June, 2024 Military Aviation News
06/30/2024
On 26 June 2024, the Azrbaycan herbi hava qüvvelerl (Azerbaijan Air and Air Defence Force) received a Leonardo C-27J Spartan NG military transport aircraft. The presentation of the new transporter, serial 40860/60 wh (test registration CSX62333) took place on Armed Forces Day, marking the 106th anniversary of the Azerbaijani army.
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06/30/2024
Three F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft purchased by Romania from Norway landed on Friday at the 71st General Emanoil Ionescu Air Base at Campia Turzii, central-western Cluj County, Azernews reports. The F-16 Fighting Falcons will be part of the 48th Fighter Squadron of the 71st Air Base.
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06/30/2024
Airpower is crucial for maintaining military superiority, and recent intelligence reports from the Five Eyes alliance highlight China's efforts to recruit Western military personnel to enhance its own air capabilities. This underscores the urgent need for the U.S. to invest in advanced defense systems like the next-generation air dominance program and a sixth-generation fighter plane.
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06/29/2024
The U.S. 7th Air Force has announced the deployment of F-22 Raptors from the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to Osan Air Base in South Korea for integration training with Republic of Korea Air Force aircraft.
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06/29/2024
The Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) reactivated the Bardufoss Air Station earlier this month after a gap of 40 years. A batch of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets will be housed at the mountain base, featuring upgraded hangars and facilities. The northern Norwegian base is meant to act as a natural shield for the air assets against possible enemy air attacks.
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06/29/2024
The National Guard of Ukraine reported via Telegram that its soldiers had downed a Russian Su-25 ground attack aircraft in the Donetsk region. “The guards discovered an enemy Su-25, also known as the Grach [Rook], making a combat sortie,” the Friday, June 28 post says.
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06/29/2024
Two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets escorting a RC-135 strategic surveillance aircraft flew a rare reconnaissance mission closely approaching and probing air defenses in the Russian-occupied Crimea peninsula on Thursday, open-source air traffic data reviewed by Kyiv Post showed.
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06/28/2024
The Portuguese Defense Minister announced during a parliamentary hearing that the acquisition of the A-29N Super Tucano will soon be legally approved. This statement marks a significant step in strengthening Portugal's close air support capabilities. The current legislative framework, through the Military Programming Law (LPM), has allocated a budget of 180.5 million euros for the acquisition of close air support (CAS) aircraft.
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06/28/2024
Sweden’s defence procurement agency (FMV) has placed an order for a third Sabb GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, one of the two options contained in the order for two aircraft placed in June 2022. The order has a value of approximately SEK2.6 billion (US$244 million) and the delivery period is expected before 2029.
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06/28/2024
Denmark has chosen to stop training Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet pilots on Danish soil after 2024.
The decision was announced by Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen at a joint press conference with his Norwegian counterpart, Bjørn Arild Gram, explaining that Denmark’s fighter jet fleet will soon transition to F-35s.
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06/28/2024
The Air Force’s decision to reevaluate its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program is unlikely to unsettle the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) due to different costs and national priorities, analysts tell Breaking Defense.
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06/27/2024
The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 35 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Wednesday (June 26) and 6 a.m. on Thursday (June 27). Of the 35 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 33 crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the northern, central, southwestern, and eastern portions of the country’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ), according to the MND.
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06/27/2024
In the shadow of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, a quiet revolution is taking place in China’s military aviation. The world’s second-largest defense spender is rapidly modernizing its “eyes in the sky” – the crucial Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft that serve as flying command centers in modern warfare.
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06/27/2024
China's Chengdu J-20 "Mighty Dragon" and the forthcoming Shenyang FC-31 stealth fighters are widely believed to incorporate stolen design elements from American and likely Russian fighter programs. In particular, a Chinese national named Su Bin was found guilty of conspiring to steal sensitive military information, including the designs for the F-22 and F-35, for the Chinese military.
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06/26/2024
The latest Future Years Defense Program, for fiscal 2025, shows continued support within the Pentagon for dramatic growth in spending on so-called sixth-generation aircraft, most prominently including the Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance and the Navy’s F/A-XX programs. At the same time, enthusiasm continues in Europe and Asia for another competing pair of sixth-gen developments, notably the French-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System and the British-Japanese-Italian.
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06/26/2024
South Korea’s aspirations to have a first batch of 40 KF-21 Boromae fighters delivered by 2028 has been backed up by an announced contract between Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and Hanwha Aerospace for the build of at least 40 F414 engines between 2024-2027.
