Two Saab test pilots are set to arrive in South Africa for inflight refuelling training using air force Denel Cheetah strike aircraft. The work will support flight trials of the Saab/BAE Systems JAS39CGripen with the Swedish air force's first tanker - an upgraded Lockheed Martin C-130H - from mid-2004. The modified transport will be used solely for training purposes.
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.
