Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

UK ‘needs’ GCAP future fighter to counter growth of Russian and Chinese stealth jets: Air Chief

11/13/2024

The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) must press forward with the multinational Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to deliver a next generation fighter jet if it wants to take a stand against the “proliferation” of Russian and Chinese stealth aircraft, according to the head of the service.

The U.S. Air Force Has Much Bigger Plans Than NGAD Fighters

11/13/2024

The U.S. Air Force is pursuing advanced modernization programs, including the NGAD sixth-generation fighter, CCA drone swarms, and the NGAS refueling system, to maintain air superiority amid potential conflict with China. However, the high costs of these programs are prompting difficult funding decisions.

Saab proposes sale of Gripen fighter jets to Colombia, eyes Peru deal

11/12/2024

Saab has made an offer to Colombia for the proposed purchase of an undisclosed number of Gripen fighter jets and is looking at a potential deal for the sale of the jets to Peru, the CEO of the Swedish defense firm told Reuters on Monday. A Swedish public radio station reported last week, citing unnamed sources, that Colombia would buy a fleet of JAS Gripen jets made by Saab, which has a production line in neighboring Brazil.

Taiwan wants to buy F-35 fighter jets and Patriot missiles to show Trump it's serious: report

11/12/2024

Taiwan may buy a US weapons package worth more than $15 billion to show President-elect Donald Trump it is serious about defending itself against China. According to the Financial Times, the package could include 60 F-35 fighter jets, four Advanced Hawkeyes, 10 retired warships, and 400 Patriot missiles.

The UAC claims to be ready to produce and offer the export version of the Russian Aerospace Forces’ Su-57 fighter to new foreign partners

11/12/2024

Against the backdrop of the Zhuhai Airshow, to be held in China from November 12 to 17, executives from United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) have announced that the company is ready to produce and offer the export version of the Su-57 stealth fighter, which currently equips the Russian Aerospace Forces, to foreign partners.

F-21: The F-16 Fighter That Could Be Built Specifically for India

11/11/2024

The F-21, an advanced iteration of Lockheed Martin’s F-16, has been offered to the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a tailored "Make in India" opportunity in partnership with Tata. Showcasing features like an F-35-style cockpit, AESA radar, and compatibility with IAF’s Russian tankers, the F-21 aims to outclass existing Russian MiG-29s in the IAF's fleet.

After J-35 Stealth Fighter, China’s Another “Stealth Aircraft” Emerges Ahead Of The Zhuhai Air Show

11/11/2024

China has unveiled multiple mysterious, big-ticket military equipment ahead of the Zhuhai Air Show. After the J-35A stealth combat aircraft, photographs of the new model of China’s long-awaited ‘CH-7’ stealth drone have struck the internet like lightning.

Brazil-Sweden agreement: FAB to get more Gripen fighters and Sweden starts purchase of the C-390 Millennium

11/10/2024

Brazil and Sweden took a firm step towards the conclusion of an agreement that will allow the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) to increase its inventory of JAS-39 Gripen E/F fighters, while the Swedish Air Force will incorporate the Brazilian C-390 Millennium as a new military transport aircraft, replacing its aging C-130 Hercules.

F-22, F-35 and Maybe Even NGAD Fighters Could Someday Get 'Stealth Tankers'

11/10/2024

Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works has revealed concept imagery for the KC-Z, a next-generation stealth aerial refueling tanker that may be piloted or unmanned. The KC-Z aims to support stealth aircraft such as the F-35, with anticipated readiness in the 2030s to 2040s.

After B-21 Raider, World’s 2nd Sixth-Generation Combat Aircraft Project Gets Green Light From British PM

11/10/2024

The next-generation Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) being developed by the trilateral alliance of the UK, Japan, and Italy has received a green light from London. If all goes according to plan, this grouping could unveil the world’s second sixth-generation aircraft unless China springs some surprise.

The Russian Air Force Is 'Dropping Like Flies' in the Ukraine War

11/09/2024

Despite increased production of Su-35 and Su-57 fighters, Russia's Su-35 "Flanker-E" has struggled in Ukraine. Originally designed to rival American fourth-generation jets, the Su-35 boasts a range of missiles, electronic warfare capabilities, and powerful weaponry.

Air Force places a $30 million order to Northrop Grumman for additional AESA airborne radar systems for F-16

11/09/2024

U.S. Air Force aerial warfare experts are ordering additional modern active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for F-16 jet fighter aircraft under terms of an $30 million order announced in September.

Report to Congress on Air Force Next-Generation Air Dominance Fighter

11/08/2024

U.S. Air Force officials say they have paused a contract award for the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter as they rethink the aircraft’s requirements. NGAD is an advanced fighter jet intended to replace the stealthy F-22 Raptor. According to the Air Force, NGAD is also a “family of systems,” enabling air superiority, defined as the ability to operate without threat of attack, even in highly contested environments.

