INDIAN ARMED FORCES CHIEFS ON OUR RELENTLESS AND FOCUSED PUBLISHING EFFORTS

The insightful articles, inspiring narrations and analytical perspectives presented by the Editorial Team, establish an alluring connect with the reader. My compliments and best wishes to SP Guide Publications.

— General Upendra Dwivedi, Indian Army Chief

"Over the past 60 years, the growth of SP Guide Publications has mirrored the rising stature of Indian Navy. Its well-researched and informative magazines on Defence and Aerospace sector have served to shape an educated opinion of our military personnel, policy makers and the public alike. I wish SP's Publication team continued success, fair winds and following seas in all future endeavour!"

— Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Indian Navy Chief

Since, its inception in 1964, SP Guide Publications has consistently demonstrated commitment to high-quality journalism in the aerospace and defence sectors, earning a well-deserved reputation as Asia's largest media house in this domain. I wish SP Guide Publications continued success in its pursuit of excellence.

— Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Indian Air Force Chief

       

Japan's first F-35A makes first flight

Issue No. 17 | September 1-15, 2016Photo(s): By www.f35.com

The first Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-35A successfully completed its maiden flight August 24, 2016. The flight was piloted by Lockheed Martin’s F-35 test pilot Paul Hattendorf.

Japan is on record to purchase 42 F-35A conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) aircraft, acquired through the US Government’s foreign military sales programme. The first four aircraft are in assembly in Fort Worth and are anticipated to be delivered before the end of 2016.

The remaining 38 aircraft will be assembled at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries final assembly and check-out facility in Nagoya, Japan. Aircraft assembly is also underway at the Nagoya facility. Maintenance training for the first Japan maintainers has already begun at Eglin AFB, Florida, and training of the first JASDF F-35 pilots will begin at Luke AFB, Arizona, in November 2016.