Defense & Military
Robins AFB Leads Deployment of Block 3 Laser Eye Protection System
Robins AFB leads rollout of the Block 3 Aircrew Laser Eye Protection system, enhancing pilot safety with laser and ballistic protection amid rising laser strikes.
This article is based on an official press release from Robins Air Force Base and supporting data from the Federal Aviation Administration.
As incidents of laser strikes against Commercial-Aircraft reach record highs, the United States Air Force is accelerating the deployment of advanced protective eyewear designed to shield pilots from blinding light and physical debris. Leading this critical sustainment effort is a specialized team at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, working under the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Human Systems Division (AFLCMC/ROU).
The initiative focuses on the “Block 3” Aircrew Laser Eye Protection (ALEP) system, a modular suite of eyewear that represents a significant technological leap over previous iterations. According to the Air Force, the service plans to field more than 42,000 of these devices to units worldwide between 2027 and 2029. The program aims to counter the growing prevalence of handheld lasers, which can cause flash blindness and incapacitate pilots during critical phases of flight.
While the Human Systems Division is headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, the Operations and Support team responsible for validating and sustaining this gear operates out of Robins AFB. Their work ensures that the equipment not only meets technical specifications but also functions practically for aircrews operating in diverse and dangerous environments.
The Block 3 ALEP system is not a single pair of glasses but a comprehensive kit comprising six distinct devices. These include day spectacles, night spectacles, ballistic spectacles, and visors designed to integrate with night vision goggles. The new system addresses several limitations found in the older Block 2 gear, specifically regarding color perception and physical protection.
One of the most significant upgrades is the inclusion of ballistic protection. For the first time, the ALEP system combines laser filtration with impact resistance, a critical feature for aircrews in “low and slow” aircraft, such as Helicopters and CV-22 Ospreys, who face threats from ground fire and shrapnel in addition to directed energy.
Kevin Frost, a mechanical engineer with the AFLCMC/ROU Operation and Support team, emphasized the importance of these upgrades in the official release. The new lenses utilize advanced dyes capable of filtering a broader spectrum of light wavelengths, offering protection against a wider variety of laser colors, including green and blue lasers which are increasingly common.
A persistent complaint regarding previous laser eye protection was the degradation of visual clarity during night operations. Older lenses often blocked too much visible light or distorted colors, making it difficult for pilots to read instruments or identify terrain. The Block 3 night spectacles have been engineered to allow more natural light to pass through while still filtering harmful laser frequencies. Eric Miltner, an equipment specialist with the team at Robins AFB, noted that the team travels directly to bases to validate the equipment with the Airmen who will use it. This hands-on approach ensures that technical manuals are clear and that the gear integrates seamlessly with existing flight equipment.
“We go to an actual base where people are going to be using this equipment… We show them the manual, and we let them walk through the steps without us assisting just to make sure it all makes sense.”
, Eric Miltner, AFLCMC/ROU Equipment Specialist
The deployment of Block 3 comes at a time when laser strikes are becoming a frequent hazard for both military and commercial aviation. According to data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), pilots reported 12,840 laser strikes in 2024 alone, averaging roughly 35 incidents per day. This represents a nearly 48% increase since 2020. Reports for 2025 have already exceeded 10,000 incidents, signaling that the trend is not slowing down.
Master Sgt. Bridgette Brzezinski, the 78th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering flight chief, highlighted the medical and psychological dangers posed by these strikes. While permanent blindness is rare, the immediate effects can be catastrophic.
“Laser exposures can severely disrupt critical phases of flight… and can have significant psychological effects on aircrew even at distances where ocular damage is unlikely.”
, Master Sgt. Bridgette Brzezinski
The primary danger is “flash blindness,” a phenomenon similar to the afterimage caused by a camera flash, but continuous. If this occurs during takeoff or landing, a pilot may lose the ability to see flight instruments. Furthermore, in a military context, a laser strike can be interpreted as a targeting designator from a weapon system, causing significant psychological stress and distraction.
Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime under 18 U.S. Code § 39A. Offenders face up to five years in prison and criminal fines of up to $250,000. Additionally, the FAA can impose civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation. Despite these severe penalties, the frequency of strikes continues to rise, necessitating the defensive measures being rolled out by the Air Force.
The Block 3 eyewear is manufactured by Gentex Corporation, a long-standing defense contractor based in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, known for producing helmet systems and respiratory protection for military personnel. The rollout of Block 3 ALEP signifies a shift in how the Air Force views optical threats. In the past, laser protection might have been considered a niche safety requirement. Today, with the proliferation of high-powered handheld lasers and the increasing use of directed energy weapons in global conflicts, optical shielding has become as essential as ballistic body armor.