Israel signs $5.2 billion deal to acquire 25 F-15 fighter jets from Boeing

11/08/2024

The Israeli defence ministry said on Thursday it had signed an agreement to acquire 25 next generation F-15 fighter jets from Boeing Co, opens new tab. It said the $5.2 billion agreement was part of a broader package of U.S. aid approved by the U.S. administration and Congress earlier this year and included an option for 25 additional aircraft. Delivery of the new F-15IA aircraft will begin in 2031, with 4-6 aircraft to be supplied annually, it said.

Analysis: Why Swedish Gripen Fighter Jet from SAAB is Conquering South America.

11/07/2024

Saab’s Gripen E fighter jet recently took the spotlight at CRUZEX 2024, Latin America’s largest multinational training exercise, hosted by the Brazilian Air Force. Saab’s November 4, 2024 announcement marked the Gripen’s first participation in this major exercise, reflecting its growing popularity in South America. With strategic appeal for countries facing budget constraints, unique defense needs, and industrial development ambitions, the Gripen has emerged as a preferred choice in the region.

Tenfold increase in demand for aircraft parts and sustainment

11/07/2024

Air forces must confront a tenfold increase in demand for aircraft parts according to General Mark Kelly, former Commander, US Air Combat Command, in an update to a gathering of combat air specialists in Berlin on 5 November 2024. During the International Fighter Conference, hosted by DefenceiQ, the former US Air Force superior relayed the challenges facing the fighter force, which includes operating across the electromagnetic spectrum, forming layered air defences.

Pilots parachute to safety in Vietnam military plane crash

11/07/2024

Two Vietnamese air force pilots parachuted to safety before their twin-seat military plane crashed in the province of Binh Dinh during a landing attempt in difficult weather on Wednesday, state media said. The landing gear of the Russian-made Yak-130 light combat training aircraft could not be deployed, forcing the pilots to escape by parachute, a defence ministry statement said. Both pilots were missing for several hours.

Boeing’s woes and the state of the US defence industry

11/06/2024

Boeing is one of the Pentagon’s biggest contractors and therefore a heavyweight supplier for US allies. So its alarming financial condition is much more than investment news. The company has got itself into loss-making defence programs by overestimating the potential for production profits to cover research-and-development losses. Expect it to be wary in future.

Kendall: USAF Can’t Afford Next-Gen Fighter, Tanker, and Wingman Drones All at Once

11/06/2024

The Next-Generation Air Dominance fighter; the Next-Generation Aerial refueling System tanker; a second increment of Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones: Air Force leaders have said in recent years they need them all to be prepared for a future fight with a great power like China.

Gripen E makes its debut in multinational military exercise

11/06/2024

Over two thousand military personnel from Brazil and 15 other nations from across Latin America, Africa, Europe and the United States are gathered for one of the largest operational air exercises in the Southern Hemisphere, CRUZEX 2024.

Colombia to buy Saab fighter aircraft, Swedish public radio reports

11/06/2024

Colombia will buy a fleet of JAS Gripen fighter aircraft made by Sweden's Saab, Swedish public radio SR's Ekot news broadcast reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed sources, but Colombia's government declined to immediately confirm the purchase. "We have taken note of the information in the media but cannot comment further at this time. We have previously had a dialogue with Colombia regarding the sale of Gripen, but there is currently no contract," a Saab spokesperson said.

China to unveil J-35A stealth fighter jet as air force aims to match US aerial power

11/06/2024

China’s air force is set to officially debut its new stealth fighter jet, the J-35A, giving observers the first look at a highly anticipated asset that adds to the country’s fast growing military capabilities. The fighter, an image of which was released during an air force press conference Tuesday, will appear at an air show in the southern city of Zhuhai next week, officials said.

Banking On ‘Double Stealth’, Japan Buys Joint Strike Missiles For F-35 Fighters That Can Even Hit Beijing

11/05/2024

apan has placed its fourth follow-on order for the stealthy and lethal Joint Strike Missile (JSM) to boost its firepower amid mounting security threats in the Indo-Pacific region. “Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (‘KONGSBERG’) has entered a fourth follow-on contract with Japan to supply the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for the country’s fleet of F-35A fighter aircraft. The contract is valued at NOK 1.9 billion,” a press statement released by the manufacturer stated.

Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jet crashes in India

11/05/2024

The pilot managed to eject safely and is reported to be unharmed. The incident occurred during a routine flight, and details on the cause of the crash are yet to be confirmed. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident. The IAF has stated that further information will be released as the inquiry progresses.

Indian Air Force Looks to Issue Fresh Procurement Tender for 114 Jets

11/05/2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is mulling issuing an “open tender” for the procurement of 114 medium-role fighter aircraft (MRFA), with production taking place at home. This will be a departure from the previous procurement process wherein 36 Rafale fighter jets were bought from France under a government-to-government deal in 2016.