AirForces Monthly - Issue 381 (December 2019)

BVR COMBAT: NATO’S LAST
EXTENDED- FITTERS: POLISH
RANGE BATTLE STRIKE FORCE

















cially the world’s number one authority on military aviation

Officially the world’s number one authority on military aviation
Offi
Offi cially the world’s number one authority on military aviation
n
a
5
i
t
c
n
io
3
F-35 in action
F-
Over Iceland
SPECIAL
ISSUE




































... and

at sea

Issue 381 December 2019 £4.99
FORCE REPORT









Israeli standoff weapons Belarusian AF&AD Pucará’s last push

Long arm of the IAF Secretive air arm in detail Final COIN exercise



01 Cover AFM Dec2019.indd 1 11/11/2019 14:27:29

uS NAVY & MARINE CORPS SPECIAL


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Comment





Out of the dark: Airbus stealth UAV testbed



A irbus has revealed a stealthy unmanned radar-absorbent materials, low radar-cross- of the vehicle displayed in Manching’s anechoic
testbed that has been secretly under
chamber was its cockpit transparency. Clearly,
section engine intakes, structural cooling
development in Germany since 2007.
Shown to reporters in Manching, Bavaria, technologies, flat exhaust nozzles and Airbus and the German defence ministry are
undisclosed surface coatings. An internal
also using the programme to investigate stealth
on November 5, the Low Observable UAV weapons bay points at a potential strike technologies for future manned aircraft, too.
Testbed (LOUT) is still classified but provides and/or defence-suppression mission. Moreover, it seems certain that technologies
a tantalising glimpse of stealth technologies If productionised, the four-tonne testbed tested in the programme will make their way into
intended for future air platforms. A German would be scaled up to provide a 20-tonne UAV, the Franco-German Future Combat Air System
government contract in 2010 paved the way its twin engines fed by diverterless intakes (FCAS) – a “complete system of combat aircraft
for ground-based tests beginning in 2014. mounted above the fuselage. It’s unclear if the and drones” to enter service by 2040. Before
Work on the very-low-observable demonstrator vehicle would employ conventional control then, Airbus officials have also hinted that LOUT
drone has been undertaken in Manching and surfaces, which were not visible on the model, may inform future upgrades for the Typhoon.
Bremen using what Airbus calls a “Skunk Works or if it would make use of an unorthodox active
approach” – a nod to the famous Lockheed flow control system. Airbus officials noted
special projects unit. It’s not the first stealthy that a full-scale UAV would incorporate a
programme to have been pursued in Germany steerable active electronically scanned array
– in the 1980s, MBB worked on the enigmatic carried conformally in the aircraft’s skin. Thomas Newdick
Lampyridae low-observable fighter, which bore While intended to serve as a ground testbed Email at:
a striking similarity to the F-117 Nighthawk. for future subsonic UAVs, one intriguing aspect [email protected]
The diamond-shaped LOUT vehicle has a
range of features to protect it across
the visual, acoustic, radar and
infrared spectrums, including





















Right: The four-
tonne, sub-scale
LOUT model has a
wingspan of around 39ft (12m)
and has been used for aerodynamic
and anechoic chamber testing.
Airbus Defence and Space
Editor: Thomas Newdick any of our advertisers. Readers are strongly recommended All digital imagery should be at least 300dpi and 10 x 8
Editorial: Jamie Hunter, Dave Allport, Alan Warnes, to take their own precautions before parting with any inches (25.4cm x 20.3cm) in size.
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www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 3



03 Comment AFM Dec2019.indd 3 11/11/2019 13:21:45

Contents December 2019 #381






Regular features

10 EXERCISE REPORT:
Baccarat 2019
For the first time, the British Army Air
Corps joined an exercise in France
with both Wildcats and Apaches.

30 INTEL REPORT: European
tankers gain momentum
Europe’s relative lack of air-to-air
refuelling assets has often hindered NATO
campaigns in the past, but modernisation
plans are starting to bear fruit.
36 EXERCISE REPORT:
Sea Breeze 2019
Vladimir Trendafilovski reports on the
19th edition of the annual Sea Breeze
multinational maritime exercise.

42 EXERCISE REPORT:
Market Garden
Seventy-five years after the event,
Operation Market Garden is still a
focal point of remembrance for today’s
airborne operations specialists.

46 Épervier 2019
This year, the Franco-Swiss Épervier air defence
exercise was held at the Swiss base of Payerne.
54 EXERCISE REPORT:
Dédalo 2019
The Argentine Air Force’s major exercise of
2019 put to the test all the lessons learned so
far. It was also a final opportunity to see the
Pucará perform in its original attack role.
58 COMMANDER’S UPDATE
BRIEFING: BVR combat
Air Power Association President Air Marshal (ret’d)
Greg Bagwell CB CBE examines what’s required
to ‘reach out and touch’ an enemy aircraft.
61 Book reviews
AFM evaluates some of the latest
offerings in aviation literature.
70 EXERCISE REPORT:
Tsentr-2019
The Russian Aerospace Forces and
Airborne Forces have taken part in a series
of exercises to test new concepts. The
largest so far was Exercise Tsentr-2019.
74 FORCE REPORT: Belarusian
Air Force and Air Defence Pt 1 Above: Alpine fighter meet. A pair of Armée de l’Air Mirage 2000-5Fs – serial 56 (c/n 256) ‘2-EG’ and serial 77

The first of a two-part feature on the little- (c/n 317) ‘2-AX’ – wearing the famous stork markings of the Groupe de Chasse 1/2 (GC 1/2) ‘Cigognes’ meet
known Belarusian Air Force and Air Defence. up with Swiss Air Force F/A-18C J-5004 for the next round of dissimilar air combat training. Turn to p46 for
more on the Franco-Swiss Épervier air defence exercise held at the Swiss base of Payerne. VBS DDPS via
Remco Stalenhoef Cover: A dramatic break above an equally spectacular landscape: two of the six Italian Air
86 Attrition Force F-35A fighters belonging to the 13° Gruppo (13th Squadron) of the 32° Stormo (32nd Wing) that were


Dave Allport details the world’s deployed to Keflavik Airport in October. Recent months have seen European Joint Strike Fighter operators
notch up a series of important milestones. While defending Icelandic airspace made Italy the first operator

most recent military accidents. to deploy the fifth-generation jet on a NATO Allied Air Command mission, the UK Lightning Force has been

taking the next meaningful steps towards re-establishing a British carrier strike capability. See p66-69 for
98 Coming up the latest on the WESTLANT 19 deployment, while on p80-85, David Cenciotti joins Operation Northern

Lightning in Iceland and, on p12, AFM reports on the delivery of a first operational Royal Netherlands Air
See what’s featuring in your AFM next month. Force F-35A to Leeuwarden Air Base. Giovanni Colla
4 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero
04-05 Contents AFM Dec2019.indd 4 11/11/2019 10:55:20

Features

3 Comment
AFM’s opinion on the hot topics in military aviation.
48 NATO’s last Fitters
While the Su-22 swing-wing strike aircraft may
be obsolescent by today’s standards, 35 years
ago it provided Poland with a technological leap
comparable only with its subsequent purchase
of F-16 fighters. Piotr Butowski assesses the
current status of NATO’s last surviving Fitters.
62 Croatia’s new Warriors
After three years of intensive training, Croatia’s
Kiowa Warriors and their crews are on the
brink of attaining full operational capability.
Martin Scharenborg and Ramon Wenink
followed their final steps towards readiness.
66 Lightning Force at sea
The UK Lightning Force has embarked on
what is arguably its most important mission
to date, taking a meaningful complement of
F-35Bs to the HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08).
Jamie Hunter evaluates this major step towards
establishing the new UK carrier strike force.
80 Operation Northern
Lightning
In a first among Joint Strike Fighter partner
nations, Italy deployed its F-35As to Iceland
in October in support of NATO’s Icelandic air
policing mission. David Cenciotti visited the Italian
detachment at Keflavik Airport and talked to the
pilots involved in Operation Northern Lightning.
90 The long arm of the Israeli
Air Force
While the Israeli Air Force is well equipped
with ‘smart’ standoff weapon systems,
threats developing close to the country’s
borders and further afield require additional,
even more capable munitions. Arie Egozi
examines those currently in production.
94 Fifty-fifty over the Baltics
Hungarian Gripens took part in 50 live scrambles
during the 50th rotation of NATO’s Baltic
Air Policing mission. Lt Col István Toperczer
joined them as they patrolled the skies of
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania this summer.
News

All the world’s military aviation news, by region
6-7 ............................Headlines
8-9 ............................United Kingdom
12-15 ........................Continental Europe
16-18 ........................North America
19 ...............................Russia & CIS
20 ..............................Middle East
21 ...............................Latin America
22 ..............................Australasia
See pages 28-29 for details 23 ..............................Africa
26-27 ......................Asia Pacific



www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 5



04-05 Contents AFM Dec2019.indd 5 11/11/2019 10:55:24

NEWS Headlines





WESTLANT 19 under way





FOR THE first time in a phase of Operational Testing the UK Lightnings. approximately five weeks. RW) during WESTLANT 19.
decade, British jets are (OT-1) off the US east coast. The WESTLANT 19 Carrier The carrier is being A team from QinetiQ and the
operating from a Royal Navy There they were joined by Strike Group deployment is accompanied by the Aircraft Test and Evaluation
carrier. The F-35Bs from another three F-35Bs from aimed at ‘end-to-end’ testing Type 45 destroyer HMS Centre (ATEC) at MOD
the RAF’s Nos 207 and 617 No 17 Test and Evaluation of the aircraft and personnel Dragon, Type 23 frigate Boscombe Down, Wiltshire,
Squadrons at RAF Marham, Squadron, stationed at to ensure the UK Lightning’s HMS Northumberland, used Merlin HC4 ZJ121 from
Norfolk, landed on board Edwards Air Force Base, compatibility with the carrier. tanker RFA Tideforce and 845 NAS and HM2 ZH826
the aircraft carrier HMS California. On October 31, The tests involve mission Merlins from 814, 820 and from 820 NAS to complete
Queen Elizabeth (R08) for F-35Bs from the US Marine planning, arming the aircraft 845 Naval Air Squadrons, 550 deck landings and
the first time on October 13. Corps’ Marine Operational with inert Paveway laser- Wildcats from 815 NAS and 471 test points between
After flying across the Test and Evaluation guided bombs and ASRAAM Royal Marines from Lima September 21 and October 2.
Atlantic the previous week Squadron 1 (VMX-1) based missiles using the ship’s Company, 42 Commando. The UK plans to declare
to Marine Corps Air Station at MCAS Yuma, Arizona, Highly Automated Weapon HMS Queen Elizabeth initial operating capability
Beaufort, South Carolina, the arrived on board for two Handling System, flying also completed a second for the carrier strike role
three Marham jets embarked weeks of carrier qualification, missions and debriefing. phase of Rotary Wing by the end of the year (see
in the warship for the next before flying sorties with OT-1 was planned to last Development Testing (DT pages 66-69 for more).





















F-35B ZM148 ‘014’ launches from the deck of HMS ‘Queen
Elizabeth’. UK MOD/Crown Copyright

Korea’s future fighter takes shape


KOREA AEROSPACE completed this September single-seat and two twin- air-to-air capability only, demonstration fighter
Industries (KAI) has begun and a mock-up of the seat prototypes, powered while Block 2 will be cleared radar have already begun
building the first prototype fighter debuted at the Seoul by twin F414-GE-400K for air-to-ground missions. using a Boeing 737 testbed
for the KF-X fighter International Aerospace & engines. Seoul expects to The Republic of Korea Air in a project that involves
programme, with the aim Defense Exhibition 2019 issue a production contract Force has a requirement for South Korea’s Agency for
of rollout in June 2021 and (ADEX 2019) that took in 2024 leading to deliveries 20 KF-Xs, while Indonesia Defense Development
a first flight in May 2022. A place from October 15-20. of the Block 1 variant in could buy another 50. (ADD), Hanwha and
critical design review was There are plans for four 2026. The Block 1 will offer Flight tests of a technology- Israel’s Elta Systems.
KAI’s full-scale mock-up of
the KF-X at ADEX 2019. It was
displayed alongside planned
armament, including MBDA
Meteor and Diehl IRIS-T air-
to-air missiles. Gordon Arthur






















6 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero



06-07 HeadlineNews AFM Dec2019.indd 6 11/11/2019 12:25:20

Subscribe to www.key.aero for breaking news stories.
Email the news team at [email protected]


USAF issues US$6.4bn Red Air contract



SEVEN CIVILIAN contractors USAF issued a request for
have received a share of a proposals (RFP) for adversary
US Air Force Air Combat air (ADAIR) in August last year
Command adversary and received eight responses.
training contract worth up to The programme will cover
US$6.4bn, awarded by the around 30,000 hours of
US Department of Defense adversary air and 10,000
on October 18. Air USA, hours of close air support
Airborne Tactical Advantage and Joint Terminal Attack
Company (ATAC), Blue Air Controller training annually.
Training, Coastal Defense, The USAF wants contractors
Draken International, Tactical to provide a variety of
Air Support and Top Aces aircraft types for its fourth
Corp all successfully bid and fifth-generation fighter
for the Combat Air Forces pilots to train against. All
Contracted Air Support platforms are required to
programme to provide carry government-supplied
“complete contracted air electronic countermeasures
support services for realistic pods and captive infrared-
and challenging advanced guided air-to-air missiles. An ATAC Hawker Hunter Mk58 taxies at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, in
adversary air threats and The contract will run April last year. The jet was providing dissimilar air combat training for F-35B pilots of Marine
close air support threats”. The until October 2024. Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501. Lance Cpl Terry Haynes/MCAS Beaufort
Sikorsky’s RAIDER X
joins FARA competition
THE RAIDER X has been rotorcraft is intended to
unveiled as Sikorsky’s entry make use of self-monitoring
in the US Army Future and condition-based
Attack Reconnaissance maintenance, and the firm
Aircraft (FARA) programme. says its offering “provides
The next-generation light- unmatched potential
attack/reconnaissance and growth margin for
helicopter is a further increased speed, combat
development of the S-97 radius and payload” .
Raider and will make use Powered by a single General
of technology tested in the Electric T901 turboshaft, the
company’s X2 demonstrator. RAIDER X will compete in
The RAIDER X is a coaxial the FARA competition with
compound design, employing the AVX Aircraft Compound
the X2 rigid rotor. Other Coaxial Helicopter (CCH),
key features highlighted by Bell 360 Invictus, Karem
Sikorsky include state-of- AR40 and an as-yet
the-art digital design and undisclosed Boeing design.
manufacturing, and modern Two competitive prototype
open systems architecture contracts are scheduled to be
(MOSA)-based avionics awarded in March followed
Lockheed Martin and mission systems. The by a flyoff planned for 2023.
Initial Indian Hill F-35As return
Air Force from Middle East
Rafales USAF F-35As from the personnel from the 4th and
delivered 4th Fighter Squadron (FS) 466th Aircraft Maintenance

F-35As arrived at Hill in
completed the variant’s initial
THE FIRST Indian Air Force ‘Fighting Fuujins’ have Units. The first operational
(IAF) Rafale DH, two- combat deployment and October 2015 and the 388th
seater serial RB001, was returned to Hill Air Force and 419th are the USAF’s
formally handed over to the Base, Utah, on October 28. first combat-capable F-35A
Indian government during The Lightning IIs spent six units, operating the Joint
a ceremony at Dassault months at Al Dhafra Air Base, Strike Fighter in a so-called
Aviation’s Bordeaux- United Arab Emirates, where Total Force partnership.
Mérignac facility on October An air-to-air photo sortie for they were operated by crews
the second IAF Rafale DH,
8. The event was hosted by RB002. Dassault from the active-duty 388th
company chairman and CEO and Reserve 419th Fighter
Eric Trappier and guests four jets will initially remain No 17 Squadron at Ambala Wings (FW). Beginning in
included India’s defence in France for flight testing Air Force Station is set April, the jets flew missions
minister Shri Rajnath Singh at Istres and for training to receive its first seven including close air support
and his French counterpart IAF instructor pilots. The Rafales around April or May and regional deterrence A USAF Lightning II pilot
Florence Parly. The next three contract comprises 28 next year. All 36 aircraft are and also participated in returns to Hill AFB following
jets were due to be handed single-seat Rafale EH and expected to be delivered multinational exercises. the F-35A’s first combat
over the same month. eight twin-seat Rafale DH by 2022, by which time Airmen included pilots from deployment in support of
Handover came three years aircraft. The first Rafale DH No 1 Squadron will have the active-duty 4th FS and the USAF Central Command
after contract signature took to the air on October been re-established as Reserve 466th FS, as well Mission in the Middle East.
for the acquisition of 36 30, 2018, followed by the the second IAF unit on the as active-duty and Reserve USAF/R Nial Bradshaw
Rafales for the IAF. The first second on July 17 this year. type, at Hashimara AFS.

www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 7



06-07 HeadlineNews AFM Dec2019.indd 7 11/11/2019 12:25:24

NEWS United Kingdom





First Poseidon delivered to RAF Latest


THE RAF has taken delivery day. The aircraft had team leader, signed the The RAF Poseidon fleet contract for
of its first Poseidon MRA1 completed its maiden flight paperwork to formally will be flown initially by Protector UAV
maritime patrol aircraft. at Renton, Washington on transfer the aircraft, named No 120 Squadron, which AN ADDITIONAL Foreign
After an official ceremony July 12 after which mission Pride of Moray, to UK was re-established Military Sales (FMS)
at Boeing’s facilities in systems were integrated ownership. The Poseidon in April last year. contract has been received
Seattle, Washington at Boeing’s Installation will undergo additional A second unit, No 201 by General Atomics
on October 30, the and Checkout facility in preparation and UK Squadron, will be stood Aeronautical Systems
initial aircraft, ZP801 Tukwila, Washington. personnel will continue up in due course. All nine Inc (GA ASI) for the UK’s
(c/n 64175, line number On arrival at ‘Jax’, training at the Florida Poseidons are scheduled to MQ-9B Protector RG1
7532), arrived at Naval Michelle Sanders, base before it flies home be delivered by November unmanned aerial vehicle
Air Station Jacksonville, Defence Equipment to RAF Lossiemouth in 2021 with full operational programme. The US$21.7m
Florida the following and Support delivery Scotland early next year. capability planned for 2024. contract was awarded on
October 23 by the Medium
Right: Poseidon MRA1 Altitude Unmanned Aircraft
ZP801, the first example Systems Division of the
for the RAF, lands at NAS US Air Force Life Cycle
Jacksonville on October Management Center.
31. The aircraft flew there The deal is a modification
from Boeing Field using the
callsign ‘POSIDN1’. UK MOD/ to the original contract
Crown Copyright awarded to GA ASI
on March 30, 2018, for
development of the UK
Protector – see MQ-9B
Protector development
contract, June 2018, p9. The
new award covers design,
development, integration
and component-level
testing for unspecified
additional capabilities
being added to the baseline
programme. Work is
expected to be completed
by August 31, 2021.
The Protector, a UK variant
of the Certifiable Predator
B, is replacing the RAF’s
MQ-9A Reapers, which are
scheduled to be withdrawn
from operational use
around 2024. Two MQ-9B
SkyGuardians, N190TC (c/n
YBC01) and N191FP (c/n
YBC02), have already been
extensively tested in the US
as prototypes for the RAF
Protector. Dave Allport
RAF ceases Tucano flying operations





















Above: A water-cannon salute for Tucano T1 ZF135 after its final flight at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire. Derek Bower
THE RAF officially marked of being the last crews to Capt Keith Taylor and the RAF – which made its first Chief of the Air Staff ACM
the retirement of the Tucano learn on the Tucano. A final commanding officer of No 72 flight on December 30, 1986. Mike Wigston said: “It is
T1 trainer on October 25 ‘diamond nine’ formation Squadron, Wg Cdr Robbie The Tucano fleet will be sad to say goodbye to the
with a graduation ceremony was then performed by Lee, completed the type’s disposed of while the No 72 Tucano, but it has been
for the students of Basic students and instructors. final landing and taxi back Squadron number plate was a fantastic workhorse…
Fast Jet Training (BFJT) Specially choreographed to the dispersal at the base. transferred to the Texan T1 The transition to the Texan
course 274 at RAF Linton- for the last act of the RAF They were flying Tucano T1 squadron under No 4 Flying represents a really important
on-Ouse, North Yorkshire. Tucano’s flying career, ZF135 – the first Tucano to Training School (FTS) at RAF step towards being a next-
Four pilots had the honour station commander Gp have been completed for the Valley, Wales from October 31. generation air force.”