We observe that the inclusion of ballistic protection in the Block 3 kit is particularly telling. It suggests a doctrine where pilots are expected to operate in contested environments where threats are multi-dimensional, simultaneously kinetic (shrapnel) and optical (lasers). By consolidating these protections into a single modular system, the Air Force is reducing the logistical burden on aircrews while enhancing their survivability.
The work being done at Robins AFB by the AFLCMC/ROU team highlights the critical role of sustainment and validation. High-tech gear is useless if it is uncomfortable or incompatible with other equipment. By validating these systems on the ground with the Airmen who use them, the Air Force is ensuring that the $42,000+ unit rollout translates into actual operational readiness rather than just warehouse inventory.
Sources: Robins Air Force Base, Federal Aviation Administration
Robins AFB Team Leads Rollout of Next-Gen “Block 3” Laser Eye Protection
The “Block 3” Capability Leap
Solving the Night Vision Challenge
The Rising Threat of Laser Strikes
Legal and Industry Context
AirPro News Analysis
Photo Credit: Robins Air Force Base
Defense & Military
Royal Saudi Air Force Pilatus PC-21 Fleet Surpasses 100,000 Flight Hours
The Royal Saudi Air Force’s Pilatus PC-21 fleet has logged over 100,000 flight hours, highlighting its role in advanced pilot training with Pratt & Whitney engines.
This article is based on an official press release from RTX.
The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) has achieved a significant operational milestone, with its fleet of Pilatus PC-21 training Military-Aircraft surpassing 100,000 cumulative flight hours. RTX, the parent company of engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney Canada, announced the achievement on February 10, 2026, highlighting the durability and high utilization rate of the fleet.
The milestone underscores the central role the PC-21 plays in the Kingdom’s military pilot training pipeline. Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6A-68B turboprop engines, the fleet of 54 aircraft is used to prepare student pilots for high-performance frontline fighters, including the F-15SA Eagle and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
According to the press release issued by RTX, the 100,000-hour mark reflects the maturity of the RSAF’s training program. The RSAF received its first PC-21 aircraft in June 2014, and accumulating this number of flight hours in just over a decade suggests a rigorous daily sortie rate.
Anthony Rossi, vice president of Sales and Marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada, emphasized the importance of the platform in modern military instruction.
“The Pilatus PC-21 plays a critical role in advanced military pilot training, and our long-standing work with the RSAF to support this fleet will enable safe, reliable and mission-ready operations.”
— Anthony Rossi, VP of Sales and Marketing, Pratt & Whitney Canada
The PT6A-68B engine, which powers the PC-21, is rated at 1,600 shaft horsepower. It is designed to operate in demanding environments, including the high temperatures and sandy conditions typical of the Saudi Arabian desert. RTX noted that the engine’s reliability has been a key factor in maintaining the fleet’s availability.
The support framework for the RSAF’s PC-21 fleet aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to localize 50% of the Kingdom’s defense spending. RTX and Pratt & Whitney Canada have maintained a robust logistics and support network within the country to ensure rapid maintenance and parts availability. The PC-21 serves as a bridge between primary screening aircraft and lead-in fighter trainers like the BAE Systems Hawk. By utilizing a high-performance turboprop with a “glass cockpit” and advanced mission systems, the RSAF can simulate jet fighter characteristics, such as radar management and weapons employment, at a fraction of the cost of operating jet aircraft.
The achievement of 100,000 flight hours by a fleet of 54 aircraft in roughly 12 years indicates a highly efficient training throughput. For the RSAF, this milestone validates the decision to transition from the older PC-9 to the more advanced PC-21 platform in the early 2010s.
From an industrial perspective, this announcement reinforces the dominance of the PT6A engine family in the military trainer market. While jet trainers offer raw speed, modern turboprops like the PC-21 allow air forces to offload a significant portion of the syllabus that was previously flown on expensive jet platforms. The high utilization rate seen in Saudi Arabia suggests that the “downloading” of training tasks to turboprops is not just a theoretical cost-saving measure, but a practical operational reality.
Furthermore, the emphasis on local support networks in the RTX announcement highlights the shifting landscape of global defense contracts. It is no longer sufficient to simply deliver hardware; OEMs must now demonstrate a commitment to in-country value creation and long-term sustainment Partnerships to secure and maintain contracts in the Gulf region.
