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• Japan studies interim deal to replace F-4s
• UK seeks replacement for Tucano fleet
• French EC725 deliveries finalized
• Turkey orders more F-16 Fighting Falcons
• Nigeria to buy 15 L-159s from Czech Republic
• Czech Air Force wants to use Gripen fighters after 2015
• Malaysia to take delivery of first batch of S0-30MKMs
• Airbus A400M too late for US special forces
• Snowbirds back into the air
• Jordan buys more F-16 Fighting Falcons
• Israeli AF grounds A-4 fleet
• EADS rolls out first Australian KC-30B
• First Swedish NH90 delivered
• RAF Sentinel deliveries delayed
• NATO to purchase Globemasters to fill airlift gap
• Merlin helicopters to arrive back from Denmark
• Austria to cut number of Typhoons on order
• Finnish AF purchases Swiss Hawks
• First flight of VH-71 presidential helicopter
• First Pakistani F-16s delivered
• Lockheed-Martin completes C-130J deliveries to Denmark
• US will donate 186 aircraft to Afghanistan
• Japanese Eagles arrive at Eielson for Red Flag
• UK to purchase sixth C-17
• Iran to buy 250 Su-30 Flankers
• Spanish Air Force orders two more Casa 295s
• Korea Aerospace receives Turkish order
• First block 5 Typhoons arrive at Coningsby
• Alaska welcomes F-22 Raptor
• Russian bombers hold tactical exercises in Arctic
• Chile acquires A310 presidential planes
• V-22 to have combat debut this fall
• First flight of Royal Netherlands Navy NH90
• US Air Force may extend A-10 life beyond 2028
• Lockheed-Martin delivers 100th F-22 Raptor
• Wattisham becomes Apache home
• EADS delivers first US-made Lakota
• French to redeploy Mirages to Afghanistan
• Norway to buy four C-130Js
• Russian bombers intercepted over north Atlantic
• First Australian Globemaster operational
• Singapore's Black Knights to get F-16 jets
• Second Typhoon delivered to Austria
• Embraer delivers 50th Super Tucano to Brazil
• French government to offer Rafales to Morocco
• Syrian fighter jet crashes near Israeli border
• Czech Gripens to patrol Baltics
• Boeing delivers first EA-18G Growler
• RAF Typhoons ready for deployment to Afghanistan
• USAF Ospreys may soon deploy to Iraq
• Czech military helicopters heading for KFOR mission
• Algeria to acquire six Sukhoi Su-30 jet fighters
• Eurofighter launches offer to Romania
• US Coastguard HC-130J enters service
• French Mirages arrive at Kandahar airfield
• US considers Airbus A380 as Air Force One replacement
• Japan may buy Eurofighter
• Raptors getting prepared for deployment
• Sixth generation fighter jet will be UAV
• Poland acquires two more Casa 295 transport aircraft
• Iran to buy 24 jet fighters from China
• Missouri ANG F-15C crashes
• First Block 52 Thunderbird rolled out
• US Air Force grounds F-15 fleet
• Italian F-16 crashes after birdstrike
• First C-27J soon to be accepted by Bulgarian AF
• Israel and Japan also suspend F-15 flights
• First Indian Hawks delivered
• RAF suspends Nimrod air-to-air refueling
• US to offer free F-16s to Croatia
• No F-35 deliveries to Israel before 2014
• Strike Eagles back into the air
• Stealth fighters make last airshow appearance
• Finland still waiting for NH90s to be delivered
• Norway to patrol Baltic states again
• NATO selects Papa as homebase for C-17 fleet
• Canadian Hornets protected US airspace
• Dassault shuts down Mirage 2000 production line
• RAF's 78 Squadron flies first Merlin sortie
• France to sell Rafales to Libya
• Romania signs C-27J deal
• Italy and UK to cut Eurofighter orders
• First Croatian Mi-171Sh Hips delivered
• Final Hungarian Gripens delivered
• Eurocopter flies first Tiger HAD
• Australian Army takes delivery of MRH90 helicopters
• US plans F-16 deal with Morocco
• No Typhoons for Denmark or Norway
• First Algerian Flankers delivered
• Pakistan and Peru want Korean A-37s
28 Dec - Pakistan and Peru want Korean A-37s
 Pakistan and Peru are interested to purchase retired A-37 Dragonfly aircraft from South Korea. The Peruvian Air Force is an active user of the A-37 in counter drugs operations, whereas the Pakistan Air Force needs spare parts for their T-37 trainer fleet. In June, the South Korean Air Force decided to ground all jets older than 35 years, including RF-5 reconnaissance planes and A-37Bs amid safety concerns.
27 Dec - First Algerian Flankers delivered
 Russia delivered two Sukhoi Su-30MKA fighter jets to Algeria, kicking off the implementation of an arms deal between the two countries. An An-124 cargo plane carried parts of the first two multifunctional fighters to Algeria, where they will be assembled. In 2006 Algeria and Russia reached an agreement on the sale of 28 Su-30 Flankers and 34 Mig-29 Fulcrum fighter jets.
