Top Aces offering ADAIR to Royal Netherlands Air Force

On 21 November 2024, the Royal Netherlands Air Force awarded a framework agreement for the provision of advanced Adversary Air (ADAIR) training services to a team consisting of the Canadian Top Aces company and the Netherlands company of AEC Skyline.

Austrian Air Force (3): The rotary wing component

Currently, the Austrian Air Force is in the process of modernizing its helicopter component. More UH-60 Black Hawk and AW169 Lion helicopters will be added in the coming years, allowing retirement of older equipment and reducing the fleet to two versatile and capable types of helicopter.

Austrian Air Force (2): Air Transport and Crew Training

The Austrian Air Force has a small airlift component in support of the country's international missions. Regarding training of pilots for the air arm, part of the syllabus is done in-house, and new equipment is sought. This part reviews the transport and training assets of the air force.

Austrian Air Force (1): The Überwachungsgeschwader

The Eurofighter's career with the Austrian Air Force has faced several challenges. In this first of three reviews on Austrian air power, we have a closer look at these aircraft in service with the Air Surveillance Wing, while also highlighting earlier jet fighter types in service.

F-16 air-to-air (4): Turkish Tiger

And yet one more air-to-air photo feature related to the 2024 anniversary year of the Lockheed-Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon. The AirPower 24 airshow over Austria was also attended by two Viper of the Turkish Air Force's 192nd Filo, a NATO Tiger Organisation member.

F-16 air-to-air (3): 'Zeus' demo team

Another air-to-air photo feature focusing on the F-16, the versatile fighter aircraft that celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. The Hellenic Air Force F-16 Demo Team 'Zeus' displayed their F-16C Block 52 aircraft at the AirPower24 airshow over Zeltweg, Austria.

Patrouille Suisse at 60 - a detailed report on this Swiss precision flying team

Established in 1964, Patrouille Suisse celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024. However, with their F-5E Tigers earmarked for retirement in 2027, the future for this well-known formation is uncertain. Time for a run-down on the team's history.

Going back in time - a pilot's perspective on the Honduran Air Force

Retiring from the Fuerza Aérea Hondureña in 2003, Col. Francisco "Diablo" Sosa Mass had flown many fighter types of this Central American air arm. In this article, he sheds a light on his aviation career, including some interesting details of live action.

German Naval Tiger Lynx - an air-to-air photo feature

For the NATO Tiger Meet 2024 at Schleswig-Jagel Air Base, the Marinefliegergeschwader 5 at Nordholz applied an attractive colour scheme to one of their Sea Lynx Mk 88A helicopters. A photo flight to capture this helicopter was done shortly after the NTM 2024.

Helicopter Wing Karup - a detailed report on this Danish rotary wing unit

With all helicopter operations of the Royal Danish Air Force grouped within the Helicopter Wing Karup, its various tasks are quite diverse. Check out this article to learn more about the three different squadrons as well as the Flyveskolen, Flyvevåpnet's elementary flying school.

Fighter Wing Skrydstrup - a detailed report on this Danish fighter unit

Simultaneously operating F-16s and F-35s, the Royal Danish Air Force or Flyvevåpnet is currently in the process of modernizing its hardware while facing some challenges to keep up with their operational tasks.

Retirement of the Swedish Air Force Saab Sk 60 - an air-to-air photo feature

In June 2024, the last operational flight of the Sk 60 training aircraft took place from Malmen, home base of the Flygskolan. In the past, I had the privilege of joining several flights in this training aircraft, and in this feature a selection of images is displayed.

German Sea King Farewell - an air-to-air photo feature

During the summer of 2024, the German Navy will retire their last Sea Kings. In this special air-to-air photo feature, both specially marked helicopters - one in farewell colour scheme & one in retro-look - joined the photo flight party, with a cameo for the NH90 Sea Lion, the Sea King's replacement.

Finnish Air Force retires their first FA-18C Hornet

In a few years, the Finnish Hornet fleet will be replaced by the Lockheed F-35A Lightning II. Although the final withdrawal of the FA-18 is expected in 2030, the first aircraft, serialized HN-401 (which was in fact indeed the first Finnish Hornet), has recently been retired.

H145 helicopters serve with the German Army Aviation for search and rescue duties

Since 2020, eight Airbus Industrie H145 LUH SAR (Light Utility Helicopter - Search And Rescue) are in use with the Heeresflieger, replacing the last operational UH-1D Hueys. This article covers the acquisition and operation of this type of helicopter.

German Marineflieger concludes 51 years of SAR Sea King operations

Marinefliegergeschwader 5 operated the Westland Sea King Mk 41 for just over half a decade. Numerous search-and-rescue assignments have been carried out over the North and Baltic Seas from various detachments. On 31 August 2024, this sturdy helicopter was retired. 

The last operational Su-22s over Europe approach the end

With 110 Sukhoi Su-22s being delivered, Poland was the largest Warsaw Pact operator of this type. Replacement of the last remaining aircraft is now imminent. Read here to discover its units, systems and armament.

F-16 air-to-air (2): the Danish 'Dannebrog'

To celebrate the 800th birthday of the Danish flag, the Royal Danish Air Force applied a magnificent red/white colour scheme to one of their F-16AMs in 2019. Recently, the aircraft flew for the last time in this outfit, as it will be resprayed in grey in line with the fleet.

F-16 air-to-air (1): the Belgian 'Dream Viper'

For the 2022-2024 airshow seasons, Cdt Steven 'Vrieske' De Vries of the Belgian Air Force has this beautifully painted F-16AM - dubbed the 'Dream Viper' - at his disposal for his impressive aerial demonstrations.

Canadian Top Aces company providing training to the German armed forces

Top Aces, a private Canadian-based company, has provided 'Red Air' training to armed forces for some two decades. This report offers a close look at the German-based activities, for which a fleet of Alpha Jets and A-4 Skyhawks is available for the job.

Finnish rotary wing operations for their Defence Forces

The helicopter operations of the Finnish Defence Forces are conducted by the Helicopter Battalion, as part of the army's Utti Jaeger Regiment. Equipped with NH90-TTHs and MD 500s, supporting the FDF Special Operations Forces is a key task. But there is more.

Finnish F/A-18s: from air defenders to multi-role assets

Originally responsible for the air defence of Finland, their Hornet fleet saw a gradual increase in both capacity and capability, as two Mid-Life Upgrade programs later, the modified aircraft became a multi-role platform. Meanwhile, a replacement is on the horizon.

Update on the Swiss Air Force Hornet operations

Some time ago, we completed an article covering the Swiss F/A-18. Time for a new look at the fleet's status and upgrades that took place following this report, illustrated with some fresh air-to-air images of the Swiss Hornet Demo Team.