8 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero



08-09 UKNews AFM Dec2019.indd 8 11/11/2019 12:43:54

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Email the news team at [email protected]



British Army First Shadow R2 for No 14 Squadron Progress for
Watchkeepers planned RAF
deploy to Chinook buy
Cyprus under PLANS TO purchase
Athena Rebus additional Chinooks for
the RAF appear to be
THE BRITISH Army moving forward. A report
announced on September by Bloomberg News on
30 that personnel from October 22, quoting an
47 Regiment, Royal interview with US Army
Artillery had recently Secretary Ryan McCarthy,
deployed to RAF Akrotiri, said that Boeing is close
Cyprus with the Thales to selling 14 examples to
UK Watchkeeper WK450 the UK. McCarthy said
Equipment Standard 2 Martin Fox he had met with his UK
(ES2) unmanned aerial counterpart a few weeks
vehicle to participate in THE INITIAL upgraded initially remained with acquired by the RAF for earlier and that they are
Exercise Athena Rebus. Shadow R2 intelligence, Raytheon at Broughton, conversion to Shadow ISR now working out pricing
Members of the regiment’s surveillance and North Wales while under aircraft, the other two being details. He anticipates
43 Battery (Lloyd’s reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft conversion to Shadow G-DAYP and G-GMAD, that signature of a letter
Company) deployed to for No 14 Squadron is serial standard. Now equipped to allocated serials ZZ505 of offer and acceptance
Cyprus for training. ZZ507, seen at its RAF the latest R2 configuration, and ZZ506. In addition to could be completed
The army’s 47 Waddington, Lincolnshire, ZZ507 wears a new semi- the three new airframes, next spring, paving the
Regiment is the only base on November 4. The civilian scheme in contrast the five existing Shadow way for a contract.
unit operating the drone. aircraft previously wore the to the Shadow’s typical R1s are being reworked The RAF has 60 Chinooks
Although formally based civilian registration G-LBSB, overall grey colours. to an interim standard, as (eight HC5, 14 HC6 and
at Horne Barracks, and although on strength The aircraft is one of three Shadow R1A aircraft, prior to 38 HC6A), but has been
Larkhill, Wiltshire, the with No 14 Squadron, it additional King Air 350Cs the final R2 configuration. planning for some years to
unit’s Watchkeeper acquire additional examples
ES2s are now flown to eventually replace the
from MOD Boscombe RAF Typhoons work with B-52 oldest airframes, some
Down, Wiltshire. While of which are nearly 40
development has been RAF TYPHOON FGR4 second time this year that Sea; the Stratofortress, years old. The US Defense
somewhat protracted, ZK342 ‘342’ from No 3 the fighters have taken part from the USAF’s 2nd Bomb Security Co-operation
the type finally achieved (Fighter) Squadron at RAF in manoeuvres with visiting Wing, was temporarily Agency announced on
full operational Coningsby, Lincolnshire, Stratofortress bombers. The deployed to RAF Fairford, October 19, 2018, that State
capability (FOC) on during an exercise with RAF Typhoon Force carried Gloucestershire from its Department approval for the
November 30, 2018. visiting B-52H 60-0028 out a practice intercept of home at Barksdale Air sale of 16 H-47 (Extended
A series of crashes ‘LA’ on October 28 – the the B-52 over the North Force Base, Louisiana. Range) helicopters had
meant that it was not been granted (see US
given official Release approves possible Chinook
to Service certification. sale to RAF, December 2018,
FOC, however, meant p9). The latest report reveals
that regular flying could that this number has been
transfer from the test cut to 14. The Chinooks
facility at West Wales for the RAF will be in a
Airport, Aberporth special forces configuration
to Boscombe Down, similar to that of the
closer to 47 Regiment’s US Special Operations
home at Larkhill. Command MH-47G Block
The regiment flew II variant. On June 13 this
its first sortie from year, Boeing was awarded
Boscombe on July 11 a contract by US Special
this year after four years Operations Command
away from the Wiltshire which included US$10m in
airfield. Operating from Foreign Military Spending
there enables the unit to funding for acquisition of
provide ISTAR coverage long-lead components
to troops on the nearby and parts in support of
Salisbury Plain Training planned UK Chinook
Area. Dave Allport UK MOD/Crown Copyright acquisition. Dave Allport
In Brief

Final Typhoon made its maiden flight from Initial RPA flying will take these Lot 12 aircraft in a Freedom of Information
delivery for RAF the facility on August 1. place at Culdrose’s training 2020 when three jets are (FoI) request from the Drone
BAE Systems reported RPA testers at 700X NAS airfield at Predannack. scheduled to be delivered. Wars UK organisation.
handover of the final Royal Navy personnel from UK contracts 17 F-35Bs Lot 13 will provide six aircraft The first, ZZ201, crashed
Typhoon for the RAF on 700X Naval Air Squadron The latest US Lightning in 2021, while eight more will on landing on October 17,
September 27, completing recently returned from II block buy includes follow under Lot 14 in 2022. 2015 after an undercarriage
orders for the service. A training on AeroVironment 17 F-35B aircraft for MOD reveals collapse and was withdrawn
ceremony was held at the Puma and Wasp remotely the UK. The US$34bn Reaper accidents from use. On August
company’s final assembly piloted aircraft (RPA) at contract was finalised by The UK Ministry of Defence 16, 2016, ZZ205 overran
facility at Warton to mark Huntsville, Alabama and the US Department of has disclosed the crashes the runway at a base
the milestone delivery will continue their work Defense and Lockheed of two MQ-9A Reaper in the Middle East and
of the Tranche 3 aircraft, at Royal Naval Air Station Martin on October 29. remotely piloted aircraft was damaged. It’s now
FGR4 ZK437 (BS153), which Culdrose, Cornwall. The UK will begin to receive since 2015, in response to awaiting repair in the US.



www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 9



08-09 UKNews AFM Dec2019.indd 9 11/11/2019 12:43:57

Exercise
Report Baccarat 2019



Wildcats For the first time,





the British Army
Air Corps joined an
play Baccarat exercise in France
with both Wildcats
and Apaches. Oliver
Jonischkeit reports
from the northeast of
the country.


T he Armée de Terre’s 4 BAC, General Frédéric Gout Rhine on the German border. Tigre HADs from the Batallón
e
de Helicópteros de Ataque I
The French Army sent
was in charge of the overall
(French Army’s) 4
e
Brigade d’Aérocombat (4 e operations and was assisted helicopters from its three (BHELA I, Attack Helicopter
BAC, 4th Air Combat Brigade) – by a Spanish lieutenant colonel combat helicopter regiments: Battalion 1) at Almagro.
headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand who headed up the international 1 Régiment d’Hélicoptères de The AAC participated with
er
in central France – organised the helicopter battalion. Combat (1 RHC), 3 RHC and 5 e eight Apache AH1s from 662 and
e
er
large-scale Baccarat exercise for the Ground troops for the RHC, home-based in Phalsbourg, 663 Squadrons of 3 Regiment
third time from September 16-26. multinational exercise came Étain and Pau, respectively. in Wattisham, Suffolk, and
In all, more than 2,200 personnel, from France, Spain and the The Spanish Army brought two two Wildcat AH1 helicopters
60 helicopters and 80 armoured Spanish Legion. They practised CH-47Ds from the Batallón de from 661 Squadron at Royal
vehicles were involved in an area together with helicopters from Helicópteros de Transporte V Naval Air Station Yeovilton,
measuring 186 miles (300km) from France, Spain, the RAF and (BHELTRA V, Transport Helicopter Somerset. Also taking part was
west to east and 93 miles (150km) the British Army’s aviation arm, Battalion 5) at Colmenar Viejo, a pair of RAF Chinooks from
north to south. Several airfields the Army Air Corps (AAC), as three NH90 TTHs from the Batallón RAF Odiham, Hampshire.
were used, but Étain and Séchault the manoeuvres progressed de Helicópteros de Maniobra III In preparation for the
were the main focuses of activity. eastwards from exercise areas (BHELMA III, Airmobile Helicopter manoeuvres, the Wildcats practised
Commanding officer of the around Rheims to the River Battalion 3) at Logroño and three with the Apaches in Wattisham






































AAC hunter-killer team: Wildcat AH1 ZZ407 and Apache AH1 ZJ221. The
Wildcat is increasingly supporting the Apache in a reconnaissance role and
providing intelligence to commanders on the battlefield. All photos Oliver Jonischkeit




10 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero



10-11 Baccarat AFM Dec2019.indd 10 08/11/2019 12:33:21

and simulated Hellfire missile
launches with the aid of the
Collective Training Missile (CTM)
pod, which is able to simulate all
the aircraft’s weapon systems.
While the British Army Wildcat is
now fully operational, the service
is increasingly looking at ways
of employing the type together
with the Apache. The two types
complement each other – the
Wildcat being able to conduct
the fight and make full use of its
long-range sensors, while the
Apache has the ability to strike
for one week. The types also pilots involved flew from the UK. Friendly troops and equipment with a range of weapons.
took part in a three-month The exercise area could be were built up east of Rheims to During Baccarat, a Wildcat
deployment to Estonia earlier adequately covered by just four regain control of the region. At would identify the ‘enemy’, send
this year that helped develop Apaches, which performed its peak, the defending forces a target file to the Apache and
their tactics and procedures missions in groups together with could call upon 1,500 soldiers, then designate the target with
when operating together. a single Wildcat. Divided into two as well as the 60 helicopters. a laser for the Hellfire missile.
While each AAC squadron groups, the British helicopters Meanwhile, the Apache could
has its own aircraft, for a performed three missions each. AAC teamwork remain at low level in the terrain
large-scale exercise like this A pilot of 3 Regiment explained: Working together, the Wildcat to reduce its risk of exposure.
the regiment pooled aircraft “Because of the nature of this first located the targets and As well as the Wildcats’ sensors,
and personnel together. mission we didn’t want to put then handed them over to the an up-to-date picture of the
A small AAC detachment of 15 all the aircraft in there at once Apaches. In this way the attack battlefield was provided by
engineers, signallers and ground – we call it a ‘relief in place’.” helicopters could increase the traditional human intelligence
crew was permanently based In the chosen scenario, a highly time spent on the range from (HUMINT) missions carried out by
in Séchault for the first week of mobile enemy force from a two hours to almost four. helicopter crews and recce teams,
the exercise before moving to secessionist region was centred The Apaches flew only ‘dry’ some of which were transported
Étain for the second week; the 20 in the Champagne-Ardennes area. attacks during the exercise by British or Spanish Chinooks. AFM
Above: An Army Air Corps Wildcat
gunner in front of his mount, Wildcat
AH1 ZZ383. The aircraft can carry a
Browning M3M 0.5in calibre pintle-
mounted machine or a 0.3in calibre
General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG).
Right: The helicopters arrived from the
UK after a three-hour flight, before being
topped up by the French refuelling crew
and then immediately embarking on
Baccarat missions. Below: Apache AH1
ZJ193 carries a pod for CRV7 rockets
as well as a Collective Training Missile
pod on the stub wing. The CTM pod can
generate targets for engagement, as well
as simulating hits to the aircraft itself.

































www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 11



10-11 Baccarat AFM Dec2019.indd 11 08/11/2019 12:45:36

NEWS Continental Europe





RNLAF F-35A arrives First two

upgraded
in the Netherlands ATL2s

delivered to
French Navy
THE MARINE Nationale
(French Navy) has received
the first two Atlantique 2
(ATL 2) maritime patrol
aircraft to be upgraded to
Standard 6 configuration.
Transfer of the two aircraft
was authorised by the
Direction générale de
l’armement (DGA, France’s
defence procurement
agency) this summer and
announced by the defence
ministry on October 24.
The prototype and the first
series aircraft arrived at
Lann-Bihoué on July 18 and
August 27 respectively in
their final software version.
A total of 18 of the 22 ATL
Flown by Lt Col Ian ‘Gladys’ Knight, commander of 322 Squadron, F-35A F-009 performs a high-speed pass upon its arrival at 2s operated by Flottilles
Leeuwarden. Kees van der Mark 21F and 23F at Lann-
THE FIRST Netherlands- Serial F-009 was the delivered in 2013, primarily of the 37 F-35s ordered so Bihoué will be modernised
based F-35A arrived at initial Dutch F-35A built for use in the multinational far will be built in Italy. A to Standard 6 under a
Leeuwarden Air Base at the Final Assembly and F-35 Initial Operational Test second aircraft (F-010) will contract signed in October
on October 31 when the Check-Out (FACO) facility and Evaluation (IOT&E) arrive at Leeuwarden before 2013, allowing them to
ninth example built for the in Cameri, Italy, and first effort. The six other jets the end of the year, after serve until at least 2030.
Koninklijke Luchtmacht flew on September 9. The (F-003 to F-008, FMS which the Cameri FACO will Upgraded equipment
(Royal Netherlands Air first eight RNLAF jets were 17-5302 to 17-5307), delivered deliver eight F-35As to the includes a Searchmaster
Force, RNLAF), F-009 (AN- built by Lockheed Martin between February and May RNLAF annually, beginning active electronically
09, FMS 17-5308), touched in Fort Worth, Texas, and this year, are assigned to with F-011 in April/May. scanned array (AESA)
down. Among dignitaries are all permanently based the Nederlands Opleiding The Dutch government radar in place of the
present at the base were in the US. No 323 Test and Detachement F-35 (NODF- confirmed on October 8 that previous Iguane, Thales
Minister of Defence Ank Evaluation Squadron (TES) 35, Netherlands F-35 Training it will acquire a further nine acoustic subsystem,
Bijleveld, State Secretary at Edwards Air Force Base, Detachment) and flown by F-35As next year, bringing Dassault Aviation
for Defence Barbara Visser California, operates two the 308th Fighter Squadron the total to 46. At least one navigation console and
and RNLAF commander F-35As (F-001, FMS 09-5008 at Luke AFB, Arizona, for more follow-on order is new workstations for the
Lt Gen Dennis Luyt. and F-002, FMS 10-5019) pilot training. The final 29 expected. Kees van der Mark tactical display subsystem.
The latter system is able to
Final Luftwaffe Eurofighter… for now operate more sonobuoys

than its predecessor and
THE LATEST, and currently year with the loss of both Tranche 1 jets with new-build announced a proposal for a scan a broader range of
frequencies. The Wescam
the last, Eurofighter on order aircraft and one pilot. Tranche 3 platforms fitted new variant of the fighter to MX-20 electro-optical turret
for the Luftwaffe completed Airbus confirmed recently with active electronically succeed the Tornado ECR is now also fully integrated.
its maiden flight at Airbus that the German government scanned array (AESA) radar in the suppression of enemy Dassault will upgrade
Defence and Space facilities plans to replace its entire and updated software. air defences (SEAD) role. a further five aircraft by
in Manching, Bavaria, on fleet of Tranche 1 Eurofighters Meanwhile, Eurofighter This would be equipped 2023, while the remaining
October 28. The single- under Project Quadriga. is also in the running to with a pair of underwing 11 will be modernised by
seat jet, 31+53 (GS0113), The company said it was replace the Luftwaffe’s escort jammer pods, wingtip the defence ministry’s
is the final Tranche 3A close to signing a contract 85-strong Tornado IDS/ECR emitter locator stations and own aviation workshops.
aircraft for the service. with Berlin to replace the fleet, and Airbus recently MBDA’s SPEAR-EW weapon.
Germany ordered 112
single-seater Eurofighters,
excluding nine Tranche 1
aircraft that were diverted
to Austria and replaced
with new-build examples.
In addition, 30 two-
seaters were ordered.
The Luftwaffe received
32 aircraft from Tranche 1,
the last of which, 30+42,
was delivered to Neuburg
on March 20, 2008. There
followed 79 Tranche 2 jets,
while 31+53 is the last of 30
Tranche 3A jets that will be
delivered (Germany having Single-seat Eurofighter 31+53

decided not to procure its (GS0113), the final Luftwa e
Tranche 3A aircraft, at
38 Tranche 3B aircraft). Manching on October 28.
Two single-seat EF2000s Dr Andreas Zeitler
collided on June 24 this

12 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero



12-15 EuropeNews AFM Dec2019.indd 12 11/11/2019 13:56:51

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First RNLAF THE KONINKLIJKE Refueling Services (OARS);
Luchtmacht (Royal
T-235 will follow in 2021.
KDC-10 Netherlands Air Force, RNLAF) The KDC-10s will provide
the contractor with a new
completed a final mission
boom refuelling capability.
with KDC-10 serial T-264 Prins
withdrawn Bernard on November 1. The Douglas as a DC-10-30 at
Built by McDonnell
tanker-transport, operated by
334 Squadron at Eindhoven
Air Base, was officially Long Beach, California,
for Martinair Holland, c/n
withdrawn from service, 46985/264 was delivered as
but sister aircraft T-235 will PH-MBT in December 1978.
continue to operate until 2021. Through the years, Martinair
Both KDC-10s will ultimately leased the aircraft for short
make way for the eight A330 periods to airlines including
Multi-Role Tanker Transports Garuda Indonesia, Qantas,
(MRTT) being acquired KLM and World Airways.
under the Multinational The aircraft was sold to the
MRTT Fleet (MMF) – see RNLAF as T-264 in July 1992
also Intel Report, p30-34. and modified for military
Serial T-264 departed use as a tanker/transport.
for the US on November It had been flown by 334
4 where it will continue Squadron since September
Stephan de Bruijn to fly with Omega Aerial 1995. Stephan de Bruijn
First NH90 Sea Lion
delivered to Germany
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS facility in Bavaria on
has handed over the first October 24 and another
of 18 NH90 Sea Lion naval two will follow before
multi-role helicopters to the the end of the year.
Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, The Sea Lion was selected
Informationstechnik und as the successor to the Sea
Nutzung der Bundeswehr King in March 2013 and a
(BAAINBw, Federal Office corresponding contract was
of Bundeswehr Equipment, signed in June 2015. All
Information Technology 18 should be received by
and In-Service Support). 2022, replacing the fleet of
The initial aircraft, 79+54 21 Sea King Mk41s used by Deutsche Marine
(NGEN04), was delivered Marinefliegergeschwader
to the Deutsche Marine 5 (MFG 5) at Nordholz in Germany has also selected Frigate Helicopters (MRFH) warfare rotorcraft. Deliveries
(German Navy) at the the search and rescue and an undisclosed number of to replace its fleet of 22 Sea of the new batch of NH90s
company’s Donauwörth troop transport roles. additional NH90 Multi-Role Lynx Mk88A anti-submarine will begin in 2025.
Latest Norwegian NH90 delivered New Hips for Serbia















Above: Serial 12493 is one of the Serbian Air Force and Air
Defence’s three newly acquired Mi-17V-5s. Dimitrije Ostojić
Norwegian NH90 NFH serial 358, carrying Kystvakt (coast guard) titles and destined to join 337 THE RATNO mešovita helikopterska

Skvadron, takes o from De Kooy on September 30 after a weekend stop while on delivery to vazduhoplovstvo i eskadrila (890th Mixed
Bardufoss. Kees van der Mark protivvazduhoplovna Helicopter Squadron)
THE PENULTIMATE NH90 Norway ordered 14 NH90 of the NH90s in 2022 and odbrana (RV i PVO, since July 2016, in basic
Serbian Air Force and Air
unarmed configuration.
NATO Frigate Helicopter NFHs in November 2001, have all helicopters fully Defence) took delivery The three new helicopters,
(NFH) for the Forsvaret including eight for search operational by 2025. of three new Mi-17V-5 serials 12493, 12494 and
(Norwegian Armed Forces), and rescue and fisheries The NH90s are flown by helicopters at Batajnica air 12495, are in combat
serial 358 (c/n 1358, inspection operated on two Luftforsvaret (Royal base on October 16. The configuration with four
NNWN13), was delivered behalf of the coast guard Norwegian Air Force, Hips arrived in Serbia on external hardpoints,
from Leonardo Helicopters’ and six for anti-submarine RNoAF) squadrons. No 334 board a Russian An-124 ASO-2V flare dispensers
facility in Tessera, Italy, warfare used for the navy. Skvadron operates NH90s transport. The same day, and armour around the
on September 27. The The first arrived in Norway from Bardufoss air base the second of five H145M cabin and engines.
helicopter arrived at De in December 2011 and 11 and Haakonsvern naval helicopters contracted for Serials 12494 and 12495
Kooy Naval Air Station in have been delivered to date. base in support of the navy. the RV i PVO was ferry- are additionally equipped
the Netherlands later that Another two remain with Also at Bardufoss, 337 flown from Germany. with clamshell cargo
day. After a weekend stop, it the manufacturer for trials. Skvadron is tasked with Two previous Mi-17V-5s, doors that can be removed
continued its delivery flight Norway now expects to support flights for the coast serials 12491 and 12492, for paratrooper training.
to Norway on September 30. conclude the introduction guard. Kees van der Mark have served with the 890. Aleksandar Radić

www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 13



12-15 EuropeNews AFM Dec2019.indd 13 11/11/2019 13:56:59

NEWS Continental Europe





‘Carbon Warrior’ Eurofighter




























Eurofighter 31+18 ‘Carbon Warrior’ at Neuburg in mid-October. Mathias Grägel
THE LUFTWAFFE’S a new special scheme on TaktLwG 73 was the first schemed aircraft in having company. The aircraft
Taktisches Eurofighter 31+18 (AS011), operator, receiving its initial not been painted at all. has been confirmed to
Luftwaffengeschwader 73 to mark the 15th anniversary aircraft in 2004. Known as Instead the aircraft was foil- attend the Bundeswehr
(TaktLwG 73) ‘Steinhoff’, of the type in service ‘Carbon Warrior’, this is wrapped by base personnel Day next June 13, to be
based at Laage, has revealed with the German air arm. different to previous special- with support from a private held at its home base.
Three more ATR 72MPs LEONARDO HAS secured three units are expected
a contract worth over
to be supplied by 2022.
The first aircraft utilises
for Guardia di Finanza €150m to supply Italy’s an ATR 72-600 airframe
Guardia di Finanza (GdF,
originally ordered by
Financial Guard) with
another three ATR 72MP Avianca Argentina as
maritime patrol aircraft, plus LV-GUI, but which
logistic support services. never entered service
The October 9 agreement with the airline.
brings the total number On October 5 last year it
of ATR 72MPs ordered was ferried to Leonardo’s
by the service to four. main assembly and test
The initial deal – worth facility at Turin-Caselle,
around €44m – was Italy, to be converted for
signed in July 2018, and the maritime patrol role
the first aircraft should be and it made its first flight
Still in Avianca colours, ATR 72-600MP, wearing the experimental registration CSX62311, lands delivered by the end of in the new configuration
at Turin-Caselle on October 7, after a test flight that lasted almost three hours. Marco Rossi
this year; the remaining last September 23.
Anniversary markings for Norwegian F-35A



















Nate Leong
THIS LUFTFORSVARET markings on the outside As well as the Norwegian – apparently a reference operated by the 62nd
(Royal Norwegian Air of the nose gear door to flag, the markings on serial to a popular chocolate- Fighter Squadron at
Force, RNoAF) F-35A celebrate the air arm’s 5146 (AM-06, FMS 15-5146) flavoured milk brand. Luke Air Force Base,
recently received special 75th anniversary this year. include the word ‘Litago’ The jet is one of seven Arizona, for training.



