Threats Force Air Ambulances to Reroute, Delaying Medical Service

A social-media call for people to point laser beams at aircraft flying over Portland’s ICE facility led authorities to treat the post as a credible threat and adjust emergency operations. Officials say the “laser event”, planned for the evening of October 11, could have endangered aircrew, forced medical-flight diversions, and disrupted routine policing of the area.

Air Force Chief of Staff Cites Lack of Spare Parts, Aging Fleets, Supply Chain Issues

The US Air Force’s next Chief of Staff nominee says pilots are flying too little to maintain proficiency, citing chronic issues with spare parts, aging aircraft, and supply chain delays. Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach told Senators on Oct. 9 that fighter pilots currently fly about two to two and a half times per week…far short of what he sees as necessary for combat readiness.

Facility Will Be Constructed at Mountain Home Air Force Base for Pilot Training

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth recently announced plans to host the Qatari Emiri Air Force at Idaho’s Mountain Home Air Force Base, crediting the decision to Qatar’s role in hammering out the Gaza peace deal. The facility, which has already drawn some controversy, will be used to train pilots on Qatari F-15 fighter jets.

$173M Deal Brings Total To 34 MH-139A Aircraft Under Contract

Boeing announced that the U.S. Air Force awarded the company a contract to build eight more MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters to include training and sustainment support services. Coming on the heels of a $178 million award for seven helicopters in April of this year, this contract increases the total number under contract to 34.

Strategic Attack, Electronic Warfare, ISR As Air Or Ground Payload

Textron Systems announced the introduction of Damocles Launched Effect, its cutting-edge system designed to deliver a strategic advantage in warfare environments. Its GEN2 Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) can deliver top-attack, electronic warfare, and intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance capabilities deployed as either a ground- or air-delivered payload.