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Serious aviation accident in Sudan – military aircraft crashes

Amely Mizzi 28. February 2025 12:31

An Antonov military aircraft crashed in Sudan on Tuesday after taking off from Wadi Seidna air base, north of the capital Khartoum. At least 19 passengers and five others were killed in the accident and five others were injured. According to reports, several high-ranking officers of the Sudanese army were among the victims. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff and the exact cause of the accident is not yet known. Rescue workers were quickly on site to rescue the survivors and secure the accident site. Sudan has been hit by a number of serious aviation accidents in recent years, raising concerns about the country's air traffic safety standards. Such an accident at a time of political and military instability in Sudan increases concerns about the country's security and infrastructure. Several similar incidents occurred last year, raising questions about the air force's maintenance and flying standards. Further investigations into the Antonov crash should now shed light on the causes.

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First aerial refueling between the German Air Force and the British Royal Air Force in the Middle East

Belinda Borg 25. February 2025 12:49

On February 21, 2025, the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and the German Air Force announced a significant military cooperation: for the first time, the two air forces carried out an aerial refueling between a German Atlas A400M and a British Typhoon fighter aircraft. The operations took place both day and night and aimed to qualify the pilots to refuel another type of aircraft. This successful test is part of the ongoing joint operations of the two armed forces in the Middle East, which are being carried out as part of the international coalition to combat the "Islamic State" (Daesh). The aerial refueling represents a further step in the intensification of cooperation between the two air forces. In a statement, Wing Commander Pearson, commander of an RAF Typhoon squadron in the Middle East, emphasized: "The development of this new capability is of enormous importance as it increases our flexibility and agility in air operations here in the Middle East. Operating together strengthens the coalition as a whole." Aerial refueling is an essential part of modern air warfare, as it significantly extends the range and endurance of combat aircraft, thus enabling increased operational capacity. Aerial refueling is not a new practice for the international coalition in the region, which has been using tanker aircraft from various nations for some time. The UK provides multi-role transport tankers with its Voyager aircraft, which are regularly used to support the air operations of partner countries. Likewise, RAF aircraft frequently refuel other tanker aircraft from nations that are members of the coalition. The challenges of aerial refueling Although RAF pilots already have extensive experience in refueling aircraft of the

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BAE Systems benefits from geopolitical situation and increasing demand for military equipment

Belinda Borg 21. February 2025 07:04

The British defense company BAE Systems is optimistic about the future due to the tense geopolitical situation. The company is benefiting from a global increase in demand for defense equipment, especially artillery systems and other weapons systems. Last year, BAE Systems recorded a surprisingly strong result, which was boosted by a record order backlog of almost 78 billion pounds (93,8 billion euros). Numerous government orders, including billion-dollar supply contracts with Australia, contributed to this success. Sales rose by 14 percent to 28,3 billion pounds, while adjusted operating profit also climbed by 14 percent to over 3 billion pounds. The bottom line was that the company earned a good 2 billion pounds, up from around 1,9 billion in the previous year. BAE shares, which initially started cautiously on the London Stock Exchange, rose by 1,7 percent over the course of the day. Like other defense stocks, BAE Systems shares also benefited from rising Western defense spending as a result of the Ukraine war. BAE Systems produces a wide range of military equipment, including armored vehicles, torpedoes and weapons systems. The company is currently working with the Italian defense group Leonardo and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries from Japan on the development of the sixth generation of fighter jets. Management has also shown itself open to a partnership with the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, particularly in the field of unmanned systems.

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M23 rebels reach strategic Kavumu airport in eastern Congo

Stephen Steiner 17. February 2025 11:18

The Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have captured the strategically important Kavumu airport in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to several sources. The airport serves as a major transport hub for the region and serves Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. A spokesman for the rebel alliance confirmed that the rebels had taken control of both the airport and the surrounding areas. The capture of the airport is a significant step in the ongoing conflict between the M23 rebel movement and the Congolese armed forces. Kavumu airport is of great strategic importance due to its geographical location and its function as a connection point between South Kivu and the rest of the country. The rebels have been seeking increased control of the region for months, which has significantly worsened the security situation. The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have been active in the region for years, fighting against the government troops of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The conflict has led to an escalating humanitarian crisis that is also increasingly concerning the international community. The current development represents another turning point in the complex conflict, the causes of which are deeply rooted in the region's history.

