AirForces Monthly – February issue – OUT NOW!

FEATURING:

USAF’s ‘Phinal’ Phantoms
The US Air Force brought 53 years of F-4 Phantom II operations to a close on December 21 with a retirement ceremony at Holloman Air Force Base. Joe Copalman reports from southern New Mexico, with exclusive air-to-air photos by Jim Haseltine.

EXCLUSIVE:
Baltic patrol
Since 2004, NATO’s Baltic Air Policing has operated a round-the-clock peacetime mission to preserve the alliance’s airspace integrity. Thomas Newdick checked in with the French and German contingents making up its 42nd rotation.

‘Ike’ strikes
US Navy airpower has played a crucial role in Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria, most recently underpinned by the presence of USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69). Ioannis Lekkas joins the embarked Carrier Air Wing 3 ‘Battle Axe’ to discover how crews notched up an impressive sortie tally to help support missions countering so-called Islamic State (IS).

FORCE REPORT:
Portuguese Air Force
Portugal’s geographical position may be away from the world’s current trouble spots, but it retains a credible air force, as José Matos reveals.

THIS ISSUE ALSO FEATURES:

Britain’s spies in the skies
Tim Ripley looks at the Royal Air Force’s ISTAR (Information, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) Force status, operations and its prospects.

EXERCISE REPORT:
Honing the force
Kees Otten and Wim Das join the European Defence Agency’s Black Blade exercise.

AND MUCH MORE!

AirForces Monthly February issue is AVAILABLE NOW for just £4.90 from the Key Online Shop. Alternatively, you can purchase your copy from WHSmith, any other leading newsagents or download your digital copy here.