Aerospace

Israel to buy 25 more F-35 stealth jets in $3 billion deal

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In a deal that will more than double Israel’s inventory of stealth fighter jets by 50%, the Israeli Defence Ministry announced Sunday that Israel will purchase 25 F-35 aircraft from the United States.

Israel is the only nation in the Middle East to operate the F-35, the most technologically advanced fighter plane in existence. The $3 billion deal, which would bring Israel’s F-35 fleet total to 75 aircraft, is expected to be completed in the upcoming months, the ministry announced.

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According to the report, the contract would be paid by American military assistance to Israel, and both the engine and plane manufacturers, Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney, pledged to work with Israeli firms on the production side. The new deal “will ensure the continuation of cooperation between American businesses and Israeli defense industries in the manufacture of aircraft parts.”

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On Sunday, Israel said it had attacked an anti-aircraft installation in Syria in response for Syria firing an anti-aircraft rocket into Israeli territory, hours before Israel revealed its F-35 plan. No injuries were reported from the Syrian missile, it was stated, and Israeli jets had also “struck additional targets in the area.”

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Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.