Special Purpose

Military Aviation News

Taiwan spots 27 Chinese military aircraft, 8 Naval ships near its territory

10/19/2025

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported on Friday that it had tracked 27 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels operating close to its territorial boundaries. The ministry said that 19 of the aircraft had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering the northern, central, and southwestern parts of Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

F-15E Strike Eagle: How the Air Force Turned a Dogfighter Into a Strike Aircraft

When McDonnell Douglas first conceived of the F-15 in the late 1960s, they had one, and only one, purpose: to create the world’s best air superiority fighter. When the F-15A and B variants entered service in the mid-1970s, they embodied that design philosophy, incorporating powerful twin engines, a massive thrust-to-weight ratio, and a radar built only for finding other aircraft. In short, the original F15s were built strictly for air superiority, and had virtually no use beyond that.

How Do Pilots Actually Eject From A Fighter Jet?

A civilian-owned Hawker Hunter fighter jet, acting as a “red air” adversary for the U.S. Navy, crashed into the Pacific off Big Sur, California, this week. The pilot, working for the contractor ATAC, safely ejected after a suspected engine failure and was rescued uninjured. The incident highlights the role of private companies in military training and the inherent dangers of aviation.

General Atomics Selected To Support U.S. Navy CCA Design Effort

GA-ASI was selected to work on Navy CCA designs emphasizing a modular approach to platform selection, capable of being rapidly reconfigured and upgraded to meet changing mission requirements, including operations on and from aircraft carriers. GA-ASI’s approach supports the Navy’s revolutionary acquisition strategy of smaller, frequent purchases that enable rapid technology insertion rather than traditional long-lifecycle programs.

Qatar coming to Idaho for military aircraft trainings. Here’s what we know

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s announcement took many by surprise, including Idaho’s governor and federal lawmakers who weren’t informed ahead of time. And it was criticized across the political spectrum, with a number of prominent right-wing Republicans questioning what came off as the U.S. permitting the Middle East nation to establish an air base in Idaho.

Rare photo reveals Su-57’s hidden weapon bay

A previously unseen image of Russia’s Su-57 multirole fighter has surfaced on pro-Kremlin social media channels, showing the aircraft’s internal tail-mounted weapons bay in detail. The release appears to be part of a broader effort by Moscow to promote the export potential of the fifth-generation jet as it seeks foreign funding to complete development.

NATO conducts exercises for fighter-based nuclear roles

NATO has begun its annual nuclear deterrence training exercise, Steadfast Noon 25, involving 70 aircraft and approximately 2,000 personnel from 14 Allied nations, the alliance confirmed this week. The long-scheduled drill, which runs from October 13 to 24, is part of NATO’s recurring efforts to validate its nuclear posture and joint force readiness. The exercise does not involve live nuclear weapons, and NATO officials emphasized that it is unrelated to current geopolitical developments.

U.S. Marine F-35Bs return after combat missions in Middle East

The U.S. Marine Corps’ Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542 has returned from a five-month deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Operating under CENTCOM’s Ninth Air Force, VMFA-542 flew over 1,099 combat sorties and logged 4,736 mishap-free flight hours, according to the Marine Corps. During the deployment, the unit conducted Close Air Support, Defensive Counter-Air, and Armed Overwatch missions in support of U.S. and partner forces across the region.

Russian Forces Shoot Down Own Fighter-Bomber Amid Overnight UAV Assault on Crimea

Russian forces accidentally shot down one of their own military aircraft overnight while attempting to intercept Ukrainian drones over Crimea, Ukrainian officials said Friday. Ukrainian authorities say they are still gathering information about the incident. Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, said the plane was shot down by Russian air defense missiles while defending against incoming Ukrainian drones.

Indonesia buys Chinese J-10 fighter jets

RAF fighter pilots to be trained by Indian ‘Top Guns’

Army asks General Atomics for additional uncrewed aircraft for reconnaissance and attack

US-China Rivalry Intensifies Over Next-Generation Combat Weapons

Netherlands joins CCA programme to develop unmanned aircraft supporting F-35 combat missions

Sweden plans to first provide reconnaissance aircraft to Ukraine, then focus on Gripen jets

Indonesia to Buy China’s Chengdu J-10 Fighter Jets, Minister Says

Belgium reaffirms full F-16 delivery to Ukraine as F-35 rollout begins

A Russian Pilot Defected With A Mach 2.3 MiG-29 Fulcrum Fighter Jet

Germany orders 20 new Eurofighters to strengthen air superiority

Industry minister pushing F-35 maker for economic benefits in Canada