Ukraine on ‘combat alert’ as rebels gain ground

Ukraine’s militia are on “full combat alert” against a likely Russian invasion, Kiev said Wednesday, as authorities admitted they were “helpless” to avoid pro-Kremlin insurgents tightening their grip at the increasingly chaotic east of the rustic. Rebels stormed the regional police building and city hall within the eastern Ukrainian city of Gorlivka, local officials told AFP, adding to greater than a dozen locations already under their control. The new seizure followed clashes in nearby Lugansk on Tuesday, as hundreds of professional-Russia protesters spearheaded by a heavily armed mob attacked the police station. On Wednesday, the rebels lifted their siege of... Read More »

Boeing, Saab Team Up in Joint Bid for T-X Trainer

Boeing and Saab AB have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to jointly develop and build a brand new advanced, cost-efficient T-X Family of Systems training solution for the impending competition to exchange the U.S. Air Force’s aging T-38 aircrew training system. The JDA, with Boeing because the prime contractor and Saab AB as primary partner, covers areas including design, development, production, support, sales and marketing. “Teaming with Saab will collect our companies’ formidable technical expertise, global presence, and willingness to provide an adaptable and affordable advanced pilot training solution,” said Boeing Military Aircraft President Chris Chadwick. “Boeing and Saab... Read More »

Brunei Accepts Four Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk Helicopters

The Ministry of Defence this week on the Brunei International Defence Exhibition (Bridex) accepted two Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters into the Royal Brunei Air Force following an unveiling attended by His Majesty the Sultan. Two more Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters are currently undergoing the method of acceptance on the Royal Brunei Air Force. Equipped with a collection of advanced avionics and sensors, the multirole aircraft can perform various missions over land and water, including search and rescue, humanitarian relief, anti-piracy, troop transport and medical evacuation. “These S-70i aircraft are equipped with exceptional operational capability to satisfy the regional... Read More »

AFSBn-Italy prepares MRAPs for transfer to Croatia

The Croatian Army received greater than two dozen military vehicles from excess Army inventory at a ceremony in Croatia, April 7. The 30 Maxx PRO Plus model Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles, often called MRAPs, were being divested from Army inventory and were available for Foreign Military Sales. About a year and a half ago, the military Field Support Battalion-Italy, a subordinate unit of the 405th Army Field Support Brigade, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, in Livorno, Italy, received a mission to reset nearly 200 MAXX PRO Plus model MRAP vehicles, said Tim Fore, Director, APS and Sustainment Operations. “Reset, thus, is sustainment... Read More »