Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Russia Stress-Tests Allied Air Command

Over less than six hours,NATO fighter aircraft were scrambled 10 times, from the North Atlantic and North Sea to the Black Sea,on 29 March 2021,to intercept groups of Russian warplanes.It was a level of agitation seldom,if ever,seen in the past seven years. The activity began when Norwegian F-16 Fighting Falcons intercepted two Tu-95 Bear bombers near the coast of Norway.The Bears then headed south to the North Sea, causing British Eurofighter Typhoons and Belgian F-16s to be scrambled.Later on, Norwegian F-16s were sent up again to check out two Tu-160 White Swan bombers (NATO codeword "Blackjack") in international airspace.The Russian probing flights did not activate their transponders, leaving doubt as to their intentions.* Another group of three unspecified Russian warplanes neared NATO airspace over the Black Sea, where they were met and followed by Turkish, Romanian and Bulgarian fighters until they departed the region.Separately, Italian fighters surveilled a Russian Il-38 Maritime Patrol Aircraft escorted by MiG fighters over the Baltic Sea near the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, which is wedged between Lithuania and Poland. Said BG Andrew Hansen, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations at Allied Air Command in Ramstein, Germany: Intercepting multiple groups of Russian aircraft demonstrates NATO forces' readiness and capability to guard Allied skies 24 hours a day,7 days a week,365 days a year.The men and women at NATO'S Combined Air Operations Centres in Uedem ,Germany and Torrejon, Spain responded to unidentified aircraft near the Alliance's borders by launching fighters...to investigate and protect Allied airspace.* Interestingly, another such surge of Russian provocation occurred in 2014 following their seizure of Crimea and instigation of hostilities in Eastern Ukraine.At that time,Igor Sutyagin,a Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London and former analyst of military and technological policy at the Russian Academy of Sciences said: They are training in conditions close to combat.The Kremlin is playing from a position of weakness.It's like poker,bluff-trying to intimidate the West and raise fears.* At that time, the Russian surge was similar to Monday's incidents, only they occurred over a 48 hour period, during which eight Russian warplanes were intercepted by NATO over the North Atlantic/North Sea, four over the Black Sea, and more than 10 in the Baltic Sea Region.* Tensions between Russia and the West have intensified of late over such issues as Russia's Solar Wind cyber attacks on the US,as well as interference in the 2020 US presidential election; the poisoning, arrest and sentencing to labour camp of Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny;and continued truce violations by Russian-backed militants in Eastern Ukraine, resulting in the death of Ukrainian Soldiers.Additionally,Russia deployed intermediate range nuclear-capable missiles on their European territory in violation of the INF Treaty, causing the demise of the Treaty.*

Monday, March 29, 2021

US Coast Guard to Use NG3 Avionics I/O Computer for Minotaur Program - Aviation Today

US Coast Guard to Use NG3 Avionics I/O Computer for Minotaur Program - Aviation Today: The Coast Guard will be using Astronics Corporation’s new NG3 Avionics I/O Computers for its Minotaur program, according to a March 24 press release. The computer will connect to avionics systems on the aircraft and enable sensor and I/O management with custom software for desired processing functions.  “The NG3 is a tech insertion by the …

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Bomber Task Force Breaks New Ground in Europe