21 Dec - No Typhoons for Denmark or Norway
 Eurofighter has stopped putting efforts in trying to sell the Typhoon to Denmark and Norway. Probably changes to the procurement process in terms of timing and structure prompted the decision. Other contenders for the Norwegian and Danish programs are the Lockheed-Martin F-35 Lightning, and an improved variant of the Saab Gripen.
20 Dec - US plans F-16 deal with Morocco
 The US government has plans to sell 24 Lockheed-Martin F-16C/D Fighting Falcons to Morocco with an advanced arms package and related gear valued at up to €1.7 billion ($2.4 billion). The Pentagon is planning to sell Morocco the Block 52 model, the most modern F-16 flown by US forces. Only the United Arab Emirates operate more advanced F-16s (Block 60). The sale would be a blow to Dassault Aviation which had hoped Morocco would buy its Rafale fighter.
18 Dec - Australian Army takes delivery of MRH90 helicopters
 The Australian Army has recently taken the possession of two new MRH90 helicopters which will allow troops to fly safely at night and in poor weather conditions. The MRH90, also known as NH90, is a next generation helicopter which will provide Australia with tactical transport army missions, amphibious missions, navy anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions from a single platform type.
17 Dec - Eurocopter flies first Tiger HAD
 Eurocopter has begun flight testing the EC665HAD Tiger attack helicopter, which is under development for France and Spain. The HAD version of the Tiger features upgraded engines, improved ballistic protection and a new electronic warfare system. The Spanish Army's Tiger helicopters will be armed with Israeli Rafael Spike-ER air-to-surface missiles. The first production aircraft will be transferred to Spain in 2009 to support development.
14 Dec - Final Hungarian Gripens delivered
 The three remaining Hungarian Gripen fighters, of the Hungarian Air Force’s order for fourteen aircraft, arrived at Kecskemet air base in Hungary. Hungary is the third European nation, after Sweden and the Czech Republic, and the second NATO nation to operate the Gripen.
13 Dec - First Croatian Mi-171Sh Hips delivered
 The first two Mi-171Sh helicopters were recently delivered to the Croatian Air Force. In line with the contract Russia will supply another 8 Mi-171Sh helicopters to Croatia before April 2008. The Mi-171Sh is an improved version of the Mi-8, also operated by the Croatian Air Force. Modifications include a large cargodoor on the right side and Kevlar plates around the cockpit area and engines.
11 Dec - Italy and UK to cut Eurofighter orders
 Britain and Italy are considering cutting orders of Eurofighter Typhoon fighters. The United Kingdom reportedly wants to reduce its commitment to buy 88 planes by half, and Italy also wants fewer than the 46 jets it was to buy. In the 1990s Germany also cut the number of Eurofighters it planned to purchase from 250 to 180. The Eurofighter Typhoon was developed by a European consortium of aerospace manufacturers from Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. So far 87 export orders have been placed, by Austria and Saudia Arabia.
7 Dec - Romania signs C-27J deal
 Romania signed a contract with Alenia for the delivery of seven C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft. Romania is now added to a list of C-27 operators that comprises Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Lithuania and the US Army and Air Force. The first C-27J is scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2008.
5 Dec - France to sell Rafales to Libya
 According to French newspapers, France could sell between 10 and 14 Rafales to Libya during a state visit to Paris by the leader of Libya. The newspapers said Libya was also seeking to buy between 8 and 12 Tiger attack helicopters. French government officials denied the arms and nuclear deals were a trade off for the release of the Bulgarian nurses and other medics earlier this year.
3 Dec - RAF's 78 Squadron flies first Merlin sortie
 Only 6 months after the agreement was signed between the UK and Denmark for the transfer of 6 Merlin helicopters from the Royal Danish Air Force into the RAF, 78 Squadron flew its first sortie at RAF Benson. Before the Merlin HC3A helicopters can be added to the existing fleet of 22 Merlin HC3s they must all be modified to a UK standard. Four aircraft have been undergoing modification since the summer and are due to start being delivered in early 2008. The squadron is planned to be fully up to strength by the end of 2008.
28 Nov - Dassault shuts down Mirage 2000 production line
The last of 601 Mirage 2000 fighters has left the Dassault Aviation factory, after which the production line was shut down. The last aircraft was delivered to the Hellenic Air Force. The French Air Force bought 315, while the rest were exported to Egypt, Greece, India Peru, Qatar, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates.
25 Nov - Canadian Hornets protected US airspace
 Canadian CF-188 Hornets helped plug a hole in US air defences after American F-15s were grounded as part of a crash investigation. In light of the recent Russian strategic bomber patrols above the Arctic the request to fill in for American F-15s over the Alaskan coast was considered an urgent priority. NORAD, the joint American-Canadian air defence command, had initially hoped to be able to fill the gap with F-22s, but not enough of them were available.
