March 26, 2015 Military Aviation News

The sun rises again: Japan shows off the awesome might of its re-emerging naval power with new colossal helicopter carrier - its biggest warship since WWII

03/26/2015

Japan's navy today took delivery of its biggest warship since the Second World War as it continues expanding its military capability in an attempt to shed its post-war pacifism. Today the Izumo, a helicopter carrier as big as the Imperial Navy aircraft carriers that battled the United States in the Pacific, was delivered to the navy in a crowning achievement for the nation's military forces.

General Defends Embattled $850 Billion F-35 Program

03/26/2015

The man in charge of the Pentagon’s $391 billion F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is sick of the intense criticism his embattled program has received over the past few years. He says the aircraft is in much better shape than the public has been led to believe. For years, the F-35 has raised eyebrows for its enormous cost overruns, schedule delays and significant technical and design problems.

Dassault hands over two upgraded Mirages to India, eyes Rafale

03/26/2015

Even as the government on Wednesday announced the dates of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France on April 9, 2015, Dassault handed over two upgraded Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to the Indian Air Force in a formal ceremony at the Dassault Aviation Flight Test Centre in France. Mr. Modi will also travel to Germany on April 12, 2015 and Canada on April 14, 2015 before returning on April 17, 2015.

Nicaragua’s interest in Russian fighter jets could trigger the stupidest arms race ever

03/26/2015

Nicaragua’s sudden interest in purchasing a squadron of MiG-29 fighter jets from Russia could trigger a pointless arms race between one of the smallest and one of the largest militaries in Latin America.

Airbus Sells Additional Stake in Dassault Aviation

03/26/2015

Airbus Group NV said it sold additional shares in Dassault Aviation SA, cutting its holding in the maker of the Rafale fighter to 24.6 percent and using the proceeds to fund growth. Airbus said it sold 1.61 million shares in total, with 71 percent of the lot going to institutional investors for 1,030 euros a share and the remainder to Dassault for 980 euros apiece, according to a statement today. The transaction corresponds to 1.64 billion euros ($1.8 billion), Airbus said.

Falklands defence: Why is Argentina considering an aircraft deal with the Russians?

03/26/2015

Russia's reported plans to lease 12 fighter aircraft to Argentina is forcing Britain to "beef up" it's defence of the Falklands, the Defence Secretary has said. The Sukhoi Su-24 aircraft would be sent to Buenos Aires in exchange for beef and wheat, in a proposal which would help Moscow beat EU sanctions over Ukraine. Michael Fallon said that while any agreement between Russia and Argentina was not yet signed, Britain would increase its presence on the archipelago.

Sweden, NATO Report Russian Military Planes Over Baltic Sea

03/26/2015

The Swedish Air Force and NATO jets on Tuesday tracked four Russian combat aircraft flying with their transponders turned off over the Baltic Sea, officials said. The Russian planes — two long-range, nuclear-capable Tu-22M3 bombers and two Sukhoi Su-27 fighters — were flying in international airspace, according to Sweden's Armed Forces and alliance sources.

Saudi Arabia Readies for Possible Intervention in Yemen on Thursday

03/26/2015

Saudi Arabia amassed heavy military equipment and artillery near its border with Yemen, showing signs of an impending military intervention. A formal go-ahead for the invasion might be given on Thursday by the Arab League. As the conflict in Yemen escalates, US officials are saying that Saudi Arabia may be preparing airstrikes to defend Yemen’s embattled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi against advancing Houthi rebels, as it starts moving weapons to areas near its neighboring country’s border.

Russian Military to Get 100 Brand New Su-34 Frontline Bombers

03/26/2015

"This year the [Novosibirsk] aircraft factory must deliver 16 Su-34 frontline bombers," Mikhailov said, adding the factory is ready to exceed the production target. "Three aircraft will be delivered soon," said the director of the Moscow-based United Aircraft Corporation's Military Aviation Programs Directorate. Mikhailov described the aircraft as solid, sound and able to cover long distances with refueling. "In other words, it meets all the requirements for the frontline bomber," he said.

US Starts Bombing ISIL-Held Tikrit After Iraqi Assault Stalls

03/26/2015

A US official says the airstrikes began after the Iraqi government requested US help. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the American attacks had not yet been officially announced. An Associated Press reporter in Tikrit reported hearing warplanes overhead late Wednesday, followed by multiple explosions.

All Articles