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06/26/2024
A contingent of more than 30 military aircraft from Germany, France and Spain will arrive in Japan next month to conduct a series of training exercises with the Air Self-Defense Force, the Defense Ministry said Tuesday, marking these countries’ first-ever trilateral air force deployment to the Indo-Pacific.
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06/24/2024
The Greek Parliament is poised to take a significant step towards acquiring a squadron of F-35 fighter jets, with a special committee expected to review the US government's Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) in the coming week.
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06/24/2024
Years after its Sukhoi Su-30 MKI “over-powered” USAF F-15s, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighters gave a tough fight to American-made warplanes during the recently concluded Red Flag exercises.
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06/23/2024
A nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier arrived Saturday in South Korea for a three-way exercise involving Japan as they step up military training to cope with North Korean threats, which have escalated following a security pact with Russia. The arrival of the USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group in Busan came a day after South Korea summoned the Russian ambassador to protest a major deal between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this week.
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06/23/2024
The F-35 Lightning II stands unmatched in versatility and capability, outshining Russian and Chinese fifth-generation fighters. Its advanced stealth, payload, electronic warfare, and intelligence-gathering capabilities make it a pivotal "quarterback" in modern combat.
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06/22/2024
Plans were unveiled for the development of three derivative versions of South Korea’s next-generation fighter, the KF-21 “Boramae”. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and agencies belonging to South Korea’s Ministry of Defense began work on the electronic attack KF-21 EA, the performance-enhanced KF-21 EX and the KF-21 SA for exports.
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06/22/2024
The F-35 Lightning II, renowned for its stealth, is also notable for its advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. The latest Block 4 variant includes the AN/ASQ-239 EW suite, enhancing threat detection and situational awareness.
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06/22/2024
Lockheed Martin reached two significant milestones with its aircraft. The 1,000th F-35 Lightning II was delivered, marking a rare achievement in modern fighter production. Additionally, the 2,700th C-130 Hercules, a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker, was delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps.
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06/22/2024
Quebec-based tactical aircraft simulation provider Top Aces has completed the initial A-4 Skyhawk aggressor fighter jet training for Canada’s Contracted Airborne Training Services (CATS) program. CATS is an ongoing commitment to sustain the Canadian Armed Forces’ performance and dominance in airspace through the use of red teams or groups pretending to be real-world enemies.
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06/22/2024
Lockheed Martin has secured a contract to extend infrastructure support for the US Department of Defense’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. The $63.5-million deal orders the continued engineering, logistics, maintenance, materials, and manpower services for the program’s laboratory facilities and associated aircraft developmental flight evaluations.
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06/21/2024
Lockheed Martin's F-22 Raptor, despite lacking combat kills, recently achieved a significant milestone of 500,000 flight hours. The fifth-generation air superiority fighter, introduced in 2005, has proven its capabilities in various roles, including ground attacks during Operation Inherent Resolve.
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06/20/2024
Of the six People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, four crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the northern and southwestern sectors of the country’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ), according to the MND, Taiwan News website reported. In response, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor the PLA activity.
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06/20/2024
On May 24, 2024, Boeing officially announced that their demo team would return to the airshow circuit this year with two jets, generating a lot of excitement within the aviation community. The F-15QA Advanced Eagle Demo team is scheduled to take part in three airshows, one in the U.S. (Spirit of St. Louis Airshow) and two in Europe (RIAT and Farnborough International Air Show).
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06/20/2024
The Nigerian air force said Tuesday it will acquire 50 new aircraft to strengthen its capabilities against armed gangs and terrorists in northwest Nigeria. Nigerian Chief of Air Staff Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar made the announcement at the opening of new military facilities, including two aircraft hangars in northwest Katsina state.
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06/19/2024
A deal for Turkey to purchase fighter jets from the US is a sign of improved relations between the two countries amid the ongoing threat of Russia, analysts told The Media Line, as Ankara turns its focus next on procuring jets from European allies. Experts say the war in Ukraine has made clear the threat Moscow poses to Turkey and the region, motivating Ankara to look to its Western partners to boost its security.
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06/19/2024
Ten young pilots from Ukraine are currently training at an undisclosed airbase in the south of France on Alpha Jet training aircraft, considered as a bridge between a rotorcraft and an F16 fighter. In total, the French Air and Space Force has undertaken to certify the training of 26 pilots over the two years.