19 Nov - NATO selects Papa as homebase for C-17 fleet
 Hungarian newspapers revealed the news that NATO has selected Papa airbase as the base for its strategic air transport fleet. NATO decided that it would give priority to the Hungarian base of Papa, instead of the other candidates Ramstein (Germany) and Constanta (Romania). NATO ordered three C-17 Globemasters, the first of which will arrive late 2008.
16 Nov - Norway to patrol Baltic states again
 For the second time since NATO started air policing the Baltic skies Norway will be sending F-16 fighter jets to Lithuania. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are unable to protect their airspace with their own forces. Since March 2004, when the Baltic states joined NATO, alliance nations have policed the airspace over the area on three-month rotation from Siauliai-Zokniai in Lithuania.
15 Nov - Finland still waiting for NH90s to be delivered
 Sources within the Finnish Armed Forces suggest that the MoD and military are becoming increasingly impatient with NH Industries over continuing delays in delivering the first of 20 NH90 transport helicopters. Finland’s MoD has denied reports that initial contacts have been made with Sikorsky Aircraft regarding a possible purchase of UH-60M Blackhawks. The contacts with Sikorsky inquired the possibility of leasing UH-60M Blackhawks at short notice. The first helicopter was due for delivery in April 2005 and the final one in October 2008. No NH90s have yet been delivered.
14 Nov - Stealth fighters make last airshow appearance
 The F-117A Nighthawk made its final appearance at an airshow in Dubai this week. Two Nighthawks were on static display and one took part in the flying displays. After 25 years of operations, this is their last airshow appearance anywhere in the world. Half of the 56 Nighthawks delivered to the US Air Force are already retired and the rest will be withdrawn from use in April 2008.
14 Nov - Strike Eagles back into the air
More than a week after the US Air Force grounded all non-critical F-15 flights, the F-15E models are safe and ready to fly again. Officials grounded the fleet of more than 700 F-15s after the crash of a Missouri ANG F-15C on 2 November. The F-15E Strike Eagle is designed and built to a different standard than the rest of the F-15 fleet due to their air-to-ground mission. This led the F-15E to be released from its grounded status prior to the other F-15 models.
11 Nov - No F-35 deliveries to Israel before 2014
 Reports that Israel could receive F-35 Lightnings as early as 2012 have been dismissed by Lockheed-Martin, which says the earliest delivery to Israel could not take place before 2014. A source claims the UK and Italy have moved aircraft on the production line, making F-35s available for early delivery to FMS buyers. Israel is expected to be the first FMS customer for the F-35, the country requires up to 100 aircraft.
10 Nov - US to offer free F-16s to Croatia
According to Croatian newspapers the United States are ready to offer the Croatian Air Force second hand F-16 fighter jets for free. Top US officials are exceedingly satisfied with joint Croatian-American military operations in Afghanistan. The Croatian Air Force needs a replacement for its dozen Soviet-era MiG-21 Fishbeds. Should Croatia decide to purchase a new fighter, the Gripen looks like a better choice both in terms of base price and longer term offset programs.
9 Nov - RAF suspends Nimrod air-to-air refueling
Britain's defence ministry has suspended all air-to-air refuelling of its Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft after a fuel leak over Afghanistan forced an emergency landing. Concerns have previously been raised about the ageing Nimrod fleet, which first entered service in 1969. Another Nimrod crashed in Afghanistan on 2 September 2006, killing all 14 onboard. The RAF operates 16 Nimrod MR2 aircraft out of Kinloss in northeast Scotland.
9 Nov - First Indian Hawks delivered
The first two Hawk Mk132s destined for the Indian Air Force (registrations A3488 and A3488) were delivered on Thursday 8th November 2007. An order for a total of 66 Hawks was placed in 2003, 24 of which will be built in the UK. The delivery of these advanced trainer aircraft will bring to an end the use of the MiG-21 as a training jet.
7 Nov - Israel and Japan also suspend F-15 flights
 Israel and Japan have followed the US Air Force in suspending flights of their F-15 Eagles after the crash in Missouri on 2 November. Israel confirmed to have grounded 70 jets, consisting of F-15A/B/C/D and F-15I's. Japan keeps its fleet of 200 F-15s on the ground until the cause of the crash has been determined.
6 Nov - First C-27J soon to be accepted by Bulgarian AF
 The Bulgarian Air Force will soon take delivery of its first Alenia C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft. After formal acceptance on 12 October in Italy the aircraft has been in use at Torino-Caselle for the instruction of aircrews and technicians. Until mid 2011 Bulgaria will receive a one aircraft a year, with the type to replace the Antonov An-26s.
6 Nov - Italian F-16 crashes after birdstrike
An Italian Air Force F-16 crashed while approaching Trapani airbase for landing. A birdstrike resulted the aircraft to hit the ground within the airfield boundaries, only 50 meters from the runway. After ejecting safely the pilot was taken to a hospital for medical observation. Until the Eurofighter Typhoon enters service a total of 34 F-16s are leased as a gap-filler. Four of those have been written off after crashes.