14 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero



12-15 EuropeNews AFM Dec2019.indd 14 11/11/2019 13:57:05

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Email the news team at [email protected]



THE LUFTWAFFE’S Transall landmark for
Lufttransportgeschwader 63
(LTG 63, Air Transport Wing
painted C-160D to celebrate Lufttransportgeschwader 63
63) has prepared a specially
400,000 flight hours for the
type with the wing stationed
at Hohn in northern Germany.
The milestone was achieved
on August 26 and celebrations
took place at the base on
September 18. Transall 50+72
was decorated with special
markings for the event. The
first Transall touched down at
Hohn on June 13, 1968 and LTG
63 will continue operations
with the type until the end of
2021. The wing operates ten
Transalls; two of these are
deployed to Niamey in Mali,
of which one is in a medical
evacuation configuration. Marcus Fülber
Rare Spanish customs

Aviocar on show
FOR THE first and perhaps ‘72-63’ and T.12B-71 ‘72-
the last time, one of the C212 71’, all displaying the new
Aviocars operated by the registration system adopted
Ejército del Aire (Spanish by the air force. Ala 72 is the
Air Force) on behalf of last Spanish unit operating
the Servicio de Vigilancia the veteran CASA before
Aduanera (SVA, Customs its impending retirement,
Surveillance Service) using the type mainly for
participated in the National paratrooper training and light
Day parade over Madrid transport. In addition, a few
on October 12. Aviocar customs aircraft are operated
TR.12D-81 ‘72-24’ was part of by the unit for coastal patrol
Aviocar TR.12D-81 ‘72-24’ at Getafe on October 11. It was one of 76 military aircraft to participate a four-ship Ala 72 formation, and are easily distinguishable
in the National Day parade over Madrid alongside the SVA’s civilian-registered AS365N3 also comprising transports by their white, blue and
Dauphins. Roberto Yáñez T.12B-62 ‘72-62’, T.12B-63 grey livery. Roberto Yáñez
SIAI-MARCHETTI S208M as a lieutenant with the Italian

MM62007 ‘60-43’ heads a Air Force, Ferrarin, together 60° Stormo remembers epic flight
line-up of specially marked with his colleague Guido
aircraft of the Aeronautica Masiero, completed the 4,970-
Militare’s (Italian Air Force’s) mile (8,000km) flight from
60° Stormo (60th Wing), Rome to Tokyo in 109 flying
based at the historic Guidonia hours between February 14
air base, on the outskirts and May 31, 1920. The two
of Rome. The unit’s work pilots flew Ansaldo SVA 9
includes providing air two-seat biplanes, each
experience flights during carrying his own engineer. For
Corsi di Cultura Aeronautica the two-week deployment to
(aeronautical culture courses) Thiene, beginning on October
for high-school students. 17, the five S208Ms received
During the final session of celebratory stickers on the
the year five S208Ms were tailfins to commemorate next
deployed to the airfield at year’s centenary of the flight.
Thiene, near Vicenza in the These feature the face and
Veneto region, the birthplace signature of Ferrarin on a
of the pioneering aviator background of the Italian and
Arturo Ferrarin. While serving Japanese national colours. Daniele Mattiuzzo
In Brief

French Navy to acquire Falcon 50 used in this role. The Secretary of the US Air helicopters. Six Black Hawks quotation (RfQ) for the HX
Advanced Hawkeye Black Hawks Force Barbara Barrett has are due to replace the three fighter programme on October
The French defence ministry cleared for Croatia selected Luke Air Force Base, Hips and three AS365N3+ 31. The defence ministry sent
has confirmed plans to The US State Department Arizona, as the candidate Dauphins mainly used for the revised call for tenders
replace its three E-2C has approved the sale of two to host the Belgian F-35A search and rescue. A letter to Dassault Aviation (Rafale),
airborne early warning and UH-60M utility helicopters Foreign Military Sales Formal of offer and acceptance Eurofighter (Typhoon), Boeing
control aircraft with a similar to Croatia, adding to the pair Training Unit, for up to seven is expected to be signed (F/A-18E/F), Lockheed Martin
number of E-2Ds. An order already set to be donated by years, starting in 2023. A by the end of next year, (F-35A) and Saab (Gripen
for the Advanced Hawkeyes the US government next year. site survey will be competed leading to initial deliveries E/F) and confirmed a price
is expected next year, as is Announced on October 30, at the base later this year. by the end of 2024. cap of €10bn (US$11.15bn).
a contract for seven Falcon the potential Foreign Military Lithuania selects UH-60M Revised RfQ for HX Responses are to be
2000LXS Albatros maritime Sale is worth US$115m. Lithuania’s defence ministry fighter programme submitted by January 31,
surveillance aircraft to Belgian Lightning II has chosen the UH-60M to The Finnish Defence Forces leading to a final decision
replace the Guardian and training at Luke AFB replace its Soviet-era Mi-8 issued a revised request for on the platform in 2021.



www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 15



12-15 EuropeNews AFM Dec2019.indd 15 11/11/2019 13:57:08

NEWS North America





US uses Kobani Landing


Zone to aid withdrawal


A Tunner 60K Aircraft Cargo Loader shifting ammunition onto USAF/437th Airlift Wing C-17A 09-
9212 at the austere Kobani Landing Zone (KLZ) in northern Syria on October 21 as part of the
withdrawal of US forces from the region. USAF/Staff Sgt Joshua Hammock


















IN LATE October, USAF and equipment had been Operation Peace Spring. US DoD, showing a USAF
C-17As were being used to removed from the country. Despite the US withdrawal C-17A in northern Syria on E-8C JSTARS
facilitate the withdrawal of The austere airstrip at KLZ of the bulk of its troops, November 1 unloading M2A2
US forces from northern was built from scratch by in a slight reversal, US Bradley infantry fighting completes
Syria, following President US forces in 2016, when the Defense Secretary Mark vehicles from the US Army’s CENTCOM
Donald Trump’s October 621st Contingency Response Esper announced at a press 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry
6 order to pull out of the Group laid a runway with conference at the conclusion Regiment, 30th Armored mission
northeast of the country. a crushed rock surface of NATO meetings in Brigade Combat Team, North
For this purpose, the US to permit C-130 landings. Brussels on October 25 that Carolina Army National AFTER 18 years in
has kept open the Kobani This enabled the US to not all US personnel would Guard, attached to the 218th theatre, the USAF’s E-8C
Landing Zone (KLZ), located bring troops closer to the be leaving Syria. Esper Maneuver Enhancement Joint Surveillance Target
near the city of Kobani fighting during the retaking said the US will maintain Brigade, South Carolina Attack Radar System
(officially Ayn al-Arab) in of Raqqa from so-called a presence at the Al-Tanf Army National Guard. The (JSTARS) has departed
the Aleppo governorate, 90 Islamic State. The airstrip garrison. He continued: “We location of the airstrip the US Central Command
miles (145km) north of Raqqa initially saw limited use, due are also considering how we used was not revealed, (CENTCOM) area of
and immediately south of to the condition of its runway might reposition forces in the but informed sources responsibility. The second
Syria’s northern border with surface, but in 2017 the 621st area in order to ensure the indicate it was Jabal Ghul, longest deployment in the
Turkey. Images released returned and upgraded it to oil fields. We are reinforcing 18 miles (30km) northwest service’s history came to
by the US Department of enable it to take any type that position, and it will of Hasakah, the capital of an end on October 1 with
Defense (DoD) show C-17As of aircraft operated by the include some mechanised the Al-Hasakah governate the completion of the final
being loaded with equipment DoD, including the C-17A. forces and I am not going in the extreme northeast sortie from Al Udeid Air
at KLZ on October 23 and The controversial to get into details. The of Syria. The mechanised Base, Qatar. The mission
25. These included various withdrawal left the way United States will maintain infantry will support was flown by Col Konata
Mine-Resistant Ambush open for Turkey to begin a reduced presence in Syria Combined Joint Task Force- Crumbly, 116th Air Control
Protected vehicles, four- its offensive into northeast to deny ISIS access to oil Operation Inherent Resolve Wing (ACW) commander.
wheel-drive pick-ups, Syria, which begin on revenue as we reposition (CJTF-OIR) and partner JSTARS had been
containers and pallets of October 9 with Turkish Air for the next phase of the with Syrian Democratic continually deployed
ammunition. The landing Force strikes on Syrian Defeat-ISIS campaign.” Forces to deny IS access to the CENTCOM area
strip was due to remain in border towns, beginning This was confirmed by to critical infrastructure in of responsibility since
use until all necessary troops what Turkey has named images released later by the eastern Syria. Dave Allport November 2001. In the
process, the aircraft flew
10,938 sorties, equivalent
‘Triple Nickel’ to 114,426.6 combat
flying hours in support of
F-16s deploy operations in the Middle
East and Southwest Asia
to Al Udeid that included Enduring
Freedom, Iraqi Freedom,
AS PART of US plans to Freedom’s Sentinel
boost its current air power and Inherent Resolve.
assets in the Middle East, Team JSTARS was
an unspecified number of established at Robins
USAF F-16Cs have been Air Force Base, Georgia,
deployed to Al Udeid Air on October 1, 2002, as
Base, Qatar. The aircraft are the air force’s first ‘total
from the 31st Fighter Wing’s force initiative’ wing. It
555th Fighter Squadron comprises the Georgia
‘Triple Nickel’ at Aviano Air Air National Guard’s
Base, Italy. The unit’s F-16s Above: Airmen prepare USAF F-16C 89-2152 ‘AV’ of the 31st Fighter Wing/555th Fighter Squadron 116th ACW, Air Combat
departed from Aviano for ‘Triple Nickel’ for departure from Aviano on October 28, for a deployment to Al Udeid AB. USAF/ Command’s 461st ACW,
Al Udeid on October 28 Airman 1st Class Caleb House and the active-duty Army
to participate in ongoing Another USAF F-16 unit 79th Fighter Squadron Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, Intelligence and Security
combat operations in support deployed to support Central ‘Tigers’ from Shaw Air Force on October 25 to join the Command’s 138th Military
of US Central Command’s Command operations has Base, South Carolina. The 455th Air Expeditionary Intelligence Company.
379th Air Expeditionary Wing. been the 20th Fighter Wing’s Squadron’s F-16Cs arrived at Wing. Dave Allport



16 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero



16-18 NAmericaNews AFM Dec2019.indd 16 11/11/2019 16:47:06

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US Army’s latest Atlantic Resolve aviation rotation


A US Army combat aviation took place on November 1. Unloading began the next reconnaissance battalion (ARB, CAV), UH-60M (AHB)
brigade (CAB) rotation took American Roll-on Roll-off day. The vessel offloaded (ARB), an assault helicopter and UH-60L, HH-60M
place in October between the Carrier (ARC) ship Endurance 37 helicopters in Zeebrugge battalion (AHB), a general and CH-47F (GSAB). The
outgoing 1st CAB stationed at transported the 3rd CAB and then continued to Volos support aviation battalion cavalry squadrons also fly
Marshall Army Airfield, Kansas, helicopters, vehicles and other in Greece to deliver the (GSAB) and a squadron the AH-64D/E, which has
and the incoming 3rd CAB equipment from Savannah, remaining 80 helicopters. from a cavalry regiment replaced the OH-58D in
from Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, and arrived at Normal composition of a (CAV). The battalions are the armed reconnaissance
Georgia. The deployment of Zeebrugge on October 14. CAB consists of an attack equipped with the AH-64D/E role. Manolito Jaarsma
the 3rd CAB to Europe was
announced by the US Army on
August 16. Simultaneously, the
2nd Armored Brigade Combat
Team (ABCT) based at Fort
Hood, Texas, arrived in Europe.
NATO host nation support
was provided by Belgium
(the port of Zeebrugge
and Chièvres air base) and
Greece (port of Volos) for the
incoming and the Netherlands
(Eindhoven AB and the port
of Rotterdam) for the outgoing
aviation rotation. A transfer of
authority between both CABs AH-64D 09-05602 of the 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment ‘Blackjack’ at Zeebrugge on October 16. Manolito Jaarsma
Final RFP for USAF’s new light THE USAF released final Command (AFSOC) from
requests for proposal (RfP) for its headquarters at Hurlburt
attack aircraft a limited number of Textron Field, Florida, to develop an
Aviation AT-6 Wolverine and
instructor pilot programme
Sierra Nevada Corporation/
for the Combat Aviation
Embraer Defense & Security Advisory mission, to meet
A-29 Super Tucano aircraft on increased partner nation
October 24. According to a requests for light attack
statement from the Secretary assistance. Meanwhile, the
of the Air Force Barbara Wolverines will be flown
Barrett, the service plans by Air Combat Command
to purchase “two to three” at Nellis Air Force Base,
light attack aircraft from each Nevada, for continued testing
manufacturer to support the and development of frontline
National Defense Strategy’s tactics and standards for
focus on “building allies and exportable, tactical networks
partner capacity, capability that improve interoperability
and interoperability via with international partners.
USAF Capt Matthew Clayton, an 81st Fighter Squadron instructor pilot, flies an A-29 over Moody training and experimentation” . Contract award is
Air Force Base, Georgia. Currently, the 81st FS is the only A-29 squadron in the air force, but The Super Tucanos expected by the end of the
more examples of the type will be added to the inventory at Hurlburt Field. USAF/Senior Airman will be operated by Air year for the A-29 and in
Ryan Callaghan Force Special Operations early 2020 for the AT-6.
‘Panthers’ Strike Eagles US Navy C-40 deliveries complete
arrive at Al Dhafra US NAVAL Air Systems at Naval Air Station North for flight’ certification.
Command announced the Island, California. At least one C-40 is always
last two deliveries for the As well as completing its deployed to US Central
US Navy’s C-40 fleet after current planned aircraft Command (CENTCOM),
the Tactical Airlift Program procurements, the US US European Command
Office (PMA-207) took Navy’s Clipper fleet added (EUCOM) and US Pacific
delivery of the service’s a sixth squadron recently, Command (PACOM) areas
16th aircraft in June and when VR-51 ‘Windjammers’ of operation and over the
17th aircraft on September received two C-40s at past year, the C-40 fleet
26. The navy’s latest C-40A Marine Corps Air Station logged 24,374 hours of
will be assigned to the Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. flight time, completed
US Naval Reserve’s Fleet The squadron became 1,555 missions, transported
Logistics Support Squadron fully operational in October, 95,746 passengers and
57 (VR-57) ‘Conquistadors’ following receipt of its ‘safe 20,012,934 tons of cargo.


Above: USAF F-15Es from the 494th Fighter Squadron taxi to
park on their arrival at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates.
USAF/Tech Sgt Kat Justen
AIR COMBAT Command RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk.
announced that USAF F-15Es The jets join a variety of
from the 494th Fighter aircraft at Al Dhafra that
Squadron ‘Panthers’ arrived includes additional F-15Es
at Al Dhafra Air Base, United (from Seymour Johnson Air
Arab Emirates on October Force Base, North Carolina),
18. The Strike Eagles were KC-10s, E-3s, U-2s and An aircraft handler directs a C-40A Clipper on the flight line at
deployed by the squadron’s RQ-4s to support ongoing Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas, in July.
US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jose R Jaen
parent 48th Fighter Wing at operations in the region.


www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 17



16-18 NAmericaNews AFM Dec2019.indd 17 11/11/2019 16:47:12

NEWS North America





F-35Bs train en masse with USS America



























Above: Thirteen F-35Bs from VMFA-122 arranged on board amphibious assault ship USS ‘America’ during routine operations in the
eastern Pacific on October 8. US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chad Swysgood Barksdale
AT LEAST 13 F-35Bs took Fighter Attack Squadron Lt Col John Dirk, across a range of mission B-52s at
part in a routine period of 122 (VMFA-122) ‘Flying commanding officer, VMFA- sets.” Over a two-week
training on board the US Leathernecks’, part of the 122, explained: “We were period, the USMC Lightning Fairford
Navy’s amphibious assault 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I able to sustain a high II detachment tested
ship USS America (LHA Marine Expeditionary Force. sortie rate with a high sortie rates, deck cycles USAF B-52Hs from
6) in the eastern Pacific in The deployment involved condition of readiness, and multi-ship control as Barksdale Air Force Base,
October. The Lightning IIs the largest number of while interoperating with part of a joint US Navy- Louisiana, arrived at RAF
were assigned to Marine F-35s ever put to sea. multiple ships and aircraft Marine Corps team. Fairford, Gloucestershire,
for a scheduled bomber
Six F-35s depart Edwards for Nellis task force deployment
on October 10. The
bombers comprised
60-0025, 60-0006,
AIR FORCE Materiel Nevada to continue initial Initial Operational Test and the F-35 Joint Operational 60-0024 and 60-0028 of
Command announced the operational testing. The Evaluation (IOT&E) of the Test Team. By consolidating the 20th and 96th Bomb
departure of six F-35s from move came after Edwards- Lightning II. The 31st TES, F-35 test fleets at Nellis, the Squadrons (BS), using
Edwards Air Force Base, based 31st Test and whose parent unit is the operational test programme the callsigns ‘BRIG 01
California in October, as the Evaluation Squadron (TES) 53rd Wing out of Eglin AFB will be able to launch larger to 04’. The deployment
jets relocate to Nellis AFB, completed their portion of in Florida, served as part of numbers of instrumented by the 2nd Bomb Wing
aircraft. The six F-35s have (BW) follows a previous
been assigned to the 422nd deployment of B-52s from
TES at Nellis. Meanwhile, Barksdale’s 307th BW to
the 31st TES will continue Fairford in September.
to work on operational test While in England, the
for legacy bomber as well as 2nd BW Stratofortresses
command and control and conducted “integration and
intelligence, surveillance interoperability training”
and reconnaissance with allies in the region,
(C2ISR) programmes. according to a Air Force
Left: F-35A 11-5021 ‘OT’ parked Global Strike Command
prior to its final flight out of press release. The
Edwards AFB on October 7. It bombers began to depart
is one of six jets that have been Fairford on November 8,
reassigned to the 422nd Test but at that point, 60-0024
and Evaluation Squadron at was still at the base.
Nellis. USAF/Giancarlo Casem
23rd Wing ‘heritage

jet’ at Moody AFB


SEEN DURING preparations Angels’ on a tail painted in
for the Thunder over South the Thunderbolt II’s early
Georgia open house at ‘European One’ camouflage.
Moody Air Force Base, The three squadrons of
Georgia, A-10C 80-0241 ‘FT’ the wing comprised the
carries the patches of the original 1st American
23rd Wing’s three historic Volunteer Group that flew
fighter squadrons: the 1st P-40s at the beginning
Pursuit Squadron ‘Adam & of World War Two in the
Eve’; 2nd Pursuit Squadron Pacific theatre and which
‘Panda Bears’; and 3rd subsequently evolved into
Pursuit Squadron ‘Hell’s today’s 23rd Fighter Group. Nate Leong



18 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero



16-18 NAmericaNews AFM Dec2019.indd 18 11/11/2019 17:00:55

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Russian Tu-160s visit South Africa


















Serial RF-94112/‘04 Red’, named ‘Ivan Yarygin’, was the first of the two Tu-160s to arrive at AFB Waterkloof on October 23. v1 images/Jono Druion
A PAIR of Vozdushno- near Pretoria, escorted signed by the respective airspace of seven African Waterkloof after an official
Kosmicheskiye Sily by three South African Air defence ministries in 1995 countries and involved send-off, landing at O R
Rossiyskoy Federatsii (VKS, Force Hawk Mk120s and – the visit was timed to aerial refuelling over the Tambo International Airport
Russian Aerospace Forces) a pair of Gripens flying coincide with the first Caspian Sea. The bombers near Johannesburg several
Tu-160 strategic bombers from AFB Makhado. Russia-Africa summit in the were supported by VKS hours later. The Blackjacks
have visited South Africa for The bombers within the Black Sea city of Sochi. Il-62 RA-86498 and An-124 then performed a flight over
the first time. The Blackjacks VKS ‘air group’ arrived in Lasting over 12 hours, RF-82034 which arrived at the Indian Ocean before
– RF-94112/‘04 Red’ and South Africa on October the flight from Engels air Waterkloof on the 22nd. refuelling at O R Tambo IAP
RF-94102/‘02 Red’ – landed 23 under a bilateral military base to Waterkloof took On October 26, the and heading back to Russia
at Air Force Base Waterkloof co-operation agreement the Tu-160s across the two bombers departed the following morning.
Il-76MD-90A programme

makes progress


RUSSIA’S UNITED join the 235 Voyenno- initial phase of factory flight
Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Transportnyy Aviatsionnyy tests. Programme director
announced on October Polk (235 VTAP, 235th at Aviastar, Valery Tokarev,
23 that the Ulyanovsk Military Transport Aviation said some equipment and
Aircraft Manufacturing Regiment), based at systems on the aircraft
Enterprise JSC Aviastar- Ulyanovsk. As previously underwent significant
SP, a subsidiary of the UAC reported, the sixth aircraft, changes, although he did
Transport Aviation Division, RF-78657 (c/n 0202), was not provide more details. Above: The fourth Il-76MD-90A from 2019 production in the
has completed manufacture handed over to the VKS at It was also brought up factory at Ulyanovsk, where it was completed and rolled out on
of the next Il-76MD-90A Ulyanovsk on August 30 to the latest tactical and October 23. UAC Below: The first prototype Il-76MD-90A, 78650
for the VKS at Ulyanovsk. – see Sixth Il-76-MD90A technical requirements (c/n 0102), being towed out of the Aviastar plant at Ulyanovsk
The heavy transport has delivered, November, p20. of the customer. on October 18 after completion of a series of additional
been transferred to the Separately, UAC announced The aircraft has now modifications and upgrades. UAC
flight-testing station to on October 18 that a series been passed to the
undergo fuel system tests of improvements has been flight-test station where
prior to its first flight. applied to the first prototype it will resume trials.
The aircraft was the fourth Il-76MD-90A, 78650 After performing factory
example built under the 2019 (c/n 0102) by Aviastar at flight tests, it will be flown
production programme as Ulyanovsk and it will shortly from Ulyanovsk-Vostochny
part of a contract with the resume joint flight tests. International Airport to the
Russian defence ministry These modifications followed Ilyushin facility at Zhukovsky,
and is the seventh Il-76MD- analysis of both the first for the second stage of state
90A overall. It will shortly stage of state tests and the joint tests. Dave Allport
Russia may move Su-34 production from Novosibirsk

