Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

U.K. Report on F-35 Capability

07/12/2025

The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter is a technologically cutting-edge multirole stealth fighter aircraft. Originally conceived in the 1990s by the US Department of Defense, the UK is one of 8 nations that are partners in the global F-35 programme, although the US has by far the most influence on the programme, so far ordering approximately 80% of all aircraft. Other countries purchase F-35s as foreign military sales customers. F-35s from different countries are designed to be interoperabl

MiG Fighters, Tu-95 Bombers, Shahed Drones—Russian Arms Plants Come Under Drone Strikes

07/12/2025

Multiple Russian defense industry facilities were reportedly hit in a wave of drone strikes, including two major aircraft plants and several weapons manufacturers, according to the head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, Andrii Kovalenko, on July 11. Kovalenko said a strike targeted the Lukhovitsy Aircraft Plant in the Moscow region, which manufactures and upgrades MiG-29 and MiG-31 fighter jets.

Eight Generals Probe the F-35, E-7 Problem in 2026 Budget

07/12/2025

Sixteen retired four-star Air Force generals, including six retired Chiefs of Staff, signed a June 7 letter along with AFA leadership in a plea to Congress to increase investment in F-35 fighter jets and restore funds cut from the fiscal 2026 budget for E-7 Wedgetail. On July 10, eight of the signatories gathered for a virtual media roundtable and candid conversation on Department of the Air Force needs and requirements, and the 2026 budget.

Air Force shifts enhanced F-16s from Japan to South Korea in force realignment

07/12/2025

The U.S. Air Force has transferred upgraded F-16 Fighting Falcons from Japan to South Korea, reinforcing its fighter capabilities on the Korean Peninsula amid ongoing efforts to deter airborne threats. The 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base — home to the 7th Air Force, about 30 miles south of Seoul — received the aircraft from the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan, said Maj. Kippun Sumner, spokesman for the 51st.

Japan urges China to stop flying fighter jets too close to Japanese military aircraft

07/11/2025

Japan has demanded China stop flying its fighter jets abnormally close to Japanese intelligence-gathering aircraft, which it said was happening repeatedly and could cause a collision. Japan's Defense Ministry said a Chinese JH-7 fighter-bomber flew as close to 30 meters (98 feet) to a YS-11EB electronic-intelligence aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force on Wednesday and Thursday.

Aero markets its Skyfox to African Air Forces

07/10/2025

Aero Vodochody, the Czech aircraft manufacturer renowned for its L-39 Albatross, has set its sights on the African continent with the introduction of its latest aircraft, the Skyfox. This light attack and trainer jet, officially designated the Aero L-39NG (“Next Generation”), represents the company’s effort to build on its long-standing relationship with African air forces.

Full batch of RAAF pilots pass Introductory Fighter Course for the first time

07/10/2025

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has announced that a full batch of pilots graduated from the challenging Introductory Fighter Course (IFC) at the RAAF Base Williamtown’s 76 Squadron, on June 27, 2025. This is the first time that a single cohort has had a 100% pass rate – 10 out of 10 pilots – since the introduction of the Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter aircraft in the year 2000.

Gripen E triumphs over F-16 and Rafale as Peru commits to $3.5 billion fighter jet deal

07/10/2025

Peru is set to acquire 24 Saab Gripen E multirole fighter jets for $3.5 billion, according to local outlet Perú21. The deal includes additional support packages and marks a significant step in modernising the country's ageing air force.

Navy’s Unfunded Priorities List Seeks $1.4B for Next-Gen Fighter Aircraft

07/10/2025

U.S. Navy’s fiscal year 2026 Unfunded Priorities List, or UPL, includes a $1.4 billion funding request for a sixth-generation fighter aircraft program called F/A-XX. “This additional funding will enable Navy to award the 6th Generation Strike Fighter contract to industry,” the service branch wrote in its letter to lawmakers. “Navy’s 6th Generation Strike Fighter aircraft is a critical component of both the future Carrier Strike Group (CSG)” and the “air wing of the future.”

Denmark eyes additional F-35 fighter jets, Patriot aid breakthrough for Ukraine

07/10/2025

In a wide ranging discussion this week, Denmark’s defense minister Troels Lund Poulsen expressed interest in acquiring more F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets, secured an agreement on behalf of European nations to buy and donate 10 Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, as well as lease hours on Norway’s P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).

Retired U.S. generals urge Congress to fully fund F-35 and E-7 programmes amid rising global threats

07/09/2025

A group of senior retired U.S. Air Force generals has written to Congress urging full funding for 75 F-35A fighter jets and the E-7 Wedgetail airborne command aircraft in the Fiscal Year 2026 defence budget. The letter, sent on behalf of the 125,773 members of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA), warned that proposed cuts "will severely and unnecessarily undermine our service members’ ability to deter, and if necessary, prevail in future conflicts."

UK submits official offer to sell 40 Eurofighter jets to Turkey: report

07/09/2025

The UK has formally submitted a proposal to sell 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey, in a move that signals growing momentum in Ankara’s efforts to modernize its air force and deepen defense ties with European partners, the Ekonomim news website reported on Tuesday.