6 Nov - US Air Force grounds F-15 fleet
The US Air Force has grounded its entire fleet of F-15 Eagle fighter jets, after one of the planes disintegrated during a training mission. Although the 700 F-15s in the Air Force's arsenal are gradually being replaced by the F-22 Raptor, they remain the nation's most sophisticated frontline fighters. The F-15s are heavily used for protecting the United States from terrorist attacks, as well as for combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan.
5 Nov - First Block 52 Thunderbird rolled out
Hill Air Force Base officials rolled out the first of 11 configured F-16 Fighting Falcons for the Thunderbirds demonstration team. Each aircraft will receive a Block 52 upgrade, which includes the Falcon Structural Augmentation Roadmap program, also known as Falcon STAR.
2 Nov - Missouri ANG F-15C crashes
An F-15C Eagle of the Missouri Air National Guard crashed in a wooded rural area, just minutes into a simulated dogfight. The pilot safely ejected from the aircraft and was taken to a hospital, where he was in satisfactory condition.
24 Oct - Iran to buy 24 jet fighters from China
 Iran has signed a deal with China to buy two squadrons of J-10 fighter planes. The 24 aircraft are based on technology and components provided to China by Israel following the cancellation of the Lavi project, the engines of the J-10 are Russian-made. Total cost of the planes is estimated at $1 billion, and deliveries are expected between 2008 and 2010.
21 Oct - Poland acquires two more Casa 295 transport aircraft
 The Polish government has ordered another two Casa 295 military transport aircraft destined for the Polish Air Force. The delivery date will take place by the end of 2008. Besides Poland, countries like Brazil, Portugal, Finland, Jordan, Spain and recently Chile, have acquired the Casa 295. It is a multi-mission military transport aircraft operated in humanitarian interventions, deployment of rapid reaction forces and maritime patrol, among others all over the world.
21 Oct - Sixth generation fighter jet will be UAV
The US Air Force believes that its next generation fighter will not have a pilot onboard. As is customary, development of the next generation fighter gets underway just as the latest (fifth generation) F-22 Raptor is entering service. Meanwhile simulations, using fighters flown by software versus those flown by humans, have been used for over two decades.
21 Oct - Raptors getting prepared for deployment
The US Air Force is getting its F-22 stealth fighter ready for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, even though air force generals insist this is not very likely to happen. Last month, an F-22 successfully dropped its first small diameter bomb. This is a completely new smart bomb design, weighing only 250 pound. The shape of this weapon is more like that of a missile than a bomb, with the guidance system built in.
17 Oct - Japan may buy Eurofighter
Japan is considering buying Eurofighter Typhoons to replace part of its ageing air force fleet. Japan had shown interest in buying the F-22 Raptor, with stealth capabilities far superior to those of any other aircraft available, but the US government is reluctant to allow the technology to be exported, even to close allies such as Japan and Israel.
16 Oct - US considers Airbus A380 as Air Force One replacement
The Airbus A380 has attracted interest from the US Air Force as a large VIP transport in the Air Force One class and might also be a candidate to replace the C-5 Galaxy. The US Air Force may soon need to replace their VC-25s, which entered service in the 1990. Boeing is aware that the USAF needs to replace the VC-25 and intends to offer the Boeing 747-800, which features new engines and wings and is scheduled to enter service in 2009.
15 Oct - French Mirages arrive at Kandahar airfield
The first of six Mirage 2000D aircraft of the French Expeditionary Air Group, landed at Kandahar airfield. The squadron, which is relocating from its former detachment base at Dushanbe, Tajikistan, will now have greater capability to support ISAF and coalition operations in southern Afghanistan. The Mirage 2000D is an air-to-ground fighter which has been operational with the French Air Force since 1995. It has seen active service in operations over Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan.
15 Oct - US Coastguard HC-130J enters service
After more than four years, the US Coast Guard’s six HC-130Js are proceeding towards becoming fully operational. Lockheed Martin announced that a fully equipped HC-130J is undergoing ground and system integration testing for its first flight in December. Delivery of the first aircraft is expected in February after the US Navy certifies the security of the electronics systems.
4 Oct - Eurofighter launches offer to Romania
The Eurofighter consortium is ready to deliver 24 Typhoon aircraft to the Romanian Air Force in the period between 2010 and 2014. Eurofighter underscored that it was interested in buying the local Craiova-based aircraft factory, which may offer technical support and maintenance for the Typhoons. If the program in Romania unfolds well, the plane might also be assembled in the country.
4 Oct - Algeria to acquire six Sukhoi Su-30 jet fighters
Local media reported Algeria will acquire six Russian-made Su-30 jet fighters in the next few weeks. The six Sukhoi aircrafts are part of a comprehensive purchase order of Russian arms, including MiG fighters and T-90 tanks, concluded in 2006.The Su-30 is an agile modern military aircraft developed by Sukhoi, it was introduced into operational service in 1996.
4 Oct - Czech military helicopters heading for KFOR mission
 Czech soldiers and transport helicopters from Prerov will leave for Kosovo next week to assist in transporting people and material within the KFOR mission and in possible mass evacuations. Apart from transport the Czech pilots of Mi-17 and Mi-171S helicopters will also perform reconnaissance and humanitarian flights. They can also assist in transporting injured people.
