France has ordered Raytheon Paveway II and Paveway III guidance kits, allowing it to create laser-guided munitions in conjunction with locally built Mk82/83/84 unguided bombs and BLU-109 penetrator warheads.
With test equipment, spares and training, Raytheon says the deal is worth around $100 million. Deliveries are expected to be finished by October 2001 and the LGBs will be used by the French air force and navy.
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.
