Americas
Lockheed Martin’s F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft has received authorization to carry nuclear bombs. Russ Goemaere, a spokesman for the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO), recently told Breaking Defense that the much-awaited certification was actually awarded several months ago but only announced now. The milestone will allow some F-35As to carry two B61-12 nuclear gravity bombs, as well as ground-scanning sensors for precise target neutralization.
Canada has announced an investment to modernize the Trenton armed forces base in Quinte West, which will house the country’s new CC-330 Husky strategic tanker/transport aircraft fleet. The project, valued at 850 million $630 million, will cover major upgrades across the installation’s airfield and establishments and construct a two-bay hangar and other supporting infrastructure.
Middle East & Africa
General Motors segment GM Defense has concluded testing of its Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) for the UAE and partner countries. The tests, held over several days during Abu Dhabi’s annual Armed Forces Summer Trials, validated the system’s tactical capability across rugged conditions with diverse terrain and extreme weather.
Europe
In silent orbit around Earth, a potentially hostile satellite approaches an allied communication node, intentions unknown. French Space Command has determined the move is deliberate, and intelligence shows the enemy spacecraft is equipped with a robotic arm that would allow it to de-orbit the friendly asset. The French-led blue team moves a “patroller” satellite into a protective position – a capability France is working on, but now lacks – to block any hostile action by the US.-led red team.
Asia-Pacific
Elbit Systems has sent the first batch of Guarani 6×6 armored personnel carriers (APCs) to the Philippine Army. The vehicles are part of a $46-million deal signed in 2020 to deliver 28 Guaranis to a then-undisclosed country in the Asia Pacific. All five APCs made their first public appearance at a ceremony in Santa Lucia, Tarlac. The vehicles will be used by the force’s Armor Division, providing operational readiness for a “world-class, multi-mission-ready, and cross-domain capable armor force.” “Our goal is to establish a stronger armed force for a ‘newer Philippines,’” Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido said about the acquisition. The Armor Division will conduct technical inspections of the new vehicles.
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) continues to grapple with the unsolved mystery surrounding the tragic UH-60JA helicopter crash that occurred on April 6, 2023, off the coast of Miyakojima, Okinawa. The accident, which claimed the lives of all ten personnel on board, including Lieutenant General Yuichi Sakamoto, commander of the 8th Division, remains the deadliest involving a JGSDF aircraft. The Mitsubishi UH-60JA helicopter (JG-3106/43106) departed Miyakojima Sub Base on a routine terrain reconnaissance mission. Among the ten passengers were Lt. Gen. Sakamoto and Colonel Masaichi Iyoda, commander of JGSDF Camp Miyakojima. Shortly after contacting air traffic control at Shimojishima Airport, the helicopter vanished from radar approximately 18 kilometers northwest of Miyako Airport.
