Americas
A Utah National Guard AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter involved in a landing exercise crashed at the South Valley Regional Airport on Monday, February 12, at approximately 1:20 PM. While both pilots (one is from the 419th Fighter Wing) onboard sustained injuries, they are reported to be in stable condition. No other casualties were reported. The incident occurred during a routine training mission, with details about the specific exercise remaining undisclosed. According to Lt. Col. Chris Kroeber, public affairs officer, the pilots were practicing landings when the mishap occurred, indicating they were likely at low altitude at the time of impact. The extent of the helicopter’s damage, particularly to the rotor system, suggests a heavy impact.
BAE Systems has inked a deal with Boeing to equip the US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray aerial refueling drone with a new vehicle management system computer (VMSC). The upgrade will see quad-core processors installed onto the aircraft, optimizing its size, weight, and power footprint and allowing for future capability growth and reduced operational costs.
Middle East & Africa
The Israeli military said Wednesday its fighter jets “began a series of strikes in Lebanon,” raising fears of a war between the two countries after months of cross-border fire. The military gave no further details of the air strikes, while Lebanese media reported air raids on southern villages, including Adchit, Sawwaneh, and Shihabiyeh. The strikes came hours after fire from Lebanon wounded multiple people in northern Israel, according to medics.
Europe
The Swedish military is seeking a replacement for its Arthur (Artillery Hunting Radar) weapon locating system. The future system is sought to support indirect fire and counter-fire operations at the brigade level, Janes reported, citing a Swedish Defence Materiel Administration request for information.
Rheinmetall has begun the construction of a new ammunition factory at Unterlüß in northern Germany following a ground-breaking ceremony. Dubbed Werk Niedersachsen, the facility is set to produce artillery ammunition, explosives, and rocket artillery components, eventually producing about 200,000 shells a year.
Asia-Pacific
The Australian Army has collected armored fighting vehicle layout suggestions from soldiers to support the new design of its upcoming Boxer Block II fleet. Troops from the Australian Army’s 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) participated in the design project at Rheinmetall’s facility in Unterluss. During this time, the Lance 2.0 remote-controlled turret for the Boxers was placed in initial production.
