The Chilean air force has delayed selection of a new fighter until the end of May. The four bidders - Boeing (F/A-18C/D), Dassault (Mirage 2000-5), Lockheed Martin (F-16C/D) and Saab (Gripen) - have been given until 22 May to submit final offers for the supply of an expected 16 aircraft.
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.
