Israel Aircraft Industries Lahav division will deliver the initial McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom upgraded for the Turkish air force in the first quarter of next year. Two prototypes are flying. Under the $600 million deal, Lahav will complete 27 aircraft and the Turkish air force a similar number, using Israeli-supplied kits.
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.
