AirForces Monthly Magazine July 2015 Vorige editie

In the July issue of AirForces Monthly (AFM), we look at the changes taking place within the UK’s Army Air Corps as the force celebrates its 60th birthday. Tim Ripley explains the AAC’s chain of command, structure and its future as a UK defence review looms.

Our news series Base Tour begins with Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. Lon Nordeen reports on the changes taking place as war-weary F/A-18 Hornets are slowly replaced by F-35B Joint Strike Fighters.

As the fighting continues in Ukraine, Vladimir Trendafilovski examines Ukraine’s depleted Su-24 Fencer force and explains the reconnaissance and bomber missions the force flew throughout 2014.

Our exclusive feature is by David Cenciotti, who was the first journalist to fly in the Italian Air Force M-346 Master advanced jet trainer. This new jet brings a whole new training concept for Italy’s future fast jet pilots.

Gert Kromhout headed to Exercise Frisian Flag in The Netherlands to watch the new exercise scenarios in place for those air forces attending. This year proved to be the most complex yet for a fighter pilot with mock mobile SAM sites and coordinated tanker support.

As the war against Islamic State continues, Frédéric Lert examines the daily missions being flown by French Air Force Mirage 2000Ds from Niger’s capital, Niamey under Operation Barkhane.

As always, AFM’s Dave Allport brings you the latest military aviation news from around the world.