RAF F-35s operational from Cyprus

[mnewbery]

The first operational sorties were flown on June 16 from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, targeting the last remnants of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil).

[/url]https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/06/24/britains-new-f35-stealth-jets-used-operations-first-time/

 

 

[fly_tornado]

Good training opportunities for the Russian radar crews

 

 

[spacesailor]

SO !

 

Who dropped a missile on Cyprus.

 

"A suspected stray missile crashed north of the Cypriot capital, Nicosia early on Monday, Turkish Cypriot officials said.

 

Ersin Tatar, the prime minister of Northern Cyprus, a breakaway state recognised only by Turkey, said that no one was hurt in a pre-dawn blast near the village of Tashkent, also known as Vouno, some 12 miles northeast of the capital."

 

(‘Stray’ missile crashes near Cyprus capital)

 

spacesailor

 

 

[mnewbery]

Initial reports suggest it wasn't an air to ground missile, implying it was launched from another country rather than an aircraft overhead

 

 

[mnewbery]

@fly_tornado, your point has merit. See below:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/the-new-iron-curtain-russian-missile-defense-challenges-us-air-power/ar-BBSDkjR

 

The russian S-400 missile system is deployed in and near Syria and according to the article above, NATO coalition missions appear to have been called off after the anti-aircraft system was detected as emitting. It is important to remember the lessons of the Wild Weasel combat missions. Airborne and anti-aircraft signal processing power has increased since then. This doesn't take into account the ability to sense a signal from one platform (EF-18) and send it for further processing (E-7 or on the ground). Its my opinion that every time the S-400 is turned on its another opportunity to gather information about its electronic signal and that of the upcoming S-500.

 

One might speculate that is exactly what one or more missions set out to achieve, rather than a kinetic attack. Its important to remember that the F-35 never, ever flies alone.

[willedoo]

The first shipment of S-400 equipment arrived in Turkey today.