On 16 March 2021,Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit strategic bombers of the 509th Bomb Wing out of Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri were recovered at Lajes Field on Teceira Island, the Azores, Portugal.After a hot-pit refueling and crew swap with engines running,they took flight again to resume the mission,U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa said.The Spirits will conduct several Bomber Task Force Europe sorties out of Lajes, which is strategically located. According to USAFE-AFA Commander GEN Jeff Harrigian: These missions will add even more depth to this already historic BTF iteration.B-2s joining the B-1s in theater offers unique opportunities to advance our readiness as we continue to work with and learn from our allies.* The BTF missions are a visible demonstration of the US capability of extended deterrence,USAFE-AFA added.Consider what the B-2s bring to warfighting:low-observable,or "stealth," characteristics that give it the ability to penetrate an enemy's most sophisticated defences and threaten its most-valued ,heavily defended targets while avoiding adversary detection, tracking and engagement. The BTF missions showcase the United States' strong, credible bomber force while enhancing the security and stability of allies and partners.They also allow aircrew to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency, and validate the US Air Force's always-ready global strike capability. The DOD, through US Global Strike Command, maintains command and control of its bomber force for any mission, anywhere in the world,at any time.*On 17 March,two B-2s flew out of RAF Fairford,England and met up with three Norwegian F-35As out of Keflavik Air Base,Iceland.The F-35s are part of the group of four currently conducting a NATO Air Policing Mission out of Keflavik.This was the first time Norwegian F-35s had flown with B-2 Spirit bombers,The Barents Observer reported.The historic joint mission lasted 30-45 minutes,a Norwegian source said.* Later,on Friday 19 March,a B-1B Lancer strategic bomber,one of four already deployed to Orland Air Base, Norway along with 200 Airmen in support of BTFE, and a B-2 integrated with four Norwegian F-35s off the coast of Iceland, conducting complex night operations, having launched from three different bases on two continents.They made history again as the first joint mission of the Norwegian aircraft with both the B-1B and B-2 US bombers.Noted USAFE-AFA: The sortie provided an opportunity for the aircraft to advance their cross-platform data-sharing capabilities, improving fifth generation interoperability.* By way of threats to NATO airpower,Russia has been deploying its advanced S-400 anti-aircraft missiles on the Arctic bases of Franz Josef Land;Novaya Zemlya; and the Kola Peninsula.* The B-2 has a top speed of 628 mph.It carries a crew of two-three, depending on the mission:a pilot,a commander/instructor,and perhaps a mission specialist.The nuclear-capable bomber has advanced bomber avionics technology and armament,and its radar-absorbent coating is sprayed on by robots. A B-2 pilot can activate modes for takeoff,warfighting, and landing by a single switch.Indeed, the strategic heavy bomber has a custom transportable hangar in its deployment kit.* Northrop Grumman (NOC)

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Bilateral Drills Improve NATO Operations and Tactics

This month the US Air Force,Army and Navy have been upgrading interoperability with German and Greek forces.On 11 March the US Navy's Carrier Strike Group TWO (IKE CSG) held extensive warfighting drills with the Hellenic Armed Forces in the Mediterranean Sea.The two NATO Allies conducted multi-domain training, including the placement of Hellenic Navy frigate HS Psara (F-454) under IKE CSG tactical control (TACON).As well,two Hellenic submarines participated in anti-submarine warfare drills, while Hellenic Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons operated with Carrier Air Wing F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters.The exercise was planned and coordinated by the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (HNGDS) and the relevant US authorities,in order to strengthen partnership capabilities using NATO operational and tactical procedures, the US Navy said.* According to US Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey R. Pyatt: I am especially proud to see the IKE Strike Group in the Mediterranean-a strategically dynamic region where the United States is stepping up its engagement... The United States is committed to elevating and demonstrating our vital security relationship with Greece which is codified in our updated Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement.* The US Navy added that: The U.S. considers Greece to be a pillar of stability in the east Mediterranean region and continues to develop closer cooperation with Greece at all levels.No nation can confront today's challenges alone...the U.S. relies more and more on our relationships with Allies for regional leadership, interoperability, and collaboration.* The IKE CSG is a multiplatform team of ships, aircraft and more than 5,000 Sailors...The Navy provides a ready,flexible force capable of responding to a broad range of contingencies. Besides the flagship aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the CSG consists of Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61); Destroyer Squadron 22;four Squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 3 fighters; Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74; and other assets.RADM Scott Robertson is Commander Carrier Strike Group TWO.* Also last week, the US and Germany conducted Exercise Agile Fury at Graffenwoehr Training Area, Germany.The air-to- ground drills were hosted by the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron of the US Air Force.The training enabled Tactical Air Control Party members through scenarios featuring ground operations, close air support and reconnaissance.Simulating close air were Luftwaffe Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, and F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 480th and 510th Fighter Squadrons out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany and Aviano Air Base,Italy, respectively. Also participating were the US Army's 1st Squadron 91st Cavalry Regiment,173rd Airborne Brigade; and the 10th Panzer Division (Bundeswehr),who integrated with the 2nd ASOS. The 2nd ASOS utilised advanced technology such as personal reconnaissance drone systems and multi-spectral digital invoice communications,as well as a surface-to-air-threat emitter that simulates threats for aircraft to neutralise,86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs said.*

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Pacific Perspective:US Marines Return to Australia

