Rescue helicopters versus fighter jets: how the US Air Guard tested survival in combat

Exercises over water are not a training exercise, but a simulation of war

For the first time, the US Air Guard conducted exercises where its rescue helicopters faced a real aerial threat — attacking fighter jets. During maneuvers over water, the pilots practiced survival in conditions as close to combat as possible. The goal is to understand how the HH—60G Pave Hawk and the latest HH-60W Jolly Green II will behave if they are chased by an enemy fighter.

Now these cars are learning not just how to fly, but how to survive.

HH-60G and HH-60W vs F-15D — who's who?

During the exercises, the F-15D Eagle fighter simulated an attack on rescue helicopters. He didn't just "fly by" — he used radar, tried to capture targets, practiced maneuvers to launch missiles. The helicopters, in turn, turned on electronic warfare systems, changed course, and tried to take cover, masking themselves with interference and terrain.

The situation is unequal — the helicopter is slower, more noticeable, and maneuvers worse. But he has a chance: not to be noticed or to knock down the capture.

Electronic warfare: a chance to escape unnoticed

The main weapon of a helicopter in such a situation is not a machine gun, but electronics. Electronic warfare systems on the HH-60W and HH-60G are able to jam radars, simulate false targets, and mask signals. If a fighter cannot lock onto a helicopter, it will not be able to use a missile.

The exercises showed how well these systems work in the marine environment, where reflections from water and salt fog can both interfere and help in camouflage.

This is not a drill. This is preparation for the Pacific Ocean

All this is not just a routine training. This is a direct preparation for a possible war in the Pacific Ocean, where rescue helicopters will operate in range of Chinese fighter jets, anti-aircraft guns and radars. Their task is to get the pilot out of the territory where every square kilometer is controlled by the enemy.

Now the Air Guard understands where the weaknesses are, what needs to be improved, and how to give their crews a chance to return home.

Sources

1. Focus.ua — HH-60W Jolly Green II capabilities and protection systems
2. Quto.ru — initial operational readiness timeline and project basics
3. N+1 — in-flight refuelling trials for HH-60W
4. Topwar.ru — extreme-temperature testing of HH-60W
5. AviationUnion.ru — first HH-60W helicopters delivered to USAF
6. Topwar.ru — HH-60W development between trials and series production

Chinese Navy deploys new Liaowan-1 space tracking ship

 Liaovan-1

The Chinese Navy has deployed its new next—generation space tracking ship, Liaowang-1. This ship marks a significant leap in the projection of China's maritime power and space surveillance capabilities. 

The main characteristics of Liaovan-1

- Purpose: To monitor space objects, including satellites, rockets and missile tests, as well as to support Chinese military satellites such as the Beidou Navigation System.

- Radar systems: The ship is equipped with advanced radars and high-gain antennas, designed with an emphasis on functionality.

- Mobility: Liaowan-1 can operate in international waters, allowing China to expand its strategic flexibility.

Liaowan-1 is the successor to the Yuan Wang class ships, which have been in service since 1977. This ship marks the beginning of a new era in China's strategy to integrate naval operations with space military support.