China has released for the first time pictures of the Rafael Python 3 short-range air-to-air missile being carried by a Chinese air force Chengdu F-7. Python-3 AAMs, known as PL-8s within the Chinese armed forces, were bought from Israel in the late 1980s. China has shown a short-range surface-to-air missile variant of the PL-8, but has until now not released any images of the Python-3 fitted to any of its combat aircraft.
Source: Flight International
Germany has awarded Qinetiq an Aerial Training Services contract to support its armed forces by operating a fleet of two turboprop-powered types.
Stockholm’s selection of a new-generation tactical airlifter will be a “political decision”, says Swedish air force chief Major General Jonas Wikman.
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.
