Americas
The 8th Fighter Squadron (FS) at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, recently unveiled a striking new addition to their fleet – an F-16 Viper flagship painted in a sleek matte black color scheme, reminiscent of the legendary F-117 Nighthawk. This unique paint job serves as a powerful tribute to the squadron’s history and the groundbreaking capabilities of the retired stealth aircraft. The “Black Sheep” nickname reflects the squadron’s proud history, and this new paint scheme specifically honors their time flying the F-117. “We were one of the Holloman fighter units to fly the F-117 Nighthawk,” explained Major Daniel Thompson, an instructor pilot with the 8th FS. “This decision highlights a unique chapter in our history that aligns perfectly with the Black Sheep identity.”
Italy has seized Chinese military drones disguised as wind turbines that were heading to Libya in violation of a U.N. embargo, Italian authorities said. Components making up the two drones were concealed in six containers sent on two container ships from China to the Port of Gioia Tauro in Italy, where they were impounded before they could be loaded onto vessels heading for Libya, according to officials.
Middle East & Africa
Boeing has delivered the first of 465 CH-47F Block II Chinook heavy-lift aircraft to the US Army as part of a modernization effort signed in 2017. The ongoing Block II upgrade encompasses drivetrain improvements, a reinforced airframe and fuel system, and enhanced payload compatibility for future mission requirements. Boeing wrote that the project addresses aircraft sustainment, enabling minimal repairs to increase the vehicle’s availability.
Europe
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems won a $48 million undefinitized contract action for Belgium Sustainment Contractor Logistics Support in support of MQ-9B SkyGuardian aircraft. This contract provides logistics support activities including depot repair, engineering services, field team support, and software maintenance services for the Belgian Air Force MQ-9B. Work will be performed at Poway, California, and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2025. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Belgium. This contract was a sole source acquisition. FMS funds in the amount of $21,632,163 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.
Asia-Pacific
The Philippines and China agreed on Tuesday to “de-escalate tensions” over the South China Sea, Manila said, following a violent clash in the disputed waters last month. Manila and Beijing have a long history of maritime territorial disputes in the hotly contested waterway but last month’s incident was the most serious in a number of escalating confrontations.