26 Sep - USAF Ospreys may soon deploy to Iraq
A squadron of V-22 Ospreys of the US Special Operations Command may enter service in Iraq far in advance of the type's planned in-service date of early year 2009. The first deployment of CV-22s may be accelerated to replace the ageing fleet of Sikorksy MH-53 Pave Lows currently used for transport and search and rescue missions.
25 Sep - RAF Typhoons ready for deployment to Afghanistan
The Royal Air Force's Eurofighter Typhoon fighters could soon be flying into action. Eight of the aircraft have been stationed at RAF Fairford since the start of the month on a military exercise. The exercise has gone so well that many believe the planes, and the 500 RAF personnel taking part, are ready for action.
25 Sep - Boeing delivers first EA-18G Growler
Boeing delivered the first production EA-18G Growler to the US Navy ahead of schedule and within budget. The US Navy's newest electronic warfare aircraft combines the Super Hornet's proven airframe and mission systems with a next-generation airborne electronic attack suite.
24 Sep - Czech Gripens to patrol Baltics
Czech Air Force Gripens are to protect the airspace of Baltic countries in the third quarter of 2009. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are unable to protect their airspace with their own forces. Since March 2004, when the Baltic states joined NATO, alliance nations have policed the airspace over the area on three-month rotation from Siauliai-Zokniai in Lithuania.
24 Sep - Syrian fighter jet crashes near Israeli border
 Israeli officials said the Syrian Air Force sent several MiG 21s on a mission near the Golan Heights, part of which was captured by Israel in the 1967 war. They said one of the MiGs crashed near the Israeli border on 22 September. The governments of neither Israel nor Syria officially confirmed the crash of the Syrian MiG 21.
21 Sep - French government to offer Rafales to Morocco
French President Nicolas Sarkozy is expected to throw his political weight behind efforts to sell the Rafale fighter jet when he makes a state visit to Morocco at the end of October, in a bid to counter a US offer of F-16s. Morocco has effectively decided in favor of a US offer of 36 F-16s for less than $2 billion. The French authorities have proposed 24 Rafales for 2 billion euros ($2.8 billion), or 12 Rafales and 12 Mirage 2000-9 fighters. A previous offer consisted of 18 Rafales for 2.3 billion euros.
19 Sep - Embraer delivers 50th Super Tucano to Brazil
 Embraer recently delivered the 50th A-29 Super Tucano trainer to the Brazilian Air Force in a ceremony at the company's Gaviao Peixoto airfield. The Super Tucano is an evolution of the Tucano basic trainer, of which around 650 are in service with 15 air forces worldwide. Embraer claims the Super Tucano is the only turboprop aircraft in the world capable of handling surveillance and anti-insurgent combat missions, and still be used for training.
13 Sep - Second Typhoon delivered to Austria
 The Austrian Air Force has taken delivery of its second Eurofighter Typhoon following the arrival of the aircraft in Zeltweg. With the signature of the relevant handover documentation, the second Eurofighter Typhoon has been officially accepted into the ranks of the Austrian Air Force.
11 Sep - Singapore's Black Knights to get F-16 jets
 The Republic of Singapore Air Force's Black Knights will make a spectacular return with a new look, and for the first time its aerobatic team will be flying only F-16 fighter jets. Two of the F-16s have been painted and the other four will get their coat of red and white colours in the weeks ahead. The aerobatic team will be making its reappearance after eight years at the inaugural Singapore Airshow 2008.
10 Sep - First Australian Globemaster operational
The Royal Australian Air Force's giant Boeing C-17A is now ready to perform operational tasks. The C-17 Globemaster crews have successfully completed eight months of intensive training, and achieved initial operating capability. Australia's first C-17 was delivered in December 2006, the second in May 2007. A further two will be delivered in 2008.
7 Sep - Russian bombers intercepted over north Atlantic
Norwegian and British fighter jets were scrambled on 6 September to intercept eight Russian bombers over the north Atlantic, marking the latest in a series of such incidents. According to Norway eight Russian Tupolev Tu-95 bombers were detected in international airspace over the Barents Sea. Russia's Tu-95s are long-range strategic bombers dating back to the Soviet era. They can be equipped with a nuclear payload.
6 Sep - Norway to buy four C-130Js
The governments of Norway and the United States have signed a contract covering the possible sale of four C-130J Hercules aircraft to the Royal Norwegian Air Force. The aircraft purchase is designed to strengthen Norway's domestic and international airlift capability. Deliveries are expected to be in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
1 Sep - French to redeploy Mirages to Afghanistan
France will redeploy six Mirage fighter jets currently stationed in Tajikistan to Kandahar airfield in Afghanistan. The redeployment, along with a planned increase in French troops in Afghanistan, comes as president Nicolas Sarkozy seeks to improve ties with the United States. The Mirages are part of NATO's International Security Assistance Force for Afghanistan. The transfer will allow the planes to spend more time patrolling southern Afghanistan by eliminating the two-hour flight time to and from Tajikistan.
