Americas
The Mayor of Iwakuni, Yoshihiko Fukuda, has agreed to the US Navy’s deployment of CMV-22 Osprey aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, marking the first stationing of this tilt-rotor variant in his city. The decision aligns with a broader realignment of U.S. military assets in the region, which includes the rotation of aircraft carriers and the introduction of F-35C stealth fighter jets. This deployment will add to the existing Osprey presence in Japan, complementing the Marine Corps’ MV-22s at Futenma air base in Okinawa and the Air Force’s CV-22s operating from Yokota base near Tokyo. Mayor Fukuda’s acceptance comes amid lingering safety concerns surrounding the Osprey platform, which has been involved in several incidents both in Japan and abroad. The mayor cited assurances from Japanese and U.S. officials regarding the aircraft’s safety as a key factor in his decision. He also noted that the overall number of aircraft at the base is expected to decrease by approximately 10 following the deployment, potentially mitigating environmental impacts such as noise levels.
The US Army has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems another low-rate initial production contract for the M10 Booker Combat Vehicle. The $322.7-million contract modifies an identical contract awarded in June, with an estimated completion date of October 20, 2026. General Dynamics was originally awarded a $1.14-billion contract in 2022 to build as many as 96 low-rate initial production M10s. Subsequent contracts were awarded in June 2023 and January 2024.
Middle East & Africa
According to Defense News, the US has restarted talks over the future of its armed forces in Chad — the latest African country to express doubt over its relationship with the American military. In the last month, senior leaders from the State and Defense departments have visited the capital of N’Djamena, where they met with members of the Chadian government and armed forces to discuss their security ties.
Europe
The US Space Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a $200-million contract to build a deep space radar capable of monitoring 22,000 miles (36,000 kilometers) above the Earth. The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) Site 2 contract involves building a radar site at Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales, by February 4, 2030. A total of 27 radar dishes are planned to be erected at Cawdor, each standing 20 meters (65 feet) tall and capable of seeing a football from space.
Asia-Pacific
Kadena Air Base in Japan continued its ongoing F-15C Eagle divestment plan with the departure of four aircraft on August 24. This event marks another milestone in the transition to F-15EX Eagle IIs. The final flight date for the remaining F-15Cs at Kadena remains undetermined, though the process is well underway. On August 15, crew chiefs and pilots from the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 67th Fighter Squadron organized a final flight for F-15C Eagle A5095. This traditional ceremony marked the aircraft’s last flight before its scheduled demilitarization, further symbolizing the gradual end of the F-15C era at Kadena.