What engine powers the RSAF Pilatus PC-21? How many PC-21 aircraft does the RSAF operate? When did the RSAF begin operating the PC-21?
Royal Saudi Air Force Pilatus PC-21 Fleet Surpasses 100,000 Flight Hours
Fleet Maturity and Operational Reliability
Strategic Context and Vision 2030
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The fleet is powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68B turboprop engine, capable of delivering 1,600 shaft horsepower.
According to the RTX announcement, the Royal Saudi Air-Forces operates a fleet of 54 Pilatus PC-21 aircraft.
The RSAF received its first Delivery of PC-21 aircraft in June 2014.
Sources
Photo Credit: RTX
Defense & Military
India Approves $40 Billion Defense Package for 114 Rafale Jets
India’s Defence Acquisition Council approves $40 billion deal for 114 Rafale jets, boosting air force capabilities and deepening India-France ties.
This article summarizes reporting by CNBC and journalist Lim Hui Jie.
In a significant move to modernize its armed forces, India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted preliminary approval for a massive defense procurement package valued at approximately ₹3.6 trillion ($40 billion). According to reporting by CNBC, the decision was announced on Thursday, just days before French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit New Delhi.
The centerpiece of this strategic acquisition is the procurement of 114 Rafale Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) from France’s Dassault Aviation. This deal alone is estimated to be worth ₹3.25 trillion (approximately $39 billion). The approval, known as the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), marks the first formal step in India’s complex defense procurement process, signaling a strong commitment to bolstering the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat capabilities.
Defense analysts note that the timing of this approval serves as a major diplomatic signal. With President Macron set to arrive in India between February 17 and 19 for the AI Impact Summit and the launch of the “India-France Year of Innovation 2026,” the deal underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.
The approval for 114 Rafale jets aims to address the IAF’s long-standing squadron deficit. According to details emerging from the DAC meeting, the procurement is structured to balance immediate operational needs with long-term domestic manufacturing goals under the “Make in India” initiative.
Reports indicate that the 114-jet order will consist of 88 single-seater aircraft and 26 twin-seater trainers. The manufacturing arrangement is designed to facilitate technology transfer:
The Indian Air Force currently operates approximately 30 fighter squadrons, well below its authorized strength of 42. As older Soviet-era MiG aircraft are phased out, the IAF faces a critical need to replenish its fleet to maintain deterrence against potential threats on both its northern and western borders. This acquisition is distinct from the April 2025 deal for 26 Rafale Marine jets intended for the Indian Navy, further cementing the Rafale as a cornerstone of India’s air power.
While the Rafale deal dominates the headlines, the ₹3.6 trillion package includes other critical assets for the Indian armed forces. The DAC has approved the acquisition of additional maritime surveillance capabilities and advanced weaponry.
To bolster the Indian Navy’s reach in the Indian Ocean Region, the council approved the purchase of six additional P-8I Neptune maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft from Boeing. Additionally, the package includes the procurement of SCALP cruise missiles to equip the existing Rafale fleet, as well as interceptor missiles for the Sudarshan S-400 air defense system. The approval also covers significant upgrades for the Indian Army’s land systems. This includes the procurement of “Vibhav” anti-tank mines and modernization programs for T-72 tanks and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, reinforcing the government’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The decision to acquire 114 additional Rafales, rather than introducing a new aircraft type like the Gripen or F-21, suggests a strategic shift toward fleet standardization. India already operates 36 Rafales from a 2016 order and has committed to 26 Marine versions. By standardizing on the Rafale platform, the IAF can significantly reduce logistics complexity, streamline pilot training, and optimize maintenance supply chains. In our view, this move prioritizes operational readiness and long-term sustainment over the potential diplomatic benefits of diversifying suppliers.
It is important to note that the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) is only the beginning of the procurement cycle. Following this approval, the government will issue a formal Request for Proposal (RFP), leading to commercial negotiations with Dassault Aviation regarding pricing, technology transfer specifics, and the selection of Indian production partners.
The approval sets a positive tone for bilateral talks… reinforcing the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Paris.
— Summary of defense reports
Final financial approval must eventually come from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, before a contract can be signed. Industry observers suggest that while the political will is evident, the final contract signing could still be months away.