Berlin says China military targeted German plane with laser over Red Sea

07/09/2025

Berlin on Tuesday said the Chinese military had targeted a laser at a German aircraft participating in an EU-led mission to protect marine traffic in the Red Sea. “Endangering German personnel and disrupting the operation is entirely unacceptable,” the foreign ministry said on X, adding that Beijing’s ambassador to Berlin had been summoned for talks.

The F-35 Is Getting a Big New Upgrade: External Fuel Tanks

07/09/2025

Drop tanks come with one notable drawback: they can degrade the F-35’s stealthy profile to the point of compromising it entirely. Range has been a key factor in combat aircraft effectiveness since their inception during the First World War. Extending the range of fighter or strike aircraft has been particularly challenging thanks to their small size and limited internal fuel capacity.

US Navy Eyes Thousands of Leonardo Decoys for F-35, F-18 Jets

07/09/2025

The US Navy plans to award Leonardo a contract to supply thousands of airborne countermeasures for the service’s F-35 Lightning II and F-18 Hornet/Super Hornet/Growler combat aircraft fleets. A notice published by Naval Air Systems Command said that it “intends to negotiate and award” a fixed-price agreement, including associated materials. labor, overhead, and equipment to the company’s segment in the UK.

Indonesia to Strengthen Air Force with Possible Purchase of 24 More French Rafale Fighter Jets

07/09/2025

According to information published by French Newspaper La Tribune on July 4, 2025, Indonesia is set to finalize a major defense contract with France for the acquisition of 24 Rafale multirole fighter jets during President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to Paris, where he will be the guest of honor at France’s national Bastille Day celebrations on July 14. Initially, a purchase of 12 aircraft was announced during bilateral meetings in May 2025, but this has now been upgraded to 24 jets.

China “Inducts” J-35A Into Air Force? Becomes 2nd Country After The U.S. To Operate 2 Stealth Jets: Reports

07/09/2025

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has reportedly operationalized its second fifth-generation combat aircraft, the J-35A, as evidenced by the latest images posted by Chinese military watchers. The induction, yet to be officially verified, would be a massive boost to the Chinese PLA Air Force (PLAAF) amid simmering tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

US company to modernize 100 Russian MiG-29 fighter jets used by Indian Air Force in strategic agreement

07/09/2025

On June 30, 2025, the Indian company Reliance Defence entered into a strategic partnership with Coastal Mechanics Inc. (CMI), a US Department of Defense-authorized contractor, to jointly address India’s military Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) needs. The agreement includes the servicing, upgrading, and lifecycle extension of several key Indian military platforms, most notably the Russian-origin MiG-29 fighter aircraft currently operated by the Indian Air Force.

Netherlands deploys F-35 fighter jets to Poland to guard NATO’s eastern flank

07/08/2025

From 1 September to 1 December, Dutch F-35 fighter jets will monitor NATO airspace over Eastern Europe to safeguard military equipment destined for Ukraine. This mission aims to ensure the safe arrival of matériel donated by NATO member states.

US fighter aircraft F-35 joins PAF patrol to mark annual air drills

07/08/2025

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and its counterparts from the United States Pacific Air Forces (Pacaf) conducted a joint patrol Monday to mark the second iteration of “Cope Thunder” bilateral air drills this year. Pacaf’s F-35 fighter aircraft joined PAF’s light combat aircraft FA-50 in patrolling the country’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone including the West Philippine Sea.

Jordan deploys military aircraft to support Syria in wildfire containment

07/07/2025

The Jordanian Armed Forces participated in efforts to extinguish fires that broke out in several areas of Syria as a result of exploding remnants of war and rising temperatures. According to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), the Armed Forces sent two Black Hawk helicopters belonging to the Royal Jordanian Air Force, equipped with specialised crews and advanced technical equipment, to help control the fire hotspots and limit their spread, in order to protect lives and property.

For US$118 million, the U.S. awarded a new support contract for Iraq’s fleet of F-16C/D Block 52 fighter jets

07/07/2025

Through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, the United States continues to provide services and support for the sustainment of the F-16C/D Block 52 fighter fleet operated by the Iraqi Air Force. This follows the most recent contract awarded to the company V2X, with an initial value of US$118 million.

F-22 Raptors To Lead Drone Warfare For U.S. Air Force; May Become 1st Stealth Jet To Control CCA Drones

07/07/2025

The F-22 Raptors are set to serve the US Air Force (USAF) much longer than initially expected. While the USAF is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the sixth-generation combat aircraft, the F-47, which will also feature integrated loyal wingman drones, it appears that the Raptors will be the first stealth aircraft to operate as airborne controllers for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).

Commander of Polish Air Force takes test flight in KF-21 fighter jet prototype

07/06/2025

The chiefs of the South Korean and Polish air forces met in late June to explore deeper defence and arms cooperation, the South Korean Air Force confirmed. The discussions followed Poland’s acquisition of South Korean FA-50 fighter jets under a recent defence agreement.

Air force’s F-5 jets retired after 50 years service

07/05/2025

A ceremony was held yesterday at Hualien Air Base to mark the official retirement of the air force’s F-5 jets after more than 50 years of patrolling Taiwan’s skies. The event began with the 5th Tactical Fighter Wing flying a sortie consisting of three RF-5E reconnaissance aircraft and two F-5F jets.