Aerospace
India’s HAL offers AESA radar and Brahmos capable Tejas Mk-1A to the Philippines..
The FA 50 is insufficient to the PAF because it has not provided promising results in terms of protection; the Philippines may look for newer fighter jets. The Tejas aircraft, built in India, may be suitable for its requirements because it is already in use by the Indian air force and has proven technology. It was proudly displayed at the most recent airshow, complete with an incredible aerobatic display.
PAF is now looking to expand its fighter fleet and is considering placing orders for 12 more fighter jets under its MRF acquisition programme, for which it is negotiating with Lockheed Martin for the F-16 Block-70 Fighting Falcon and Saab for the JAS 39 Gripen-C. However, Philippine National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana stated that the F-16 cost is prohibitively expensive, fueling speculation that the Gripen will be the front-runner for the contract. However, the recent sale of a Gripen-E to Brazil confirms that its fly-by-unit cost is around $80 million, and even the much smaller C version costs around $60-65 million, prompting PH to consider other options.
HAL is now stepping in to offer Tejas aircraft to PAF, which is expected to happen soon next month. Representatives from the Indian HAL company will pay them a visit and brief them on the aircraft.
The Tejas Mk-1A is an improved version of the Tejas Mk-1 and will be a 4.5 Generation fighter with long range BVR missiles such as Astra Mk-1/2/IR/3 and I-Derby ER, close combat missiles such as R-73, ASRAAM, and Python-5, and anti-ship/land attack cruise missiles such as Subsonic Nirbhay /Hunter ALCM, Hammer and Supersonic Brahmos-NG, laser
It will also have an Elm-2052 / Uttam AESA radar, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, a pylon-mounted IRST, a more powerful mission computer, dual rack pylons, an aerial refuelling probe, simplified maintenance, and a lower radar signature.
The Tejas Mk1A has a fly-by unit cost of around $42 million, which means it could be used instead of spending nearly $2.43 billion for 12 jets quoted by Lockheed Martin and even more from Saab.
PAF may purchase a fleet of 12 Tejas Mk1A jets for half the price of the deal. One advantage is that both the Tejas Mk1A and the FA-50 are powered by the General Electric F404 afterburning turbofan engine and are compatible with Israeli weapons and sensors, which reduces the additional costs associated with ground crew training and allows Filipino pilots who have completed the FA-50 training programme to easily transition to Tejas Mk1A fighters.
Indian-built fighter jets are also being improved to make them better aircraft, with the latest avionics and weapons packages that will undoubtedly help the Philippines on the battlefield.
Aerospace
From Doha to the World: The Legacy of Akbar Al Baker at Qatar Airways: Honoured with APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award
In the organization’s five-decade history, the APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award has only been given six times, including the most recent award given to H.E. Mr. Al Baker. This esteemed honour is given only to visionaries and leaders in the industry who drive advancement in the aviation business while also elevating their brands.
Akbar Al Baker is a prominent figure in the aviation industry and has served as the CEO of Qatar Airways for many years. Here’s a brief overview of his story:
On September 22, 1961, Akbar Al Baker was born in Doha, Qatar. He completed his studies in Qatar before moving to India to attend Aligarh Muslim University to study economics and business. He joined Qatar’s Civil Aviation Directorate after completing his education to start his aviation career.
Akbar Al Baker was chosen to lead Qatar Airways, the nation of Qatar’s state-owned national airline, in 1997. Qatar Airways underwent a substantial turnaround and expansion under his direction. He was crucial in making the airline into one of the top carriers in the world, renowned for its opulent service, cutting-edge aircraft, and extensive global network.
Some key highlights of Akbar Al Baker’s tenure at Qatar Airways include:
- Fleet Expansion: Under Al Baker’s leadership, Qatar Airways expanded its fleet with state-of-the-art aircraft, including the introduction of the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner to its fleet.
- Award-Winning Service: Qatar Airways has won numerous awards for its service quality, including Skytrax’s “Airline of the Year” multiple times during his tenure.
- Hub Development: Al Baker oversaw the development of Hamad International Airport in Doha, which has become a major hub in the Middle East for international travel.
- Alliance Memberships: Qatar Airways became a member of the Oneworld alliance, strengthening its global network and partnerships with other leading airlines.
- Crisis Management: During his tenure, Qatar Airways successfully navigated through challenging times, including the 2017 blockade imposed by neighboring countries, which led to the suspension of air travel to several destinations.
Akbar Al Baker is renowned for his hands-on leadership style and for holding the airline to a high standard. He is also renowned for making direct and occasionally controversial comments about business-related issues. In the very competitive airline sector, his leadership has significantly contributed to Qatar Airways’ expansion and success.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker Honoured with Prestigious APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker was celebrated by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) as the recipient of the CEO Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes industry leaders for their dedication, efforts, and commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. The APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony took place at APEX/IFSA Global EXPO in Long Beach, California on 20 September, where H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker also accepted three awards for the airline.
Qatar Airways was also awarded with three more APEX Awards, solidifying the airline’s status as one of the world’s leading airlines. The following titles presented to Qatar Airways were based exclusively on certified passenger votes: 2024 APEX World Class Award, APEX Award for Best Entertainment in the Middle East, and the APEX Award for Global Best Food & Beverage.
Qatar Airways Group is a unique organization that encompasses multiple subsidiaries and works in synergy to create the smoothest travel journey including airport ground services, onboard catering, private jet travel, and more. Qatar Airways continues to work in line with its promise to provide all passengers with the most seamless and luxurious travel experience in the world, now adding an additional four prestigious awards to the multi-award-winning airline’s accreditation.
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Aerospace
Austrian Ministry of Defense selects the C-390 Millennium as its new military transport aircraft
The Austrian Ministry of Defense announced today the decision to select the C-390 Millennium aircraft as its new tactical transport solution. Embraer is honored to be chosen to support this important Air Force in Europe.
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Austria joins Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, and the Netherlands as the future operators of the C-390 Millennium multi-mission platform, an aircraft that is rapidly redefining the standards of tactical transport in the world defense market.
Embraer is ready to support the Austrian Ministry of Defense and Air Force in order to meet the demanding requirements of their acquisition process and is prepared to further strengthen the relationship with this nation.
Aerospace
U.S. F-35 Fighter Jet Missing in South Carolina, and Asks Public for Help
A US fighter jet went missing in South Carolina during a training mishap. According to US military officials, the search for his missing aircraft was centered on two lakes north of North Charleston.
At around 2 p.m. (local time), the pilot evacuated and safely parachuted into a North Charleston neighborhood. He was transferred to a nearby hospital, where he was in stable condition.
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Military officials appealed to the public for assistance with finding the aircraft on Twitter.
Authorities stated that they are currently looking into the cause of the pilot’s ejection. According to Salinas, the pilot of a second F-35 made a safe landing at Joint Base Charleston. The pilots and their aircraft were part of the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, which is stationed in Beaufort, which is close to the Atlantic coast of South Carolina.
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According to base authorities, they were conducting a search over two lakes to the north of Charleston in collaboration with federal aviation authorities. Each of the aircraft, made by Lockheed Martin, cost about USD 80 million.
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