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Austria receives first C-390 Millennium transport aircraft – Embraer begins assembly

Amely Mizzi 17. February 2025 08:33

The Austrian Air Force is about to undergo a major modernization: Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has begun final assembly of the first C-390 Millennium multi-purpose aircraft for Austria. This marks an important milestone in the partnership between the Republic of Austria and Embraer and underlines the growing international interest in this modern military transport aircraft. The C-390 Millennium, a military transport aircraft of the latest generation, is characterized by its high level of flexibility and performance. With a payload capacity of up to 26 tons and a maximum speed of 870 km/h (470 knots), the aircraft offers a wide range of possible uses for military and civil operations. These include the transport of troops and material, medical evacuations, firefighting and aerial refueling missions. The Austrian Air Force decided to purchase the C-390 after a comprehensive evaluation. The aircraft's high level of operational readiness was particularly convincing. Since its entry into service in 2019, the C-390 fleet has completed over 16.300 flight hours worldwide and achieved an impressive operational capability of 93 percent. Austria joins a growing list of international operators By ordering the C-390, Austria is following the example of other European countries that rely on this modern transport aircraft. In addition to Brazil, which developed the model as the launch customer, Portugal, Hungary and the Netherlands have also integrated the C-390 into their air forces or ordered it. Austria's decision to purchase the C-390 was made against the background of the need for a modern and efficient transport solution. The aircraft replaces outdated air transport capacities and enables faster and more flexible deployment planning. Significance for Austria's defense strategy The acquisition of the C-390 is in line with the Austrian government's long-term plans to

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Russian drone damages New Safe Containment at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant

Belinda Borg 14. February 2025 11:14

On the night of February 12, 2025, the protective shell of the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine was hit by a Russian drone. This action not only sparked global concern, but also further inflamed the already fragile geopolitical climate. The Ukrainian presidential office spoke of "significant damage" to the reactor shell, which became known almost 40 years ago as the result of the worst nuclear accident in history. The incident raises questions about the security and stability of the region, particularly with regard to the nuclear risk, which continues to pose a global threat. According to a statement by Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, the attack was carried out in the early hours of February 12. The Ukrainian president reported on Telegram that the "significant damage" to the reactor's protective shell did not, however, pose an immediate threat to radiation levels. A fire broke out, but was quickly extinguished. Radiation levels did not rise at any point, which led to some relief. But the incident is a stark reminder that the ongoing war in the region could have fatal consequences on a nuclear level. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirms incident The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the incident and spoke of an "explosive sound" that was heard at around 1:50 a.m. local time. International nuclear observers stationed in the vicinity of the power plant reported an explosion at the sarcophagus of the damaged reactor number 4. In its statement, the IAEA stated that the drone that hit the Chernobyl nuclear power plant damaged the roof of the old reactor. This information was confirmed by the

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Militarization of space: Germany's industry calls for more commitment to military space travel

Amely Mizzi 14. February 2025 08:31

The militarization of space is advancing, while Germany and Europe have so far played only a minor role in this international arms race. Against the backdrop of growing global tensions and geopolitical rivalries, the German aerospace industry is calling for increased investment in military space technologies in order to secure national sovereignty and Europe's position in the international arena. Increased participation in the military sector of space is not only necessary to remain technologically competitive, but also to protect one's own interests in an increasingly contested geopolitical environment. Europe's lagging behind in space The German and European space industries are increasingly faced with the challenge that other nations, especially the USA, are investing heavily in the military sector of space. While the USA carried out more than half of the world's 220 rocket launches for military and civilian purposes last year, Europe was at the bottom of the list with just four rocket launches. China, Russia and India are also pursuing ambitious programs that will enable them to quickly catch up in the field of military and civil space technologies. Against this background, German industry is warning that neglecting military space policy could lead to a serious competitive disadvantage. Marie-Christine von Hahn, CEO of the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), stressed the urgency of this development. "If politicians miss this, our sovereignty and our position in the world will be at stake," Hahn explained at the Munich Security Conference. In her view, Germany and Europe are dependent on a "competitive infrastructure in space" in order not to fall behind. Particularly in the area of

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Netherlands rely on the modern training system PC-7 MKX for military flight training

