India's Defence Research and Development Organisation expects to conduct the first flight test of its Astra air-to-air missile in June 2005. The beyond- visual-range weapon will equip the Indian air force's Aerospace Development Authority-developed Tejas light combat aircraft, Dassault Mirage 2000 and Sukhoi Su-30 series fighters.
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.
