Americas
The US Coast Guard has taken delivery of its 57th Sentinel-class fast response cutter from Bollinger Shipyards in Key West, Florida. The USCGC Florence Finch (WPC-1157) is part of a US Department of Defense effort begun in 2008 to replace the service’s Island class commissioned in the 1980s. WPC-1157 will sail as the second of three Sentinel ships to be homeported in Sector Columbia River, a coast guard division responsible for security, maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, and rescue along the Oregon Coast.
Top Aces Inc., a leading provider of advanced adversary air (ADAIR) training, has successfully completed its first training mission in Canada utilizing the newly introduced A-4 Advanced Aggressor Fighter (AAF). This milestone marks the official commencement of AAF service delivery under an amendment to Top Aces’ Contracted Airborne Training Services (CATS) contract with the Canadian government, announced in December 2023.
Middle East & Africa
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday the country needs ammunition from the United States in “the war for its existence,” directly addressing the White House after it criticized him for complaining about arms deliveries related to the Gaza war. “I am prepared to suffer personal attacks provided that Israel receives the ammunition from the US that it needs in the war for its existence,” he said in a statement.
Europe
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace unveiled a highly mobile, ground-based air defense system designed for maneuvering army units. The National Maneuver Air Defence System (NOMADS) has drawn lessons from the Ukraine war, offering protection against drones, cruise missiles, and fixed and rotating-wing aircraft. “NOMADS can defend against small, short-range targets such as drones and cruise missiles, providing unique protection against threats like those currently seen in Ukraine,” executive vice president of Defence Systems at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Kjetil Reiten Myhra said.
Asia-Pacific
Airbus Defense and Space (AirbusDS) has highlighted a potential capability gap for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) regarding its aerial tanker fleet. The company argues that South Korea’s current number of tankers significantly limits the operational capabilities of its fighter jets. The ROKAF currently operates only four KC-330 Signet multi-role aerial tankers, which are modified Airbus A330-200 passenger jets. While these tankers have proven valuable for missions beyond aerial refueling, including transporting COVID-19 vaccines and participating in humanitarian operations, their limited number raises concerns.
