Reporting by Johannes Schages

This year's ILA has started with a reduced number of aircraft shown and a very curtailed flying programme.

However, some interesting aircraft have arrived. Again, the full range of Bundeswehr types is presented, including the handover on Thursday (23rd) of A321-251NX 15+10 (MSN 10613) to the Lufwaffe and the first Luftwaffe C-130J-30 55+01 (MSN 5930).

The US Forces have brought several aircraft, including a CH-53K from VMX-1 (169662) and a P-8A from VP-9 (168850/PD/850) as well as a trio of helicopters from the 1st Air Cav Brigade currently deployed to Europe. The AMI shows an F-35A (MM7359/32-09) and a few more NATO aircraft are still expected.

A full list will follow in the next issue of MAR.