Belgium is to contribute a squadron of 12 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter-bombers and 11 Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transports to the European Rapid Intervention Force. Defence ministers from the 15-nation Western European Union (WEU) decided to form the force at a meeting in Lisbon on 28 February. A 60,000-strong force able to intervene in Europe without requiring US assistance will be created.
Source: Flight International
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.
BAE Systems has detailed its progress in producing a supersonic demonstrator in support of the UK’s Future Combat Air System activity, with its critical design review completed and build work advancing.
