Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

China moves to counter India with arms sales to Pakistan

02/19/2022

China will deliver 25 J-10C fighter jets to Pakistan within weeks as part of a deal that will bolster Islamabad’s military capabilities against mutual rival India. Beijing’s first export of the advanced jets marks a big step-up in its decades-old arms relationship with Islamabad and entails providing its ally with some of the latest equipment that China’s own armed forces are using. China will also broaden its support to Pakistan’s navy.

Air Force Moves F-35s from Utah to Germany as Ukraine Faces Possible Invasion

02/19/2022

A dozen F-35A Lightning II fighter jets and 350 airmen from Hill Air Force Base in Utah have arrived in Germany, marking the latest deployment of American aircraft to Europe as tensions mount between Russia and Ukraine. The airmen from the active-duty 388th and Reserve 419th Fighter Wing arrived at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, on Wednesday, according to an Air Force Reserve statement.

Japan, UK to Collaborate on Future Fighter Sensor Development

02/19/2022

The United Kingdom and Japan have agreed to the joint development of sensor technology for both the Tempest and F-X future combat aircraft programs, expanding the military-technology partnership between the two nations.

Russian Aircraft Armed With Hypersonic Weapons Deployed to Syria

02/18/2022

While the United States has responded to Russia's military buildup on the Ukrainian border with the deployment of B-52 Stratofortress bombers and F-15 Eagles to Europe, Russia has also deployed combat aircraft to bases outside of its national borders.

Turkey’s fighter jet on display at mega airshow in Asia debut

02/18/2022

Turkey’s landmark national fighter jet is on display at Asia’s biggest airshow as the country seeks to expand its defense engagement in the region. The mock-up of the National Combat Aircraft (MMU) is being exhibited at the Singapore Airshow, which kicked off on Tuesday and will last until Friday.

Russian jets endanger US surveillance planes in close call over the Mediterranean, Navy says

02/17/2022

Three U.S. P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft flying over the Mediterranean Sea encountered “unprofessional intercepts” from Russian aircraft over the weekend, according to the Navy. “We can confirm that over the course of last weekend, three U.S. Navy P-8A aircraft experienced unprofessional intercepts by Russian aircraft,” said Navy Capt. Mike Kafka, director of Defense Press Operations, in a statement Wednesday.

Taiwan Invests in Air Defense Systems to Counter China

02/17/2022

Last week, the United States approved a possible sale of $100 million worth of military equipment and services to Taiwan. If it is completed, the deal will include engineering services to support legacy Guidance Enhanced Missiles (GEM) and Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles.

Myanmar fighter jet crashes into lake, killing pilot

02/17/2022

A Myanmar fighter jet on Wednesday crashed into a lake in the country's northwest, state-run media reported, blaming the incident on a technical malfunction. The crash took place in a region where there is active combat between Myanmar's army and forces opposed to army rule. The military later said in a statement the pilot had died.

Thai plan to acquire F-35 fighter jets poses dilemma for Washington

02/17/2022

A pair of U.S. F-35 fighter jets are on display at an airshow in Singapore this week, vying for potential customers in a volatile region. But Washington won’t sell its most-advanced warplanes to just anyone. Several key U.S. allies already have F-35s, including South Korea, Australia and Japan, and Singapore is set to follow suit. Next in line could be Thailand, America’s long-standing treaty ally in Asia. But analysts say there’s no guarantee that Washington will approve the sale.

The Iraqi Air Force: Perpetually Between East And West

02/16/2022

The latest reports and rumors about Iraq’s planned future acquisitions of fighter jets are an apt reminder of how, throughout its history, the Iraqi Air Force (IQAF) has long gone back and forth between east and west. According to a source cited by Defense News in mid-February, Iraq intends to buy 14 Dassault Rafale multirole fighter jets from France for $240 million, which Baghdad plans to pay for with oil instead of hard cash.

What a 19-Year-Old Study Tells Us About China’s J-20

02/16/2022

A study from 2003 – now available in exclusive English translation – contains important insights on China’s fifth-generation (and beyond) fighter development. The Chinese fifth-generation J-20 remains one of the world’s more enigmatic and poorly understood modern combat aircraft, even 11 years after its maiden flight and some six years after it entered initial service with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force. Deliberate PLA opacity and operational security is arguably the greatest cause

How do Singapore’s air capabilities compare to those of its neighbors?

02/16/2022

Air forces around the globe are looking to balance quality and quantity. Range and speed are the major focus of next-generation aircraft and weapons, driven by the United States’ increased focus on the Indo-Pacific region, according to the 2022 “Military Balance” report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

China’s First Export J-10 Multi-Role Fighters For Pakistan Emerge

02/16/2022

After years of speculation and countless online rumors, the first Chinese-made J-10 multi-role fighter jets for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) have appeared in China. Once delivered to the PAF, the single-engine J-10 medium-weight fighter will help modernize that service and further deepen the military relationship between Pakistan and China. Furthermore, it’s a major milestone as the first export sale of the J-10.

