A Greek air force Lockheed Martin F-16 collided with a Turkish F-16 on 23 May at 27,000ft (8,240m) in disputed airspace southeast of the island of Karpathos. Both aircraft crashed and the Turkish pilot was eventually picked up by a Turkish helicopter, but the Greek pilot was still missing late last week and is presumed not to have survived. The Turkish F-16 was one of two escorting a McDonnell Douglas RF-4 reconnaissance aircraft.
Source: Flight International
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.
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.
