Co
pe North 09-01, the new iteration of the annual US-Japan air training exercise began yesterday in the skies around Andersen AFB, Guam. The event is meant to strengthen US-Japan military ties and enhance joint air activities in the defense of Japan. Participants in the two-week exercise include six B-52s from Minot AFB, N.D., currently stationed at Andersen, Navy EA-6B electronic attack aircraft, and Japan Air Self Defense Force F-2 fighters and E-2C early warning aircraft. And, for the first time, 10 F-16s from the 18th Aggressor Squadron at Eielson AFB, Alaska, are also participating, playing the role of mock adversaries. The JASDF F-2s arrived at Andersen Jan. 30. (Andersen report by SrA. Ryan Whitney)
Expanded production of the B-21 bomber can be accomplished at Northrop Grumman's existing Palmdale, Calif., facilities, the Air Force said. It also said test aircraft will be so simular to the production version that early examples could be used in combat if called for.