Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Wilsbach: Air Force Should Keep the Block 20 F-22s It Asked to Retire

07/11/2024

Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, head of Air Combat Command, came out in favor of retaining 32 Block 20 F-22 fighters, despite the fact that the Air Force has sought to retire the older jets in its last three budgets. Speaking at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies on July 10, Wilsbach also said there is still no set replacement for the F-22 and the Air Force is likely to retain that aircraft.

Ukraine Partners With Turkey to Supply Jet Engines, Hopes to Co-Develop Fifth-Gen Fighter

07/11/2024

Turkish Aerospace Industries reveals several of its weapon systems are equipped with engines manufactured in Ukraine. Recently, Kyiv’s ambassador said Ukraine also wants to join Ankara’s fifth-generation fighter project, in a consortium with TAI and BAE, to help build and acquire the stealthy jet.

Uruguay selects the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano

07/10/2024

After years of searching for a new combat aircraft, Uruguay chose its new vector this week: the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano. The acquisition of Brazilian turboprops was confirmed to senators by Defense Minister Armando Castaingdebat on Monday (08).

Poland considers transferring additional MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine

07/09/2024

Poland will consider providing Ukraine with at least one additional squadron of MiG-29 fighter jets, comprising a minimum of 14 aircraft. This possibility was discussed during the signing of a security guarantee agreement between Ukraine and Poland, as reported on the Ukrainian President’s website. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk explained that an immediate transfer is not possible, as these aircraft are currently participating in NATO air patrol programs, according to Militarnyi.

Ukraine Says Successfully Duped Russia With ‘Realistic’ Fighter Decoys

07/09/2024

A Ukrainian military commander claimed that his troops were able to dupe Russia into believing that it had successfully taken out Ukrainian fighter jets. Last week, Moscow’s defense ministry released footage that purportedly showed an Iskander ballistic missile destroying a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet at an air base near the central city of Kriviy Rih.

‘Burning in the Steppes of Donbas’: Ukraine Downs Russian Su-25 Attack Jet

07/09/2024

Ukrainian antiaircraft gunners shot down a Russian Su-25 ground attack aircraft in the Donetsk region, as reported by the Khortytsia operational and strategic group of troops via Telegram. “In the Pokrovsky sector, our Ukrainian servicemen shot down a Russian Su-25 aircraft that was firing at the positions of units of the Defense Forces,” the report said.

Liberty Wing maintainers keep U.S., Norwegian F-35s in the sky at Ramstein 1v1

07/08/2024

Maintenance professionals assigned to the 439rd Fighter Generation Squadron traveled from their home base in England to support Norwegian and U.S. F-35 Lightning II’s during the U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s first-ever basic fighter maneuvers exercise at Ramstein Air Base, Germany June 6. The exercise, titled Ramstein 1v1, bolstered relationships and esprit de corps among allies through the sharing of tactics, techniques and experiences specific to a pilot’s most foundational skill set.

China sends 30 military aircraft, 9 naval ships around Taiwan

07/07/2024

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 30 Chinese military aircraft and nine naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. Friday (July 5) and 6 a.m. Saturday (July 6). Of the 30 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 23 crossed the Taiwan Strait median line and entered the northern, southwestern, and southeastern air defense identification zone (ADIZ), according to the MND. The aircraft came as close as 72 km (39 NM) from Eluanbi in the south and 77 km (42 NM) from Keelung in the north.

Washington offers the F-16V on leasing to establish itself in Thailand

07/06/2024

The United States is increasing initiatives to try to place its F-16V or F-16 Block 70/72 fighter in the Pacific. After the Philippines, it is today to Thailand that Washington and Lockheed Martin have sent an offer relating to the ultimate version of the American single-engine fighter, to assert itself in the effort to modernize the fighter fleet of the forces Royal Thai Air Force.

Typhoon: next generation

07/06/2024

When military aircraft first take to the skies, they often begin with an initial set of capabilities which transforms over time. This evolution follows a growth trajectory known as the capability growth curve, often resembling an S curve. Initially slow, these enhancements accelerate, marking the steep and most exciting part of the curve; showcasing the aircraft’s full potential.

European Nations Deploy Fighters to Indo-Pacific, Joined by USAF

07/06/2024

Nearly 50 aircraft from the German, French, and Spanish air forces are embarking on a series of exercises across the Indo-Pacific region from June to August, with the U.S. Air Force jumping in on several as well. Dubbed ‘Pacific Skies,’ the massive deployment highlights Europe’s growing interest in the region, even as the war in Ukraine continues to dominate the continent.

Why the U.S. Needs To Upgrade Its Fighter Jets Now

07/06/2024

As the war in Ukraine trudges on, the Pentagon no longer has to worry too much about Russia’s ability to compete militarily with the United States. Moscow’s new pact with North Korea, a reliance on Iranian drones, its inability to establish air superiority over Ukraine well after two years into the war, and the lack of vital components such as computer chips all signal Russian weakness.

