The Aviationist
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Germany Receives First A400M Equipped with DIRCM Protection System
The Luftwaffe is equipping 23 A400Ms with DIRCM systems, supplied by Elbit Systems, to conduct tactical operation in scenarios with MANPADS threat. The first of the German Air Force’s (Luftwaffe) A400M airlifters has been retrofitted with DIRCM (Directed InfraRed Counter-Measure) protection systems and handed back to the service, announced Airbus on Sep. 11, 2025. The […] -
Japanese F-15s Depart Chitose for Atlantic Eagles Deployment
A highly anticipated deployment of Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15 Eagles to Europe is now beginning, with aircraft departing Chitose Air Base bound first for Eielson AFB, Alaska. From Alaska, the Eagles will continue to Goose Bay, Canada, before crossing the Atlantic to arrive at RAF Coningsby, UK. After their stop at Coningsby, the jets […] -
F-35Bs Touch Down in Puerto Rico as U.S. Increases Presence in the Caribbean
The first of ten F-35s arrived in Puerto Rico, notably showing their unit insignias removed. A flight of F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters has arrived in Puerto Rico, joining a broader and visibly expanded U.S. military posture in the Caribbean that U.S. officials tie to counter-drug operations. The news about the imminent deployment was first […] -
U.S. Army AH-64E Apaches Demonstrate Spike NLOS in CENTCOM AOR
The first live shoot of the Spike NLOS by a conventional aviation unit shows Apache crews can conduct extended-range precision strikes against targets obscured by terrain or distance. U.S. Army AH-64E v6 Apache Guardian attack helicopters of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) fired for the first time a Spike NLOS (Non-Line of Sight) missile […] -
NATO Launches Operation Eastern Sentry After Drone Incursions
Operation Eastern Sentry boosts NATO’s eastern defenses after Russian drones violated Polish airspace, raising tensions along the Alliance’s flank. Following the unprecedented violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones earlier this week, NATO has now launched Operation Eastern Sentry, a new mission designed to bolster defenses along its eastern flank. The operation, which was announced […]