RUSSIA IS considering ending 14-16 aircraft annually, but main production site at (temporarily at Buturlinovka), UCAVs. Although work on the
military aircraft production work is nearing completion. KnAAZ, which is currently 277 SAP at Khurba, 559th previously out-of-production
at Novosibirsk. The proposal There are just four more manufacturing the Su-35S Bomber Aviation Regiment Tu-160 has been limited, a
would see closure of the to be delivered, which will and preparing for series at Morozovsk and the January 2018 contract for ten
Su-34 production line there, bring total NAPO Su-34 production of the Su-57. 968th Research Instructor new-production Tu-160M2s
with the aircraft instead production to 134. The next NAPO has delivered Su-34s Composite Aviation is bringing further work
being manufactured at order, expected to be signed to five VKS regiments; most Regiment at Lipetsk. to Novosibirsk. This was
the Komsomolsk-on-Amur in early 2020, will be for recently, three jets were There would almost certainly confirmed on October 28,
Aircraft Plant (KnAAZ). The 48 examples. However, the delivered to Chelyabinsk- be opposition to closure of the when the United Aircraft
proposal was revealed in the low volume of production Shagol on October 2, NAPO factory, and it is likely Corporation announced
Russian press on October 8. – only six aircraft per year – bringing the total there to that, should Su-34 production that NAPO had completed
A 100bn rouble contract means keeping the NAPO 24 and completing the full be moved, alternative work manufacture of the first two-
signed in 2012 for 92 production line open won’t complement of the resident would be found for the engine bay compartment
Su-34s for the VKS has kept be financially viable. 21st Composite Aviation plant. The factory already for the initial aircraft on the
the Novosibirsk Aircraft A defence ministry source Division’s 2nd Composite manufactures various new Tu-160M2 production
Production Association told the media that it will Aviation Regiment (2 structural components for the line at Tupolev’s Kazan
(NAPO) ‘V P Chkalov’ be more cost effective to SAP). The type is also in Sukhoi SuperJet and Tu-160 Aviation Plant ‘S P Gorbunov’ ,
plant busy for the last few produce Su-34s for the service with the 47 SAP bomber, while in the future to where it has now been
years, with an output of new order at Sukhoi’s at Voronezh-Baltimor it may assemble Okhotnik delivered. Dave Allport



www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 19



19 RussiaNews AFM Dec2019.indd 19 11/11/2019 10:48:24

NEWS Middle East







Fifty years Israel’s ‘Air Force One’ takes flight Chinook
of the Yas’ur d eal for UAE

BOEING IS close to selling
the United Arab Emirates
Air Force and Air Defence
ten more Chinooks. During
an interview with US Army
Secretary Ryan McCarthy,
quoted by Bloomberg
News on October 22,
McCarthy said: “I believe
we will be in the position
Israel’s ‘Air Force One’, 4X-ISR here very shortly to take the

takes o on its maiden next step for notification
flight. The aircraft has been
Anthony Hershko o icially named ‘Wing of to Congress” of the

proposed sale to the UAE.
THE ISRAELI Air Force (IAF) Zion’. Yissachar Ruas The UAEAF&AD currently
has marked a half-century THE LATEST governmental in service, the 767 will carry Hill, after which it was put operates 20 CH-47Fs,
of operations by its Sikorsky transport for the Israeli Air Israeli prime ministers and into storage in November operated by Joint Aviation
CH-53 Yas’ur helicopter. The Force (IAF), Boeing 767- presidents on overseas trips. 2013. New equipment Command’s 25 Group
first CH-53D models arrived 300ER 4X-ISR (c/n 30186, line Acquisition of the aircraft added by IAI includes and based at Sas Al
in Israel on October 26, number 796), has completed and refurbishment by Israel self-defence systems and Nakheel, Abu Dhabi.
1969 and joined 114 ‘Night its first flight after being Aerospace Industries (IAI) secure communications. Also in service are eight
Leaders’ Squadron, which painted in its new livery. First reportedly cost US$206m. The first test flight followed Italian-built, former Libyan
had previously operated delivered to Qantas in 2000, The twinjet arrived in an earlier runway test CH-47Cs, upgraded
the Super Frelon. Today, the airliner returned to the air Israel in 2016 after service interrupted by a brake to CH-47C+ standard
the Yas’ur fleet serves with at Ben-Gurion International with the Australian flag- malfunction on the left main before entering service
both the 114th and the 118 Airport on November 3. Once carrier as VH-OGV Swan undercarriage on October 31. in 2006. Dave Allport
‘Night Riders’ Squadron.

A total of 55 CH-53Ds
were eventually delivered, 35 First flight for Iran’s Kowsar-88/Yasin
new-build examples being
followed by two ex-Austrian IRAN HAS flown a prototype
aircraft and 18 ex-US Marine of the Iran Aviation Industries
Corps aircraft delivered Organization’s (IAIO’s)
in two batches. A further Kowsar-88 advanced jet
eight ex-USMC examples trainer, now renamed the
were delivered from 1993 Yasin. The maiden flight is
for spares recovery and a thought to have taken place
further five more in 2013. on October 15 at the 3rd
Sixteen were lost to attrition. Tactical Air Base at Hamadan-
Examples in service today Nojeh. It was formally
include Yas’ur 037, one of the unveiled there the following
first to arrive in Israel in 1969. day during a ceremony The Yasin jet trainer, formerly known
The helicopter has been attended by defence minister as the Kowsar-88, during its maiden
subject to successive Brigadier General Ali Hatami, flight from Hamadan. FARS News Agency
upgrades, including commander of the Islamic
replacement of the engines, Republic of Iran Air Force was first unveiled in a it makes much use of close air support missions,
rotors, cockpit displays and (IRIAF) Brigadier General ceremony on April 15, 2017, components stripped from although to date there has
communication systems. A Aziz Nasirzadeh and vice- at the Iranian Helicopter retired IRIAF F-5A/Bs. The been no indication that any
batch of 37 existing CH-53D president for science and Support and Renewal IRIAF reported in 2017 attempt has been made
Yas’urs were upgraded to technology Sorena Sattari. Company’s No 1 Plant that it plans to acquire 50 to weaponise the type.
Yas’ur 2000 standard during Development of the aircraft north of Tehran-Mehrabad production Yasins for use Service entry is tentatively
the late 1990s. An attrition by the IAIO’s Aerospace International Airport – see as advanced jet trainers. set for 2023, although it
loss occurred on July 26, Research Center had been Iran’s Kowsar-88 trainer More recently, the IRIAF has remains to be seen whether
2010 during an exercise in under way for many years unveiled, July 2017, p24. shown interest in using it it even reaches series
Romania, resulting in seven and the incomplete prototype Although a new design, as a light attack aircraft for production. Dave Allport
fatalities. Four more were

sold to Mexico from 2005. Kuwaiti H225M begins flight testing
From 2008, conversions
to Yas’ur 2025 began. AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
Today, 22 of these are in announced on October 18
service alongside five of that the first H225Ms for
the earlier Yas’ur 2000 Kuwait have started flight
versions. However, a lack testing, ahead of planned
of spare parts means that delivery later this year.
items have to be regularly Kuwait ordered 30 H225Ms
switched between airframes in August 2016 for use by
to maintain serviceability. the Kuwait Air Force (KAF)
The IAF’s Yas’ur Division and the Kuwait National
has now exceeded the Guard, although the exact The initial Kuwaiti H225 was
10,000 flight-hour limit split between the two seen in production during
originally designated services is unconfirmed. 2018 and the first completed
by the manufacturer. Kuwaiti plans to order 24 aircraft was seen pre-
Talks are currently H225Ms were announced by delivery in August this year.
under way regarding a the Elysée Palace in Paris in Airbus Helicopters
replacement for the Yas’ur, June 2015, with the contract was not until August the helicopters, an extra six initial delivery was expected
with the CH-47F and said to be signed “as soon following year that a contract having been added to the in 29 months, with the final
CH-53K both in the running. as possible”. However, it was finally signed, for 30 original requirement. The example after 48 months.



20 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero



20-21 News AFM Dec2019.indd 20 11/11/2019 10:51:38

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Email the news team at [email protected]



United Uruguayan Air Argentina
States signs contract
donates Force open for four US
Bell 212 to house surplus P-3Cs
Uruguay ARGENTINA IS to acquire
four surplus US Navy P-3Cs
from the US government.
On September 27, the
country’s defence minister,
Oscar Aguad, said that a
purchase agreement has
been concluded for the
aircraft, which will replace
the current Comando de
Aviación Naval (COAN,
Argentine Naval Aviation
Command) fleet of six
P-3Bs, all of which are
Above: The new FAU Bell 212 The afternoon of the open house at Pando included an now non-operational. The
seen at Huntsville, Alabama, aerobatic performance by the Escuadrilla Tango team, current Orions require
while being refurbished comprising four F-260EUs from the EMA. Esteban G Brea expensive upgrades
prior to handover from the THE FUERZA Aérea Marchetti F-260EU. The Infraestructura Aeronáutica and major structural
US government. The origin Uruguaya (FAU, Uruguayan Escuadrón Aéreo No 3 (DINACIA, the country’s refurbishment, including
of the airframe is currently Air Force) staged an open (Transporte) from Carrasco civil aviation and aviation main spar replacement,
unclear. FAU house event at the Escuela provided a C212-300 Aviocar, infrastructure directorate) and it was determined that
THE US government has Militar de Aeronáutica which was part of the static with a TB-10 Tobago, the purchase of newer, second-
donated a Bell 212 to the (EMA, Military Aeronautics display, as well as delivering FAU’s Escuadrón Aéreo No 7 hand P-3Cs that have only
Fuerza Aérea Uruguaya School) in Pando city, paratroopers and performing (Observación y Enlace) with recently been retired by the
(FAU, Uruguayan Air Force). Canelones on October 6. a flypast. The Carrasco- a Cessna U-206H Stationair US Navy would be cheaper.
The FAU announced The event provided visitors based Escuadrón Aéreo and the Escuadrón de Vuelo Negotiations with the US
on October 27 that it with a close look at various No 5 (Helicópteros) was Avanzado (EVA, Advanced Navy for the purchase had
anticipated taking delivery FAU aircraft, with EMA also present with a UH-1H Flying Squadron) with a been ongoing since 2016.
of the helicopter, valued static exhibits comprising that made a search-and- PC-7U. These types were Aguad said that the
at approximately US$3m, examples of the Beechcraft rescue demonstration. all on static display before COAN had also considered
around November 22 at UB-58 Baron, LET L-13 Other units deployed making several passes on purchasing two new
Huntsville International Blaník, Piper PA-18-150 were the Dirección departure for their home Airbus C295MPAs, but a
Airport, Alabama. Super Cub and a SIAI- Nacional de Aviación Civil e units. Esteban G Brea number of factors swayed
The new aircraft will join the decision in favour of
the four FAU Bell 212s the P-3Cs. These included
currently operated by More Peruvian Frogfoots refurbished easier conversion training,
Brigada Aérea 1’s Escuadrón A VISIT to the facilities of the plus the P-3C’s longer
Aéreo No 5 (Helicópteros) Servicio de Mantenimiento endurance and greater
at Carrasco International de la Fuerza Aérea del Perú weapons payload.
Airport/General Cesáreo (SEMAN) at Base Aérea Las Local media reports say
L Berisso (Montevideo- Palmas in Lima in October that the deal stipulates that
Canelones). Two of these provided an update on local the four P-3Cs allocated for
are deployed with the Su-25 refurbishment efforts. the COAN must not have
Uruguayan Aviation Unit Under the programme, ten been out of active US Navy
(URUAVU) at Bukavu in of the 18 aircraft received service for more than two
the Democratic Republic of are to undergo a major years prior to delivery. First
the Congo, supporting the inspection and refurbishment. consignments are expected
United Nations Organization A US$32m contract was to take place next year.
Stabilization Mission in the signed with Rosoboronexport Above: Peruvian Air Force Su-25 ‘71’ at SEMAN’s facilities in Las The contract, reportedly
Democratic Republic of the in December 2014. Of this, Palmas. Ian French valued at around $60m,
Congo (MONUSCO). After US$15.5m is allocated for The first aircraft to complete The fourth aircraft, includes four additional
completion of evaluation by repair of major assemblies the programme, Su-25 ‘070’ Su-25 ‘071’, is currently aircraft to be used for
FAU personnel in the US, and accessories, US$8.2m (which took six months), being worked on and was spares, plus further spares
the additional helicopter for new brake parachutes, returned to service in August scheduled for delivery in and technical equipment.
was expected to be shipped spare parts and technical last year and a total of three December. The next aircraft The P-3Cs will be
to Uruguay at the end manuals and US$8.3m for have now been delivered will be ‘075’, ‘077’, ‘078’, operated by the COAN’s
of November, soon after the overhaul of 20 R-95Sh (Su-25UBs ‘085’ in March ‘079’, ‘080’ and ‘087’, the former P-3B unit – the
which it is scheduled engines. This equates to this year and ‘083’ in August latter two being Su-25UBs. Escuadrilla Aeronaval de
to be deployed to the US$3.2m per aircraft and will 2019). For the third aircraft, Currently only one aircraft Exploración, stationed at
DRC to join the URUAVU cover six single-seat Su-25s ‘083’, the programme length is being worked on at Base Aeronaval Almirante
detachment. Dave Allport and four two-seat Su-25UBs. was reduced to four months. a time. Ian French Zar, Trelew. Dave Allport
In Brief

A-Darter missile in Brasília on September considering employing its AS332F Super Pumas. (or AV-TM 300) surface-to-
formally qualified 26. The missile has been fleet of four AS365Fi Dauphin Brazilian Air Force surface missile, the weapon
Certification authorities from integrated, qualified and 2s for tactical missions on developing cruise missile has undergone integration
Brazil and South Africa have cleared for South African JAS board its new-generation The Brazilian Air Force has tests on the central pylon of
given final approval for the 39C/D Gripens and will arm warships. The former Irish Air revealed a programme to an F-5M fighter. The 186-mile
A-Darter infrared-guided Brazil’s Gripen E/F fighters. Corps rotorcraft are currently develop a long-range air- (300km) range missile will
short-range air-to-air missile. Chilean Navy Dauphin 2s used for utility work but could launched cruise missile, the feature inertial/GPS guidance
Joint type certificates were may gain tactical mission be upgraded to complement MICLA-BR. An air-launched and an image correlation
awarded to the company The Chilean Navy is the fleet of five seagoing development of the MTC-300 system for terminal navigation.



www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 21



20-21 News AFM Dec2019.indd 21 11/11/2019 10:51:48

NEWS Australasia





First grey PC-21s arrive in Australia In Brief


RAAF Globemaster
repaired
A Royal Australian
Air Force C-17A has
been repaired in the
US under the Aircraft
Repair and Maintenance
Service – Implementing
Arrangement (ARMS-IA),
which allows technicians
from the RAAF and
USAF to work on each
other’s aircraft. The No 36
Squadron Globemaster
RAAF PC-21s A54-045/HB-HWS in ARDU markings and A54- had suffered a cracked
046/HB-HWT in No 4 Squadron colours at Adelaide on October engine inlet during a
27 during their delivery flight. Nathan Rundle mission to Elmendorf Air
Force Base, Alaska in late
PILATUS HAS delivered the Research and Development and as chase aircraft, while 27. After a night stop, they August and repairs took
first two grey-painted PC-21s Unit (ARDU) stationed at No 4 Squadron will employ continued on the last leg of place at McChord AFB,
to the Royal Australian Air RAAF Base Edinburgh, South the type in the forward their journey the following Washington, in September.
Force (RAAF), all previous Australia, plus A54-046/ air control training role. morning, flying to RAAF Base RNZAF Orion deployed
aircraft having been in HB-HWT in the markings After their ferry flight, East Sale, Victoria. The final The Royal New Zealand
bright red and white training of No 4 Squadron at RAAF which left Stans, Switzerland three aircraft were due to Air Force deployed a
colours. The new arrivals Base Williamtown, New on October 18, the aircraft follow around a month later, P-3K2 maritime patrol
comprised A54-045/ South Wales. The ARDU arrived at Adelaide Airport, completing the RAAF order aircraft to support the
HB-HWS for the Aircraft will use the aircraft for trials South Australia, on October for 49 aircraft. Dave Allport implementation of
UN Security Council
PC-9s RAAF Poseidon deployed to Middle East resolutions that imposed
sanctions against North
head for A ROYAL Australian Air the Poseidon employed the region, boost security Korea in an attempt to
persuade its government
and provide an advanced
Force (RAAF) P-8A maritime its surveillance and
disposal surveillance aircraft arrived intelligence-gathering maritime patrol and to denuclearise and
abandon its ballistic
capabilities to help maintain
at Al Minhad Air Base in
surveillance capability.”
WITH NEW PC-21 aircraft the United Arab Emirates the freedom of navigation Under Operation Accordion, missiles and other
arriving for the Royal – the Australian Defence through the strategically the P-8A was deployed for weapons programmes.
Australian Air Force’s Force’s main operating important Strait of Hormuz, one month within the ADF’s The Orion conducted
(RAAF’s) Aircraft Research base in the Middle East – which separates the Gulf Air Task Group – the first maritime surveillance from
and Development on October 15 to conduct of Oman and the Persian time an RAAF Poseidon Kadena Air Base, Japan,
Unit (ARDU) and No 4 operations in support of Gulf. Reynolds said: “The aircraft had operated from mid-October to
Squadron, both units have the International Maritime P-8A will work alongside in the Middle East. The November. New Zealand
retired their PC-9/As. Security Construct (IMSC). our coalition partners to RAAF previously deployed previously deployed a
The last pair of No 4 According to Minister for ensure the safe passage of AP-3C Orions to the region P-3 in support of the
Squadron PC-9/A(F) Defence Linda Reynolds, merchant vessels through between 2003 and 2012. sanctions from September
aircraft, A23-031 and A23- to October last year.
032, departed from RAAF RAAF to fit Super
Base Williamtown, New Hornets with IRST
South Wales on October The Royal Australian Air
21, making a formation Force is to equip its F/A-
flight over local landmarks 18Fs with the same AN/
before flying to RAAF ASG-34 podded infrared
Base Wagga, New South search and track (IRST)
Wales, where they were system as carried by US
formally retired. The ferry Navy Super Hornets.
flight started with a flyover The RAAF P-8A taxies after landing at Al Minhad AB. LSIS Craig Walton/Commonwealth of Australia A sources-sought
of Salt Ash Air Weapons notification issued by the
Range before heading Australian US Naval Air Systems
south along the coast Command on October
and overhead Sydney Army Black 2 calls for 12 IRST
Harbour and then across systems for installation
to the Blue Mountains on H awks on the RAAF’s fleet of
their way to RAAF Base 24 Super Hornets.
Wagga. Williamtown’s support Babcock bid to
No 4 Squadron used support Australian
the four modified PC-9/ counter- SOF helicopters
A(F) forward air control Babcock Australasia
variants for the training terrorism has confirmed it will bid
and development A 6th Aviation Regiment S-70A-9 Black Hawk flies low over to provide services for
the Sydney central business district in support of counter-
of Joint Terminal training terrorism training. Roy Choo the Australian Defence
Attack Controllers. Force’s special operations
in southwestern Sydney,
being transitioned to the
On October 25, ARDU’s S-70A-9 BLACK Hawk in southwestern Sydney, being transitioned to the helicopter (SOH) capability
three aircraft – A23-007, helicopters of the Australian New South Wales, the MRH90 Taipan. In efforts under the LAND 2097
A23-045 and A23-062 Army’s 6th Aviation regiment operates the to enhance special forces Phase 4 project, which
– made a final formation Regiment were involved in remaining fleet of fewer air assault capability, involves providing
flypast as they left RAAF counter-terrorism training than 20 Black Hawks in the Australian Defence acquisition, training and
Base Edinburgh, South over Sydney Harbour and support of the army’s Special Department is also seeking sustainment services at
Australia, for Avalon associated waterways Operations Command. 16 light special operations Holsworthy Barracks, New
Airport, Victoria, where from mid-September to The type is planned to be support helicopters likely South Wales, for a fleet of
they too were retired. early October 2019. Based retired by November 2021 for use with the 6th Aviation up to 16 light helicopters.
at Holsworthy Barracks and its role is currently Regiment. Roy Choo
22 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero

22-23 News AFM Dec2019.indd 22 11/11/2019 13:58:46

NEWS Africa Subscribe to www.key.aero for breaking news stories.

