Americas
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is transitioning its fighter pilot training program, marking a significant change for its future pilots. The CT-155 Hawk aircraft, which has served as the primary trainer for decades, will be retiring from service. This move coincides with the commencement of the Bridge Fighter Lead-in Training (FLIT) program and the RCAF’s decision to seek a new advanced jet trainer. The Bridge FLIT program prominently features the RCAF’s continued participation in the well-established Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program. Managed by the United States Air Force’s 80th Fighter Training Wing, the program has traditionally seen a strong Canadian presence. Previously, the RCAF deployed approximately five pilot instructors to Sheppard Air Force Base, in Northwest Texas, to share their expertise and train the next generation of pilots. Alongside these instructors, five to six Canadian students honed their skills on the T-38C Talon aircraft as part of their Fighter Lead-in Training. Upon successful completion, these graduates typically transitioned to the 410 Operational Fighter Training Squadron in 4 Wing, Cold Lake, to further refine their fighter pilot skills.
The US Space Force has awarded Boeing a $440-million contract to build its 12th satellite for the Wideband Global Satellite Communications (WGS) constellation. Boeing’s WGS-12 will bolster the US military’s communication network by adding further high-capacity, secure, and resilient capabilities onto the existing network. The company will implement its Protected Tactical Satcom Prototype payload onto the new satellite as an anti-jam feature, allowing it to operate in contested theaters.
Middle East & Africa
A subsidiary of the Israeli firm Elbit Systems of America will supply the US Army shot-spotting sensors that can be mounted to watch towers, surveillance aerostats, unmanned vehicles and more. Logos Technologies announced a $19.4 million deal for its Serenity hostile fire detectors late last month. The five-year arrangement also accounts for maintenance and operation costs across US Africa Command.
Europe
The Russian armed forces reportedly knocked off another M1 Abrams tank in Ukraine this week, bringing the toll to three. An unnamed soldier took out the US armored vehicle with an anti-tank weapon near Avdiivka from a distance of 6 km, Russia’s state-owned TASS reported, citing a Russian lawmaker. No official confirmation has come yet. However, the soldier has purportedly been awarded as a Hero of Russia, the country’s highest honorary title, according to the outlet.
Asia-Pacific
The annual Balikatan war games, conducted jointly between the Philippines and the United States, are set to witness a significant first in 2024. Colonel Michael Logico, executive agent of Balikatan 2024, confirmed the inclusion of the Spyder (Surface-to-air Python and Derby) air defense missile system in the upcoming exercises scheduled to take place in Central Luzon. Colonel Logico emphasized that the exercise will involve “integrated air missile defense exercises” utilizing the newly acquired Spyder batteries. This testing aims to evaluate the interoperability between the Spyder system and the weapon systems employed by the US forces during the drills.
The Singapore Army is set to utilize more cutting-edge technologies in its urban warfare training with the introduction of smart target systems. Installed at the Murai Urban Battle Circuit (MUBC), the new target systems include a 2D human target capable of quickly flipping up or turning around to simulate sudden engagement. They also feature a mobile 3D human target that can move on four wheels at speeds reaching 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) per hour. It simulates enemy patrols and reinforcements.