Amely Mizzi 10. February 2025 06:32

The Koninklijke Luchtmacht (Royal Netherlands Air Force) has signed a contract with Pilatus Aircraft for the supply of eight PC-7 MKX aircraft and the associated ground-based training systems. This state-of-the-art training system will take the basic military training of Dutch military pilots to a new level from the first half of 2027. It offers a cost-effective solution for flight training and at the same time sets a new standard in the field of air force training. The PC-7 MKX is an innovative training aircraft that offers aspiring military pilots practical and cost-effective training. Pilatus was awarded the contract to supply the new training systems as part of a public tender by the Dutch procurement authority “Material & IT Command” (COMMIT). In addition to the aircraft, the package also includes four simulators and a range of advanced ground-based training aids, including virtual reality components. These help to increase the engagement and immersion of both student pilots and instructors. The PC-7 MKX is characterized by its innovative use of simulation technologies that enable early integration of advanced training methods. For example, mission planning and debriefing tools and an advanced training management system are used to provide trainee pilots with operational insight and detailed performance analysis. This is intended to help sharpen situational awareness and increase learning efficiency, so that training is faster and more effective. The close partnership between Pilatus and the Koninklijke Luchtmacht The Dutch Air Force and Pilatus have a long-standing partnership. This began in 1988 with the delivery of PC-7 training aircraft and is now continued with the new PC-7 MKX. The

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Germany: Federal government uses Bundeswehr air force for 1.822 official flights

Jan Gruber 6. February 2025 11:24

Since Chancellor Olaf Scholz took office in December 2021, the federal government has used the Bundeswehr's aircraft and helicopters for official purposes a total of 1.822 times. This figure emerges from a response from the Ministry of Defense to a request from Bundestag member Sevim Dagdelen (Die Linke) and highlights how intensively the Bundeswehr's air readiness has been used by the ministries in recent years. While the Chancellery requested the aircraft most frequently, use by other ministries was also not insignificant. The leader in official flights is the Chancellery, which carried out a total of 2021 flights between the swearing-in of the federal government in December 2024 and the end of 611. This figure shows the high frequency of trips that are necessary as part of the official business of the Chancellor and other members of the government. The Chancellor himself, in particular, regularly uses the Bundeswehr's aircraft for his trips abroad. As a rule, one of the three Airbus A350s provided for the Chancellor's international flights is used. These aircraft not only offer space for the Chancellor's extensive entourage, but are also equipped with the necessary technology to ensure secure communication at the highest level. The range of the Airbus A350 is 18.000 kilometers, which enables flights to distant destinations without a stopover. Other ministries in air traffic After the Chancellery, the Foreign Office follows with 363 flights, the Ministry of Defense with 168 and the Ministry of the Interior with 155 flights. The figures make it clear that the air readiness is an important factor not only for the Chancellor, but also for other ministries and their representatives.

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Bulgaria's decision for the F-16 Viper: A significant step for the air force

Jan Gruber 6. February 2025 11:15

On February 3, 2025, the first F-16 Viper built by Lockheed Martin was delivered to the Bulgarian Air Force in Greenville, South Carolina. This move marks an important milestone in the modernization of the Bulgarian Air Force, which plans to replace its existing fleet of 12 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29s with the modern Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70s. The deal is not only a sign of Bulgaria's growing military ambitions, but also of the strengthened strategic relations between Bulgaria and the United States. The purchase of the F-16 Viper is described by Bulgaria as "a determined effort" to improve the capabilities of the Bulgarian Armed Forces. As Bulgarian Defense Minister Todor Tagarev stressed in a statement in January 2023, this is "a huge project that reflects a determined effort to strengthen our country's defense capability." The replacement of the older MiG-29s with the F-16 Block 70 represents a fundamental change in Bulgaria's military aviation. The F-16 Block 70: A top-of-the-range multirole fighter aircraft The F-16 Fighting Falcon, also known as the Viper, is one of the world's most recognizable and versatile combat aircraft. Since its launch, it has won more than 30 air forces around the world as customers, including the US military, which uses the F-16 as an aggressor aircraft. The Block 70 model, which Bulgaria is now integrating into its air force, represents the latest evolution of the F-16 series and offers a range of advanced technologies that significantly expand the aircraft's capabilities. The Block 70 model is specifically designed for long-term use and offers a number of improvements over previous versions, particularly in the area of

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