Free Republic

The Russian air force is set to begin operational testing of its upgraded Sukhoi Su-25SM3 Frogfoot close air support aircraft this April. Assuming the modernized jets are approved for fielding, the first operational Su-25SM3 aircraft are expected to enter service before the end of the year. The Russian air force is expected to upgrade more than forty Su-25s at the 121th Aircraft Repair Plant in Kubinka—just outside Moscow. “Comprehensive testing of Su-25SM3 will begin in April of this year,” a Russian Aerospace Forces official told the Russian-language daily Izvestia. “We expect that the first modernized attack aircraft will arrive in...

Two Air Force planes from Whiteman clipped each other Wednesday afternoon over Cannon Gunnery Range in south central Missouri. They both returned safely to the base and neither pilot was injured. The A-10 Thunderbolt IIs were flying a routine training mission when the incident happened. Planes fly over Cannon Gunnery Range on a daily basis. Minor damage was reported on both planes. Until the inspection is complete, no one is aware of the cost to repair the planes. "[The] planes will eventually be able to fly again," said Lt. Brian Bowman from Whiteman. An ongoing investigation into the incident continues...