An F-15E crashed in Southwest Asia on May 3 during a routine training mission, announced Air Forces Central officials. “Both crew members ejected safely,” stated AFCENT’s release. The Strike Eagle was part of an expeditionary contingent deployed to the region from the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home, Idaho. “We are extremely grateful that our Gunfighters are safe,” said Col. Bruce Smith, the wing’s vice commander, in a release. The cause of the incident is under investigation. However, Maj. James Bressendorff, AFCENT spokesman, said in a separate release the mishap “was not due to any hostile fire or insurgent activity.” AFCENT said it would release more details as they became available. (Our initial coverage)
The Pentagon has concluded a new agreement to buy laser-guidance kits that turn rockets into drone-killing weapons. BAE Systems and the Defense Department announced a framework deal of up to seven years for 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for the U.S. military.