomot rarer esor wou po’ pemison ft Cus cue ae} September 2025 1/3 > Helsing Explo CMT pS et weden Contact.us at pecs neni OVA Rm cr (eC oe > BRAVO DELTA MODELS BD286CC Eurofighter Typhoon “Bla 10n FGRMkA from 29 Sqn RAF flown forthe capable aircraft and in aie policing, supporting Available September 2023 See www.bravodeltamodels.com or call 01884 861011 to order North America Apache on track for major V6.5 upgrade VP-80's last P-8C Orion heads to the Boneyard ‘Squadron 30 (VP-30) Replacement Squadron Commenting on the nation called on us todo Although the US Navy SS ara eee ae ce ™ pan {30's sol remaining Lockheed P-SC Orion (BuNo 161415. “LL-418) on the ground during the types sunset ceremony At NAS Jacksomvilin Florida on June 23 US Navyisss Communication Specais and Class Mathew Lombardo hing rows stoi Ema theres oan etoreairtoresmonthiy com *” USAF C-21As end 32-year CENTCOM mission USAF Maj Jonathan Daniels, Director of Operations with {he 912!" EARS C-21 Dotachmont, and Tst Lt Naomi Shaak, {plot withthe 912t EARS C-21 Detachment, begin taxing (C2214 (seria 84-0072) towards the runway bofoe ts ast Heritage ‘Viper’ marks =2!“cstssmecns 75 years Of 148th FW SS8555555 Sess ieous inthe US Central Desert Storm, Iraqi Command (CENTCOM) Freedom, New Dawn, eced Mart F60M Fighting Flcon earl 2406, C109 of th 1700 Se ear estas necien ter Squadron ‘Bulldogs’ a component of the Minnesota Air National Guard's {ANG} 148t Fighter Wing (FW) at Duluth ANGB ~has received a spacial heritage (AOR), the Learjet ©-21A Freedom's Sentinel, ‘Scheme to mark and eolebrate 75 yoars of operational servic fr the 148th FW. hhas now finished its Inherent Resolve, Resolute Designed by airmen trom the 148th Maintenance Group, the new, striking yellow ‘mission there, ‘Support, Northern Watch, ‘and dark bive Ivory co-ordinates with th 146th FW offical emblem and features a See eS ose ae ‘winged arrowhead, the Urea Minor star constllaon and a pheonix on top of i the ighters fuselage. I also features two lighter et slhoueties and a Minuteman iminutive Bombardier During Operation Desert Intercontinental bllste missile near the ANG emblem. The ighiniag bolts pay homage Loar 35A-based Shield and Desert Storm, tthe wing's Pistore electronic warfare mission st. The 148th FW will formally mark business ethas been C-21As were used 10 75 years of service on September 17, 2029 US ANG/tst Lt Crystal Kretner the transportation of, daliver classified air Glguihed ors oaatng over unt GentCoNts AOR wal lcking treaty fo . : oemomecioalerasieion fete tase aah errs ‘ and the transportation electronically, including Irenawks Mark en Stree sopes Maj posta Loree ‘Jonathan Daniele, Dector U-2 spyplanes for of MH-60S operations jes Saxons Ar Refueling Squadron airraft. The final C-21As (EARS) C-21 Detachment, departed Al Udeid A said: “Able tocary up" Base, Qatar, on June 90 to eight passengers, and will be absorbed by the C-21 is the USAF’s the 375th AM at Scott ‘quickest and easiest AFB. ‘option for moving small Commenting on {groups of distinguished operations in CENTCOM's Visitors in the Middle AOR, Capt David Kocher East” ~apilot assigned to ‘The USAF operates the 912th EARS C-21 156 C-21As, with 38 Detachment ~ sald: “Flying ‘examples serving the the C-21A during the BEE active-duty force and 18 summeris the hottest ‘being empioyed by the thing you can experience, Air National Guard. Since but overall a great time ‘Apri 1997, all US-based transporting distinguished C-21As have fallen under visitors, cargo, and the responsibilty of Air aeromedical evacuation Mobility Command, with patients around the AOR. Ls SCRA the STEIN Ar Mobily Wing Being te crew hat get to ‘copter Sea Combat Squadron 85 (HSC-88) ‘Firehawk’ banking Information of EE CET Are CORSA Thee ae a eee ae ar metre (MW) at Scott AFB being fy it home after a 92-ye Enna news oa at edtorgatorcesmonty.com ===) Travis welcomes =. ==) firstKC-46A = acian OND ‘Army Heliport (AHP). ~ BOEING RESUMED _— airframes and isthe frst California base, along The change ~ approved Goliveries of KC-46A of planned 27 KC-46As.