Dutch Government Statement on Its F-35 Selection

09/18/2013
9/17/13 The F-16 has unequivocally proven its worth for the armed forces in intervention and stabilization operations. In the coming decades, we will continue to require fighter aircraft. After comparing the candidates in 2001 and 2008, and updating the relevant information in 2013, the government has decided, on operational, financial…

UK Pilot Operating MV-22 Lands on British Warship During Exercise

09/17/2013
09/17/2013: During COUGAR 13, a MV-22 had landed on a British Warship and operated by a British pilot.  September 16, 2013, UK exchange pilot LT “Odd Job” Wotten operating with VMX-22 “bounced off” of HMS Illustrious. [slidepress gallery='uk-pilot-operating-mv-22-lands-on-british-warship-during-exercise'] Credit Photos: 26th MEU:9/16/13 According to the Royal Navy: Cougar is the…

Enhancing the Regional Role of Azerbaijan: A Key Consideraton for the United States

09/16/2013
2013-09-16 By Richard Weitz The Republic of Azerbaijan is a close U.S. ally since Azerbaijanis regained their independence following the Soviet Union’s collapse. It has become a prominent role model for Muslim-majority nations seeking to manage religious and ethnic differences in a harmonious and productive manner. Thanks to its secular…

The UK and Norway Work Towards Deeper F-35 Collaboration

09/15/2013
The common F-35 fleet provides significant opportunities for members of the F-35 collaboration to share costs, operative experience, and maintenance as the fleet rolls out and deploys. Britain and Norway are working to do just that. According to a recent UPI story (exercpts):  Britain and Norway are planning to collaborate…

Facing Down the Threats of the Second Nuclear Age: The South Korean Air Chiefs Make the Case for 5th Generation Aircraft

09/15/2013
2013-09-15 In a twist of the South Korean procurement dynamic, the MOD procurement officials are excluding two of the three competitors for the next cycle of acquisition of combat aircraft for the South Korean Air Force. The Eurofighter and the F-35 are being excluded from consideration because of procedural issues…