Dassault Aviation's single-seat Rafale M fighter entered operational service with the French navy's 12F squadron at Landivisau air base late last month. The unit was reformed with 10 Rafale Ms in May 2001 and achieved initial operating capability with the F1 air-defence-standard aircraft in October 2002. The French navy will receive a total of 25 Rafale Ms and 35 two-seat Rafale Ns by 2012, with production to resume next year.
Source: Flight International
The Pentagon is preparing to curtail the latest upgrade package for the fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter, as lawmakers expressed frustration with an eight-month freeze in new aircraft deliveries related to certifying new control software.
The long-discussed deal was made official on 16 April, when Argentine defence minister Luis Petri signed an agreement with Copenhagen to acquire 24 of the fourth-generation F-16s, as Denmark transitions its fleet to the Lockheed Martin F-35A.
Contractor Omega Air Refueling Services for the first time topped off a US Air Force B-52 bomber and an MC-130J special-operations transport.
