Japan-based airlifters assisted the Malaysian air force with joint-service interoperability, airdrop tactics, and operational safety during an exercise at Subang AB, Malaysia. “Teak Mint has never failed to reach our goals and expectations of revolutionizing a potent combat air mobility force,” Royal Malaysian Air Force Maj. Azril Omree bin Dato’ Hasbullah said in a release. An MC-130J Commando II of the 17th Special Operations Squadron from Kadena AB, Japan, and a C-130H of the 36th Airlift Squadron from Yokota AB, Japan, flew alongside RMAF C-130s during the exercise May 26 to June 13. Air Force crews trained their RMAF counterparts on night-vision flying, as well as preparation and deployment of low-cost, low-altitude airdrop, according to the release. Airmen shared US operational risk management practices with RMAF safety officials and they” plan to include it in their day-to-day operations as a systematic and continuous process,” added 353rd Special Operation Group safety chief Maj. John Huntsman.
The use of a military counter-drone laser on the southwest border this week—which prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to abruptly close the airspace over El Paso, Texas—will be a “case study” on the complex web of authorities needed to employ such weapons near civilian areas and the consequences of agencies…