__ withthe 76th anniversary by the US Army Pegasus tankers to that willbe assigned Of the 60th AMW and ‘Aeronautical Services the USAF on July28 to the 60th Air Mobilty 100 years ofthe air-to- Agency - took efact on folowing ahiatus that Wing's (AMW) 6th and Sth air refueling capability, July 21. While Muir is the began in March, when _AirRefusling Squadrons which the wider USAF had army's second-busiest 1 problem with the (ARS). Responsiblity or earlier celebrated during miltary-use heliport, aircraft's centre fuel tank operating and maintaining Operation Centennial iis classtication as an ‘was discovered. ‘the tankers willbe shared Contact. Bosing is under airfield did rot meet The latest KC-46A withthe Travis-based contract to deliver 15, the US Army or Federal ‘to be delivered (serial 349th AMW and its 70th _KC-46A to the USAF thie Aviation Administration 20-46081) arrived at and 78th ARS, which are year, but has only handed requirements for that ‘Travis AFB, Calforia, components of Air Force two examples aver thus designation. In 2012, which has now become Reserve Command, far. The Pegasus is Muir AHP was deemed ‘the sixth main operating ‘The ceremony that replacing the Trvis-based unsafe for fixed-wing first due for delvery to ‘base forthe USAF's marked the KC-46A's«KC-1OA lest, with the —_arcaft, which is why the RCAF in 2027. The growing Pegasus fet. _arivalat Travis also California base expected the Pennsylvania Army C-330s will each be This arcratt grows the commemorated the to bid farewell tos last National Guard's (ARNG) equipped with both a USAF's operational 0th anniversary of the Extenders by September _C-26E Metrolner fects boom and hose-and- Pogasus fleet to 70 _—_establishment of the 2024, Tom Kaminski ‘operated from Harisburg rogue air-to-air fueling Intemational Airport capabilites. Muir AHP is home to ‘The eecond-hand numerous Pennsylvania commercial areratt wall be modified to the MATT configuration by ‘Arbus at alate date, The STC aircraft wil aso carey out strategie att, aeromedical evacuation, personnel transport And government oficial ‘transport operation. nal [ARIG aviation units, including the Easter ‘Army National Guard, “raining Ste, which trains aviators to fy the UH-6ON0V Black Have tility neicopter and (GH-ETF Chinook heavy lit tactical transport helicopters. Tom Operational Capability Kaminski is expected between te THE USAF established ene oneat aan eval enor a eee Le eR {a pormanent AC-135VW Operation! Carat nA ee aaa 2090-2031. Tom Kaminski Fivet Joint presence at Joint Base Elmendort Richardson, Alaska, New Jersey bids fond farewell to last KC-10A Sr dnrsons ‘Group (06) was recently ‘THE DEPARTURE of, legacy of Extender ‘of operational USAF ‘operational for several activated. Reporting KC-10A Extender (erial operations and mark —-_-misions across six years to give the USAF to the Sth Wing at '84-0188) from Joint Base the end of the tankers different continents. The time to integrate its ‘Offutt AFB, Nebraska, McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst time at JB MDL. The ‘tanker was responsible successor ito Air the OG is responsible WBMDL) on June 22 airratt performed a {or refusing more than Mobility Command's for 12 squadrons and ‘marked not only the end farewell fypast before 125,000 arcraft from 25 Total Force tanker ‘wo detachments and ‘of KC-10 operations for being flown to the 309th different nations and was enterprise. As part of maintains overseas the USAF's 305th/St4th Aerospace Maintenance flown by 1,000 aircrew this process, select ‘operating locations ‘Air Mobility Wings (AMW), and Regeneration Group members, while another portions of the USAF's at RAF Midenhall in but also the type's 33-year at Davis-Monthan AFB, 12,000 maintainers have legacy tanker let is. ‘Suffolk, UK: Naval ‘mission from New Jersey. Arizona, where it wil be worked to keep It avaiable being withdrawn from Support Activity ‘The 30Sth/Stdth AMW'S kept in long-term storage for operations. tse, enabling the air Souda Bay, Crote; and last KC-10A departed and used as a source While the USAF is inthe arm to recapitaise Kadena AB, Japan, the New Jersey base of spare parts tohelp __processof phasing out and replaceits ageing = The detachment wil for the final time after support the KC-10A that its remaining KC-I0As, as tankers with newer, inaly serve as a launch participating in maitiple remain operational. itcontinues to welcome more advanced and recovery point farewell ceremonies ‘This particular KO-10A more KC-46A Pegasus platforms, wile also for Indo-Pacic Rivet that served to both flew a total of 33,475.58 tankers into servieo, maintaining ite air-to-air Joint operations. Tom ‘commemorate the 83-year ght hours in support the fleet wil remain, refueling capabiltes, Kaminski worn Key Aero september 2028 1/17 > CANADA MINISTER of National Defence Anita Anand announced on “uly 25 that the nation has purchased four new Afous A330 Mult-Role Tanker Transports (MATS) ~ along with a