Americas
E-3 Sentry, #75-0560, is the first of the 31 AWACS that will be retired by Tinker Air Force Base. The base hosts veterans who worked on the plane to pay a final visit before it is flown off next week.
The US Air Force has retired its last MC-130H Combat Talon II, #89-0280, after delivering the aircraft to the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., April 3. The aircraft was flown from Hurlburt Field and the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group and Davis-Monthan will preserve the aircraft in case it needs to be returned to service one day.
Middle East & Africa
Elbit Systems was awarded a contract to supply, among others, precision munitions, radio and defense electronics systems as well as maintenance services to a European Country, with a cumulative value of approximately $280 million. The contract will be performed over a period of three years. Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems: “These contract extensions demonstrate our customers’ continued trust in our customized products and services, as well as the sustained demand for our market leading solutions from customers across Europe.”
Europe
The Ministry of Defense in Finland has authorized the country’s Defense Forces to acquire the David’s Sling system as its next long-range air defense system. The system will be delivered by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli company, at a cost of around $344 million without value-added tax. The Finnish Defense Forces’ decision to acquire the David’s Sling system will enable the country to create a new capability to intercept high-altitude targets, significantly extending its ground-based air defence capabilities. With a minimum flight altitude requirement of 49,000ft, the system’s advanced features will enhance Finland’s ability to defend its airspace against aerial threats, ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
Asia-Pacific
Taiwan is set to receive the first batch of 200 Javelin anti-tank missiles from the US in the second half of 2023, according to a report by the country’s national news agency CNA, citing a military source. According to the source, another batch of 200 Javelin systems will be handed over to the Taiwanese armed forces “at some point in 2024.”
India showed off domestically made helicopters, drones, and artillery at a gathering of army chiefs and officials from 31 African nations on Wednesday, as the world’s largest arms importer seeks to become a major exporter too. India has pumped billions into defense sector in an effort to become less reliant on imports, including from Russia, as it faces off against China on heir disputed border.
Today’s Video
WATCH: RAFAEL’s DAVID’s SLING Next Gen Air & Missile Defense System
