Images confirm Y-20U aerial tanker is in PLAAF service

by Andreas Rupprecht

A photograph and video footage have emerged on the Weibo social media platform confirming that the aerial refuelling variant of the Xi'an Aircraft Corporation Y-20A transport aircraft has entered service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

The footage, which was posted on 28 November, shows an example of the Y-20U aerial tanker in flight featuring low-visibility PLAAF markings as well as serial number ‘20241', both of which indicate that the platform is in service within the 13th Transport Division, 37th Air Regiment at Kaifeng under PLA's Central Theater Command.


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US Coast Guard Airbus MH-65s retire from Arctic mission

by Zach Rosenberg

A Kodiak-based MH-65 trains aboard the USCGC Healy in 2022. (Janes/Michael Fabey)

The last US Coast Guard (USCG) Airbus MH-65 Dolphin in Alaska retired from Air Station Kodiak on 23 April, ending the type's 36-year employment in the service's Alaska Patrol (ALPAT) role.

“For decades, the cutter and helicopter team were the core of the ALPAT mission,” said Commander James Kenshalo, a USCG MH-65 Dolphin pilot. “Together they projected force and protection to the most extreme remote regions of our nation's territories, operating beyond where help could reach.”


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Italy to enhance SSA with new ground-based sensors

by Olivia Savage

Flyeye is a multiple-optics telescope with a very wide field of view that will be capable of classifying objects in space as small as 15 cm in LEO and 35 cm in MEO. The 6.5 m high and 4 m wide telescope will be used by the Italian Space Agency and military for SSA. (OHB Italia)

The Italian National Armaments Directorate (NAD) is procuring three ground-based sensors to enhance the country's space situational awareness (SSA), Janes learnt at the Military Space Situational Awareness Conference 2024, held in London from 22 to 24 April.


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India's GalaxEye developing satellite with multiple sensors for Earth observation

by Oishee Majumdar

A computer-aided design model of the satellite that GalaxEye Space is developing to conduct Earth observation for defence forces. The satellite will be equipped with SAR and EO sensor for enhanced surveillance. (GalaxEye Space)

Bangalore-based GalaxEye Space is developing a satellite that can carry multiple sensors for Earth observation to support the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.

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https://www.janes.com/defence-news/air-platforms/latest/images-confirm-y-20u-aerial-tanker-is-in-plaaf-service

A photograph and video footage have emerged on the Weibo social media platform confirming that the a...

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