The first metal for the Airbus Military A400M transport aircraft was cut at Airbus's Varel production plant in Germany during a ceremony on 26 January. Seven European nations have signed up to take delivery of 180 A400Ms from late 2009, with South Africa also late last year announcing its intention to join the project.
Source: Flight International
The January incident at Ellsworth AFB resulted in the destruction of the $450 million bomber and a rare quadruple ejection of the crew, who were attempting to execute an instrument landing during poor weather.
Athens signed a long-sought letter of offer and acceptance with airframer Lockheed Martin covering 20 F-35 stealth fighters, with options for a further 20 jets.
The joint North American Aerospace Defense Command dispatched fighter aircraft from both the USA and Canada on 24 July to intercept a combined flight of bombers from Russia and China operating in international airspace around Alaska.
