The Royal Netherlands Air force received the first production Lockheed Martin F-16 mid-life upgrade (MLU) aircraft at Leeuwarden air base at the end of September. The aircraft has been assigned to the operational test and evaluation team at the base, pending the start of the conversion of the first squadron, number 322, in December 1997. The squadron is scheduled to reach an initial operational capability with the F-16 MLU in July of 1998.
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.
