High above the snow-covered peaks of the Alps, the helicopter crews of the Austrian Air Force are once again pushing their skills to the limit during their annual winter mountain flying training. Operating in extreme cold, thin air, and rapidly changing weather, pilots and crews rehearse precision landings, rescue scenarios, and complex alpine navigation in some of Europe’s most demanding terrain. This unique training ensures readiness for both national defense and emergency response missions in the high mountains. A full in-depth feature article on this extraordinary winter operation including maps, aircraft profiles, and behind the scenes insights will be published in the near future.

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On the 27th of January 2026, a USAF Boeing TC-135W sporting serial ’62-4129′ visited LMML on a technical stop on its way from Al Udeid to RAF Waddington.

The Boeing TC-135 is a specialized training aircraft derived from the Boeing C-135 family, which also includes the KC-135 Stratotanker and the RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft. Its primary mission is to train aircrews for the highly complex intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations conducted by the RC-135 fleet. While it does not normally perform operational intelligence missions itself, the TC-135 plays a crucial role in maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of U.S. Air Force reconnaissance forces.

More information on this very unique aircraft type can be found on the following link.

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Naval Air Station Kingsville, located in South Texas, is a major U.S. Navy jet training installation and home to Training Air Wing Two (TW-2). The base’s primary mission is to conduct intermediate and advanced jet training for Navy and Marine Corps student aviators using the T-45C Goshawk, preparing them for operational fleet aircraft and carrier operations. NAS Kingsville hosts two T-45C squadrons: VT-21 “Redhawks” and VT-22 “Golden Eagles.” Both squadrons provide rigorous instruction in formation flying, strike tactics, and carrier qualification, playing a critical role in developing skilled, fleet-ready naval aviators.

A report highlighting my visit in March 2024 to NAS Kingsville, Texas can be found on the following link.

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Lackland Air Force Base, located in San Antonio, Texas is part of Joint Base San Antonio and functions as the primary entry point for enlisted members of the United States Air Force. It is the only location where Air Force Basic Military Training is conducted. Each year, thousands of recruits pass through a demanding training program lasting approximately seven and a half weeks, at the conclusion of which they earn the title of Airman. Many graduates remain at Lackland to continue into follow-on technical training in career fields such as cybersecurity, medical specialties, security forces, and other Air Force occupations.

A report highlighting my visit in March 2024 to San Antonio, Texas can be found on the following link.

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Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, is home to the 162nd Fighter Wing, one of the larger Air National Guard units in the United States. The primary focus of this wing is training pilots to operate the F-16 Fighting Falcon, supporting missions tied to homeland defense and participation in a range of international activities. The wing employs advanced flight simulators to create realistic training environments, helping pilots prepare for real operational demands. Additionally, the base has extensive maintenance infrastructure to keep its aircraft in peak condition and ready for missions.

A report highlighting my visit in March 2024 to Tucson, Arizona can be found on the following link.

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The 93d Fighter Squadron, known as the Makos, is part of the Air Force Reserve Command’s 482d Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida. First activated in 1943, the squadron flew C-47 Skytrains in World War II operations including D-Day, Operation Market Garden, and the Siege of Bastogne. Reactivated as a reserve unit in 1949, the Makos have flown multiple aircraft over the decades and have operated the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon since 1995, conducting air superiority missions during Operations Northern Watch and Iraqi Freedom. As shown hereunder, the 93rd Fighter Squadron has also represented the United States Air Force through their participation in exercise Iniochos 2025

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The last military movement of the year 2025 at LMML consisted of a Kuwaiti Air Force Lockheed KC-130J Hercules. The Kuwait Air Force operates a fleet of three Lockheed Martin KC-130J Hercules aerial refueling and transport aircraft, acquired via a U.S. Foreign Military Sale contract signed in 2010 and delivered by early 2014. These extended-range tankers enhance Kuwait’s air mobility and provide in-flight refueling for fighter jets like its F/A-18s, while also performing tactical airlift, airdrop, humanitarian support and disaster-relief missions as needed. The KC-130J combines the proven Hercules airframe with modern engines and systems, and sustainment support for the Kuwait fleet is managed through ongoing contracts with allied partners and the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command.

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Four RAF Typhoons (ZK426, ZK340, ZK364 & ZK308) sporting 12 Squadron markings flew in on the 24th November 2025 for a nightstop on their way to the Middle East. They were supported by an Airbus Voyager KC.2 ‘ZZ331’.

Number 12 Squadron, also known as No. 12 (Bomber) Squadron and occasionally as No. XII Squadron, was reformed in July 2018 as a joint RAF/Qatar Emiri Air Force squadron. It is currently based at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, and operates the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, while temporarily integrating Qatari air and ground crews in order to provide training and support as part of the Qatari purchase of 24 Typhoons from the UK. It is interesting to note the UK and Qatari national flags beneath the Squadron’s fox emblem in the badges adorning their aircraft.

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An Italian Air Force Leonardo HH-139B helicopter, bearing serial MM81990, was recently present in Malta for a series of joint training activities with the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM). The visit forms part of ongoing bilateral military cooperation between the two countries, a relationship that has seen Italian Air Force helicopters regularly operating in Maltese airspace in support of shared regional security objectives.

The Italian Air Force operates two distinct variants of the Leonardo AW139 in the search-and-rescue and utility role, designated HH-139A and HH-139B. The newer B model incorporates a higher maximum take-off weight, updated avionics and sensor systems, and a dual-hoist rescue capability. Externally, it can be identified by its slimmer sponsons, reflecting the standard AW139 design.

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For more than a decade, the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) F-16 Solo Display Team has been one of Europe’s most recognisable F-16 demonstrations, showcasing the agility, power, and precision of Denmark’s frontline fighter. In 2025, the team took to the skies for the last time symbolically closing a significant chapter in Danish airpower history. At the centre of this historic finale was Captain Troels “TEO” Vang, the active-duty fighter pilot chosen to lead the final season and deliver the last public F-16 displays in Danish Air Force service.

A report highlighting the operational significance of the RDAF F-16 demo team for the country of Denmark can be found on the following link.

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