Email the news team at [email protected]



Latest Uganda expands and First two
Nigerian modernises L-39 fleet KA-1s for

Air Force Senegal

AW109E take shape
NIGERIAN AIR Force KOREA AEROSPACE
(NAF) AW109E Power Industries (KAI) has nearly
c/n 11847 was noted at completed manufacturing
Venegono in Italy during a the first Armée de l’Air
test flight from Leonardo’s Sénégalaise (Senegalese
factory airfield at Vergiate Air Force) KA-1S Woongbi
on October 17. Wearing light attack aircraft. An
Italian test registration image posted on Twitter on
CSX81963, it’s one of two October 19 showed one of
examples ready to be the aircraft, serial number
delivered to the NAF. 02/6W-CAB, on the KAI
In December last year, production line in Sacheon,
the Nigerian chief of fully painted in Senegalese
air staff, Air Marshal Air Force colours and
Sadique Abubakar, Above: Fresh from overhaul and modernisation, L-39ZA AF 713 lands at Odessa International markings. The serial
announced acquisition Airport, Ukraine, after a test flight on October 28. It’s the second aircraft of the last batch of UPDAF suggests this is the second
of six Powers from L-39s that arrived at the OAZ plant on March 31. The first was L-39ZA AF 721, which was flight tested aircraft, the first most
Leonardo to supplement on September 24. Redelivery of both to Uganda was scheduled for January 2020. Sergey Smolentsev likely being 01/6W-CAA.
the AW109LUHs in KAI announced on July 19,
service since 2010. The THE FOUR ex-Bulgarian The UPDAF received its 2017, but their source and 2016, that it had received
Nigerian government L-39ZAs delivered to the first three ex-Libyan Air original identities have yet an order for four aircraft
initially budgeted for two Uganda People’s Defence Force L-39ZO trainers to be established. Further from Senegal. The contract
AW109s, which arrived in Air Force (UPDAF) in 2009- in 1987; these are still in L-39ZAs followed in 2018- had been signed four days
the country in crates on 10 recently underwent an service today. In the late 19, when three ex-Bulgarian earlier. At the time it was
April 22. These aircraft – overhaul and modernisation 2000s, Uganda acquired and one ex-Romanian stated that the order was
NAF576 (c/n 11844) and at the OAZ plant in Ukraine, four ex-Bulgarian Air Force aircraft were delivered after for the export variant of the
NAF577 (c/n 11845) – were receiving the same package L-39ZAs, which were overhaul and modernisation KT-1 basic trainer, but the
immediately reassembled as four newly acquired overhauled in Ukraine in at OAZ (see The Odessa latest reports suggest that it
and presented during the aircraft. The first batch of jets 2009-10. An ex-East German File, October 2019, p76-81). is the KA-1 armed advanced
NAF’s 55th anniversary (AF 709 and AF 735) returned L-39ZO was bought on These four aircraft received trainer with light attack
celebrations in Abuja from to Uganda in September, the civilian market shortly UPDAF serials in the AF and forward air control
April 27-29. Ahead of the while the second (AF 713 afterwards. At least two 700 range, the 2019 batch capabilities that is being
festivities, Air Commodore and AF 721) is expected to additional L-39ZAs appear becoming AF 718 and AF procured. Dave Allport
Nnamdi Ananaba said return in January 2020. to have been acquired by 729. Vladimir Trendafilovski
the air force would soon

take delivery of further
new equipment, including Grounded Côte d’Ivoire Dauphin flying again
four additional AW109s. In
May, two more AW109Es AN AS365N2 Dauphin II
destined for the NAF – c/n of the Côte d’Ivoire Armée
11846 with test registration de l’Air (Côte d’Ivoire Air
CSX81960 and c/n 11847 Force) that had been out
carrying CSX81963 – of use for at least two
started test flying from years has been returned
Vergiate. Both AW109s to operational service. The
were assumed to have helicopter, TU-VHX (c/n
been shipped to Nigeria 6540), had been in storage,
after completion of their unairworthy and rotorless,
flight test phase. However, in the International Aircraft
the two aircraft were again Services hangar at Abidjan-
seen flying at Venegono in Port-Bouë/Félix-Houphouët-
mid-October. This might Boigny International Airport
signal their imminent since at least 2017, along
delivery or suggest both with a second example,
examples were built prior TU-VHW (c/n 6069). Both
to receipt of payment had been operated by the
from the Nigerian air force’s Groupe Aérien
government. The final de Transport et de Liaison.
two AW109s on order will Above: French commandos based in Senegal join local soldiers in front of Côte d’Ivoire Armée de The current status of sister
now likely be the AW109M l’Air AS365N2 Dauphin II TU-VHX while participating in a joint exercise in Abidjan on September helicopter TU-VHW is
version. Marco Muntz 20. French MoD unknown. Dave Allport
In Brief

More Mi-35Ms examples in 2015. Nigerian The US State Department support. The aircraft will Russia has delivered at least
for Nigeria Ambassador to Russia Steve has approved a possible be used for training pilots one new Mi-17 helicopter
Reports in the Russian Davies Ugbah announced Foreign Military Sale of 12 and supporting Tunisia’s to Mozambique. The
media suggest Nigeria recently that Russia has T-6C Texan IIs to Tunisia counterterrorism and photos show the Hip being
has signed a deal for the already delivered six of the at an estimated cost of border security missions. unloaded from an An-124-
delivery of another 12 Mi-35 Mi-35Ms under this contract. US$234m, including related New Hip for Mozambique 100 at Nacala Airport in
attack helicopters. Nigeria Tunisia lines up spares, ground support Based on photographs northern Mozambique
placed an earlier order for 12 T-6C Texan II equipment and technical released on social media, on September 25.



www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 23



22-23 News AFM Dec2019.indd 23 11/11/2019 13:58:48

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NEWS Asia Pacifi c





South Korean MALE UAV almost PTDI


ready for production NC212i
delivered
to KASET

Thailand
PT DIRGANTARA
Indonesia (PTDI) has
delivered the first of two
NC212i transports ordered
by Thailand’s Krasuang
Kaset Lae Sahakon
(Ministry of Agriculture
and Co-operatives, or
MOAC) for operation
by its Royal Bureau
of Rain Making and
Agricultural Aviation, more
commonly known by its
Above: The first prototype of the KUS-FS strategic MALE UAV was publicly unveiled at Seoul ADEX 2019. The aircraft has made just local acronym, KASET.
The aircraft was flown
over a dozen sorties to date. Gordon Arthur by Captain Esther Gayatri
KOREAN AIR unveiled (ADEX 2019) that took the first example, serial – which is also referred to as Saleh, PTDI chief test pilot
a prototype of its KUS- place from October 15-20. number ‘001’. The second the MUAV – would draw to a as Pilot in Command Ferry
FS strategic medium- Two prototypes of the prototype includes close by the end of the year. and Acceptance Mission,
altitude long-endurance KUS-FS (Korean Unmanned improved avionics and Series production will then together with Captain
(MALE) UAV destined for System - Fixed-wing internal mission systems be ready to begin pending Ervan Gustanto as Chief
the Republic of Korea Air Strategic) exist, with and is still under wraps. the award of the Defense of the Mission Co-pilot.
Force (ROKAF) at the Seoul the Aerospace Business A spokesman from Acquisition Program The aircraft departed
International Aerospace & Division of Korean Air KAL-ASD told AFM that Administration (DAPA) the PTDI Delivery
Defense Exhibition 2019 (KAL-ASD) exhibiting development of the KUS-FS contract. Gordon Arthur Center Hangar at Husein
Sastranegara Bandung
Taiwanese Singapore conducts Forging Sabre 19 International Airport,
Indonesia, for Nakhon
‘Huey’ retired Sawan Airbase, Muang,
Thailand, on October 22.
as UH-60M The aircraft, c/n 435/
N115, was painted in full
declares FOC KASET colours but with
THE REPUBLIC of national markings and
serial 1544 taped over and
China Army declared full wearing temporary ferry
operational capability (FOC) registration AX-2124.
for its UH-60M helicopters Its first stop was at
at the same time as it staged Hang Nadim International
a retirement ceremony for Airport, Batam, on
the UH-1H. The event took Indonesia’s Riau
place at ROC Army Aviation Islands, continuing to
Taichung Xinshe Longxiang Hat Yai International
Camp on October 30. Airport, Thailand, before
The UH-1H fleet is being arriving at Nakhon
replaced by 30 new Sawan on October 24.
Black Hawks and surplus It was transferred to
‘Hueys’ will be available for KASET during a formal
transfer to other nations as acceptance ceremony
donations. The Aerospace there on the following day.
Industrial Development Above: A tail flash commemorating ten years of the RSAF’s Peace Carvin V F-15SG training detachment The procurement
Corporation (AIDC) signed was unveiled at Mountain Home AFB during Exercise Forging Sabre 2019. MINDEF Singapore contract for the two
an agreement with Bell to THE REPUBLIC of Singapore Also deployed from the RSAF’s Peace Carvin V KASET NC-212i aircraft
assemble 118 UH-1Hs for Air Force (RSAF) conducted Singapore were three F-15SG training detachment was signed between PTDI
the ROC Army on August its biennial Exercise Forging Heron 1 UAVs and a single at Mountain Home, a tail and AICE Enterprises
13, 1969. Included in the Sabre at Mountain Home A330 Multi-Role Tanker flash on F-15SG 05-0009 was (Thai) Co Ltd, on behalf
work was co-production Air Force Base, Idaho, from Transport (MRTT). A Heron unveiled by Senior Minister of MOAC, on March 17,
of 80 Avco Lycoming T53- September 30 to October 1 was noted for the first of State for Defence Heng 2017. The second aircraft
L-13B turboshaft engines 10. This was the seventh time with a ventral radome, Chee How during a visit is scheduled for delivery
for the helicopters. The iteration of the exercise likely containing a sensor to the exercise on October before the end of the year.
first UH-1H was rolled since its introduction in and targeting package. 11. The tail pays homage to KASET has been a long-
out on December 14, 1970 2005 and the first at this Munitions expended by the 428th Fighter Squadron standing operator of
and the final example location, with previous the fast jets included GBU- ‘Buccaneers’, the joint RSAF/ the C212, having flown
was completed in 1976. editions being conducted 10 and GBU-12 laser-guided USAF unit that trains F-15SG the type since 1978. The
The ROCA began at Luke AFB, Arizona. bombs and GBU-54 Joint crew. The first four of an current fleet includes
receiving UH-60Ms in 2014 Over 600 personnel were Direct Attack Munitions, eventual 40 RSAF F-15s were four NC212-100s, one
and the Ministry of National involved, while aircraft from while the Apaches utilised received by the 428th FS on NC212-200, one NC212-
Defense approved initial the RSAF’s US-based training Hellfire missiles, Hydra May 6, 2009, although initial 400, one NC212i, five
operational capability in detachments – ten F-15SGs, rockets and 30mm rounds. training had begun earlier C212-300s and two C212-
December 2017. Peter Ho nine F-16C/Ds and five In addition, to mark ten years at Seymour Johnson AFB, 400s. Dave Allport
AH-64Ds – flew in the missions. since the establishment of South Carolina. Roy Choo


26 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero



26-27 AsiaNews AFM Dec2019.indd 26 11/11/2019 14:01:40

Subscribe to www.key.aero for breaking news stories.
Email the news team at [email protected]



Last ROKAF KC-330 close to delivery In Brief

Indonesia seeks
THE FOURTH and final in ROKAF service – was code on the tail, which was In related news, Airbus Block 72 F-16s
A330-200 Multi-Role Tanker scheduled to be delivered replaced by ‘053’ for its return is hopeful of securing a The Indonesian Air Force
Transport (MRTT) for the to the operator this month. to Spain. The EC-series test South Korean order for is looking to procure
Republic of Korea Air Force The aircraft, MRTT053, registration is apparently no its A400M transport. The two squadrons of F-16V
(ROKAF) has returned to had arrived at Cambridge longer worn by the Airbus company announced it was Block 72s under its next
Airbus Defence and Space Airport in the UK for painting tanker-transports. Airbus offering the Atlas to meet strategic plan, covering
facilities in Getafe, near on October 10 and emerged delivered the third ROKAF an ROKAF requirement 2020 to 2024. The plan
Madrid, after being painted from the paint shop as serial MRTT in August (see Third at the Seoul International was announced by air
in the UK. The aircraft – 19-004. On its arrival in the ROKAF A330 MRTT prepares Aerospace & Defense force chief of staff Marshal
designated KC-330 Cygnus UK the aircraft wore the ‘K4’ for delivery, August, p24). Exhibition 2019 (ADEX 2019). Yuyu Sutisna on October
28. Currently, the air arm
operates 32 F-16s: 18 F-16C
Block 25s, five F-16D Block
25s, seven F-16A Block 15s
and two F-16B Block 15s.
Go-ahead for Japanese
Eagle upgrade
The US has approved
a US$4.5bn upgrade
for 98 of the Japan Air
Self-Defense Force’s
156 F-15Js to Japanese
Super Interceptor (JSI)
ROKAF A330 MRTT serial 19-004 lands at Getafe on October 28 using the callsign ‘AED353’. José Ramón Valero configuration. The JSI
will include AN/APG-
Philippine Friendship still going strong 82(V)1 active electronically
scanned array radar,
DESPITE CONTINUED see also PAF C295M ready Presidential Airlift Wing), unit also operates a single Advanced Display Core
Processor II mission
deliveries of C295Ms to for delivery, November, which is based at Manila’s F28-3000 Fellowship. The computer and AN/ALQ-
the Pilipinas Hukbong p24. It will be flown by the Colonel Jesus Villamor previous three C295Ms 239 Digital Electronic
Himpapawid (Philippine Air 251st Presidential Airlift Air Base/Ninoy Aquino were delivered to the Warfare System.
Force, PAF), F27-200MPA Squadron (part of the 250th International Airport. The 221st Airlift Squadron. PTDI delivers
Friendship serial 10620 Nepalese Army CN235
is still active with the air The Nepalese Army has
arm. Originally delivered received a CN235-220
in 1982, the transport was transport from Indonesia’s
photographed in Manila on state-owned PT Dirgantara
October 7. It is reportedly Indonesia (PTDI). Serial
operated by the 221st NA-062 departed
Airlift Squadron at Mactan- Bandung, West Java, on
Benito Ebuen Air Base, October 30, arriving in
Cebu. Three F27-200MPAs Kathmandu, Nepal, on
were delivered to the PAF November 2. The CN235
from 1981, and this is the was ordered in June 2017.
last active example. India donates final two
The fourth and latest Mi-24Vs to Afghanistan
C295M for the air arm, India handed over two
serial 177 (c/n 177), arrived more refurbished Mi-24Vs
in Manila on October 9 – Hans Jacobs (serials 125 and 126) to
the Afghan National
ANALYSIS Taiwan F-16 upgrade delays Defense and Security
Forces (ANDSF) in Kabul
provided a total of four
TAIWAN’S DEFENCE the US for training and problems faced during the a deal approved by the on October 15. New Delhi
minister Yen Teh-fa admitted upgrade validation work. integration of subsystems. Trump administration in ex-Belarusian Mi-24Vs,
to delays in the Republic of Taiwan is launch The revelation sparked August. On October 24, replacing a similar number
China Air Force’s (ROCAF’s) customer for the F-16V concern over the reduced Taiwan announced it had of attack helicopters
F-16V upgrade programme upgrade, known locally number of fighters available received a draft letter of previously gifted by India
during a parliamentary as the Phoenix Rising for operational use. To offer and acceptance from to Afghanistan in 2015.
session on October 16. Work programme. The latest remedy the problem, 200 the US, and would examine Indonesia eyes
is currently being undertaken upgrade schedule planned additional staff have been it before signing the C-130J purchase
by the Aerospace Industrial to retrofit batches of four, hired by AIDC, while the official agreement. A week The Indonesian Air
Development Corporation 24, 27, 34, 36 and 15 F-16A/ ROCAF said it will diligently later, Taiwan’s parliament Force has identified a
(AIDC) – Lockheed Martin’s Bs each year between scrutinise the programme. passed a bill authorising requirement to procure
local technical partner – 2018 and 2023. While the The ROCAF’s other a maximum budget of an undisclosed number of
at its Taichung facility. target for 2018 was met, frontline fighters include 129 US$8.08bn for the purchase. C-130J transports to replace
According to Yen, there’s it was revealed that only upgraded F-CK-1C/D Ching- The ROCAF intends to existing KC/C-130B/Hs and
a backlog of 32 aircraft six aircraft deliveries have Kuo Indigenous Defense station the newly built L-100s. Jakarta also hopes
awaiting or in various stages been made this year. All Fighters and 55 Mirage F-16Vs at Chihhang AFB to secure an industrial
of upgrade. It’s understood deliveries thus far have been 2000-5Ei/Di jets, the latter in Taitung by the mid- co-operation deal relating
that this includes examples made to the 4th Tactical suffering from comparatively 2020s. The base is currently to the Super Hercules. Both
that have been previously Fighter Wing (TFW) at lower availability due home to the 7th Flight topics have been discussed
declared non-airworthy. The Chiayi Air Force Base. to high operational and Training Wing (FTW) flying by Indonesian and US
figure represents nearly a Yen attributed the delays maintenance costs. the F-5E/F, which will be officials after Lockheed
quarter of the ROCAF fleet to insufficient manpower Taiwan is also pursuing replaced by the indigenous Martin responded to a
of 145 F-16s, out of which and expertise at AIDC. the sale of 66 additional T-5 Advanced Jet Trainer in request for information
a further 16 are based in This was compounded by F-16V Block 70s, under the next decade. Roy Choo issued in mid-2018.



www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 27



26-27 AsiaNews AFM Dec2019.indd 27 11/11/2019 15:02:36

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752 AFM Christmas DPS mail order.indd 29 07/11/2019 11:16

Intel
Report



European








tankers gain
tankers gain








momentum











Europe’s relative lack of air-to-air refuelling assets has often served to hinder NATO campaigns in the
past. Now, as Alan Warnes explains, modernisation plans are starting to bear fruit.









“The A330 MRTT was our tanker of choice and

a little different from the Voyager configuration
employed by the RAF. The UK has triple hose and
drogues, which includes the central station, but
many of the participating nations have aircraft
that require boom receivers, so we needed a
boom.” Jan Der Kinderen, NSPA
far, the wars thousands of miles away is Eindhoven Air Base, Netherlands,
Boeing part of its remit. Getting fighters, the EATC commands and
KC-46A bombers and even tankers controls 20 AAR platforms
Pegasus has failed there will be a necessity. operated by five air forces.
to challenge the A330 In 2014, the European Air Transport Belgium and Luxembourg are
MRTT’s dominance on the Command (EATC) created its own the only EATC members that
E uropean reliance on the European marketplace, although AAR cell as a stepping-stone to don’t currently have such assets,
US and its 450 or so
the German and French air arms
although that is set to change.
enhancing tanking capabilities
refuelling tankers was a
According to the EATC, its
to standardise and harmonise
common theme during Operation have ordered five Lockheed in Europe. The EATC sets out AAR assets flew more than 400
Martin KC-130Js between them.
Allied Force over the former Air-to-air refuellers are expensive, procedures among its seven missions in 2018. A spokesman
Yugoslavia in 1999, Operation but they are vital to long-distance member nations: Belgium, France, told AFM in late September this
Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan deployments and supporting allied Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, year: “We prioritise the available
from 2001 to 2014, and Operation aircraft in combat. In a time of the Netherlands and Spain. requests against the available
Unified Protector over Libya in 2011. crisis, the commanders compiling Today, headquartered at assets and so far this year we
NATO and the European Union the battle plans will be keen to
(EU) promised to improve matters have as many AAR assets as EATC’s current AAR assets
and since 2014 there have been possible on hand. Up to the end Country Aircraft Number assigned Type
some serious efforts to acquire of the Cold War, NATO had always France C-160NG 3 drogue only
more air-to-air refuelling (AAR) concentrated its resources in Germany A310 MRTT 2 drogue only
capability for European air arms. preparation for a war that might A400M 1 drogue only
The Airbus A330 Multi-Role take place on its doorstep, and
Tanker Transport (MRTT) has been tankers were a lesser priority. Italy KC-767A 4 boom and drogue
at the centre of this, and it’s now Times have changed, and the KC-130J 3 drogue only
being augmented by the A400M’s EU is finally coming to terms Netherlands KDC-10 2 boom only
roll-on/roll-off AAR system. So with the realisation that fighting Spain KC-130H 5 drogue only

30 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero



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airforcesintel.com
European








tankers gain









momentum



































have executed around 350 AAR & Air-to-air Refuelling and other Above: Airbus has been working with the Spanish Air Force test centre and

missions. They have included Exchange of Services (ATARES) Ejército del Aire receivers to assist with the AAR certification of its A400M.
national training flights, cross- agreement using equivalent flying Here, Spanish A400M TK.23-03 ‘31-23’ (c/n 076) of Ala 31 leads the Luftwaffe’s
54+11 (c/n 054) of Lufttransportgeschwader 62. Airbus
national training, trail/ferry hours (EFH). The hours charged Below: Colonel Jurgen van der Biezen of the Royal Netherlands Air Force took
flights to and from theatres of can be based on a dedicated command of the MMF unit on July 16, and is currently training on the A330

operation, national/international slot, dedicated sortie, multi-user MRTT in Seville. The first four crews – each comprising two pilots and a boom
exercises (ie Trident Juncture, sortie, opportunity slot or any operator – are currently undergoing ground training with Airbus in Seville. Airbus
European Air Refuelling Training other bilateral AAR agreement.
[EART], Arctic Challenge, Red According to the EATC, these
Flag) and support for operational niche aircraft have been used
missions like Baltic Air Policing.” by NATO and allied partners
Each EATC member country with including Belgium, the Czech
tanker capability or AAR receivers Republic, Finland, France,
provides one point of contact for Germany, Italy, the Netherlands,
related missions in the National AAR Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden,
Coordination Centre (NAARCC). the UK and the US, as well as
The NAARCC receives the NATO’s Heavy Airlift Wing and
requirements and translates them the NATO Airborne Early Warning
into an air transport request (ATR) & Control Force (NAEW&CF).
in the Management of European Air EATC is now working closely
Transport (MEAT) system. Within with the new Multinational
the ATR, a preferred tanker asset MRTT Fleet (MMF) as it ramps
can be requested to support the up its capabilities. Preparatory
mission, ie boom or hose/drogue. work started over a year ago
Payment for cross-nation AAR is and is almost complete. The
worked out under the Air Transport EATC spokesman explained:



www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 31



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Intel
Report

























The A400M successfully completed its first helicopter AAR contacts with an H225M on September 24. Over the course

of four flights – operated in daylight over southern France – the airlifter performed 51 dry contacts under the co-
ordination of the French DGA Essais en Vol flight-test centre. DGA Essais en Vol