What F-22s Arriving in UAE Can Offer After Recent Iranian-Backed Houthi Attacks

02/16/2022

F-22s from the 1st Fighter Wing landed at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, on Feb. 12, fulfilling a pledge by Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III to deploy fifth-generation aircraft to the Gulf nation. The fighters are from the 27th Fighter Squadron based out of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., the Air Force announced in a release.

2 Chinese military aircraft enter Taiwan’s ADIZ

02/15/2022

Two Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Monday (Feb. 14), marking the eighth intrusion this month. One People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Shenyang J-16 fighter jet and one Shaanxi Y-8 anti-submarine warfare plane flew into the southwest corner of Taiwan’s ADIZ, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND). In response, Taiwan sent aircraft, issued radio warnings, and deployed air defense missile systems to track the PLAAF planes.

RSAF to fly F-16 fighter jets for 'at least' another decade, following F-35 developments 'closely': Air force chief

02/15/2022

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will continue flying its F-16C/D fighter jets for "at least another decade", Chief of Air Force Major-General (MG) Kelvin Khong said on Monday (Feb 14), adding that the RSAF has been following the developments of F-35 stealth fighter jets "closely". Singapore announced in 2019 that it will buy four F-35B fighter jets for complete testing with the option for eight more. The plan is for the F-35s to replace the RSAF's ageing F-16s.

Philippine Air Force modernizes fleet following financial troubles, historical inaction

02/15/2022

The Philippines’ defense secretary late last year ordered 32 Black Hawk helicopters for the country — part of an ongoing defense modernization effort driven by territorial disputes and a need for several aerial capabilities.

More American F-15s land in Poland

02/15/2022

More American F-15 combat aircraft landed at the Lask airbase in central Poland on Monday to help patrol the skies of the Baltic states. The arrival of the eight aircraft comes amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Denied F-35s, China/Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder, J-10C Fighter Jet Key Options For Turkish Air Force – Experts

02/14/2022

The Turkish Air Force had been denied the opportunity to purchase fifth-generation F-35 stealth jets as a result of its acquisition of Russia’s S-400 air missile defense system. Despite being a NATO member, Turkey was sanctioned by Washington under the CAATSA. It was also expelled from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

Body of Japanese F-15 fighter pilot killed in crash last month found

02/14/2022

The Defense Ministry said Sunday it has discovered the body of one of the two pilots who were aboard the Air Self-Defense Force F-15 fighter jet that crashed into the Sea of Japan late last month. The ASDF is continuing its search for the other pilot.

What Joint Russian-Syrian Air Patrols Might Mean For Foreign Air Forces Over Syria

02/14/2022

n late January, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that Russian and Syrian warplanes had conducted joint patrols along the Golan Heights and the Euphrates River. "The mission route included the Golan Heights, the southern border of Syria, the Euphrates River and northern Syria," the statement said. "The Russian pilots took off from Khmeimim Air Base, while the Syrians took off from the Sayqal and Al-Dumayur bases near Damascus."

Morocco, Israel Conclude $500 Million Deal for Missile Defense System

02/14/2022

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will provide Morocco with the Barak MX air and missile defense system. The deal is worth over $500 million, Israeli daily Globes reported. A source told Morocco World News that the Israeli aircraft manufacturing company IAI has reached an agreement with Morocco to supply it with the Barak MX missile defense system. The Barak MX missile defense system is flexible and modular and can protect against a range of missile threats and unmanned drones.

India to showcase indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft at Singapore air show

02/13/2022

India will showcase its Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) at the four-day Singapore Air Show next week with an eye on the possible export potential of the indigenously-developed jet to friendly countries in years to come. Three Tejas fighter jets and a 44-member contingent of the Indian Air Force (IAF) reached Singapore on Saturday to participate in the air show to be held from February 15 to 18.

US F-22 fighter jets arrive in UAE after Houthi attacks

02/13/2022

U.S. F-22 fighter jets arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, part of an American defense response to recent missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeting the country. The Raptors landed at Al-Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi, which hosts some 2,000 U.S. troops. American soldiers there launched Patriot interceptor missiles in response to the Houthi attacks last month, the first time U.S. troops have fired the system in combat since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

A Dozen Destroyers Plus 22 Surveillance Planes In A Single Day—The U.S. And Allies Are Reinforcing Europe

02/12/2022

Four more U.S. Navy destroyers are on their way to the Mediterranean Sea, part of a wider buildup of U.S. and NATO forces in Eastern Europe that alliance leaders hope will reassure NATO’s most vulnerable members. The deployments might not deter Russia from escalating its war in eastern Ukraine, however. U.S. President Joe Biden told NBC News on Thursday there was no conceivable scenario where American and Russian troops exchange fire. “That's a world war,” Biden said.