Americas
The US Air Force disclosed that the F-15EX fired air-to-air missiles from the new weapon stations 1 and 9 for the first time on November 29. An AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile was fired from Station 1 and an AIM-9X from Station 9 over the Eglin Test and Training Complex’s water range by pilots from the 96th Test Wing. During the first test of its kind, the Air Force verified that weapons could be fired effectively and safely from those stations. The successful launch of these weapons demonstrated the aircraft’s ability to carry and use a total of 12 air-to-air missiles.
The US Army’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters have been equipped with a laser protection system against short-range, heat-seeking missiles. Called the Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM), the new system defends against surface-to-air missiles and those from man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). The CIRCM entered into full-rate production in 2021 and achieved operational capability in November 2022.
Middle East & Africa
Turkey’s future TCG Anadolu amphibious assault ship has conducted sea trials in the Marmara Sea. Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar led the tests alongside Turkish Armed Forces officials. The TCG Anadolu is the Turkish Navy’s largest warship and will be its first unmanned aerial vehicle carrier ship.
Europe
France is set to become the first Western country to deliver tanks to Ukraine, the French presidency announced Wednesday after talks between Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. The move to supply the French-made AMX-10 RC to Ukraine — a light tank model in service since the 1980s that is being phased out in the French military — represents a significant shift in French military support for Ukraine.
Asia-Pacific
Australia said Thursday it has snapped up a US offer to obtain the same long-range, mobile rocket system Ukraine has deployed on the battlefield against invading Russian forces. The government said the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) would deter attacks on Australia but could also be transported by plane for deployment worldwide. “The effectiveness of the HIMARS system in the Ukraine conflict has certainly influenced the government’s decision,” Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy told public broadcaster ABC.
According to Jane’s, the Philippine Army has received a Sabrah ASCOD II light tank from Israel?s Elbit Systems. In a social media post, the Philippine Army’s Armor Division (AD) said that it has received one Sabrah light tank based on the ASCOD platform and the tank will be used by the 1st Tank Battalion of the AD.
Today’s Video
WATCH: 20 ASCOD II Sabrah Tracked Tanks Successfully Tested and Ready to be Sent to the Philippines