further three ‘used A330-2008 - for approximately CA$3.66n (US82.7bn), as it moves to recapitalise is air-to-air refueling capebilties and tenable the Royal Canadian Ar Force (RCAF) to replace its ageing CC-150 Polaris fet. ‘The Canadian Department of National Defence's (OND's) mut billon contract with Airbus Defence and Space covers the delivery of four now North America A330 MATT and the Conversion of ve used {A330 (acquired through separate procurement efforts) tothe MRTT- standard, Canada inital purchased two second-hand ASI0-2438 from the International AirFinance Corporation for approximately US$102m in June 2022, then three ‘addtional used A902 from the same source at 8 cost of USS150m in July 2023 ‘These acquisitions are part ofthe Canadian DND's Stratagi Tanker “Transport Capability {STTO) project, which aims to replace the RCAF's current fleet of five CC-160 Polaris (4910-200) tankers with a newer and more capable platform. Anand stated that ths initiative will enable the RCAF to enhance its sovereign ‘operations (ncluding in the ‘Aecti), while strengeening Canada's abilty to provide aito-ar refueling support for NATO and North ‘American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) operations. In RAF service, the (4390-249MATT wil be designated the CC-380 Husky; the fist two of which are slatad to be delivered later this year “These intial two AS308 were previously operated by Kuwait Airways, wearing the registrations Sk-APC (€én 1659) and 8K-APD (en 1678), but willbe assigned the RCAF serials 93002 ‘and 32001, respectively After undergoing maintenance checks with AMAC Aerospace in Basal, Switzecana, the jets were repainted by Satys Aerospace in Chateauroux, France. The firt aircraft 1 be rolled ‘out (99002) received a fed, white and blue colour scheme similar to that applied to CC-150 Polaris, (15001), Known as ‘Can Force One it serves as the main transport for the Canadian Prime Minister. All subsequent aircraft wl be painted in a gloss grey livery similar to that worn by the current Polaris feet. ‘The fist CC-390 is, ‘expected to arrive at Canadian Forces Base “Trenton in Ontario this summer, with the second following in the autumn, Like the Potars, the Husky fleet will be operated by No 437 Transport Squadron. A second batch ‘comprising three CC-380s is expected to ative in Canada in 2024 (On leaving the Airbus Final Assembly Line in Toulouse, France, the new A390-243 will undergo ‘conversion to MATT- standard by Alrbus at Its tacilty in Getate, Spain from mic-2026, withthe ‘The last KC-10A Extonder (serial 84-0188) assigned tothe $0Sth AMW conducts 2 ‘nal fypast over JB MDL in New Jersey during Its rotrement ceremony on June 22 ‘USARSentor aman Sergio Avaiog Middle East US sends fighters to tackle Iran’s oil tanker attacks ‘THE US has sont F-16 Fighting Falcons, with F-25 Lightning Il mutt role fighters following, to ‘the Middle East in a bid ta counter an inerease in Iranian attacks on vessels passing through the Strait ff Hormuz, the Pentagon has revealed. ‘An undisclosed number of aireratt are being deployed to Oman to increase the US presence in the troubled region ater two ol tankers \were intercepted by Iranian naval vessels on July 5. During a press briefing on July 17, US. deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh sai: "In response to a number fof recent, alarming ‘events inthe Strait of Hormuz, the Secretary of Defense has ordered the deployment ofthe destroyer USS Thomas Huciner (006-116), F-35 fighters and F-16 fighters to the US Central ‘Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility to Your indispensable publication for aircraft historians, and students of military aviation, AIRFORCES MONTHLY BINDER A. Perfect for storing 12 issues of your favourite aviation title in black. From the Editor ~ AvAleForces Monthly we area the cutting £46.99 by annual Direct Debit SAVING £43. 