Swiss Hornet Upgrades
Congress has been petitioned to approve a massive $200M upgrade of Swiss Air Force F/A-18 Hornets. Also pending approval as part of the agreement is a concurrent inclusion of vital parts, training and support. Boeing, General Electric and Northrop Grumman are three of eight defense contractors expected to be involved in the modernization . The Hornets are to receive upgrades to their engines, weapons and communications systems, sensors and and avionics. The Swiss Air Force acquired 26 Hornet Cs and 8 Hornet Ds in 1996, their fleet reaching the 50,000 flight hours mark in October of 2008.
Russian Bombers Near Japanese Airspace
According to RIA Novosti, Japanese fighters were placed on alert status after a pair of Russian Air Force Tu-95 Bears flew near Japanese airspace. In November, the JASDF reported two flights of Russian Tu-95 and Tu-142 aircraft which also flew near Japanese airspace.
F-35s to be Based in Vermont
The United States Air Force announced plans to base the controversial F-35 Lightning II in Burlington, Vermont with the Vermont Air National Guard. While a number of locals don’t agree with the move, there will be a parallel benefit of the creation of jobs and the boosting of the local economy. The F-35s are slated to eventually replace F-16s of the 158th Fighter Wing (158 FW).
The Tactical Air Network 