Aircraft and personnel assigned to Air Forces Central Command will participate in the Dubai International Airshow, which runs Nov. 17-21 in the United Arab Emirates, according to a Nov. 17 AFCENT release. “This event contributes to the goodwill and strong relationships between partners in the region,” said AFCENT Commander Lt. Gen. John Hesterman. AFCENT spokesman Maj. David Faggard told the Daily Report, airmen will provide static displays of C-130J Hercules and F-15E Strike Eagles, as well as participate in fly-bys with a B-1B and an F-22 Raptor. The biennial show, which is one of the largest aviation and aerospace events in the world, is an opportunity for the US to showcase equipment employed throughout the region and utilized during various theater security cooperation events, Faggard added. Supporting the Dubai show has remained a DOD priority, especially as the US builds closer ties with its Arabian Gulf allies, including the UAE. A joint force of airmen and other service members will provide logistics, protection, and maintenance support for the various US aircraft on display and performing during the show. Current operations will not be impacted, AFCENT stated. (See additional AFCENT release on Dubai Airshow)
Collaborative Combat Aircraft designs from Anduril and General Atomics passed their Critical Design Reviews early in November, clearing the way for detailed production efforts to get underway, the Air Force said. How future versions will be upgraded is still under discussion.