30 Aug - EADS delivers first US-made Lakota
EADS North America has been granted production authorization for UH-72A and EC145 helicopters, enabling these rotary-wing aircraft to be US-made for military and civilian customers. The Army has a requirement for up to 322 UH-72A Light Utility Helicopters in a 10-year program. Some UH-72As have been operational with the US Army since earlier this year, those were manufactured in Germany.
30 Aug - Wattisham becomes Apache home
Wattisham airfield is preparing to become the home of the British Army's newest and most potent weapon, the Apache attack helicopter. Until now the army's Apache fleet had been split at Middle Wallop, Dishforth and Wattisham. After a decision to base the Apaches together, all operational Apaches relocated to Wattisham airfield. As a result, the current Lynx helicopter squadrons based at Wattisham are moving to Dishforth.
29 Aug - Lockheed-Martin delivers 100th F-22 Raptor
Lockheed Martin delivered the 100th F-22 Raptor air dominance fighter to the US Air Force. The milestone aircraft will be assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf. The 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf is expected to receive its last of 20 F-22s by the fall of 2008. Raptors are currently assigned to five American bases.
28 Aug - US Air Force may extend A-10 life beyond 2028
The US Air Force may retain and continuously upgrade its A-10 Warthog fleet far beyond its currently planned retirement date of 2028. The A-10 was first deployed in 1976 to destroy enemy tanks, but its mission has been expanded since the end of the Cold War to also include close air support duties. The programme has in the past faced sceptics, US Air Force leaders even asked for a memorandum justifying the retirement of the A-10 fleet in April 2003. This effort was dropped and in 2004 the service announced a new plan to upgrade the A-10 fleet to use precision-guided weapons. The first redesignated A-10Cs will make their combat debut in September.
14 Aug - First flight of Royal Netherlands Navy NH90
 NHIndustries announced that the first serial production NH90 for the Royal Netherlands Navy performed its maiden flight on 10 August at its Vergiate facility in Italy. Operational representatives from the Netherlands joined the event. The Royal Netherlands Navy has ordered a total of 20 NH90 helicopters. The NH90 is going to be equiped by the armed forces of Australia, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, New-Zealand, Norway, Oman, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
10 Aug - V-22 to have combat debut this fall
The V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft soon makes its combat debut in Iraq, as the first fleet of combat V-22s will be sent to Iraq aboard a ship this fall. The first 10 Ospreys, assigned to the US Marine Corps, will make the journey aboard the USS Wasp, a small aircraft carrier that belongs to a class of vessels known as amphibious assault ships. The V-22 can self-deploy into war zones, but it is easier to ship the Ospreys, thus avoiding the task of airborne refueling.
9 Aug - Chile acquires A310 presidential planes
 The Chilean Air Force acquired a pair of Airbus A310-200 airliners for presidential transport duties. To extend the range of these aircraft they will be fitted with external fuel tanks. The first Airbus will be delivered before the end of 2007, the second will be upgraded to multi-role tanker configuration.
9 Aug - Russian bombers hold tactical exercises in Arctic
 Russia's strategic aviation started an active phase of military exercises over the North Pole and conducts test launches of cruise missiles. A spokesman said six long-range aviation regiments with Tu-160 Blackjacks, Tu-95 Bears, Tu-22 Backfires and Il-78 Midas tankers were involved in the exercises to practice interaction with fighter aircraft, air-to-air refueling and flights over enemy air defenses.
8 Aug - Alaska welcomes F-22 Raptor
During a ceremony on 8 August the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf airbase in Alaska officially welcomed the first of its F-22 Raptors. Elmendorf is the second operational base and the first Pacific Air Forces installation to receive the new superiority fighter. Approximately 40 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to Elmendorf, with 20 aircraft destined for the 90th Fighter Squadron and the other 20 to the 525th Fighter Squadron, which will be activated later this year.
8 Aug - First block 5 Typhoons arrive at Coningsby
The Royal Air Force has taken delivery of the first two Typhoons with an air-to-ground capability. The aircraft were flown to their new homebase Coningsby on 6 August and delivered to 11 Squadron for pilot training. 11 Squadron is the RAF's lead squadron for the Typhoon in the air-to-ground role. The squadron is expected to declare operational capability in July 2008.
7 Aug - Korea Aerospace receives Turkish order
 Korea Aerospace, South Korea's biggest aircraft manufacturer, won a contract to supply 55 KT-1 basic training aircraft to Turkey for about $500 million, its biggest overseas order so far. Delivery will be completed in 2013. The contract boosts Korea Aerospace's ambition of receiving its first overseas order for the T-50 advanced trainer jet, developed in cooperation with Lockheed-Martin.
