South Sudan Inaugurates Air Force

South Sudan has launched the air force of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in the region’s capital Juba.

The nearly independent region fought a civil war with the north for two decades before the 2005 peace deal, which allowed the region to vote on secession from the north in a referendum this month.

Airbus: FSTA Tests Succeed, Boom Tests on Hold

LONDON – Airbus Military said it successfully tested the final hose-and-drogue system destined for Britain’s Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) program by refueling two Spanish Air Force F/A-18 fighter jets while in flight on Jan. 21.

A company spokeswoman also confirmed that Airbus has, for the time being, ceased test flying using its new flight refueling system. Part of the equipment broke off during contact with a Portuguese Air Force F-16 during Jan. 19 tests on an aerial refueling plane built for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Link to full article http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=5547855&c=ASI&s=TOP

Italian Air Force Receives 1st Tanker From Boeing

ROME – The Italian Air Force took delivery on Jan. 27 of the first of four Boeing KC767-A tanker aircraft it has acquired.

The aircraft, MM 62229, flew from Boeing’s Wichita, Kan., facility to the Italian Air Force’s Pratica di Mare base south of Rome for a hand-over ceremony, the Air Force said in a statement.

Link to full article http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=5559911&c=EUR&s=AIR

New US drone spy cameras fail Air Force test: study

A much-touted new camera system for US unmanned aircraft that is supposed to bolster surveillance efforts in Afghanistan has proved ineffective in tests, a US Air Force report concluded.

The surveillance system, dubbed Gorgon Stare after the mythical Greek creature whose terrifying gaze turned others to stone, has been described by enthusiastic Air Force officers as a groundbreaking program for robotic planes.

With an array of cameras mounted on a Reaper drone, the system is designed to capture images of an entire city while also tracking the movements of a particular car or individual in real time.

Link to full article http://www.defencetalk.com/new-us-drone-spy-cameras-fail-air-force-test-study-31616/

Canada to Upgrade Air Force Radar Systems

Today, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, announced support for the Air Force’s vital role in the defence of Canada through significant investments in Canada’s aerospace capabilities. The projects announced today include the modernization of radar systems at 4 Wing Cold Lake and 3 Wing Bagotville, as well as the acquisition of new aircraft cargo loaders, and an upgrade to 17 Wing Winnipeg’s sewer system. Together, these investments will create or sustain an estimated total of 133 jobs across Canada.

“Our government’s investments are helping to ensure that our airmen and women have the up-to-date equipment and infrastructure needed to perform their missions and build on their remarkable successes,” said Minister MacKay. “We continue to demonstrate our commitment to providing the Canadian Forces the right equipment and facilities to do their jobs effectively.”

Link to full article http://www.defencetalk.com/canada-to-upgrade-air-force-radar-systems-31587/

IAF to Induct Hercules Aircraft Next Month

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will officially induct its first C-130 J Hercules transport aircraft into the fleet on 5 February at the Hindan air base.

The aircraft is expected to enhance IAF special missions capability and will be able to perform precision low-level flying, air drops and landing in blackout conditions.

Link to full article http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/news108378.html

U.S. May Allow India to Join JSF Effort

The United States is open to Indian participation in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, and eventual purchase of its fifth generation F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, Pentagon acquisitions Chief Ashton Carter said Jan. 26.

“There is nothing on our side, no principle which bars that on our side, Indian participation in the Joint Strike Fighter. Right now, they’re focused on these aircraft which are top-of-the-line fourth-gen fighters,” Carter said.

Link to full article http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=5548948&c=AIR&s=AME