“This co-ordination process is three. Original launch partners maiden flight on November 28 last the Czech Air Force commander,
about development of common the Netherlands and Luxembourg year at Getafe, Spain. Der Kinderen Major General Petr Hromek told
operational documents, support were joined by Germany and continued: “The first four crews AFM in mid-September: “I have
and harmonisation of requirements. Norway in 2017, which led to – each comprising two pilots and been discussing with the German
But for the day-to-day work on five more aircraft being ordered, a boom operator – are currently Air Force commander about
tanker requests we don’t expect and last year Belgium joined, undergoing ground training at working with his AAR-equipped
any differences compared to an air increasing the order to eight. [Airbus] Seville, Spain. They are A400Ms. There is some way to go
transport request. EATC chooses Der Kinderen commented: “These from Germany, the Netherlands yet, because the Gripen has to be
the most effective asset and tasks are not sovereign assets – the and Belgium, the only three certified as an A400M receiver.
an executing agency to fulfil it.” nations don’t own them but they nations that provide flying staff.” But I’m positive it will happen.”
have ‘assured access’ to the flying Aircrews have already been The Czech government signed a
MMF hours and the partner nations are selected from the participating letter of intent with Embraer for two
As mentioned in the October issue, the only ones that can use them.” nations to fly the first three KC-390s in 2010 and, if the purchase
the newly founded MMF is set to The Netherlands will take up aircraft. Colonel Jurgen van goes ahead, the Czech Air Force
take delivery of its first A330 MRTT 2,000 hours a year, equivalent der Biezen of the RNLAF took could eventually have its own AAR
next May 2. Jan Der Kinderen, the to nearly two aircraft, and as the command of the MMF unit on solution. Meanwhile, Portugal has
NATO Support and Procurement MRTTs are controlled under Dutch July 16, and is currently training ordered five KC-390s, which could
Agency’s (NSPA’s) MMF system military rules, all will wear Royal on the A330 MRTT in Seville. also address local tanker needs.
manager, recently told AFM: Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) Der Kinderen believes the MMF
“The A330 MRTT was our tanker roundels and serials. Belgium will will be of considerable interest French modernisation
of choice and a little different take 1,000 hours, Luxembourg to smaller nations that cannot Over the past few years there’s been
from the Voyager configuration 200 and Norway 100. The Czech afford their own tankers. He significant progress in efforts to
employed by the RAF. The UK has Republic signed a memorandum hopes the Czech Republic joining energise and increase Europe’s AAR
triple hose and drogues, which of understanding with NATO’s will be a catalyst for others to fleets. In April, EATC’s commander
includes the central station, but MMF on October 24 for 100 hours, follow suit, like Hungary with Major General Laurent Marboeuf
many of the participating nations which will increase the total hours its Gripens, and Slovakia, which told the Aerial Refuelling Systems
have aircraft that require boom to 8,900. Der Kinderen told AFM: will receive F-16s in 2023-24. Advisory Group (ARSAG) conference
receivers, so we needed a boom.” “Not all of the hours will be taken The Czech Air Force also hopes in North Carolina that the number
The MMF deal for eight A330 up by AAR. Many of the countries to continue addressing its AAR of AAR assets would triple by
MRTTs – to be designated will use the aircraft for transport needs with assistance from the 2025, due mainly to the expansion
KC-30M in service – also as well as medical evacuation.” German Luftwaffe. In the past it has of the A400M and MRTT fleets.
includes options on another The first NATO A330 made its worked with their A310 MRTTs, but The French Air Force has recently

























The first of two KDC-10s currently serving the Royal Netherlands Air Force is expected to be retired by the end of 2019. Earlier this year, serial T-235 (c/n 46946)
‘Jan Scheffer’ received markings to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the RNLAF’s 334 Squadron – the tankers’ operating unit at Eindhoven. Alan Warnes

32 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero



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airforcesintel.com















Above: France took delivery of the first of two KC-130J Hercules tankers on
September 19 when serial 5874 (c/n 5874) arrived at Orléans. The variant was
awarded military type certification by the Direction générale de l’armement
(DGA, the French defence procurement agency) on September 5. Armeé de l’Air/
Mathilde Defossez Left: NATO’s MMF will receive its first A330 MRTT on May 2
next year. The initial aircraft for the force is KC-30M MRTT054 (c/n 1830), seen
wearing Spanish test registration EC-340; it will receive the serial M-001 once it
enters service. Airbus
European tanker fleets made some major in-roads in nuclear deterrence mission from
upgrading its tanker fleet. Two BA 125 as well as offering intra
France A330 MRTTs ordered in 2014 and inter-theatre refuelling and
A330 MRTT 12 Two ordered in 2014 and ten in December 2015. First have now been delivered to strategic transport capabilities. It is
pair delivered to Istres and declared operational Base Aérienne (BA) 125 Istres- the first step towards replacing the
October 2019 and remainder to be delivered by end of Le Tubé, where the last arrived current fleet of three KC-135RGs
2023. on July 3. After a technical and and 11 C-135FRs that have served
KC-135RG 3 Upgraded C-135FR. operational evaluation campaign since August 1985, some of which
C-135FR 11 In service from August 1985. to develop the procedures for the are nearly 60 years old. As a multi-
aircraft by the Centre d’Expertise role aircraft, the A330 will also
KC-130J 2 On order; one delivered and the second to be delivered Aérienne Militaire (CEAM, the replace the Airbus A310 and A340
next year. French military flight-test centre), aircraft of Escadron de Transport
Germany
the first two A330 Phénix aircraft (ET) 3/60 ‘Esterel’. By 2023, the
A310-304 4 In service from February 2009. were declared operational in Phénix fleet should be able to
KC-130J 3 On order; to be delivered in 2021. October last year. Ten more deploy 20 Rafales in 48 hours.
ordered in December 2015 will Additionally, the first of two
Italy
be delivered by the end of 2023. KC-130J refuellers ordered in
KC-130J 3 Upgraded with AAR kits from 2011. One aircraft was lost They will serve with the Escadron 2017 and 2018 was delivered
November 23, 2009.
de Ravitaillement en Vol et de to BA 123 Orléans-Bricy on
KC-767A 4 In service from May 2011. Transport Stratégique 1/31 (ERVTS, September 19. The second
Netherlands aerial refuelling and strategic should be delivered next year.
KDC-10 2 In service from November 2012. Both to be retired by transport squadron) ‘Bretagne’. The KC-130J will allow the air
end of 2021. On October 3, the A330 Phénix force to refuel H225M Caracal
was declared operational in helicopters, giving them greater
Spain
support of the nuclear deterrence reach. The French, frustrated by
KC-130H 5 In service from 1976, will eventually be replaced by mission and is now an integral part the lack of progress with helicopter
A400Ms.
of the strategic air force system. AAR work on the A400M, opted
Sweden This followed a year of evaluation for the KC-130J. These will be
TP 84T Hercules 1 In service from 2005. by CEAM using the first aircraft, operated by ET 2/61 ‘Franche-
UK which arrived at Istres on October Comté’, initially based at Orléans,
2, 2018. The Phénix is now able to and will likely spell the end of
Voyager KC2/3 14 In service from 2012. carry out tanking in support of the the AAR-equipped C-160NGs.
100th Air Refueling Wing



In Europe, the 100th Air Refueling Wing the UK for the same reasons. Sometimes
(ARW) based at RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, there are also US Marine Corps and
fields the KC-135R, catering for the US Navy KC-130s flying in European
needs of the USAF’s European theatre airspace, but these are usually in transit
and Middle East when required. with a deploying fighter squadron and
US-based KC-135Rs regularly deploy to rarely work with European nations.












Four 100th ARW KC-135Rs perform an ‘elephant walk’ as they take off together from RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk. The Stratotankers were participating in off-station
training to practise four-ship formation procedures. USAF/Karen Abeyasekere


www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 33



30-34 IntelReport AFM Dec2019.indd 33 08/11/2019 12:35:45

Intel
Report















Above: On December 13 last year the DGA placed an order with Airbus for a further three A330 MRTTs. These constitute

the third and final tranche of the multi-year contract for 12 examples signed by the French defence ministry in 2014. The

first Phénix was formally handed over in October 2018 and the remainder will be delivered by the end of 2023. Airbus
Shortly after delivery of the first Airbus AAR solutions only two have been delivered announced it had successfully
KC-130J, Colonel Stanislas Michel, In recent years, Airbus has so far; the MMF has purchased completed certification flight tests
commander of BA 123, said: created a niche in the air-to-air eight, with the first expected to for the A400M Cargo Hold Tanks
“This new KC-130J capability is refuelling world, and central to that be handed over next May 2; while (CHT) refuelling unit. It is another
important, especially for tactical air success has been its development the RAF/Air Tanker has 14. step towards full certification of
force missions with the Caracal. We and manufacture of the Aerial As of October, 31 aircraft had been the aircraft for tanker operations.
want to be able to implement this Refuelling Boom System (ARBS). cleared to refuel from the A330 A roll-on/roll-off hose drum unit,
capacity in three months; that’s the In service since 2011, when Royal MRTT, according to Airbus. Among the CHT can be installed inside the
priority and it will be a real asset Australian Air Force KC-30As these platforms are the Typhoon, cargo hold to extend a hose from
for search and rescue missions.” were the first to be fitted, it’s now Rafale, A400M, A330 MRTT, F-15, the fuselage to allow refuelling of
The Hercules crews will complete a mature and proven system that F-16, F/A-18, F-22, F-35, Su-27, Su-30, larger aircraft such as the A400M or
a two-week simulator training has evolved throughout the years E-3 AWACS and B-52. As an Airbus C295. Airbus did not disclose which
course in Italy and the aircraft will be until reaching the required level of spokesman told AFM: “This is one of air forces want AAR systems for the
evaluated before it is made available. reliability. The boom is assembled the great advantages compared to A400Ms, or how many are currently
“The real evolution is extending the during the conversion process, its major competitor, which only has on order. The test campaign,
helicopter range,” said Michel, “when being added in the installation and five US receivers cleared as of the performed together with the
operational, it means the helicopter equipment conversion station. end of August 2019, none of them Centro Logístico de Armamento
can perform four to five-hour The A330 MRTT can perform with the underwing pod system.” y Experimentación (CLAEX, the
missions compared with an hour- different missions simultaneously: The underwing Cobham Mk32 Spanish Air Force test centre),
and-a-half now.” Two crews from refuelling; transporting troops, AAR pods for the A400M are featured a total of nine flights
ET 2/61 have already been trained, cargo and VIPs; and aeromedical also used on the A330 MRTT. during which 90 tonnes of fuel
a third is currently in training and a evacuation. It is tailored to the Since its entry into service with were dispensed to EF-18 receivers
fourth will follow. “The goal is that customer’s operational needs the RAAF in June 2011, the A330 and to another A400M prototype
our seven crews are qualified fairly and in the AAR role can be fitted MRTT had accumulated more than serving as a representative heavy
quickly,” the commander continued. with two underwing pods, one 200,000 flying hours in service aircraft receiver. The test campaign
As part of Franco-German ARBS, and a Universal Aerial by early October this year. included development and
co-operation on the C-130J, a Refueling Receptacle Slipway Airbus is also developing AAR certification of the CHT with the
bi-national training centre will be Installation (UARRSI) which allows systems for its A400M airlifters. latest fuel quantity management
operational by 2021. France and it to receive fuel in flight. All the While the Atlas can already refuel system software – to be certified by
Germany signed a deal in October MRTT customers have selected fighters and transports, it’s not the end of this year – enhancement
2016 to base a C-130J unit at BA 105 the standard pod and boom been so easy with helicopters of the night refuelling vision
Évreux-Fauville. After the German configuration except the Royal because of the wake from the system and preliminary testing
government announced planned Air Force, which doesn’t have the A400M’s propellers. Last year, hose of helicopter AAR capabilities.
acquisition of the aircraft in April boom. So far, 60 A330 MRTTs have extension tests demonstrated the Proximity trials continued this year
2017, the US cleared the way in May been ordered and 34 are either design was stable when extended and, in September, dry contacts
for the Luftwaffe to acquire three serving or have been ordered by in flight within the intended demonstrated that the solution
C-130Js and three KC-130Js under a European customers. The French envelope for AAR operations. is stable and now suitable for
Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal. Air Force has ordered 12, although Last February 21, Airbus helicopter AAR, paving the way
for the system’s certification. Dry
contacts have been completed
with the H225 Caracal, while
the H160 has been tested in
proximity to the A400M. An Airbus
spokesman told AFM: “Standard
procedures are that the operators
will qualify/clear the specific
A400M plus helicopter pairing. This
is exactly the same as for fixed-
wing receivers, for which every
operator has qualified the specific
combination of tanker and receiver.”
Over the past two years, the
French Air Force has qualified the
An RAAF F/A-18F and Italian Air Force KC-767A A400M with the Rafale, while Spain
transit to the battlespace over Iraq as part of the has qualified it with the EF-18 and
air campaign to defeat and degrade so-called Eurofighter, German A400Ms have
Islamic State. The four-strong Italian KC-767 worked with the F/A-18, Eurofighter

fleet – in service with the 8° Gruppo at Pratica
di Mare since May 2011 – replaced a similar and Tornado, and Malaysia has
number of KC-707As. FLTLT Guy/Commonwealth of qualified the tanker with the F/A-
Australia, Department of Defence 18, Su-30MKM and Hawk. AFM


34 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero



30-34 IntelReport AFM Dec2019.indd 34 08/11/2019 12:35:51

GR4 TORNADO




















Working with GR4 Aircrew at F Marham, we are producing
limited edition sculptures cast from Tornado 27mm Mauser Cannons.
Mounted on titanium blades from RB-199 Tornado jet engines.
Fully loaded jet features detachable Storm Shadow cruise missiles.
















www.ravenarmoury.com

Exercise
Report Sea Breeze 2019


Black Seawar games














Vladimir Trendafilovski reports on the 19th edition of the
annual Sea Breeze multinational maritime exercise, co-hosted
by Ukraine and the US, and held in the Black Sea and on
Ukrainian territory since 1997.































T he main goals of all means at its disposal, starting (naval operations in the Danube) – approximately 900 troops
This year the ground component
with exerting economic pressure
Sea Breeze include
was notably enhanced.
As is customary, the exercise
strengthening maritime
and the US, with armoured and
Sea for civilian commercial ship
security and stability in the by blocking off access to the Black consisted of an initial and an from Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine
Black Sea region by improving traffic from the Danube. This was active phase. In its initial phase, unarmoured vehicles of all types
co-operation and interoperability followed by clandestine missions during the first week, exercise – formed a Multinational Battalion
between participating nations. The to smuggle in weaponry and participants achieved a required (MNBN). This was headquartered
latest iteration ran from July 1-12 and special operations forces (SOF) level of interoperability by taking at the Chabanka training range,
involved no fewer than 20 countries: personnel aboard civilian ships, part in a series of basic ‘scripted’ situated at a major Zbroyni Syly
Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, in order to launch subversive events involving standard tasks. Ukrayiny (ZSU, Ukrainian Armed
Estonia, France, Georgia, Greece, actions to disrupt normal life in the The active phase began in the Forces) base in Chornomorske,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, friendly country. This ultimately second week and was organised in some 13 miles (21km) northeast
Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, led to internal turmoil, an excuse a ‘free play’ format – in which none of Odessa and not far from the
Sweden, Turkey, UK, Ukraine and for the rogue nation to launch an of the participants in an exercise Black Sea shore. The Ukrainian
the US. Together, they contributed all-out military campaign against event are aware of the task in servicemen came from the
around 3,000 service personnel, 70 it, with conventional airborne and advance and thus have to act 503rd Naval Infantry Battalion
vehicles, more than 30 vessels and amphibious landing operations. immediately upon a set of orders (503 obmp) of the Viys’kovo-
almost 30 aircraft and helicopters. The task of the friendly forces received in real time from the Mors’ki Syly (VMS, Ukrainian
The exercise had sea, land and air was to mount a peacekeeping Maritime Operations Centre (MOC). Navy), while the US servicemen
components and multiple phases operation under UN mandate. First, The MOC was again fully were from the US Marine Corps
conducted at various locations in they had to disrupt all attempts organised under NATO standards, – more specifically the Marine
the Kherson, Mykolayiv and Odessa by the rogue nation to destabilise acting as the multinational Rotational Force-Europe (MRF-
districts of Ukraine, plus an at-sea the friendly country and then, headquarters of the peacekeeping E) 19.2 stationed in Norway.
phase which took place in Ukrainian once open hostilities began, task force. Consisting largely of Ships and divers attending the
territorial and international waters. defeat its landing forces and bring Ukrainian personnel, it was tasked exercise were again stationed at the
order to the affected region. with planning and preparing all main VMS naval base in the port
This year’s specifics Although similar to scenarios orders for each exercise event of Odessa; its SOF element was
For 2019 the exercise scenario from previous years, this year in accordance with a basic set at the VMS SOF base in Ochakiv;
focused on a ‘neighbouring rogue the exercise operations were of tasks and rules, provided by while the amphibious element (part
nation’ attempting to subdue a conducted on a much higher the exercise command, to which of the 503 obmp) operated at the
‘friendly Black Sea country’ using level, while the riverine element it was directly subordinated. uninhabited Tendra Spit sandbar.



36 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero



36-40 SeaBreeze AFM Dec2019.indd 36 11/11/2019 12:36:29

war games


















































The air component its shipborne Above: Su-24M ‘28 White’ (c/n 0815328) of the 7 brTA

Just as last year (see Black Ka-27 departs Kul’bakino for a live-firing sortie at a local
training range on July 9. The ‘Fencers’ were there on a
Sea peacekeepers, November helicopters – separate PS exercise, but two took part in Sea Breeze
were absent this s
2018, p30-33), the bulk of the w er e ab s en t t hi 2019, making their debut. This aircraft is one of only
air component was provided year. However, a few Su-24Ms that were operational before 2014 and
e w
ac
ir pl
by Ukraine. Its primary sources t their place was s carries the unit’s ‘dragon’ emblem. All photos Sergey Smolentsev
he
a
unless stated Below: Two Mi-8MTs of the 11 obrAA – ‘130 Red’
d b
f
ille
he ot
were three ZSU services – the filled by the other her (c/n 94838, in front) and ‘144 Red’ – deliver Bulgarian and
y t
Povitryani Syly (PS, Ukrainian Air VM S he lic opt ers , a Ukrainian SOF troops aboard the ‘Het’man Sahaydachnyy’ frigate
VMS helicopters, as s
oar
w
y r
ot
or
e
ll a
s b
a
cr
Force), Sukhoputni Viys’ka (SV, well as by rotorcraft aboard d on July 9. The SOF troops performed a VBSS mission on the ‘Balta’
f
t ab
Ground Forces) and VMS, with the the warships of Standing NATO degaussing ship while it was under way. Ukrainian MoD/Yevheniy Sylkin
Natsional’na Hvardiya Ukrayiny Maritime Group Two (SNMG2).
(NGU, National Guard of Ukraine) The PS provided four Su-25s from
and Derzhavna Prykordonna its 299 brihada taktichnoyi aviatsiyi
Sluzhba Ukrayiny (DPSU, State (brTA, tactical aviation brigade)
Border Guard Service of Ukraine) at Kul’bakino, plus two Su-24s of
providing additional assets. the 7 brTA at Starokostyantyniv
The single VMS aviation unit – that were temporarily detached
the 10 mors’ka aviatsiyna brihada to Kul’bakino on a separate PS
(mabr, naval aviation brigade) from exercise (see boxed item). In
Kul’bakino air base near Mykolayiv addition to these, two Su-27s –
– provided the two An-26 part of a quick reaction alert (QRA)
transports (‘09 and 10 Yellow’), detachment of four Flankers (‘28,
one Ka-226 search and rescue 30, 52 and 101 Blue’) from the
(SAR) helicopter (‘41 Yellow’), 831 brTA at Myrhorod air base,
one Mi-14PS SAR helicopter stationed at the Shkil’nyy military
(‘34 Yellow’) and two Mi-14PL apron of Odessa International
anti-submarine warfare (ASW) Airport – were placed in reserve
helicopters (‘35 and 36 Yellow’). for Sea Breeze but were not
Interestingly, some of its assets employed. All these were tasked
that regularly attended earlier Sea to provide combat air patrol (CAP)
Breeze exercises – most notably and close air support (CAS).
www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 37
36-40 SeaBreeze AFM Dec2019.indd 37 11/11/2019 12:36:42

Exercise
Report






The SV brought four Mi-8MT
transport helicopters, (‘130, 133,
140 and 144 Red’) of the 11 okrema
brihada Armiys’koyi Aviatsiyi
(obrAA, independent army aviation
brigade) at Chornobayivka near
Kherson. Three of these were
usually detached at Chabanka
and one was at Ochakiv.
DPSU assets comprised two
aerial surveillance/maritime patrol Above: The last US transport to arrive at Odessa IAP as part of Sea Breeze 2019 was this C-130J-30 Hercules of the
37th Airlift Squadron/86th Airlift Wing from Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Serial 07-8608 ‘RS’ (c/n 382-5622) wears
aircraft and one helicopter – special ‘invasion stripes’ applied for its appearance at the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion in Normandy in
DA40 NG (‘32 Blue’), DA42 MPP June. Right: The pair of Mi-14PLs – ‘36 Yellow’ (c/n 78495) and ‘35 Yellow (c/n 78494) of the 10 mabr – demonstrate an
Guardian (‘22 Blue’) and Mi-8MT ASW mission at the air component media day at Kul’bakino.
(‘06 Blue’) – all from Odessa’s some of the other aircraft and the land component to use the were all evacuated by the Mi-14PS.
okrema aviatsiyna eskadrylya (oae, helicopters involved in the exercise FRIES or for parachute jumps. In the following few days the
independent aviation squadron) were also temporarily detached Nonetheless, as early as July 1 Mi-14PS operated from Shkil’nyy,
stationed at Shkil’nyy. The DA40 and operated from Shkil’nyy, the air component had its first deploying VMS and DPSU
NG and DA42 MPP patrolled the including those of the SV and VMS. major ‘solo’ training, when the two divers from their various SOF
exercise area and tracked the ships The US, as a co-host, provided An-26s of 10 mabr parachuted units off the port of Odessa.
taking part, while also watching two direct exercise participants: a the servicemen of the unit’s The divers were from anti-
out for any possible intruders. pair of P-8A maritime patrol and Ryatuval’na Parashutno-Desantna diversionary units, including
Finally, the NGU supplied two reconnaissance aircraft, both from Grupa (RPDG, airborne rescue the local 801st Independent
more Mi-8MTs (‘14 and 24 Yellow’) US Navy Patrol Squadron 9 (VP- group) into a coastal zone of Anti-diversionary Detachment
from the Hvardiys’ka Aviatsiyna 9) ‘Golden Eagles’ at Naval Air the Mykolayiv region, in an area (801 ozbPDSZ) of the VMS.
Baza (Hv AB, Guards air base) at Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, where action by hostile forces was A media day for the naval
Oleksandriya, detached to Shkil’nyy Washington. These had been highly probable. They successfully component took place in the port
for the duration of Sea Breeze. temporarily detached since April located and recovered a group of Odessa on July 5. As part of
Generally, all the Mi-8MTs – with to NAS Sigonella in Sicily, Italy, in of casualties, organised first aid the event, the 801 ozbPDSZ ship
the exception of the DPSU’s (‘06 support of Sixth Fleet operations. treatment for them and set up boarding party demonstrated a
Blue’), which was tasked with VIP perimeter defence. Meanwhile, visit, board, search and seizure
transport – were used on transport, Notable events they called in the Mi-14PS, which (VBSS) mission, raiding the
paradropping and CAS tasks and The first week was spent on arrived in the area and began VMS flagship – the Het’man
were usually equipped with the interoperability training (so-called circling their position on the Sahaydachnyy (F130), a ‘Krivak III’-
Adapter-M1 fast rope insertion and ‘basic skills training activities’) and lookout for enemy forces on class frigate – which took up the
extraction system (FRIES), or its the air component – most notably sea and on land. As soon as the role of a civilian ship taken over
later Kanat-1 variant. In addition to its NGU and SV Mi-8MTs – was RPDG servicemen had treated the by hostile elements. Using two
the five NGU and DPSU aircraft, predominantly involved in training casualties and stabilised them, they rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIB),


