36 Total cost of 12 issue, bi Alan Warnes - Group Editor at Large ORDER DIRECT FROM OUR SHOP... shop.keypublishing OR CALL +44 (0)1780 480404 Key (Lines open 9.00-5.30, Monday-Friday GMT) 559/23, ~__F-SE/F pots o IAF who participate in the exercise canbe seen walking towards ther = irratin the main ramp of Eth TFB in the morning of July 28 Koya Tavaneo Interesting Places Ben Stanley Hall again showcases the rich diversity of movements up and down the UK UrUK aviation journey for further south, The two main USAF rest of the world. you photograph this issue was widespread, bases in East Anglia, Lakerheath something that fs notin its usual as always. Newquay ‘and Mildenhall, both feature here, location or you think cous be of |s anew locaton for us and With the former the furthest west interest to others, please send represented our most westery and by ust afew miles. The unique images, without watermarks, to southerly points on the interesting Battersea Heliport in central bershall@keypublshing.com using aviation compass over recent London was our fina spot the heading Just Passing Through’ ‘weeks, Glasgow was our furthest We welcome contributions from witha shor’ caption including as, orth, with Prestwick slightly ‘our readers across the UK and the much information as possible ute eerie eet ate MeN re aed BO eet ae Seer a ad pears This Royal Canaclan Air Forco CP-1404 Aurora (140108) was caught on Pe rent ant eT er Raa ean arent Kone nn tt ey dey eatery ip epee nec L tee era cease en ee eM Na Toe COT a Poser tr 28 September 2023 Ts Asia-Pacific ‘Subsorae 1o www Key Aero for brsokng rows tors Ema the news ean eitoreaittrcesmonthy.com Rafale M set to replace Indian Navy Fulcrums NEW DELHI has formally ‘announced the selection fof the Rafale Marine (M) mutt-toe fighter to replace the Indian Navy's AWN) ageing MiG-29K/ KUB Fulerum-D feet, smarking a major export boost for Dassault ‘Aviation and another lose {or Bosing's continued push to sell more F/A- 1BE/F Super Hornets. India's Defence ‘Acquisition Councit formally approved the procurement of 26 Fatale M fighter ‘and associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulators, documentation, spares and repair parts and training/logisical support ‘rom France on July 13 While the selection of the Rafale M was formally ‘announced, the total ‘cost ofthe acquisition is, ‘now being negotiate. India’s selection of the Fatale M follows the completion ofan interational competition that was held at INS Hansa in Goa in 2022, During which, the ‘competing fighter types ‘complated multiple sk Jumps, ral-in anc ty in arrestments and performance fights at a variety of weights in a mix of ai-t-ai/ground/ surface configurations. ‘According to Dassaut, *..the Ratale ‘demonstrated that fully met the IN's operational requirements and was perfectly suited to the ‘specificities ofits aicratt “The aicrat di not ‘operate from the IN's aircraft carers, INS Vkramacitya (R33) and INS Vikrant (R11), as these were designed for MiG- 29K/KUB operations, Faalo Ms (sorals 82 and 10) from the Fronch Flest Ar Arm's Foti 11F during a routine patrol lant m Oetober 2019. Indl hae become the frst export nation to select thie, ‘avalised variant ofthe mult-role lighter, with 26 alrraf planned Dassault AvatonA Pecchi meaning they must Undergo a certain degree ‘of modification work to cater forthe Rafal, ‘The Ratale M selection Is an important one, given that India wil Become ‘the second nation after France to operate both the conventional Air Force-standard variants ofthe type, as well as the havalised version, whieh val provide benefits in both commonality and in helping to consolidate ‘raining and maintenance processes. The Indian Air Force ihas taken delivery ‘f 28 single-seat Rafale Etls and eight two-seat Rafale DHs. With the selection ofthe Ratale IM, India wil receive 62 ‘examples ofthe mut-role fighter across all hres variants in tt USAF F-16C/Ds eel) up i ROKAF F-35A\ Peet) ees perenne Pi een) crn perenne eget oes eer) eon uee ney r rca Coie Ce ata) eae eee en Cree eA en ater om cee ares ee ey se a ec PON ere worn Key Aero aad (ken Pani Sars Ca Rope trs Sen Poet kd pearls eer eet cere) ‘event had been hosted Sere one tre eet sy peers a a earer erie eG withthe &th FW and Ca tees oe Seca arcrat, We were eee ceria erent peat The objective was eras rece Peet eee Perret pat d oct Petree USAF F-16C/D plot nship peers Se oo a eee) onary ea ey errs er) September 2025 1/25 Stand-off weapons Russian ar defence systems. This manner of employment ~ al known as tasslot bombing ~ has reduced the weapon's effect range to just 25 mies. LUKYAF published Images of the LUDAML-ER for the first time, ft rise asthe | | been adaptec | Fhe Ukrainian Air Force US AGM-88 high-speed | (Uk continues lnt-ragation misile (HARM). So successful empiy the en the UkrAF's | Us-supplied 0016 variant of | Feneer bomber fleet is busy A tresaint occ attack Muntion deploying UK-suppieg Storm ! XQ. ctences range UDAM-ER missiles, t's | based on a M82 general-pun cca forthe UkrAF to employ iron bomb. This GPS-guided-JDAM-ER on dle bomb is believed to have a maxima ra includes the Su-2 butit seems the URIAF fighters are As forthe Storm Shadow, this forced to deploy them primary by using ther ad pop-up attack rn © agai ater Pesest er atar eat aia le Michie teers kant _ NEWs!