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06/19/2024
According to media reports, discussions were expected to include evaluation for the possible acquisition of Gripen fighters for the Colombian Air Force, particularly addressing the long-awaited decision on a new combat aircraft to replace the scheduled retirement of the Israeli-origin Kfir jets. In this article, we will analyze the real possibility of such a purchase being crucial for our air defense.
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06/18/2024
A Russian military aircraft has been intercepted when it violated Swedish airspace east of the southern tip of Gotland. The incident ended with the Russian aircraft being forced out of the airspace. The Swedish military said the Sukhoi Su-24 tactical bomber entered Sweden's airspace without permission, forcing a Swedish JAS-39 Gripen aircraft to intercept it.
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06/18/2024
The Hawaii Air National Guard’s 154th Wing concluded the latest iteration of its ongoing fighter exercise, Sentry Aloha 24-2, on June 12 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. This National Guard Bureau training event brought together more than 1,000 participants from nine states and four service branches throughout two weeks, providing essential combat training to joint and total-forces units.
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06/18/2024
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) operates a diverse fleet of combat aircraft, including AMXs, Northrop F-5s, Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucanos, and Saab Gripen E jets. Brazil is currently in negotiations to purchase two dozen F-16 Fighting Falcons from the U.S. Air Force, aiming to finalize the deal by the end of 2024.
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06/18/2024
On June 17, Lockheed Martin announced that the US Air Force’s F-22 Raptor fleet had reached an impressive milestone of 500,000 flight hours. This achievement underscores the F-22’s enduring role in maintaining air superiority and highlights the dedication of the teams responsible for its operation and support.
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06/17/2024
A contingent of U.S Air Force F-15E fighter bombers landed at Keflavik Air Base in early June to conduct Air Policing Missions over Iceland. The initial tasks performed by the combat aircraft included reconnaissance flights followed by Quick Reaction Alert – Interception exercises.
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06/16/2024
According to a statement made by the Finnish Border Guard, Finland claims that four Russian military planes have violated the country’s airspace on 10th June. The Finnish defense ministry initially said that only a single Russian military plane violated the airspace above the Gulf of Finland. However, it has now been revealed that it was, in fact, a total of four military aircraft from Russia.
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06/16/2024
Morocco has procured ten Harpoon Block II (AGM-84L) anti-ship missiles and SLAM-ER (AGM-84H/K) cruise missiles from Boeing. These acquisitions aim to enhance the capabilities of the Royal Moroccan Air Force, particularly with the integration of Harpoon missiles into the F-16 Viper fighter jets. The Royal Armed Forces are expected to receive 24 of these advanced jets by 2026.
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06/16/2024
A Russian Su-24 plane (NATO code “Fencer”) violated Swedish airspace near Gotland’s southern tip on a Friday afternoon, according to the Swedish Armed Forces. Despite attempts by the Swedish defence to communicate with the plane, it did not respond, prompting two Jas-39 Gripen jets to intercept it.
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06/16/2024
The Senate Armed Services Committee finished its markup of the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization bill on June 14, with mandates on more than a dozen aircraft or related programs and a keen interest in the future of the Air Force fighter fleet.
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06/08/2024
In an interview with broadcasters from French media, President of France Emmanuel Macron revealed plans to send an undisclosed number of Mirage 2000-5 combat aircraft from its inventory to Ukraine, and to train 4,500 Ukrainian fighter pilots.
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06/07/2024
French President Emmanuel Macron says France will provide Ukraine with Mirage combat aircraft to help the country defend against Russia's aggression. Macron told France's public broadcaster on June 6 that a new cooperation with Ukraine to be announced on June 7 will include the sale of the French-made Mirage 2005, which will "allow Ukraine to protect its soil, its airspace" against Russian attacks.
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06/06/2024
Berlin plans to order an additional 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, in what German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said here today is part of an effort to fortify the European defense industry. “We want a strong aerospace industry in Germany and Europe,” Scholz tweeted, according to an online translation. “This includes planning security in the defense industry. That’s why we ensure reliable orders — including the purchase of 20 more Eurofighters in this legislative period.”
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06/06/2024
Japan's parliament on Wednesday approved an international treaty to set up an intergovernmental organization managing the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet by Japan, Britain and Italy.
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06/05/2024
A Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet crashed in a field in Maharashtra's Nashik today. The pilot and the co-pilot managed to eject safely but suffered minor injuries. The plane crashed in a field near Shirasgaon village, a senior police officer said. Visuals showed the plume of smoke billowing after the aircraft crashed in the field. The twin-engine aircraft was up in flames and a crowd gathered near the crash site.