On 6 February 2021 the Australian Department of Defence announced that members of the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 2021 would soon begin arriving.The arrival is to be staggered over five months,with 200-500 Marines arriving each month,bringing the total force up to 2200 by June.The number has been reduced somewhat from the 2500 ceiling because of COVID-19 concerns.Upon arrival, the Marines must quarantine for 14 days.* The 2020 rotation had ended in October.Australian Minister for Defence Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said: The ability for this year's MRF-D to go ahead under challenging global circumstances,is a testament to the endurance and adaptability of the Australia-US Alliance.* Ms.Reynolds went on to note that the MRF-D and Australian Defence Force will conduct comprehensive training,to include humanitarian assistance,security operations and high-end live-fire exercises.A highlight of the year will be training with other partner countries during Talisman Sabre 21,COVID-19 permitting.She also made a point of mentioning that: I thank the Northern Territory Government for their continued support in facilitating these strategically important activities for our nation.* MRF-D is designed to increase interoperability with the ADF, engage with regional partners and Allies, and provide a forward-deployed force capable of responding to crisis within the Indo-Pacific Region,US Indo-Pacific Command said. Last year's culminating activity was Exercise Koolendong, which demonstrated the combined Australian and US readiness to respond to crises up to and including high-end warfighting.Training in the Top End, the participants worked up from platoon-level attacks to battalion sized events.Notable was the integration of ADF artillery and aviation assets with the entire Marine Air-Ground Task Force,as well as the first-ever flight of the Boeing Insitu RQ-21A UAV within Australia. Commanding officer for MRF-D is COL David Banning USMC.MRF-D 21 marks the 10th anniversary of the critical, globally significant rotation.* The RQ-21A Blackjack is a small tactical UAV with a range of 58 mi/93 km and a top speed of 100 mph/170 kmh, rising to a ceiling of 19,500 ft/5900 m.* Boeing (BA)

Sunday, March 7, 2021

Loyal Wingman Takes First Flight in Australia - Aviation Today

Loyal Wingman Takes First Flight in Australia - Aviation Today: The Loyal Wingman completed a successful test flight, Boeing Australia announced in a March 1 press release. The Loyal Wingman is an uncrewed aircraft developed by Boeing Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) that will use artificial intelligence (AI) as the foundation for the Airpower Teaming System (ATS).  “The Loyal Wingman’s first flight …

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Command and Control:Empowering NATO in the Baltic

A multi-pronged NATO Command and Control exercise led by the US has been held over the Baltic Sea recently, according to the Royal Air Force.An RAF Rivet Joint Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconaissance Force (ISTAR) aircraft from RAF Waddington took part.The Rivet Joint,from 51 Squadron,joined in the major drills that were intended to test and demonstrate the ability of the US and its Allies to integrate their Command and Control procedures,thus ensuring interoperability.Also participating were aircraft from the US Air Force,US Navy and Royal Netherlands Air Force.Few details of the highly classified missions were disclosed.* The exercise was designated a Joint All-Domain Command and Control Demonstration,as it demonstrated that NATO Allies can integrate Air, Maritime, Cyber and Space activities into a coordinated exercise to rehearse possible future operations, the RAF explained.Said GEN Jeff Harrigian,Commander US Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa: Conducting a complex and real-world focused JADCCD allowed our joint and allied team to find areas where we can innovate with systems we already have and also to identify areas where our warfighters need assistance from the Air and Space Forces' Chief Architect's Office.* There were two scenarios.In the first one,part of the US National Defense Strategy,it was shown that NATO can bring its military assets into the Baltic Sea to generate firepower inside an area that an adversary believes to be protected by Anti-Access/Area Denial technology; while in the second one,it was demonstrated that NATO can defend the infrastructure that facilitates such force projection.* Added RAF Group Captain Jim Beldon MBE, Deputy Commander of RAF ISTAR Force: It is very important to be able to integrate our RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft into this exercise, which is aimed at testing and developing the Advanced Battle Management System.This system will merge information from a variety of sources, which enables commanders to react rapidly and decisively in dynamic operational situations.* The drills required the joint force to come together on and above the Baltic Sea, generating combat power against potential adversaries while defending the infrastructure needed for mobilisation.* The RAF Rivet Joint, also in the US Air Force inventory, can absorb electronic emissions from radar and other communications systems at altitudes up to 39,000 ft.*

Monday, March 1, 2021

Avionics Upgrade for U-2S to Feature Open Mission Systems

Avionics Upgrade for U-2S to Feature Open Mission Systems: View the story Avionics Upgrade for U-2S to Feature Open Mission Systems Avionics Upgrade for U-2S to Feature Open Mission Systems By Frank Wolfe Air Force Staff Sgt. Brandon Green, 99th Aircraft Maintenance Unit dedicated crew chief, sprays disinfectant liquid on a rag to sanitize the cockpit of a U-2 on March 23 at Beale …