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Brazilian Air Force gains fifth modernised E-99M
Embraer Defense & Security announced it had handed over its fifth modernised EMB 145-based E-99M AEW&C aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force on November 23, marking an important milestone for the upgrade programme as it saw the first aircraft delivered in its Full Operational Capability configuration
Boeing flies upgraded AH-64E Apache gunship for the first time
Boeing completed the first flight of its enhanced AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter from its facility in Mesa, Arizona, on October 11
USAF U-2S completes first flight after avionics upgrade
In partnership with Lockheed Martin’s coveted Skunk Works division, the USAF has completed the first flight of an upgraded U-2S Dragon Lady as part of the high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft’s ongoing Avionics Tech Refresh programme
USAF unleashes the BEAST with new B-1B upgrade package
One of the USAF’s two supersonic-capable B-1B Lancer strategic bomber wings – the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB in Texas – is pioneering a package that will modernise the fleet much faster than would have otherwise been possible
US Coast Guard flies first missionized HC-27J Spartan
The US Coast Guard (USCG) conducted the initial flight of its first missionized HC-27J Spartan at NAS Patuxent River in Maryland on September 6
Greece receives tenth upgraded F-16 ‘Viper’
The Hellenic Air Force has welcomed the arrival of its tenth F-16V Fighting Falcon, following the multi-role fighter’s upgrade from the F-16C/D Block 52+/52M-standard to the new, more advanced ‘Viper’ configuration
Norway postpones helicopter fleet recap, opts to partially upgrade ageing Bell 412s
The Norwegian Ministry of Defence has approved plans to partially upgrade its ageing Bell 412HP/SP utility helicopters and postpone the recapitalisation of the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s special operations rotorcraft fleet by at least 15 years in a move that goes against the advice of the head of the nation’s armed forces
First ‘Block II’ E-6B Mercury delivered to US Navy
The US Navy accepted its first upgraded E-6B Mercury on June 6, when pilots from the service’s Strategic Communications Wing 1 flew the newly enhanced aircraft from Northrop Grumman’s Aircraft Maintenance and Fabrication Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Tinker AFB, Oklahoma
Australia moves forward with vital EA-18G Growler upgrade
In a bid to strengthen Australia’s electronic attack capabilities, the RAAF’s 11-strong fleet of Boeing EA-18G Growlers will receive vital equipment/sensor upgrades – a move which aims to enhance commonality with examples of the type that are operated by the US Navy
Leonardo to upgrade avionics of US SOCOM, Coast Guard C-27Js
Leonardo Societa per Azioni has been awarded a $91.9m contract by the US DOD to design, modify, integrate and install the 1.2+ avionics update package on the C-27J Spartan fleets operated by US Special Operations Command and the US Coast Guard