US Resumes Counterterrorism Missions In Niger | Denmark’s First Four F-35s Arrive | India Approved Pralay Acquisition
Americas
An F-35B fighter assigned to US Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 (VMFAT-501) has crashed north of North Charleston. The mishap aircraft was part of a two-ship flight that took off from MCAS Beaufort. The second F-35B landed safely at Joint Base Charleston. Officials are now trying to find the F-35B that went down and search efforts are focused on Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion. Two lakes north of North Charleston, military officials said.
General Dynamics Electric Boat won a $517.3 million delivery order to provide unique parts and specialized material, including initial spares, for Virginia-class submarines. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut; and Pawcatuck, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed by September 2028. Fiscal 2023 working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $496,328,335 (96%); and fiscal 2023 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $20,920,490 (4%), will be obligated at time of award, of which $496,328,335 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
Middle East and Africa
The US military has resumed counterterrorism missions in Niger, marking its commitment to fighting terrorism in the region despite the political upheaval caused by a coup. This move also signals a willingness to collaborate with the new military junta in Niger. The heart of this disruption revolves around Nigerian Air Base 2021, a strategically vital installation valued at $110 million. It boasts a 6,200-foot runway tailored to accommodate MQ-9 Reapers and manned aircraft, playing a central role in the US’s counterterrorism efforts in West Africa.
Europe
Denmark’s first four Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft arrived home at Fighter Wing Skrydstrup in southern Jutland. The stealth craft came from the Azores, where they stopped over shortly after crossing the Atlantic from their base in the United States. This comes after the nation announced the allocation of $20.5 billion over the next decade to strengthen its defense and security.
The Canadian government has committed additional funds for air defense equipment to support Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. Worth $24.4 million, the fund will be utilized in a UK-led program seeking “high priority” air defense capabilities for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The cooperation was established in June 2023 backed by the US, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
Asia-Pacific
The Indian government has approved the acquisition of a Pralay ballistic missile regiment for the Indian Army. The conventionally-armed missile will be deployed along the country’s borders with Pakistan and China, Asian News International reported, citing sources. Capable of striking targets 150-500 kilometers (93-311 miles) away, Pralay is the longest-range surface-to-surface missile in the Indian Army inventory.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Denmark’s first four US-made F35 fighter jets land at Skrydstrup airbase
