Jets & Planes but no UAV's here.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

First to my last post concerning the F-16C/Ds for the Ukraine it'll be late Summer 2024 more likely the Fall of 2024 before we might see them operationally.

Pilot training alone is a year or slightly more in length. Had a USN F-18C/D engine mechanic who told me his school was about a yearlong as well (I can vouch for this based on my ASVAB score it qualified me for aircraft engine or EW/or Avionics training then in Millington TN. now at Pensacola FL.)

Concerning the next I would've thought the Eurofighter was already flying in the SEAD role, however, it isn't and won't be until 2030 or so.

For Germany the focus of this article means the very capable Panavia Tornado electronic combat and reconnaissance (ECR) jets will continue in that role. Reason for replacement airframe age averaging around 30 years currently.

UK faces the same issue and will modifying their TRANCHE 3 versions to be completed also by 2030 or so.

They were also using the ECR as well up to FEB 2019 and replaced by the TYPHOON in the SEAD role during the transition of the ECR retirement.

The weapon the UK carried was the ALARM retired in DEC. 2013.
https://weaponsystems.net/system/106-ALARM.

It was replaced by the STORM SHADOW for SEAD providing a "standoff" capability.
https://www.flightglobal.com/defence...LLER-061223-JM

NOTE: MILTARY-TODAY website is not available. I'm assuming due to the war in Ukraine where they were based out of. It is my hope they will come back online as they covered such a wide variety of weapons systems and platforms.

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Well, the game I'm watching is going into overtime.

So basic flight training has just completed.

Advanced flight training will probably begin later this month. This should be completed sometime between Aug. - Oct. of this year.

All this training included Logistical and Maintenace personnel and like the pilots, they are also entering the advanced part of their training.

The F-16 they are operating are of a more advanced type than I thought they would receive.

Specifically, I speak of the F-16 well now I can't as I "stepped on it" to get here. I can tell you from reading the article the Dutch are updating the ones the Ukraine will receive. There originally was thinking it would be the "VIPER" I believe and am sure that's changed as that's our most advanced version and the Dutch don't fly them.

That being said, it'll be more than capable in both the air and ground attack modes. One of the Dutch upgrades will include a new attack radar and subsystems.

I would fully expect it to have TI/GSR 40. It'll also be able to carry all the latest weapons air and ground the F-16 IS CURRENTLY CERTIFIED TO USE.
https://www.flyingmag.com/first-batc...raining-in-uk/

I will post the article when it next "pops up" on my screen for the specific type.

Regards,

And Happy New Year to all!

Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

The Dutch fly the F-16AM (Fighter-bomber)/BM (Trainer) the Danish fighters will be brought up to the same spec if needed to maintain aircraft compatibility/parity of the type.

Time for me to "fly" have a good day!

Regards,
Pat