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Third RAAF F-35 Makes First Flight

05 Desember 2017 A35-003 takes off from Fort Worth. (photo : AustralianAviationCarl Richards) The Royal Australian Air Force’s third F-35A Lightning II, A35-003, has completed its first flight. Photographer Carl Richards captured these images of A35-003 taking off on its first flight, from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, on December 1. The aircraft is due to be delivered to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona in early 2018 to be used for pilot and maintainer training, before being permanently relocated to Australia in 2020. A35-003, known to its manufacturer Lockheed Martin as AU-3, had its RAAF markings, including its 3 Squadron tail flashes, applied in early November, the final phase of the aircraft’s production process. 3 Squadron is due to become the first RAAF F-35 operational unit. ( AustralianAviation )

Japan Providing Philippines with Patrol Vessels

04 November 2017

JCG 94 meter patrol vessel (photo : goo.ne)

The Japanese government has promised to provide the Philippines with patrol vessels, newly-appointed Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. during an interview with PTV4 on November 2.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on October 26 last year witnessed the signing and exchanging of notes for the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project for the Philippine Coast Guard Phase (MSCIP) II in which Japan will provide a loan package.

“The objective of this project is to construct two (2) patrol ships to be used by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and aims to improve the PCG’s capabilities to quickly and appropriately respond to maritime incidents, such as search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement. It is expected that this cooperation will contribute to the enhancement of the maritime safety of the Republic of Philippines,” Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

MSCIP II vessels will be heavy weather, high endurance 94-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV).

MSCIP I which is also funded by Japan, is currently in progress.

MSCIP I will provide the PCG with 10 44-meter MRRVs. 6 units of patrol vessels built by Japan Marine United were already delivered, with the latest delivery conducted last month.

(Update)

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