A contingent of A-10 Warthogs and HH-60G Pave Hawks flew its final mission in international waters west of the Philippines in late April. Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced the extended deployment of the aircraft and some 200 airmen, which operated out of Clark Air Base on Luzon Island, last month. While deployed, the A-10s flew four missions over international waters and in international airspace and conducted 24 training sorties and personnel recovery training with the HH-60s. Pararescuemen from the 33rd Rescue Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan, also conducted combat search and rescue subject matter exchanges with the Philippine Air Force, states a release. “This represents a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen our regional presence, enhance security while laying the groundwork for all future joint air contingent deployments,” said Gen. Lori Robinson, Pacific Air Forces commander. The A-10s, which departed the Philippines on April 30, will be replaced by a second contingent of “advanced fighter jets,” though officials have not said when or what type of aircraft will be deployed.
Anduril and General Atomics will develop their Collaborative Combat Aircraft for the Air Force, beating out Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, the service announced on April 24. But any of the non-selected companies can compete to actually manufacture the eventual design, the Air Force said.