| Australasia RNZAF declares P-8A fleet operational ‘The fourth and fnal RNZAF P-BA (serial NZ4904) arrives at RNZAF Base Ohakes on July 17 Now Zoaiand Dotonce Fores THE ROYAL New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) declared its newly acquired P-8A Poseidon fleot operational on July 1 Just weeks before the air farm welcomed its fourth and final example of the US-but mantime patrol aircrat (MPA) to RNZAF Base Onakea, near Palmerston North in the Manawatu, on July 17 New Zealand's final 8A — seal NZ4808 (cin 67020) ~ departed Bosing’s production facilty a King County International Airport (otherwise known as artived at RNZAF Base Ohakea on December 12, 2022, before it was joined by the second (NZ4802) ‘on March 20, and the third (1124803) on May 19. This delivery, and the ‘completion of New Zealand's P-2A fet, ‘comes ator the RNZAF {formally retired its ageing fleet of six P-2K2 Orion MPA on January 31 ater more than 55 years cof operational service. Wellington purchased its P-BAs through the US Foreign Miltary Sales programme, with 2 ‘contract (worth $1.6bn) Boeing Field) in Seattle, being signed on July 9, Washington, on July 13, 2018. After four years of before it was formally "preparation, the RNZAF ‘welcomed by the RNZAF's officially declared ts new No 5 Squadron at Onakea Poseidon feat operational ‘our days later. This ‘on July 1, making the delivery completes New aircraft and its capabilities Zealand's four-strong_avalable for frontine P-GAfleet, of which the missions, while plugging first aircraft (NZ4801) the maritime patrol ‘capability gap that was Created by the expecited reticoment of the P-oK2 fleet earler in the year. AVM Andrew Clark Chiet of the RNZAF, sai ‘New Zealand's maritime security is central to ‘our wider eacunty, The Poseidon isthe latest in a series of acraft going back tothe early daye ‘of the RNZAF that have kept watch from the air = securing our maritime resources, defending our region against miitary threats, bulding regional reslience, preventing ‘trans-national crime, and ‘of course carrying out ‘search-and-rescue and humantaran aid and isastar relief missions, ‘Tha Poseidon has the breacth of versatility and the depth of capability required forthe job in today’s complex security “environment” RAAF E-7A to support Ukraine supply ops ‘THE ROYAL Australian Air Force (RAAF) wil dopioy a single E-7A Wedgetall, AEWAC aircraft to Germany to help protect the vital gateway of international humanitarian aid and miitary assistance to Ukraine, The move demonstrates Australia's ‘support for the war-torn nation as it continues to ‘defend itself against the ‘ongoing Fussian invasion. “The move was announced by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on July 10, following discussions with German Chancellor ‘af Scholz in Borin ahead of his attendance {at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Uthuania, on July 11. The upcoming ‘deployments expected to begin in October and will sea single RAAF ‘operated E-7A and up to 4100 personnel stationed at an as-yet undisclosed location in Germany, probably Geilenkirchen, for approximately six months, A press release published by the Otice for the Prime Minister of Australia on July 10 explained thatthe deployment ofthe E-7A to Germany “will integrate with the efforts of our partners, including the US, and support the ‘multilayered protections in place for assistance into Ukraine.” The release also noted that the RAAF ETA. “provide early warning in the event of any threats outside of Ukraine against the (gateway for umanitarian and miltary assistance.” Italso confirmed that Australian Defence Force personnel will nt enter Ukraine and that the E-7A will be operated outside of Ukrainian, Belarusian and Russian airspace ‘Commenting on the Upcoming deployment, ‘Australia’s Deputy Prime Ukraine's sovereignty and Ministor Richard Marles _trttrialintogrity prevails. said: "The deployment against Russia's assault” of the E-7A Wedgetal ‘Based on the Basing san additional cary 737-700 aiiner, the E-7A warning capabilty wil help Wedgetal is powered by ‘ensure that vital support two CFM International flowing to Ukraine by the CEMS6-7B27A international community turbofan engines and is protected, Australiais equipped with Northrop committed to ensuring Grumman's muta

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