1 Aug - Spanish Air Force orders two more Casa 295s
 The Spanish Air Force has recently purchased 2 more Casa 295 military transport aircraft. The Casa 295 fleet operated by Spanish Air Force reaches a total of 13 aircraft. The EADS Casa 295 is a medium weight military transport aircraft with two engines capable of transporting 71 equipped troops or five pallets. EADS has more than 100 clients in five continents with more than 800 aircraft sold.
28 Jul - Iran to buy 250 Su-30 Flankers
Iran is about to sign a multi-billion dollar arms deal for the purchase of 250 Su-30MKM Flankers and 20 IL-78 MKI fuel tankers. Military sources report Iran has stipulated delivery of the first aircraft before the end of 2007. The transaction, Russia's largest arms deal in 30 years, will endow Iran with a long-range aerial assault capability. Iranian air crews are already training on the new Flankers, ready to start flying them early next year with only a short delay after delivery.
26 Jul - UK to purchase sixth C-17
The British Ministry of Defence announced that it will buy a sixth C-17 Globemaster military transport plane from Boeing. Last year the ministry bought the four C-17s it had previously leased, as well as a fifth plane. The aircraft may be delivered in 2008. The C-17s, which can carry outsized loads of equipment, such as armoured vehicles, logistics equipment and helicopters, have been used extensively in British operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
13 Jul - Japanese Eagles arrive at Eielson for Red Flag
Japanese airmen arrived in Alaska in preparation for the Red Flag Alaska air combat training exercise. After a seven-hour flight across the Pacific Ocean, six Japanese F-15s from Hyakuri and a US Air Force KC-10 Extender carrying 21 Japan Air Self Defense Force members landed at Eielson under Alaska's sunlit midnight sky. It is the first time JASDF fighters participate in exercise Red Flag.
12 Jul - US will donate 186 aircraft to Afghanistan
 As part of a plan to supply 186 aircraft to the Afghistan, the United States will provide six helicopter gunships to the country's fledgling air force in August this year. The shipments will come in several batches to be completed by 2012 and will include reconnaissance aircraft, helicopters, helicopter gunships and fixed-wing planes, but no jet fighters. By 2012 Afghanistan will have full control over all of its air bases except for Bagram, the major former Soviet base which is the hub for US led troops in the country.
11 Jul - Lockheed-Martin completes C-130J deliveries to Denmark
 Lockheed-Martin has delivered a fourth C-130J Hercules to the Royal Danish Air Force, completing the current order for Denmark. Denmark's first C-130J was delivered in March 2004 and began operational service only one month after arriving at Aalborg. International C-130J operators include the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Italian Air Force and the Royal Danish Air Force. The new C-130J is capable of generating much greater operational efficiencies than the older C-130s by flying further with more payload and with a higher reliability.
9 Jul - First Pakistani F-16s delivered
 The United States started the long-awaited delivery of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan when two Fighter Falcons were handed over to the Pakistan Air Force. The handing over marked the beginning of the programme for the delivery of the fleet of a dozen aircraft to Pakistan. The remaining 10 aircraft will be delivered to Pakistan in batches until mid 2008.
5 Jul - First flight of VH-71 presidential helicopter
Agusta Westland has flown the first VH-71 test aircraft, the American presidential helicopter programme. Three additional test aircraft will fly by early 2008 and five pilot-production VH-71s will be delivered by October 2009 to meet the urgent requirement for a new presidential helicopter. The first VH-71 will be delivered to the US Navy's test pilots school at Patuxent River.
1 Jul - Finnish AF purchases Swiss Hawks
The Finnish Air Force has signed a deal to acquire 18 second-hand Hawk T66 trainers from the Swiss Air Force, bringing to an end an almost five-year effort to dispose of the surplus aircraft. The Swiss aircraft will join Finland's fleet of 49 Hawk T51s, operations of which take place primarily from Kauhava airbase.
26 Jun - Austria to cut number of Typhoons on order
Austrian defense minister announced on 25 June he would be cutting the number of Eurofighter jets that the country was ordering from European aerospace giant EADS. The order as it stands is for 18 fighters, under a contract signed in 2003. But the deal has since come under scrutiny amid allegations of bribery. The minister did not say by how much he wanted to cut the order, but has hinted that it could be by as much as a third to 12. He said that savings of 400 million euros need to be made.
26 Jun - Merlin helicopters to arrive back from Denmark
Six Merlin HC3A helicopters will be transferred from Denmark to the UK under a memorandum of understanding signed today by both governments. The first of these helicopters will be ready for operations in 2008. The British MoD has also entered into a contract to produce six new Merlin helicopters for Denmark as a replacement for the six transferred.
22 Jun - NATO to purchase Globemasters to fill airlift gap
NATO nations have agreed to buy at least three Boeing C-17 transport planes to fill a shortfall in its ability to deploy troops quickly to countries such as Afghanistan. Fifteen of the 27 NATO allies, along with partner nations Sweden and Finland, signed up to the project, setting up an agency to order and manage the C-17 Globemaster planes once they are delivered. They aim to buy or lease 3 to 4 aircraft.
