Category: Defence

An F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft has completed the first in-flight missile launch of an AIM-120 C5 AAVI (AMRAAM Air Vehicle Instrumented). The aircraft – AF-1 – launched the missile from its internal weapons bay. This is the first launch where the F-35 and AIM-120 demonstrated a successful launch-to-eject communications sequence and fired

The US Air Force has set a December 2016 target date to declare Initial Operating Capability (IOC) with the F-35A, the variant of the Joint Strike Fighter being acquired by Australia. IOC for the F-35A will mean one operational squadron of 12 or more F-35As will be capable of conducting “basic close air support, interdiction,

Airbus Military is confident its work with the RAAF will lead to initial operating capability of the KC-30A’s refueling boom in 2014, adding that final operating capability for probe and drogue refueling was expected in the new year. Senior representatives from Airbus Military were in Australia recently to discuss progress on the boom and other

The eventual retirement of the RNZAF’s C-130Hs will see Airbus Military pitch the A400M and newly-launched C295W to the New Zealand government. Announced at its annual briefing to trade media, Airbus Military said while it views New Zealand as a longer-term proposition, it is confident the two aircraft could fill the gap to be left