Americas
The US Navy marks a new chapter in multi-engine pilot training with the arrival of its first two T-54A trainer aircraft at Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi on Apr. 18th. The T-54A, a modified Beechcraft King Air 260 designated for the Navy, replaces the T-44C Pegasus, which has served faithfully since 1977. The T-54A offers significant improvements over its predecessor. Secured through a contract award to Textron in early 2023, this new multi-engine trainer boasts a modern ProLine Fusion avionics suite, providing student aviators with a technologically advanced training environment. This upgrade, coupled with the T-54A’s increased range, speed, and altitude capabilities, allows for more comprehensive and realistic training scenarios in preparation for operating complex fleet aircraft like the P-8A Poseidon and E-2D Hawkeye.
The Bell Boeing Joint Project Office won a $11 million modification for V-22 spare consumable and depot level repairable parts. This is a firm-fixed-price requirements contract. Locations of performance are Texas and Pennsylvania, with a May 10, 2024, performance completion date. Using customers are Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Middle East & Africa
Kenya’s top military leader, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in the western part of the country, as confirmed by the president. The helicopter, carrying Ogolla and 11 other military personnel, crashed shortly after takeoff, with only two survivors. Earlier, Gen. Ogolla had convened an urgent security council meeting, showcasing his dedication to national security. The crash occurred at 14:20 local time, prompting the Kenyan air force to dispatch an investigative team to determine the cause.
Europe
The Russian Ministry of Defense has received a new batch of Su-35S fighter jets from manufacturer United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). The first delivery of 2024 followed ground and flight tests in various operating modes, a press release from parent company Rostec said without specifying the number of jets delivered. The previous delivery took place in October, which marked the fourth batch of the 4++ generation fighter jet delivered in 2023.
Asia-Pacific
India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has flight-tested the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile. The missile “followed the desired path using point navigation and demonstrated very low altitude sea-skimming flight” during the test, the Indian Ministry of Defense explained. All missile subsystems performed expectedly during the test and the performance was monitored by range sensors including radar, electro optical tracking system, and telemetry.
Anduril Industries has unveiled the first of three Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous undersea vehicles in Australia. The unveiling was accompanied with the announcement that the 140 million Australian dollar ($100 million) project is ahead of schedule and budget. Anduril is partnering with the Australian Defence Department to design, develop, and build the submarines for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), with delivery scheduled in 2025.
