Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Pentagon Wants To Shift Funds From Navy F/A-XX To USAF F-47: Report

06/06/2025

The U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter program looks to have hit another snag, with the Pentagon reportedly prioritizing the Air Force’s F-47 stealth fighter, amid concerns about how to run the two efforts simultaneously. Already, the F/A-XX was in limbo, with a U.S. official telling TWZ last month that the future of the program was still being reviewed. This came after reports that a contract award for the Navy’s new combat jet could be delayed by as much as three years.

Royal Thai Air Force selects Saab Gripen E/F as next-generation fighter

06/05/2025

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has confirmed its selection of the Saab Gripen E/F as its future multi-role fighter aircraft, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing effort to modernize its air combat capabilities. While a formal contract has not yet been signed, Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) are set to enter the next phase of the procurement process with the Kingdom of Thailand. The number of Gripen E/F aircraft to be ordered.

Czech MoD agrees to extend Gripen fighter jet lease with Sweden

06/05/2025

The Czech Republic Ministry of Defence (MoD) has given its consent to the Swedish proposal to extend the lease of its Saab JAS-39 Gripen multirole fighter aircraft fleet. The agreement, which extends the contract until 2035, received backing from the Minister of Defence’s Collegium. The proposed agreement is set to be submitted to the government for approval.

China has reportedly finalized the sale of the new stealth fighter jet Shenyang J-35A to the Pakistan Air Force

06/05/2025

Just weeks after the most recent military conflict with India came to an end, the Pakistan Air Force is reportedly being bolstered through the purchase of China’s new stealth fighter jet, the Shenyang J-35A, marking a significant leap in capabilities compared to its current JF-17 Thunder Block III and J-10CE fighters. The news was revealed by Pakistani government officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to specialized media outlets.

3 Months After Tragic FA-50 Crash, The Philippines Signs Deal For 12 More Fighter Jets, Doubling Its Fleet

06/05/2025

Amid rising security challenges in the South China Sea and Beijing’s increasing muscle flexing, the Philippines has decided to double its fleet of South Korean FA-50 fighter jets, signing a contract for 12 additional aircraft, following its initial purchase of 12 jets in 2014.

U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX 6th Generation Fighter Gets Funding Boost, Enters DOT&E’s Operational Test and Live Fire Evaluations

06/05/2025

The U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX has transitioned from its long standing Developmental Test and Evaluation period to a combination of Developmental Testing (DT), Operational Testing (OT), and Live Fire (LF) evaluation last month within the the Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation amid rumors of cancellations and contract awards. The transition occurred between December 2024 and April 2025—in the first quarter of FY2025.

The Marine Corps' oldest flying squadron flew its last Harrier jump jet flight as the unit's pilots ready to fly new F-35 stealth fighters

06/04/2025

The Marine Corps will soon rebrand a storied aviation squadron as its pilots switch to a new jet designed for next-level warfare. Amid ongoing changes to the Corps, the North Carolina-based Marine Attack Squadron 231 will be renamed "Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 231." The squadron, identified as the service's oldest flying squadron, was formed just after World War I, and it adopted the Harrier jump jet in the mid-1980s.

Operation Spiderweb shows how small $30k drones deliver big blows to Russia's $7 billion fighter jets

06/04/2025

Ukraine struck at the heart of Russia’s air power on 1 June in one of its most daring operations of the war—codenamed Operation Spiderweb. Over 100 low-cost, first-person-view (FPV) drones hit air bases in five Russian regions, damaging at least 41 military aircraft including Tu-95, Tu-22M, and A-50 strategic planes.

China makes progress in development of KJ-3000 early warning aircraft to detect US stealth fighter jets

06/04/2025

As reported by Forca Aera on June 2, 2025, a high-resolution image captured the first known prototype of China’s KJ-3000 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft at an undisclosed airbase, confirming its configuration and serial number 7821. The aircraft appears coated in primer paint and is equipped with a prominent radar dome mounted atop the rear fuselage, a dorsal array of antennas, and an aerial refueling probe above the cockpit.

Belgium May Acquire 21 more F-35A Fighters to Fulfill NATO Defense Requirements

06/03/2025

According to information published by De Morgen on June 2, 2025, the Belgian government is preparing to finalize a strategic order for 21 additional F-35A fighter aircraft, bringing its total fleet to 55 units. This move is part of a broader €36 billion investment plan aimed at modernizing the country’s armed forces by 2035. Scheduled ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, the decision is intended to demonstrate Belgium’s commitment to meeting Alliance standards.

Air Force designates two Mission Design Series for collaborative combat aircraft

06/03/2025

The U.S. Air Force announced the designation of two Mission Design Series within its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program today: the YFQ-42A (General Atomics) and the YFQ-44A (Anduril). Representing the first in a new generation of uncrewed fighter aircraft, both will be crucial in securing air superiority for the Joint Force in future conflicts. These aircraft are designed to leverage autonomous capabilities and crewed-uncrewed teaming to defeat enemy threats in contested environments.

GCAP programme: EU approves UK–Italy–Japan joint venture for sixth-generation fighter jet

06/03/2025

The European Union has given formal approval to a joint venture involving BAE Systems (Holdings) Limited, Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd, and Leonardo S.p.A. The newly formed company will act as the prime contractor and lead systems integrator for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

Army designates MV-75 as mission design series for Future Long Range Assault Aircraft

06/02/2025

The U.S. Army has officially designated MV-75 as the mission design series for its Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, a key modernization effort aimed at fielding the next generation of vertical lift tactical assault and utility aircraft for the Army and U.S. Special Operations Command.

