The German army will equip its Sikorsky CH-53 helicopters with the Israeli Elisra SPS-65(V) integrated airborne self-protection system. A limited number of systems was rushed to Germany and installed on CH-53s which were flown on missions in Bosnia. The German army is now negotiating a deal to purchase the Israeli-developed electronic-warfare system for most of its 100 CH-53s.
Source: Flight International
The January incident at Ellsworth AFB resulted in the destruction of the $450 million bomber and a rare quadruple ejection of the crew, who were attempting to execute an instrument landing during poor weather.
Athens signed a long-sought letter of offer and acceptance with airframer Lockheed Martin covering 20 F-35 stealth fighters, with options for a further 20 jets.
The joint North American Aerospace Defense Command dispatched fighter aircraft from both the USA and Canada on 24 July to intercept a combined flight of bombers from Russia and China operating in international airspace around Alaska.