Three Mi-8MTs of the 11 obrAA –
‘133 Red’ (in front), ‘144 Red’ (centre)
and ‘140 Red’ (c/n 94563) – deploy
Moldovan and Ukrainian servicemen
using their FRIES during the final

Sea Breeze 2019 event, the ground
component media day at Chabanka
on July 11. US Navy/MC3 T Logan Keown







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36-40 SeaBreeze AFM Dec2019.indd 38 11/11/2019 12:36:54

Above: Royal Canadian Air Force CH-148 Cyclone 148822 (c/n 92-5022,
callsign ‘Raptor’) from 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in flight during the

active at-sea phase of Sea Breeze 2019 in the Black Sea on July 10. It was
carried aboard the frigate HMCS ‘Toronto’ – the SNMG2 flagship. NATO

the boarding party embarked Day (July 7). The main celebration runway, simulating SAR/resupply day but, owing to its ‘free play’
the ship and took over control was in the port of Odessa, with sorties. These were followed by format, the events were restricted
while two Mi-8MTs (‘133 and 144 many of the aircraft and helicopters eight Su-24s and Su-25s taking to the public and thus many of
Red’) of the 11 obrAA provided involved in the exercise flying over off in pairs and as solo aircraft. the air component activities went
CAS. Just ten minutes after the the port in tight formation at low Most were part of a separate PS unrecorded. According to the
VBSS mission, the same two altitude. These included the two exercise, departing on live firing/ exercise scenario, on this day
Mi-8MTs delivered DPSU divers An-26s, the three Mi-14s, the two reconnaissance missions at a the enemy deployed an airborne
some 1.25 miles (2km) off the NGU Mi-8MTs, two Su-25M1s and nearby range. Only Su-25M1 (‘15 landing force at the port of
port of Odessa, where they were the Ka-226. The two An-26s later Blue’) and Su-25M1K (‘32 Blue’) Pivdennyy and an amphibious
picked up by DPSU boats. deployed RPDG paratroopers were unarmed and took part in landing force at the port of
It is also worth noting that in who landed in the water and the demonstration, displaying CAP Ochakiv – situated some 3.5 miles
this period the US Navy’s Naval were picked up by the Ka-226. and CAS missions at low level, (6km) and 30 miles (48km) east
Mobile Construction Battalion On July 9, a media day for the after which they landed. As soon of Chabanka, respectively.
(NMCB) 133 practised rebuilding air component took place at as the pair of An-26s landed and The amphibious element from
a runway after an enemy air Kul’bakino. The An-26s parachuted taxied away, the star of the event the Tendra Spit sandbar played
strike at Kul’bakino, together a group of RPDG rescuers, tasked appeared: P-8A Poseidon 168997 of the role of the enemy forces: part
with their colleagues from the with locating and stabilising a VP-9, arriving from NAS Sigonella. of it made an 18.6-mile (30km)
base maintenance unit of the casualty behind enemy lines. Last but not least, the PS march and was taken up by
10 mabr. The role of a damaged Meanwhile, the two Mi-14PLs presented a Su-24MR (‘60 Yellow’) Mi-8MTs then parachuted near
runway was played by one of the demonstrated an ASW sortie and a Su-25M1K (‘19 Blue’) in Pivdennyy, while the remainder
service roads on the far western and were followed by the Ka-226 the static display. The latter is was loaded aboard the Yuri
end of the 10 mabr apron. which evacuated a casualty the latest Su-25 arriving from Olefirenko (L401, a ‘Polnocny-C’-
The end of the first week without landing. The pair of An-26s overhaul and modernisation. class landing ship of the VMS),
coincided with Ukraine’s Navy made a low-level pass over the The active phase began that same together with a complement
Ukraine’s Fencers make Sea Breeze debut

Sea Breeze 2019 coincided with a major PS from the PS University at Kharkiv. Its goal aircraft not only provided simulated CAS for
combat training exercise, operating from was to train the Su-24 and Su-25 pilots to the landing parties at Sea Breeze 2019 but
Kul’bakino air base, involving Su-25s of the execute reconnaissance and strike sorties also had a chance to make simulated attacks
local 299 brTA as well as a detachment of against land or sea targets while flying against ships at sea, playing targets for their air
Su-24s from 7 brTA at Starokostyantyniv. It as part of a group of aircraft at extremely defence systems in the process. The 15 aircraft
was a perfect opportunity to combine the low altitude, both day and night. Live firing noted taking part in this PS exercise comprised
two events, resulting in the first appearance exercises were conducted at a local training Su-24Ms (‘20, 28 and 44 White’), Su-24MRs
of the PS Fencers at a Sea Breeze exercise. range and over part of the Black Sea. (‘59 and 60 Yellow’), single-seat Su-25M1s (‘15
The PS event was aimed at seasoned By combining these two events, the PS pilots and 45 Blue’) and Su-25M1Ks (‘19, 20, 32, 36
combat-experienced pilots as well as at had a chance to train against real maritime and 46 Blue’), plus two-seat Su-25UBM1s (‘62
young pilots who had recently graduated targets, and vice versa. Consequently, the PS and 64 Blue’) and a Su-25UBM1K (‘63 Blue’).




















Two PS aircraft were on static display during the air component media day at Kul’bakino on July 9 –Su-24MR ‘60
Yellow’ (c/n 0741613) of the 7 brTA and Su-25M1K ‘19 Blue’ (c/n 25508110288) of the 299 brTA.


www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 39



36-40 SeaBreeze AFM Dec2019.indd 39 11/11/2019 12:37:15

Exercise
Report Sea Breeze 2019






of armoured and unarmoured
vehicles. The ship sailed to
Ochakiv, where the personnel
disembarked and captured the
port. Ochakiv was then stormed
and recaptured by the MNBN
while Pivdennyy was encircled
by MNBN troops and stormed
by a joint SOF group from the Above: US Navy P-8A 168997 (c/n 44942, l/n 5587) of VP-9 demonstrates its retractable MX-20HD electro-optical
ZSU and NGU. The ZSU element infrared sensor below the nose, plus its weapons bay, during the third pass over the main runway at Kul’bakino as
part of its appearance at the media day. Below: An-26 ‘10 Yellow’ (c/n 8402) of the 10 mabr demonstrating a low-level
of the SOF group was inserted SAR/resupply sortie during the air component media day at Kul’bakino on July 9.
by a Mi-8MT using a FRIES,
ultimately taking out the enemy.
A small number of additional
unrelated events took place on
July 9, involving the air component.
The shore-based Mi-14PLs and
the P-8A were tasked to locate an
enemy submarine, while an An-26
took part in a SAR mission: after
locating the stricken ship which
sent an SOS message, it deployed
a rescue boat and parachuted
a pair of RPDG members who
assisted the ship’s crew to the July 10 was no less interesting. of NGU Mi-8MTs using the FRIES the enemy’s positions, then a
rescue boat and administered According to the exercise scenario, and, assisted by several local mechanised US-Ukrainian platoon
first aid. Simultaneously, the the enemy captured the remote paramilitary organisations, they in armoured fighting vehicles
Mi-14PS arrived to evacuate Zmiyinyy Island in the Black Sea, neutralised the enemy sabotage followed to finish off and capture
all badly injured members of 87 miles (140km) southwest of teams operating in the area. the positions. To counter a
the ship’s crew and delivered Odessa. A pair of Su-24M bombers July 11 saw the end of the at-sea possible manoeuvre by remaining
them to the nearest hospital. arriving from Kul’bakino simulated phase marked with a traditional enemy forces and any reserves
Furthermore, a suspicious ship an air strike, followed by a pair of closing PHOTOEX. Taking part they may still have possessed,
carrying explosives and saboteurs Mi-8MTs deploying a DPSU SOF in it were three shore-based an airmobile element of the
– played by Balta (A811), a ‘Bereza’- team via FRIES: all remaining aircraft – the Mi-14PS and An-26 MNBN, comprising Moldovan
class degaussing ship of the enemy forces were mopped up and (‘10 Yellow’) from 10 mabr and US and Ukrainian servicemen, was
VMS – was sailing towards one the island retaken. After leaving Navy P-8A 168852 from VP-9 – inserted into battle by three
of the friendly ports. The naval Zmiyinyy Island, the pair of Fencers plus two ship-based helicopters: a Mi-8MTs (‘133, 140 and 144
task force consisting of Het’man was engaged in joint training with Romanian IAR-330 and a Canadian Red’) using FRIES. The finale of
Sahaydachnyy and USS Carney the sea component. Another VBSS CH-148. During the event, the the event was the insertion of
located it and informed the MOC. mission was performed on the exercise fleet comprising 15 ships Ukrainian marine paratroopers
Soon, a pair of Mi-8MTs (‘130 and Balta, this time by a DPSU SOF from several countries sailed in into the enemy’s rear area by the
144 Red’) delivered Bulgarian and team, deployed directly on it from a straight line for almost an hour VMS An-26 pair – ensuring all
Ukrainian SOF troops aboard the Mi-8MT ‘144 Red’ using FRIES in a formation of four columns. the remaining enemy forces were
Het’man Sahaydachnyy employing while the ship was under way. Almost simultaneously, the final fully encircled and defeated.
their FRIES. Using a pair of the Meanwhile, at the other end of major event of the Sea Breeze Sea Breeze 2019 ended with the
ship’s RHIBs and supported by Odessa district at Zherebkove, 103 2019 exercise – the media day of official closing ceremonies on
the two Mi-8MTs, the SOF troops miles (166km) northwest of Odessa, the ground component, or more July 12. Throughout its duration,
performed a VBSS mission on the another part of the scenario was precisely its MNBN – took place the FRIES was used more than
Balta while it was under way. They unfolding. The ZSU and NGU at Chabanka. It began with the 2,000 times, 300 parachute
successfully seized the ship and anti-diversionary teams were combined US-Ukrainian artillery jumps were made and more than
the task force took it under escort. deployed in the field by the pair element of the MNBN striking 300 flight hours were logged.





















Above: Su-25M1K ‘19 Blue’ (c/n 25508110288) of the 299 brTA was one of two PS aircraft on static display during the air component media day at Kul’bakino on
July 9. This is the latest Su-25 to arrive from overhaul and modernisation at the ‘MiGremont’ facilities in Zaporizhzhya.


40 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero



36-40 SeaBreeze AFM Dec2019.indd 40 11/11/2019 12:37:28

A400M Atlas C1 ZM417 (c/n 060) from
No 70 Squadron lands at Odessa IAP
on June 27 – delivering the Royal
Navy divers and their equipment.
The ‘invisible’ air component




T hose closely following the equipment at Værnes Air Station, “Russian ships began shadowing NATO
first and last stages of each collocated with Trondheim Airport
iteration of Sea Breeze – in Norway – here, large quantities vessels arriving for Sea Breeze as soon
the deployment of exercise forces of USMC weapons, vehicles, as they had entered the Black Sea.”
before the start of operations equipment and ammunition are
and their subsequent withdrawal stockpiled as part of Marine 382-5622) arrived on July 21. June 27 aboard RAF A400M
after the manoeuvres have ended Corps Prepositioning Program- The US Navy was involved with a Atlas C1 ZM417 (c/n 060) of
– are familiar with the existence Norway (MCPP-N). Two aircraft pair of C-40A Clipper transports of No 70 Squadron at RAF Brize
of an ‘invisible’ air component. were involved in the delivery Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Norton, Oxfordshire. The divers
These are the transports, process, making a total of four 56 (VR-56) ‘Globemasters’ from themselves were picked up by
arriving at Odessa IAP to deliver flights to Odessa IAP – 06-8611 Naval Air Station Oceana in this same A400M on July 13, but
and retrieve the equipment and/ (c/n 382-5619) came in three times Virginia, temporarily detached to from Boryspil IAP. Their equipment
or personnel for the exercise. between June 27 and 29 (one NAS Sigonella in Sicily, in support remained at Odessa and was
This year the US Marine Corps flight each day), while 15-5831 of Sixth Fleet operations. The first retrieved by Atlas C1 ZM407 (c/n
unit attending the exercise arrived (c/n 382-5831) arrived on July 1. example – 166696 (c/n 40577) – 026), arriving at Odessa IAP late
from Norway and most of its Four flights were required to arrived at Odessa IAP on June 28, in the evening on July 22. The
equipment also came from there, return the equipment to Norway delivering equipment from Naval next day this aircraft departed for
aboard USAF C-130J-30s of the – again by C-130J-30s of the Station Rota in Spain. On July its home base via Ämari air base
37th Airlift Squadron (AS) ‘Blue 37th AS – aircraft 04-3142 (c/n 15, this equipment was returned in Estonia. Arriving at RAF Brize
Tail Flies’ from the 86th Airlift 382-5558), 06-8611 and 15-5822 to Rota by 166694 (c/n 40573). Norton just after midnight on
Wing (AW) at Ramstein Air Base (c/n 382-5822) touched down Royal Navy divers and their July 24, it was the last transport
in Germany. They took up their on July 14, while 07-8608 (c/n equipment were delivered on flight of Sea Breeze 2019. AFM
Sabre-rattling

Just before the start of Sea Breeze 2019, Sea Breeze 2019 was heading to its close. opportunity for NATO to conduct a helicopters aboard the SNMG2 ships
Russia ‘threw down the gauntlet’ by closing Furthermore, Russian ships began few intelligence, surveillance and also conducted ISR missions against
off certain areas of international waters shadowing NATO vessels arriving for reconnaissance (ISR) missions around the the Russian ships shadowing them.
in the Black Sea where the exercise was Sea Breeze as soon as they had entered Black Sea. For example, on July 3 the USAF With NATO, Ukrainian and Russian ships
originally supposed to take place. Moscow the Black Sea – the Smetlivy (870), a RQ-4B UAV 10-2041 and the US Navy P-8A operating in such close proximity to
went even further, organising a naval ‘Kashin’-class guided-missile destroyer, 169328 of VP-9 – both from NAS Sigonella each other, an incident was inevitable –
exercise of its own in the same location. began shadowing USS Carney, while the – operated in this area. On that same day at approximately 1000hrs local time on
This not only forced the Sea Breeze staff to Pytlivyy (868), a ‘Krivak II’-class frigate, the French Navy COMINT/ELINT ship Dupuy July 10, the Smetlivy deliberately slipped
change plans and divert the at-sea phase and Kasimov (055), a ‘Grisha III’-class de Lôme (A759) also entered the Black Sea in and out of the Sea Breeze exercise
to adjacent waters, but also meant the corvette, began shadowing HMCS Toronto – although not directly involved in Sea area just as US and Ukrainian ships
exercise fleet operated under the constant and HMS Duncan. Russian Navy aircraft Breeze, it monitored the exercise during were conducting a live firing exercise –
shadow of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet ships were there as well – at the start of the the at-sea phase – collecting electronic practising their naval gunnery skills on
and aircraft, especially since the Russian initial at-sea phase on July 2, a Su-24M signals emitted by sea, air and land- free-floating ‘killer tomato’ targets.
manoeuvres were wedged between Sea bomber made a few passes near USS based Russian communication systems, Russian ships were also present at the
Breeze’s two main exercise ranges. Russia Carney, just a few hours after it had left radars, etc. RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft also closing PHOTOEX on July 11. The exercise
also staged a large-scale aviation exercise the port of Odessa. Similarly, a Ka-27PS took part – aircraft ZJ692 and ZJ694 made fleet was shadowed by the Smetlivy and
in the annexed Crimea, which included came very close to the warship while four sorties in the region on July 8-11, the Azov (151), a ‘Ropucha II’-class landing
parachuting over 2,000 airborne troops it was returning to port on July 4. arriving straight from RAF Waddington, ship – the former was closer, sailing at a
from Il-76MD transports on July 11 – just as Nonetheless, this was also a perfect Lincolnshire. Finally, some of the shipborne distance of around 2-3 miles (3.2-4.8km).



www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 41



41 SeaBreeze AFM Dec2019.indd 41 11/11/2019 12:20:06

Exercise
Report Market Garden 2019






the event, Operation C last surviving veterans, this collectors, event organisers Force’s (RNLAF’s) 336 Squadron
Seventy-five years after onsidering the age of the liaison between vintage vehicle of the Royal Netherlands Air
year’s 75th anniversary
Market Garden is of Operation Market Garden was and governments to help mark at Eindhoven Air Base. More than
significant commemorations. For
1,200 paratroopers from nine
still a focal point of almost certainly the last to be OMG2019, hundreds of vehicles and countries participated in the event.
remembrance for today’s marked on such a large scale. personnel had to be transported On the final day, seven Hercules
airborne operations Alongside events on land to from the UK to the Netherlands. and a single German Transall
specialists. Kees Otten commemorate the Allied offensive The highlight of the airborne operating from Eindhoven Air Base
and Wim Das report from to free Arnhem from German operation was at Ginkelse flew in three waves, dropping more
Heide on September 21, but
occupation in 1944, Operation
than a thousand paratroopers
the Netherlands, while Joe Market Garden 2019 (OMG2019) several paratrooper drops were above the Ginkelse Heide. Among
Campion takes to the air included the mass dropping of conducted prior to that, as well the dignitaries in attendance were
with today’s paratrooper thousands of paratroopers at as other activities in the air, on Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands
transports. several landing zones around the ground and involving the and Charles, Prince of Wales.
the Dutch province of Brabant. crossing of rivers. The OMG2019
The commemorations were air component was run alongside Airborne operations
organised by the Dutch Ministry Operation Falcon Leap, which The 75th anniversary was used
of Defence together with the took place from September 10-21 to revive public awareness
Liberation Task Force (LTF). Based as an offensive airborne assault about Market Garden as one
in the UK, the LTF serves as a operation under the supervision of the decisive operations
In the footsteps





of legends

























































42 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero



42-45 MarketGarden AFM Dec2019.indd 42 11/11/2019 11:55:01

of the conflict. On the ground, for VIPs including the British,
banners with the words ‘Lest Polish and US ambassadors
We Forget’ were seen in several and the mayor of Arnhem. A few
villages, while Dutch and Belgian veterans also jumped – as they
television stations broadcast do every year – including Jim
a minute-by-minute ‘situation ‘Pee Wee’ Martin and 98-year-old
report’ as if the liberation were Thomas M Rice, who served with
happening in real time. the US 101st Airborne Division.
In the skies over Brabant, the
aim of recreating the events of the Jumping with
airborne campaign was achieved other nations
successfully, with three waves The memorial jumps were also a
of 442, 357 and 326 jumpers good opportunity for the participating
scheduled. A civilian-operated air arms to practise airborne
C-47 in period markings flew operations as part of a force of
separate runs with tandem jumps international troops.




Historical background

Fought in the Netherlands in September
fiercely to hold the highway corridor and
1944, Market Garden was the biggest
defend the flow of reinforcements from
airborne operation of the war up to that
the south against German counterattacks.
point. It consisted of two sub-operations:
The road to Arnhem was dubbed ‘Hell’s
Market, an airborne assault intended to
Highway’ due to the heavy fighting.
establish a bridgehead over the Rhine,
This was the last successful German
and Garden, a ground attack to create
counteroffensive and the Allies failed
a salient into German-held territory.
to secure a bridgehead over the Rhine.
However, it quickly ran into trouble,
Despite taking control of Brabant
as the strength of German forces in the
and Limburg in September, the Allied
area had been underestimated. Radio
invasion of Europe was stalled, and
communications broke down, while the
the central and northern Netherlands
Germans gained knowledge of the Allied
suffered from famine during 1944-45.
plans after discovering an invasion map in
Nevertheless, the operation provided
a crashed glider. Nevertheless, the 35,000
a solid base to liberate the other
British and American paratroopers fought
parts of the country in spring 1945.




















