Saudi Warplanes Arrive at Turkish Airbase

ANKARA — A batch of four F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets of the Royal Saudi Air Force arrived Feb. 26 at the Incirlik airbase in southern Turkey, officials said.

The arrival of Saudi aircraft raised the number of countries operating from the Incirlik airbase to five — after the United States, Britain, Germany and Qatar.

The Saudi F-15Es will support the allied campaign against  ISIL targets, Turkish officials said. They also said the Saudi planes will conduct patrol flights along Turkey's border with Syria.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesperson, Ibrahim Kalin referred to the deployment as anti-Islamic State group coalition with a mission of combat activities.

Saudi Defense Ministry Undersecretary Ahmed al-Asiri confirmed the landing, according to Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency.

More In Mideast Africa

New US Space Force jammers aim to disrupt China’s SATCOM signals

The Remote Modular Terminals, which disrupt adversary satellites by "yelling in their ear," as one official put it, are cleared for initial fielding,

Space Force must grow to counter China and Russia, lawmaker says

House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said the service is not sized to meet increasing threats from China and Russia.

SpaceX launches rapid response GPS mission

The effort, dubbed Rapid Response Trailblazer, was meant to demonstrate the ability to quickly plan and launch a mission in around six months.

Space Command strategy aims to boost commercial role in operations

The updated strategy, approved in November, focuses on SPACECOM’s core tasks and how commercial space capabilities fit within those areas.

ULA eyes annual mods to turn rocket stage into space interceptor

The fast-moving vehicle would be highly maneuverable and could be used to tow satellites or for counterspace missions, ULA CEO Tory Bruno told reporters.