Category -- Air -- The Defense Post

Feb- 2025 -

4 February

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 (MWSS-271), based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, train with Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) artisans and engineers to learn proper crane lifting techniques for the F-35B Lightning II aircraft. The crane lift was one phase of a three-day training event that simulated the recovery of a downed F-35 with collapsed front landing gear. FRCE assisted the squadron by providing access to a stripped-down F-35 airframe used for training and testing at the depot, which allowed the Marines to practice recovering a damaged F-35 without risking harm to an operational aircraft.

US Navy, Marines Complete Downed F-35 Salvage Training in North Carolina

The US Navy and Marine Corps have completed live training to recover a downed F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft at Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina.

3 February

Inder Singh Bisht

Royal Navy’s Upgraded Commando Merlin Helicopter Is Combat Ready

The Royal Navy’s upgraded Commando Merlin helicopter has been declared fully operational.

3 February

Christine Casimiro

Ukrainian Firm Unveils Shark-M Reconnaissance Drone

Ukrainian firm Ukrspecsystems has unveiled its Shark-M unmanned aerial vehicle, capable of deep reconnaissance and serving as a signal repeater for strike drones.

3 February

Inder Singh Bisht

Black Hawk Ground Tested With New Engine

A US Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter has completed its initial ground run with the T901 engine.

3 February

Joe Saballa

Indian Army Eyes Expanded Fleet of Advanced ISR Drones

The Indian Army is set to expand its fleet of heavy-duty drones to enhance long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.

3 February

Falcon 2000LXS Albatros aircraft. Photo: ERIDIA Studio/Dassault Aviation

Rojoef Manuel

French Navy Albatros Maritime Patrol Aircraft Conducts Maiden Flight

The French Navy has performed the initial flight of its Falcon 2000LXS Albatros maritime surveillance and intervention aircraft at the Bordeaux-Mérignac airport.

3 February