Boeing buys GKN factory in Hazelwood

Boeing averted a potential crisis in its fighter jet production by acquiring the critical GKN Aerospace facility in Hazelwood, Missouri. This deal safeguards not only the continued manufacture of F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets but also the jobs of approximately 550 skilled workers.

F-15EX decals affixed to F-15QA4 jet in Building 67, Final Assembly_St. Louis, MO. Purpose of the photo is to show aircraft readiness to our USAF customer (F-15EX contract award). MSF20-0024 Series.

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USAF preparing its F-35 pilots to carry out basic maintenance and refueling chores

The US Air Force recently conducted a training exercise focused on Independent Pilot Off-Station Procedures (IPOP) for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, on Apr. 1st, the exercise aimed to equip F-35 pilots with the skills necessary to operate in austere environments with limited support personnel.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew Brown, an F-35 assistant program manager assigned to the 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron, refuels an F-35 Lightning II as part of independent pilot off-station procedures (IPOP) at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 1, 2024. Exercises such as IPOP allow pilots the opportunity to learn maintenance and refueling techniques, extending operational range. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brianna Vetro)

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UAE receives fourth GlobalEye AEW&C

Saab achieved a significant accomplishment in its GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) program on April 18, 2024, with the delivery of the fourth aircraft to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This latest delivery comes just four years after the UAE received their first GlobalEye, showcasing the program’s efficient execution.


Photo: Saab

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Croatian Air Force welcome the arrival of six Rafale fighters

The Croatian Air Force (Hrvatsko ratno zrakoplovstvo i protuzračna obrana, HRZ i PZO) officially received its first six Rafale fighter jets in a ceremony held on Apr. 25, at the 91st operational base near Zagreb. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing military modernization efforts.

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Harrier Pilot honors WWII hero great-uncle in commemorative flight

Capt. Raymond Hower, a U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier pilot with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, recently conducted a commemorative flight to honor his great-uncle, LCDR Louis A. Conter. Conter, who passed away on Apr. 1st, at the age of 102, held the distinction of being the last known survivor of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Raymond Hower, a native of California and an AV-8B Harrier II jet pilot with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, poses for a photo holding his great-uncle Louis A. Conter’s naval aviator wing insignia at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, April 18, 2024. Conter was the last known survivor of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and passed away April 1, 2024. Hower flew U.S. flags and Conter’s naval aviator wing insignia during the flight. Conter served in the U.S. Navy from 1939 to 1967. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

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