20 Jun - RAF Sentinel deliveries delayed
The Royal Air Force aims to have its new Airborne Standoff Radar System (ASTOR) undertaking operational tasks by the end of next year. This comes after further delays in delivery of the five Sentinel R1 aircraft. The first aircraft was delivered to 5 Squadron in the first quarter of this year. The RAF will seek to learn lessons from crews of the US Air Force's fleet of E-8C J-STARS aircraft, which fulfil much the same role as the Sentinels.
20 Jun - First Swedish NH90 delivered
 The Swedish Air Force presented its first NH Industries NH90 transport helicopter. Sweden is the first customer for the high cabin version, which has a greater useable cabin height. Sweden has ordered 18 NH90s: 13 tactical troop transport helicopters and five designed specifically for anti-submarine warfare. The NH90 order book now stands at 495 from 14 nations.
12 Jun - EADS rolls out first Australian KC-30B
The first of five Airbus KC-30B ordered by the Royal Australian Air Force has been rolled out at the conversion centre of EADS in Getafe near Madrid. The five A330s are due to enter service in 2009 and will be capable of transporting troops and refuelling the F/A-18 Hornet, F-111 , Boeing 737 Wedgetail and F-35 Lightning.
4 Jun - Israeli AF grounds A-4 fleet
The Israeli Air Force has grounded its A-4 Skyhawk fleet in wake of an A-4 crash during a training mission. The pilot ejected over the Mediterranean Sea and was not seriously injured. The A-4's engine malfunctioned during a routine flight.
2 Jun - Jordan buys more F-16 Fighting Falcons
 Jordan has completed the purchase of six additional F-16BM multi-role aircraft from the Netherlands. The two-seat aircraft were taken from Royal Netherlands Air Force surplus in a contract concluded in April 2007. They will be transferred to Jordan during the first half of 2008. The Royal Netherlands Air Force has offered surplus F-16s to several countries as part of an effort to lower operating costs and generate funds for the purchase of precision weapons for the air force. The NATO member has also sold F-16s to Chile.
1 Jun - Snowbirds back into the air
Canada's Snowbirds aerobatic squadron is to resume performing at air shows on 20 June, a month after a pilot was killed in a crash. The aircraft have not been flown since Captain Shawn McCaughey was killed in an accident at the base on May 18. Major Robert Mitchell, commander of the squadron, said the Snowbirds will dedicate the 2007 air show season to their dead comrade.
22 May - Airbus A400M too late for US special forces
The Airbus A400M will be too late to replace the American special forces' MC-130s, unless the service is prepared to delay a planned competition. The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has outlined a requirement for 115 aircraft to replace its C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, with deliveries planned to begin in 2011. The A400M is expected to enter service in 2009.
19 May - Malaysia to take delivery of first batch of S0-30MKMs
 The Royal Malaysian Air Force will receive the first two of its Su-30MKM jet fighters in late May this year. These deliveries are part of a total order for 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM jets placed by Malaysia, as a replacement for its fleet of ageing F-5E fighters.
19 May - Czech Air Force wants to use Gripen fighters after 2015
The Czech Air Force wants to continue to use the Gripen fighters it has leased from Sweden, even after the current lease contract expires in 2015. The military signed a ten-year lease contract for 14 new Gripens in 2004. The aircraft's lifespan is about 30 years.
15 May - Nigeria to buy 15 L-159s from Czech Republic
 The Czech Republic is negotiating with the Nigerian government for the purchase of 15 redundant L-159 subsonic fighters. Nigeria and Georgia are among the countries interested in the Czech L-159s. The only customer to buy the planes so far is the Czech Air Force which ordered 72 of them in 1997. Later the Czech government decided that it only needed24.
10 May - Turkey orders more F-16 Fighting Falcons
Turkey signed a deal with Lockheed-Martin to buy 30 additional F-16 fighter jets. The deal is part of an ambitious programme to modernise Turkey's armed forces, the second largest in NATO. The aircraft will be produced, assembled, tested and delivered by the Turkish aerospace industry.
10 May - French EC725 deliveries finalized
The French Air Force has received its sixth EC 725. The helicopter was the last of fourteen helicopters ordered by the French government, comprising six helicopters for the Air Force and eight for the French Army. The EC725 program was launched in response to a French Air Force requirement for a helicopter specifically designed for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) missions.
9 May - UK seeks replacement for Tucano fleet
The UK Ministry of Defence is looking for a new fleet of elementary trainers to replace the Royal Air Force's Tucano T1s from 2009. UK fast-jet students now fly around 120 hours on the Tucano, before advancing to the Hawk. Possible replacements include the Alenia M-311, Raytheon T-6 and Pilatus PC-21.
8 May - Japan studies interim deal to replace F-4s
Japan could order an interim batch of 20-30 F-15s or Typhoons if it fails to get access to its first choices: the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning. Ideally, Japan would like to buy around 50 F-22s for delivery from 2010. Replacement of the ageing fleet of F-4s cannot be delayed too long. Japan considers F-15s and Eurofighters to be the best option, untill they get access to the F-22 or F-35.
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