Sources: CNBC
India Approves $40 Billion Defense Package Centered on 114 Rafale Jets
Breakdown of the Rafale Acquisition
Fleet Configuration and Manufacturing
Strategic Necessity
Beyond the Jets: A Broader Defense Overhaul
Maritime Surveillance and Missiles
Indigenous Land Systems
AirPro News analysis
Standardization vs. Diversification
Next Steps in the Procurement Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Credit: Dassault Aviation
Defense & Military
MH-139A Grey Wolf Completes Electromagnetic Testing at Edwards AFB
The MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter passed critical electromagnetic compatibility testing at Edwards AFB, advancing its nuclear security mission readiness.
This article is based on an official press release from Edwards Air Force Base and the 412th Test Wing.
The U.S. Air Force’s modernization of its nuclear security fleet has taken a significant step forward. According to an official release from Edwards Air Force Base, the new MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters successfully concluded critical electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing on November 24, 2025. The tests were conducted by the 772nd Test Squadron at the Benefield Anechoic Facility (BAF), a specialized testing environment designed to simulate dense electromagnetic combat zones.
This milestone is a prerequisite for the aircraft’s survivability certification, ensuring that its avionics and electronic warfare systems can operate without interference while patrolling America’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) fields. The successful completion of this phase marks a key achievement for the program as it moves toward Full Operational Capability.
The testing took place within the Benefield Anechoic Facility (BAF) at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Known as the largest anechoic chamber in the world, the BAF is designed to block all external radio waves, creating a pristine environment for sensitive electronic evaluations.
According to the 412th Test Wing, the objective was to validate the Grey Wolf’s ability to withstand external electromagnetic threats while ensuring its own systems, such as radios, radar, and defensive countermeasures, do not interfere with one another. Engineers subjected the airframe to various radio frequencies to simulate hostile environments, a process that allows for repeatable testing that would be unsafe or impossible to conduct in the open air.
“The testing evaluated the Grey Wolf’s electronic warfare systems and avionics within the highly controlled, radio frequency-isolated environment of the BAF, which is vital for validating its survivability against electromagnetic threats.”
, Official Air Force Release / 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
The specific aircraft used for this evaluation was assigned to the 908th Airlift Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. As the Air Force’s formal training unit for the Grey Wolf, the 908th is responsible for training the pilots and flight engineers who will operate the new fleet.
The MH-139A Grey Wolf is procured to replace the aging UH-1N Huey, a Vietnam-era platform that has served the Air Force for decades. The primary mission of the Grey Wolf is to secure ICBM fields for the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) and conduct VIP transport missions in the Washington, D.C. area. Official Air Force data highlights significant performance upgrades over the legacy platform. The Grey Wolf cruises 50% faster and flies 50% farther than the Huey, with a 30% larger cabin and a 5,000-pound increase in lift capacity. These capabilities are essential for rapid response across the vast missile fields of the northern United States.
The program is currently in Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP). While the program faced a Nunn-McCurdy cost breach in 2024 due to reduced purchasing quantities, the Air Force recommitted to the platform in late 2025. Recent reports indicate that minor technical deficiencies, such as software integration and engine dust ingestion, are being addressed alongside the testing milestones.
The completion of EMC testing at the BAF is more than a technical checkbox; it is a strategic necessity. The legacy UH-1N Huey fleet has long struggled to meet the speed and range requirements necessary for modern security responses across sprawling missile complexes. By validating the electronic survivability of the MH-139A, the Air Force is removing one of the final barriers to fielding a platform that can credibly protect strategic assets against sophisticated threats.
Furthermore, the collaboration between the 412th Test Wing and the Reserve-led 908th Airlift Wing demonstrates a “total force” approach to fielding the aircraft. As the program stabilizes following previous budgetary hurdles, this successful test signals to industry and defense planners that the Grey Wolf is maturing toward operational readiness.
What is the Benefield Anechoic Facility? Why is the MH-139A replacing the UH-1N Huey? When did the testing occur?
MH-139A Grey Wolf Clears Critical Electromagnetic Testing at Edwards AFB
Testing in a “Virtual Open-Air Range”
Modernizing Nuclear Security
Program Status and Challenges
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The BAF is a large, shielded chamber at Edwards Air Force Base that blocks outside radio signals. It allows engineers to test aircraft electronics in a controlled, “quiet” environment to ensure they work correctly without interference.
The UH-1N Huey is an aging platform with limitations in speed, range, and lift capacity. The MH-139A offers significantly improved performance, which is critical for securing vast nuclear missile fields and ensuring rapid response times.
The electromagnetic compatibility testing concluded on November 24, 2025, with official details released to the public in February 2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: Edwards Air Force Base
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