Navy's KC-130T Expands Aerial Refueling Capabilities | Arab Leaders Discuss Gaza Reconstruction Plan | Czechs Crowdfund $2.9M for Black Hawk To Aid Ukraine
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Americas
The US Navy Reserve’s KC-130T Hercules fleet, upgraded with the NP2000 propeller system, is now cleared to aerially refuel a significantly wider range of aircraft across the carrier airwing following envelope expansion testing at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) which concluded in early 2025. Originally, the KC-130T aircraft were primarily used for cargo missions. However, recognising the increasing need to refuel more assets in the air, the Navy initiated a project to regain aerial refuelling capabilities across the fleet.
Kira AAR Logistics Services JV LLC has been awarded a contract worth up to $98 million to provide in-flight training for Naval Aviators on the E-6B Mercury aircraft. The work will be done in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and is expected to be completed by March 2027. This training supports the Navy’s efforts to maintain pilot proficiency and is crucial for the E-6B’s strategic communications and airborne command post missions. The contract was not competitively bid, and funds will be allocated as specific orders are issued.
Middle East & Africa
Arab leaders gathered in Cairo to discuss an alternative plan for rebuilding Gaza, opposing US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal. The summit aimed to present a comprehensive vision for reconstructing Gaza without displacing its Palestinian population. The plan involves a significant reconstruction effort, with UN estimates suggesting it will cost over $53 billion. Egypt has developed a postwar plan in which Palestinians would be relocated to safe areas inside Gaza equipped with mobile homes while its cities are rebuilt. Hamas would cede power to an interim administration of political independents until a reformed Palestinian Authority can assume control. Israel has demanded that Gaza be fully demilitarized, a condition strongly opposed by Hamas, who consider disarmament a “red line.” The international community, including many Arab states, has rejected Trump’s proposal, which involves taking control of Gaza and relocating its people. The situation in Gaza remains critical, with widespread destruction and a need for urgent humanitarian aid. The Arab summit seeks to secure funding for reconstruction and formulate a unified strategy to address the crisis while protecting Palestinian rights and statehood.
Europe
The Czech Republic’s “A Gift for Putin” initiative has raised $2.9 million to buy a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for Ukraine. Despite its name, the campaign supports Ukraine’s war effort, not Russia. Over 20,500 donors contributed since its launch in November 2023. The helicopter will be used by Ukraine’s military intelligence for transporting soldiers and evacuating casualties. This donation reflects strong Czech public support for Ukraine and will enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities. The Black Hawk is expected to be delivered soon.
Asia-Pacific
North Korea has slammed the US for “political and military provocations” over the visit of a US Navy aircraft carrier to the South Korean port of Busan. The statement by Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korea’s ruler Kim Jong Un, was published Tuesday by the state-owned Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). “As soon as its new administration appeared this year, the US has stepped up the political and military provocations against the DPRK, ‘carrying forward’ the former administration’s hostile policy,” her statement read.
