TURKISH AEROSPACE Industries (TAI) delivered the first Lockheed Martin Block 50 F-16 to the Turkish air force on 29 July under the Peace Onyx II programme. TAI has been producing F-16s at Akinci-Ankara since 1987, under an earlier agreement. To date, the company has delivered 152 aircraft locally and 46 to the Egyptian air force. Eighty additional aircraft will be produced under the latest programme, with TAI now responsible for 80% of airframe manufacture.
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.