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06/05/2024
Congress is pushing the U.S. Air Force to purchase more F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets and keep the production line open longer amid rising tensions with China. A proposal in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) aims to increase the Air Force's fleet to 122 F-15EXs, more than the current target of 98 but still short of the original goal of 144.
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06/05/2024
Airbus is set to unveil “Wingman” concept at the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA, in Berlin. According to the giant European aerospace company, a full-scale model of the Wingman [noteworthy, in the official press release Airbus does not use the standard definition of “Loyal Wingman” but calls it just “Wingman”] will be on display ILA, akin to a “show car” used by the automotive industry for design exercises.
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06/05/2024
German air force fighter jets have intercepted Russian aircraft reportedly operating "without a flight plan and radio contact" above the Baltic Sea. Team Luftwaffe wrote on X on Tuesday morning that Eurofighter aircraft operating from Lielvarde, Latvia, as part of the NATO Air Policing Baltic Reinforcement (VAPB) mission had to conduct "Alpha Scrambles" after being alerted about the Russian aircraft by the Combined Air Operations Centre at Uedem, Germany (CAOC UEDEM).
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06/05/2024
Fighter jets from nine Allied Nations will arrive at Ramstein Air Base to take part in the US-led multi-national exercise Ramstein 1v1, on June 6, 2024. United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa will host its first ever Ramstein 1v1 exercise, where fourth- and fifth-generation fighter aircraft will take turns squaring off in friendly competition during a day-long fighter manoeuvre exercise.
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06/04/2024
Two Japanese F-35A stealth fighter jets made emergency landings at a commercial airport in northern Japan on Monday, but there were no injuries or damage, officials said. The fighter jets were on a training flight from Misawa Air Base and landed safely at nearby Aomori Airport after one developed an unspecified mechanical problem and requested an emergency landing, airport officials said.
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06/04/2024
While the deployment of J-20s has been widely reported, the presence of “Rafale Challenger” J-10 warplanes has not really caught the media’s attention. J-10s are the only fighters deployed on both sides of the Indian border with China and Pakistan.
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06/03/2024
Russian forces operating in Ukraine lost nine jets in May, according to Kyiv, as Ukraine reports record equipment losses and casualties for Moscow's troops. Ukraine's Defense Ministry said on Saturday that nine Russian jets were "destroyed" in May 2024.
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06/03/2024
The United States and China are racing to develop sixth-generation warplanes, signaling intense military rivalry in a multipolar world. China unveiled a mockup of its sixth-generation fighter in 2021, aiming for deployment by 2035, while the U.S. targets 2030 for its "Next-Generation Air Dominance" (NGAD) platform.
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06/03/2024
Sweden is pausing plans to transfer JAS 39 Gripen fighters to Ukraine, reportedly to enable Kyiv’s air forces to focus on integrating the US-made F-16 fighters when they eventually arrive. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson announced the decision on May 28, citing a request by members of NATO’s aviation coalition.
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06/03/2024
South Korea’s largest defence company is developing a fighter jet engine as the country works to move up the arms exporter value chain and boost its security self-sufficiency. The chief of aero systems at Hanwha Aerospace said the company wanted to develop the engine by as early as 2036. It is working in partnership with the South Korean government, one of the world’s highest spenders on arms development.
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06/01/2024
The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter will take on the Nato’s nuclear role for the first time on 1 June 2024, as the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), one of few Nato Allies contributing dual-capable aircraft to this mission, transfer the task from its F-16 fighters to the new fifth-generation airframe.
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06/01/2024
The Dutch military is investigating whether fighter aircraft can jointly use the civil airports in Eelde, Lelystad, and Twente, the Ministry of Defense announced on Friday. Due to rising international tensions, the military will need much more space in the coming years.
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06/01/2024
Will the Next Generation Air Dominance program, or NGAD, produce the last stealth fighter that the U.S. Air Force ever builds? The fighter jet in general may soon be outdated, given recent advances in drone technology and artificial intelligence. It’s hard to say exactly when the moment will arrive that renders fighter jets obsolete and prompts the Air Force to cancel all future development programs.
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06/01/2024
Belgium has agreed to supply up to 30 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets to Ukraine over the next few years to aid in its defense against Russian aggression. This pledge, alongside commitments from other countries, brings the total number of F-16s promised to Ukraine to around 115.
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