According to a Dec. 3 release from the Air Force Flight Standards Agency, the agency participated in testing of a new joint precision approach and landing system, which can provide landing guidance similar to the current instrument landing system—but JPALS is portable. It can fit into two backpacks and be set up in under 30 minutes. It also beats the ILS by enabling aircraft to actively avoid rough terrain and potential enemies rather than requiring a long, straight-in landing approach. (Report by Maj. Martin Towey.)
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.