Above: Paratroopers from France, Germany, the Netherlands and the US
await boarding at Eindhoven Air Base. The Netherlands-based Falcon Leap
paratrooper exercise has been bolted on to the traditional Market Garden
commemorations since 2015. Kees Otten and Wim Das Left: A spectacular aerial
view of four Hercules over the city of Arnhem. Nearest the camera is Belgian
Air Component C-130H CH-11 of the 20th Squadron/15th Wing, based at
Melsbroek. All photos Joe Campion unless stated


www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 43



42-45 MarketGarden AFM Dec2019.indd 43 11/11/2019 11:55:29

Exercise
Report Market Garden 2019






Participating aircraft flying from Eindhoven Right: Belgian C-130H CH-11 wore both

‘invasion stripes’ applied earlier this year
Air arm Type Serial Squadron to commemorate the D-Day landings and
RNLAF C-130H-30 G-273 336 Squadron ‘Tribute to 525 Squadron’ titles on the
nose. Left: A pair of RNLAF loadmasters
RNLAF C-130H-30 G-275 336 Squadron on the ramp of the Dutch Hercules.
RAF C-130J-30 ZH872 Nos 24/47 Squadrons Throughout Market Garden/Falcon Leap,
Hercules C4 the aircrew used World War Two-era
Belgian Air Component C-130H CH-11 20th Squadron/15th Wing callsigns for aircraft and initial points.
Luftwa e C-160D 50+77 LTG 63
Italian Air Force C-130J MM62178 ‘46-43’ 2° Gruppo
USAF C-130J 99-55822 ‘RS-86’ 37th AS/86th AW
USMC KC-130J 166380 ‘BH-6389’ VMGR-252






















Inside the hangar of the Italian Air Force, Luftwaffe, as a great assignment, albeit Different nations use different
RNLAF’s Eindhoven-based Royal Air Force, RNLAF, USAF “pretty routine stuff” in terms equipment – for example, the
336 Squadron, hundreds of and US Marine Corps. of the airdrops. What made it German contingent brought
paratroopers gathered and Most of the paratroopers used different was the historical aspect the T-10 parachutes, and, the
checked each other’s parachutes. the static line technique, which and the opportunity to honour the previous day, the US colonel had
Military personnel from Belgium, entails fully automatic parachute heroes of World War Two as part jumped with a British parachute.
the Czech Republic, Denmark, opening after passing a hook on of the commemorative events. As An important aspect was gaining
France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the rear section of the aircraft. a jumpmaster, the colonel was experience with jumpers from
the Netherlands, South Africa, September 21 also saw 36 soldiers responsible for controlling a group other nations, using other types of
the United Kingdom and the jump from higher altitude, pulling of paratroopers as they left the parachutes, different configurations
United States were present. the ’chutes open themselves. aircraft. “We have represented of troops and jumping from
The aircraft took off from [here in the Netherlands] every different aircraft flown by
Eindhoven in mixed formations, Improving skills year since 2011 and bring different other nations. Put together,
comprising transports from Speaking to AFM, a US special types of parachutes with us, such this was a great opportunity
the Belgian Air Component, forces colonel described OMG2019 as the T-11 or MC-6.” to improve interoperability.

Below: The US Marine Corps KC-130J
manoeuvres low over the province

of Brabant. The USMC was a first-
time participant in Market Garden/
Falcon Leap and its Hercules arrived
at Eindhoven from Sigonella, Italy.
Market Garden/Falcon Leap is now the
biggest cross-parachuting exercise
in Europe, and aircraft that drop
their own nation’s ’chutes are the
exception, rather than the rule.




















44 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero



42-45 MarketGarden AFM Dec2019.indd 44 11/11/2019 11:55:58

Right: RAF Hercules C4 ZH872 taxies
out at Eindhoven with the Luftwaffe
Transall awaiting its turn behind.
This year, in a break from the norm,
up to eight transports gathered
on the runway simultaneously in
an ‘elephant walk’ prior to take-
off. Below: Royal Netherlands Air
Force C-130H-30 G-273 was one of
two of the long-fuselage Hercules
from the locally based 336 Squadron
taking part in the Market Garden
commemorations. For the occasion,
the squadron dropped its normal ‘Bull’
callsign in favour of ‘Uncle Able’ –
recalling the callsign of the unit’s last
Market Garden veteran, who passed
away last year.
















C-130J 99-55822 ‘RS-86’ of the ‘Blue Tail Flies’ of the 37th Airlift Squadron/86th
Airlift Wing based at Ramstein AB in Germany.
German presence landing speed between 5 and 10kts. the chance to join the others half-tracks and motorcycles,
Oberstleutnant (Lt Col) Markus As leading officer, Lt Col Meyer in the commemorations. Today, joined the commemorative
Meyer, commanding officer of the jumped in the middle of the row. Germany and the Netherlands parade. Many civilians – in
German Fallschirmjägerregiment Using the static line, the parachute operate some joint military units, particular, schoolchildren –
26, has 25 years’ experience as deploys immediately, and the with commanding roles rotating witnessed the apparently
a paratrooper. The day before he soldier has little to do until they between the two nations. endless stream of vehicles.
spoke with AFM, he had jumped touch down. Only a little steering In total, 684 re-enactors, mainly
with the Belgian Air Component is possible and, after some 30 Memorial parade from the UK and the Netherlands,
and he was preparing to embark in seconds, the heaviest jumper With the help of the Dutch military recreated the atmosphere of
a US aircraft, providing a chance or the one with the heaviest and numerous volunteers, the LTF September 1944, supported by
to experience the T-11 or MC-6. He equipment will land first. The organised an event to recreate many others. Over the week
explained that while the 1950s-era aircraft will be flying low to reduce the period of liberation in 1944. of celebrations, sites were
T-10 used by the German contingent the jumpers’ vulnerability periods. Around 250 historic military visited between Leopoldsburg
is very fast, newer parachutes Lt Col Meyer explained that vehicles, including 14 Sherman in Belgium and Arnhem in the
provide more comfort with a Germany was very happy to get tanks and 68 armoured cars plus Netherlands, with volunteers
overnighting in ‘base camps’.
While visiting one such camp,
a young truck driver proudly
displayed an old black-and-white
photo in the back of his cab. He
spoke with respect about the
person in the photograph, Kevin
Gillian, his wife’s grandfather.
Gillian had jumped with the 11th
Battalion above Arnhem in 1944.
He managed to reach within
100 feet of the bridge over the
Rhine before being shot in the
neck. The British Army moved
him to Oosterbeek, but when
Allied forces had to be evacuated
across the river by Polish soldiers,
they were forced to leave him
behind. He became a prisoner of
war but survived the conflict.
KC-130J 166380 ‘BH-6389’ of Heroes of the past, like
VMGR-252 gets in close to the Kevin Gillian, now serve to
camera ship. The squadron,
known as ‘Otis’, is stationed inspire a younger generation,
at Marine Corps Air Station to ensure that their sacrifice
Cherry Point, North Carolina.
continues to be remembered. AFM


www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 45



42-45 MarketGarden AFM Dec2019.indd 45 11/11/2019 11:56:11

Exercise
Report Épervier 2019





Alpine fighter meet






Swiss Épervier air N and Switzerland have F/A-18s, one of F-5s and a single stay at this level of proficiency.
This year, the Franco- eighbours France 11 supporting two squadrons of It requires training to reach and
long enjoyed military
defence exercise was co-operation at various levels. air transport squadron. The Armée We can also do this training
de l’Air deployed six Mirage 2000-
here since we have the same
held at the Swiss base In the past, Switzerland flew 5Fs of GC 1/2, now home based mindsets. It’s not only nice to be
of Payerne. Remco the French-developed Mirage at BA 116 Luxeuil Saint-Sauveur, an expert – it’s a necessity!”
Stalenhoef witnessed III and France recently added for manoeuvres that ran from Lt Col Mauron was the Swiss
F/A-18s and Mirage the Swiss-made PC-21 to its August 23 to 30. The timing was DIREX on behalf of the ‘home
2000-5Fs do battle over ranks. Mutual training is a fortuitous, as French exercise team’. He’s a former member of
the Patrouille Suisse team and
logical part of this bond and
director (DIREX) Lt Col Aurélien
the Alps. the Épervier (Sparrowhawk) explained: “During the time we has 2,300 Hornet hours. He told
exercise is a prominent example. were at Payerne the runway at AFM: “Épervier is a very important
The exercise dates back to 1996 our home base was resurfaced. exercise for us. Although the
when two Swiss Air Force F/A- Initially we operated for a few days last Épervier was held a few
18s flew to Base Aérienne 102 from Nancy air base but soon years back, it’s noteworthy to
Dijon-Longvic – then the home we went to Switzerland to join see that we still speak the same
of Groupe de Chasse 1/2 (GC 1/2) Épervier.” Lt Col Aurélien, who has language when we plan, execute
‘Cigognes’ – for four days of joint amassed over 2,500 flying hours, and debrief our missions during
air defence missions alongside 1,100 of which on the Mirage 2000, the exercise. This tells me that
resident Mirage 2000Cs. added: “Since I was an exchange the previous training is still in our
The location for these bilateral pilot with one of the local F/A- system and it’s also a reason why
manoeuvres alternates between 18 squadrons from 2011 till 2015 I mixed formations were possible
France and Switzerland but have some great memories here.” after only one day of flying.”
depends on availability and As with every exercise, Épervier
the commitment of assets in Air defence focus set some clear goals. The main
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operational theatres – especially The two countries employ the aim was to increase air defence
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on the French side. The previous Mirage 2000-5F and F/A-18 competencies by flying mixed
on the French side. The previous
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Épervier was held in June
É p e r v i e r w a s h e l d i n J u n e exclusively for air defence and fighter force operations (MFFO)
Épervier was held in June
2016 at the Armée
2016 at the Armée both Luxeuil and Payerne maintain while being confronted by air-
de l’Air’s (French quick reaction alerts (QRA). “The to-air threats in increasingly
de l’Air’s (French
Air Force’s) BA 118
Air Force’s) BA 118 squadrons are among the few in complex missions. Lt Col Aurélien
Mont-de-Marsan.
Mont-de-Marsan. Europe that are still completely continued: “If you have the
This year’s host dedicated to the air defence role,” chance to duel against each other
This year’s host
base, Payerne is home said Lt Col Aurélien. “We want to base, Payerne is home base, Payerne is home but your aircraft have similar
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1 to Fliegergeschwader be 100% at the top of our game. capabilities you have to come
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to Fliegergeschwader
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1: The view from the cockpit of an Armée de l’Air Mirage 2000-5F as the pilot gives chase
to a Swiss Air Force Hornet. The first and fourth wave each day focused on 1-v-1 or 2-v-
2 dogfights. 2: A formation afterburner take-o by a pair of ‘Cigognes’ Mirage 2000-

5Fs: serial 77 (c/n 317) ‘2-AX’ is nearest the camera. A total of six Mirages deployed to
Switzerland from Luxeuil. 3: F/A-18C J-5004 (c/n 1320) returns to the Payerne runway with
a cloud of smoke from the tyres. Like the ‘Cigognes’ Mirages, Payerne’s Hornets are used
exclusively for air defence. 4: French exercise director Lt Col Aurélien is a veteran Mirage
2000 pilot. All photos Julian Fechter/Armée de l’Air unless stated. Inset: Remco Stalenhoef
2
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3
up with something new every defence and learn from each other
time – that’s not as easy as it both in the air as well as on the
sounds.” Lt Col Mauron explained ground.” His Swiss counterpart
how it worked in practice: “Four continued: “During the exercise
waves were flown each day. The we can compare NATO and non-
scenarios were created alternately NATO procedures and exchange
by Swiss and French pilots. The experiences like the French have
first and fourth wave of the day from their Baltic Air Policing
were normally smaller air combat missions in Eastern Europe.
manoeuvres missions consisting We can compare procedures,
of a four-ship [two Hornets and fine tune the process and then
two Mirages] employing 1-v-1 or through debriefing confirm that
2-v-2 setups – basically a standard mutual training is indeed a win-
within-visual-range dogfight. win situation for all involved.”
The second and third wave were
bigger and more complex waves Enduring relationship
with up to 14 aircraft. This morning France and Switzerland have a
I flew a 6-v-6 mission where long history of training together.
four French Mirages and two Throughout the year, Payerne F/A-
Hornets from Meiringen played 18s and Luxeuil Mirage 2000s fly
Blue Air, performing defensive with and against each other while
counter-air missions against six operating from their respective
Red Air Hornets from Payerne. home bases. There are exchanges
Red Air needed to challenge of pilots between combat squadrons
the tactics of Blue Air whose – like Lt Col Aurélien – as well as
goal it was to validate their own instructors in each other’s PC-21
game plan. Because Red Air training squadrons. Swiss F/A-18s
knew the Blue Air game plan, rely mainly on the French C-135
4 both sides had to constantly tanker fleet for annual air-to-air
1: The view from the cockpit of an Armée de l’Air Mirage 2000-5F as the pilot gives chase adapt their tactics depending refuelling currency training. Swiss
to a Swiss Air Force Hornet. The first and fourth wave each day focused on 1-v-1 or 2-v- on developments in the air.” and French pilots also meet during

2 dogfights. 2: A formation afterburner take-o by a pair of ‘Cigognes’ Mirage 2000- A variety of missions were annual exercises in Europe such as
5Fs: serial 77 (c/n 317) ‘2-AX’ is nearest the camera. A total of six Mirages deployed to practised during the week-long the Tactical Leadership Programme,
Switzerland from Luxeuil. 3: F/A-18C J-5004 (c/n 1320) returns to the Payerne runway with
a cloud of smoke from the tyres. Like the ‘Cigognes’ Mirages, Payerne’s Hornets are used exercise, among them high- Tiger Meet and Frisian Flag.
exclusively for air defence. 4: French exercise director Lt Col Aurélien is a veteran Mirage value air asset (HVAA) protection Around two months prior to
2000 pilot. All photos Julian Fechter/Armée de l’Air unless stated. Inset: Remco Stalenhoef training for which a PC-6 or PC-7 Épervier, French defence minister
was used. As well as F/A-18s from Florence Parly visited Luxeuil
Meiringen, F-5s from Emmen were and confirmed that the Rafale
also involved in the scenarios. will be stationed at the base
from 2032. “This is great news
Training value for the base and secures the
Épervier offers an opportunity future of Luxeuil and GC 1/2,”
to train jointly with a foreign concluded Lt Col Aurélien. “It
country and test the procedures also means that Épervier can
of the air forces in an international continue for years to come.”
environment. Crew interoperability The Swiss on the other hand
is key nowadays and this applies are in the process of selecting a
to both pilots and ground crews. replacement for their ageing F-5s
“Everybody benefits from and F/A-18s under the Air2030
this exercise,” Lt Col Aurélien programme, with the Typhoon,
explained. “For the younger guys F/A-18E/F, F-35A and Rafale
in the squadron it’s a good way being the only competitors left.
to experience the aspects of a The F/A-18Cs and Mirage 2000s
deployment to a friendly nation will be around for the next decade
before they are sent off to the or so, but from 2030 onwards,
‘real deal’. For them, and also for new equipment will add yet more
the more experienced guys, it’s value and learning experience
good to see a different view on air to Épervier for both forces. AFM



www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 47



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Polish Su-22 force Fitters























































































Above: A tight three-ship of Polish Air Force Su-
22s up from Świdwin in July. Today, Su-22 crews
continue to perform mostly strike tasks, usually
exercising with both the army and navy. All photos
Katsuhiko Tokunaga/DACT Right: The aircraft’s cockpit
is conventional with analogue-type instruments and
the pilot is provided with a Zvezda K-36DM zero-
zero ejection seat.


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s
er
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F F F
Fitters
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NATO’s last
While the Su-22 swing-
W h i le t h e S u - 2 2 s w i n g -
wing strike aircraft may
wing strike aircraft may
be obsolescent by today’s
be obsolescent by today’s
standards, 35 years ago
standards, 35 years ago
it provided Poland with
it provided Poland with
a technological leap
a technological leap
comparable only with
comparable only with
its subsequent purchase
its subsequent purchase
of F-16 fighters. Piotr
of F-16 fighters.
Butowski assesses the
Butowski
current status of NATO’s
current status of NATO’s
last surviving
last surviving Fitters.












T he impressive Su-22M4 Fitter-K Burden of choice
brought the Polish air arm – today’s Siły
Life in the nations of the so-called Socialist
Powietrzne (SP, Polish Air Force) – into bloc was divided into five-year periods. In 1980
the era of flight computers, a variety of modern the United Warsaw Pact Forces Command,
air-to-ground missiles – including its first anti- dominated by the USSR, planned the major
radiation missiles – as well as self-defence military equipment purchases for Poland for
equipment such as pod-mounted jammers the period 1981-85. The air defence fighter
and infrared and radar decoy dispensers. force was to purchase three regiments of MiG-
The purchase of the Su-22 strike aircraft 23ML fighters and a squadron (eight aircraft)
(or fighter-bomber, in Soviet terminology) of MiG-25P interceptors. Tactical aviation
has its origins in the first half of the 1960s, was to be re-equipped with Su-22M3 fighter-
when Poland acquired 44 of the Mach-2- bombers, MiG-25RB reconnaissance and
capable Su-7BM/BKL/U jets (six Su-7BMs, bomber aircraft, Su-25 attack aircraft and Tu-143
30 Su-30BKLs and eight two-seat Su-7U Reys unmanned reconnaissance drones.
versions). Su-7 deliveries took place over 14 Brigadier General Roman Harmoza, who
years: combat versions were delivered to participated in decision-making ahead of
Poland during 1964-72, and trainers during Poland’s Cold War-era military equipment
1970-78. The two-seat Su-7Us were used to purchases, told AFM many years later that “our
train pilots not only on the Su-7, but also the goal was always to shirk from as great a part
later Su-20. When Poland looked to purchase of these plans as it was possible”. The Poles,
further strike aircraft in the 1970s, the variable- using the country’s difficult economic situation
geometry Su-20 was selected. The USSR also as an argument, purchased only one MiG-23MF
offered Poland the MiG-23BN, but the Su-20 squadron in the early 1980s (to supplement
was cheaper and offered continuity with the two squadrons of these fighters acquired in the
already familiar Su-7. The initial six Su-20s were previous five-year period) and one regiment
delivered to Poland in the first half of 1974, of much cheaper MiG-21bis fighters. Purchase
chiefly for propaganda purposes; the goal of the Su-22 was postponed, which had the
of the Su-22 was postponed, which had the
advantage that Poland would receive the M4
was to present the new aircraft during advantage that Poland would receive the M4
version – the best of the Su-17/22 family.
a parade on July 22, 1974 – the 30th version – the best of the Su-17/22 family.
anniversary of the People’s Republic Negotiations with the USSR also
Negotiations with the USSR also
concerned the configuration of the
of Poland. The next 20 aircraft were concerned the configuration of the
aircraft. The Soviets pushed for the
not purchased until 1976. The aircraft. The Soviets pushed for the
air force was satisfied with the version powered by a Tumansky
version powered by a Tumansky
R-29BS-300 turbojet, since
Su-7 and Su-20, so the Su-22 R-29BS-300 turbojet, since
gradual reduction of MiG-23
was an obvious choice as the gradual reduction of MiG-23
subsequent strike aircraft. and MiG-27 output had led to
and MiG-27 output had led to
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Polish Su-22 force


bases. By the end of the year, 20 Su-22M4s and
six Su-22UM3Ks were already in the country to
convert Polish pilots as quickly as possible.
Polish Su-22 regiments
The first Polish unit equipped with the Su-22 was
the 6 Pułk Lotnictwa Myśliwsko-Bombowego (6
PLMB, 6th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment),
based at Piła. The first aircraft, Su-22M4 ‘3005’,
arrived at Piła on November 13, 1984 and the
last in February 1986. This regiment had no
fewer than 36 single-seaters and nine trainers,
since it was tasked with training pilots and
ground crews for subsequent units. In the initial
period, the training process was assisted by
The exception to the two-tone grey camouflage is several instructors from the USSR. In 1998, the

Su-22UM3K ‘707’, which was painted in its latest 6 PLMB was disbanded and its Su-22 aircraft
Tiger Meet paint scheme, designed in 2017 by Filip were divided among the remaining units.
Jereczek-Bambrowicz and applied by WZL 2. This The next Polish Su-22 unit – the 40 PLMB
jet has worn ‘tiger’ colours since 2003.
based at Świdwin – accepted its initial aircraft in
a surplus of these engines. Meanwhile, the (AS-14 Kedge) TV-guided missiles; they can August 1985 and attained its full complement – 32
Lyulka AL-21 powerplant was constantly in be easily recognised by an additional TV combat aircraft and four trainers – in March 1986.
short supply, as it was also needed for Su-24 monitor in the cockpit. Su-22UM3K trainers Due to the base’s location 50km (31 miles) from
tactical bombers. However, Poland already had were from the 66th, 67th and 68th batches. the Baltic coast, the regiment frequently operated
experience operating both types of engines – The first group of Polish pilots and ground over the sea in co-operation with the navy.
the R-29 in the MiG-23 and AL-21 in the Su-20 crews left for Su-22 conversion in Krasnodar, In May 1986, the 7 Pułk Lotnictwa Bombowo-
– and had no wish to acquire more R-29s. USSR, in April 1984. On June 11, the first two Rozpoznawczego (7 PLBR, 7th Bomber and
The main contract for 80 Su-22M4 combat Polish pilots, Major Bogdan Likus and Colonel Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment) – based at
aircraft and 20 Su-22UM3K combat trainers was Stanisław Nawrocki – both previously Su-20 Powidz and operating the Su-20s – accepted
signed in 1983. In 1986, Poland ordered a further pilots – soloed in the Su-22. The first Su-22 its first Su-22s. Here, the full regiment was not
ten Su-22M4s, for a grand total of 110 arrived in Poland on August 28, 1984. re-equipped, only a single Su-22 squadron
aircraft. Poland received Su-22M4s from the Disassembled aircraft were delivered by (12 single-seaters and six two-seaters) being
23rd, 24th, 27th, 29th, 30th, 37th and 38th Il-76 and An-22 transports to Powidz air added to a pair of Su-20 squadrons. Such
production batches, delivered in several lots base, where a team of employees from a large number of two-seaters was a result
during 1984-88. There were some differences the manufacturer, the Komsomolsk-on- of the need to train Su-20 pilots as well –
between them. For instance, aircraft from the Amur production facility, assembled these airmen previously had only the old
23rd and 24th batches were not fitted with and test-flew them; later, the aircraft Su-7Us at their disposal. Su-22M4s delivered
ASO-2V decoy flare dispensers (eight were ferried to their destination to Powidz were from the 30th production
launchers with 32 tubes each). batch. In 1997, the Su-20s
Aircraft from the 30th and were retired and the 7 PLBR
higher production received more Su-22s from the
batches were disbanded regiment based at
adapted to Piła. The Powidz unit was named
carry Kh-29T ‘reconnaissance’ because Poland






























During design of this most advanced version of
the Su-17, the Soviets removed its fighter function

following which it evolved into a tactical medium-
and low-altitude strike aircraft. Therefore, the
air intake design was simplified, becoming fixed


rather than adjustable. Because of this change, the
aircraft’s speed was reduced to Mach 1.77.
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