AirForces Monthly Magazine February 2018 Edizione posteriore

The February issue of AFM is something of an F-16 ‘special’, with two feature articles on the Fighting Falcon covering different corners of the world – and two extremely exacting specialisms. We spoke exclusively to the commander of the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base, Japan, for the latest on the Wild Weasel mission, and caught up with the Belgian Air Component’s F-16 demonstration team to find out what it takes to be a ‘Viper’ showman.

Recent months have seen some older types retired: we detail the withdrawal of the charismatic Taiwanese S-2T Tracker, and visit Luftwaffe Transall wing Lufttransportgeschwader 61 that was disbanded at the end of last year. The Qatar Emiri Air Force is on a very different trajectory, and a report from the Gulf country’s national day provides a showcase of its growing ambitions.

Our featured type is the Yak-130 Mitten jet trainer, and we also showcase the Turkish Air Force’s Boeing 737 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, the E-7T Peace Eagle.

The UK focus this month turns to the Royal Air Force’s Protector project that will take the country’s remotely piloted air system capability forward, while Intel Report focuses on prospects for maritime air power in what is shaping up to be a very exciting year.

Regular features include the third part of our survey of European maritime patrol aircraft (examining the fleets of Malta, the Netherlands and Norway), Flashpoint profiles the combat-proven Malian Air Force, the Australian Army Aviation Corps is the focus of February’s Force Report, and Air Power Association President, Air Marshal (Ret’d) Greg Bagwell CB, CBE turns his attention to the evolution of long-range strike weapons.

Alongside the regular news and attrition section, Giovanni Colla and Remo Guidi bring coverage from Joint Stars 2017, Italy’s largest national combined exercise.