F-16 Vipers ‘Battle’ UK-Backed JAS-39 Gripen Fighters For Thailand Deal; US Lures With Attractive Credit Options

07/05/2024

Last week, Robert Godec, the US ambassador to Thailand, met Thai Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang to discuss a military assistance project, including Lockheed Martin’s proposed supply of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). As reported by the local media, the meeting followed prior communication to the Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin.

US Air Force Awards Lockheed F-16 Viper Shield EW Contract for Allies

07/05/2024

The US Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $520-million production contract for the Foreign Military Sales Block 70/72 F-16 Viper Shield electronic warfare suite. It modifies a previous contract, bringing the cumulative total to $897 million. The contract modification will allow the contractor to begin construction work, with $177 million being allocated at the time of award.

Pentagon upgrades force presence in Japan with F-15EX, F-35 fighters

07/05/2024

The US Department of Defense (DoD) announced changes in the deployment of fighter aircraft around its bases in Japan. According to the US DoD’s new plans presented on July 3, 2024, the US Air Force (USAF) will deploy 36 F-15EX fighters at Kadena Air Base to replace the fleet of 48 older F-15C/D aircraft currently based there. Rotations of fourth and fifth-generation fighter jets will continue while the F-15EX fleet is progressively deployed.

Germany Purchased Thousands of Brimstone 3 Missiles for Eurofighter

07/03/2024

Germany's parliament approved acquiring 3,266 Brimstone 3 air-to-surface missiles for the Luftwaffe's Eurofighter fleet, the first batch costing 376 million euros. The Brimstone 3, already used by the UK's RAF, provides significant standoff capability and precise targeting of moving and stationary ground targets. This acquisition is part of broader efforts to enhance the capabilities of Germany's Eurofighter fleet, which currently has 138 aircraft with 20 more on order.

German Air Force exercise to begin July 8 in Alaska

07/03/2024

Arctic Defender, a German Air Forces-led exercise, is scheduled to begin July 8 with primary flight operations over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex and is scheduled to run through July 18. As part of a monthslong exercise tour in the Indo-Pacific, known as Pacific Skies 24, Arctic Defender is the first stop for the trinational Future Combat Air System of Germany, France and Spain, and is a field training exercise for U.S. and international forces flown under simulated air combat condition

Peru may buy up to 24 South Korean FA-50 light combat aircraft followed by potential KF-21 Boromae fighter jets.

07/03/2024

According to Pucara Defense on July 1, 2024, the Peruvian government is negotiating with South Korea and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to acquire between 20 and 24 FA-50 light combat aircraft for approximately $780 million. In addition to this significant investment, Peru is also considering joining the KF-21 fifth-generation fighter program, which could further modernize its air force and expand its aerospace capabilities.

MORRIS ANGB RECEIVES INITIAL DELIVERY OF SLOVAK F-16 BLOCK 70 AIRCRAFT

07/03/2024

The Morris ANGB is home to the Air National Guard’s premier F-16 fighter pilot training unit, the 162nd Wing, providing training for coalition war-fighting partners for the United States Air Force and international allies, which is why the Department of the Air Force selected Morris ANGB to receive up to nine Slovak-owned F-16 Block 70s. The first Block 70 aircraft arrived here, June 13.

Ukrainian air base under frequent fire as Russia aims at F-16 arrivals

07/03/2024

Explosions reverberated across the pre-dawn sky as Ukrainian air defences fended off a Russian attack on this small city in western Ukraine, home to an important air base and a frequent target of Moscow's strikes. Hours after the assault, the tidy streets of Starokostiantyniv had returned to a semblance of normality.

Why does Seoul's order for the first batch of 20 KF-21 Boramae threaten the European aviation industry?

07/02/2024

The South Korean defense industry is preparing to take the plunge and enter the international scene with its medium-generation KF-21 Boramae medium fighter, as it previously did for armored vehicles, with the K2 tank and the IFV AS21, artillery with the K9, submarines with the KSS-III, and missiles.

Next-gen fighter not dead, but needs cheaper redesign, Kendall says

07/02/2024

The U.S. Air Force has not abandoned its program to build an advanced next-generation fighter, but it does need a redesign to get costs under control and better integrate its planned drone wingmen, the service’s secretary told Defense News in an exclusive interview. Secretary Frank Kendall also said a revamped Next Generation Air Dominance fighter platform could end up with a less complex, smaller engine than originally intended to try to hold down its price.

Azerbaijan unveils new military aircraft

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.

Romania buys another three F-16 fighter jets from Norway

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.

America Must Invest in a Sixth-Generation Fighter...Or Pay the Price

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.