Americas
The US Navy Blue Angels successfully tested a Mobile Aircraft Arresting System (MAAS) for the first time at Camp Grayling Army Airfield on June 26th. This test and certification served as a crucial element in their participation in the subsequent National Cherry Festival Air Show held in Traverse City on June 29-30th. The MAAS deployment was a first for the Blue Angels at the National Cherry Festival Air Show. This system, typically used at military airfields, is a vital safety feature providing an emergency landing option for high-performance aircraft like the Blue Angels’ F/A-18 Hornets. The MAAS employs arresting cables and barriers to rapidly decelerate aircraft in case of an in-flight issue or missed landing. Regular testing and certification, such as the one conducted at Camp Grayling, ensures the MAAS is prepared for such scenarios.
Lockheed Martin has delivered the first of eight C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft to the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Ohio as part of a project to modernize the installation’s aging military transport fleet. The plane incorporates a new configuration of aerial spray capability to secure large areas from disease-carrying insects and other pests as well as to disperse oil spills in water surface domains. Lockheed wrote that this function marks the 19th unique mission feature of the C-130J product line.
Middle East & Africa
According to Military Africa, Forces allied with the Sudanese Armed forces are fielding another Chinese-made anti-drone jammer to fight off unmanned systems operated by the Rapid Support Force (RSF). This is the second Chinese counter-UAV system employed by Sudanese forces in its ongoing conflict with the RSF rebels. The commercially available anti-drone system is made by Ching Kong Technology, with the brand name CKJ-2306G6.
Europe
Spain has inked a procurement agreement with the US for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles and related support equipment. The estimated $2.8-billion sale was approved by the US State Department in October last year, including 51 PAC-3 missiles, 24 M903 launch stations, and four AN/MPQ-65 radars. Spain has now become the 16th partner nation of the latest PAC-3 version. The acquisition will enhance Madrid’s capabilities against evolving aerial threats such as tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and hypersonics.
Asia-Pacific
Multiple aircraft from the contingent of Pacific Skies 24 have touched down in Darwin, Australia, on July 20th after a long journey from Japan. Marking another leg of a strategic deployment showcasing European cooperation and military capabilities. A media briefing held upon arrival featured representatives from each nation. A Lt. Col. Dèf from the French Air Force detachment, Major Fernando from the Spanish Air Force, and Col Anderson, Detachment Commander for the German Luftwaffe Detachment, all expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming missions that will commence on Jul. 22nd and commended the RAAF’s preparation efforts.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) successfully hosted the annual Exercise Pitch Black Flying Display at Mindil Beach on July 18th. The free, non-ticketed event drew crowds eager to witness a spectacular showcase of international military aircraft. Now in its 6th year, the Pitch Black Flying Display has become a cornerstone of the multinational exercise since 2012. It fosters a close relationship between the RAAF, international participants, and the Darwin community. This year’s iteration offered a glimpse into the diverse capabilities of modern military aviation.
Today’s Video