What Russian Air Force Fighter Jets Are Flying Over Ukraine?

06/02/2025

Now that US president Donald Trump has appeared to set a two-week deadline for his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to cease advances in its Ukraine invasion, all eyes are on the Kremlin to see if this ongoing war could finally see an end after three long years. Moscow escalated attacks targeting civilian centers in Kyiv this month, suggesting Putin may not be that serious about slowing down the violent barrages that continue to kill scores of soldiers and civilians on both sides of the conf

The Brazilian Air Force prepares to receive another batch of new JAS-39 Gripen E fighters

06/02/2025

As the integration program for the JAS-39 Gripen E fighters continues to progress, the Brazilian Air Force is preparing to receive a new unit manufactured by Saab in Sweden — the tenth of the total 36 aircraft ordered. The latest aircraft was recently transferred from Norrköping Airport to the city’s port, from where it will be shipped to Brazil.

Ukraine destroys more than 40 military aircraft in a drone attack deep inside Russia

06/02/2025

A Ukrainian drone attack has destroyed more than 40 Russian planes deep in Russia's territory, a Ukrainian security official told The Associated Press on Sunday, while Russia pounded Ukraine with missiles and drones a day before the two sides meet for a new round of direct talks in Istanbul.

Boeing confirms record investment in F-47 sixth-generation fighter programme

06/01/2025

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has confirmed that the company has made its largest-ever internal investment in the U.S. Air Force’s F-47 Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter programme. Speaking at the Bernstein 41st Annual Strategic Decisions Conference on 29 May, Ortberg highlighted the strategic significance of the project for Boeing’s defence division and its St. Louis production facility.

U.S. F-15E fighter jet expands mission set with APKWS rocket pods to hit drones and ground targets

06/01/2025

According to a picture released by the U.S. Central Command on May 30, 2025, via its official X account, a new armament configuration of the USAF F-15E Strike Eagle has been revealed, showing the aircraft armed with Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) rocket pods. The photo clearly displays three APKWS II pods mounted under each wing, each carrying seven laser-guided Hydra 70mm rockets, installed beneath the standard AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM mounts.

Boeing F-47: Japan Could Be The 1st Export Customer Of U.S. Next-Gen Aircraft As GCAP Struggles: Reports

06/01/2025

US President Donald Trump has offered Boeing’s sixth-generation stealth fighter, the F-47, to Japan, according to reports. If true, this would be the first concrete offer to sell the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) combat jet to any country. Notably, this comes amid reports that the US is unhappy with Japan’s participation in the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a sixth-generation combat jet being pursued jointly by Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

British fighter jets to carry nuclear bombs

06/01/2025

Britain wants to purchase fighter jets capable of firing tactical nuclear weapons, in a major expansion of the deterrent intended to counter the growing threat posed by Russia. Sir Keir Starmer’s government is in highly sensitive talks over the move, which would represent the biggest development in the UK’s deterrent since the Cold War and a recognition that the world has entered a more dangerous nuclear era.

Indian military chief acknowledges loss of fighter jets in May conflict with Pakistan

06/01/2025

India’s military has acknowledged for the first time that an unspecified number of its fighter jets were shot down during strikes on Pakistani-controlled territory amid intense fighting between the neighbors in early May. Indian officials had previously refused to confirm even a single aircraft loss.

Japan frets over fighter rollout target and weighs stopgap options, sources say

05/31/2025

apan has growing doubts that its next-generation fighter project with Britain and Italy will meet a 2035 rollout target, potentially forcing Tokyo to plug air defense gaps with new U.S. F-35 stealth planes or upgrades to aging jets, two sources said. The joint Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) established in 2022 is falling behind schedule due to a lack of urgency from Britain and Italy, which could push deployment beyond 2040, according to one of the sources.

Jet jamming: Fighter plane future rests on mastering electronic warfare

05/31/2025

The ferocity of the shots fired in the recent India-Pakistan conflict have quietened but the skirmish is already having an impact on global air forces. Jamming devices are now considered essential, experts have told The National. A major investigation among Western powers is under way to understand how potentially three French-built Rafales were lost to Pakistan's Chinese made J-10Cs, alongside the worrying development of long-range aerial warfare.

Dutch F-35s Fighter Jets Take Part in Finland’s Baana 25 Exercises

05/31/2025

Dutch F-35s joined Finland’s Baana 25 exercises, simulating highway landings to boost NATO’s Agile Combat Employment strategy, showcasing operational flexibility, readiness, and alliance interoperability amid modern warfare threats. It has been over two years since Finland officially joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). However, in that short time, it has worked closely with its allied nations in numerous drills, including its annual “Baana” exercises.

For first time GBU-53/B glide bomb launched by U.S. F-15E fighter jet controlled by Norwegian P8A aircraft

05/31/2025

According to information published by the Norwegian Ministry of Defense on May 28, 2025, Norwegian Armed Forces achieved a groundbreaking milestone in NATO’s advancement of network-enabled warfare. While the operation was conducted on May 14, 2025, the newly revealed details emphasize a major leap in allied digital integration and precision strike capability.