Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Four NATO Fighter Jets Scrambled Over Russian Drone Attack

10/03/2024

Four NATO fighter jets were scrambled and an emergency alert issued in response to a Russian drone attack on targets near the Romanian border in Ukraine's Odesa region. The jets were deployed after Russian drones were detected near Romanian airspace flying toward Ukrainian territory in the early hours of Wednesday morning, the country's Ministry of National Defense said in a statement.

KAI Secures Performance-Based Maintenance Deal for Philippine FA-50 Jets

10/03/2024

The Philippine Air Force has awarded Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) a contract to sustain its FA-50 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft. The agreement will run under a performance based logistics (PBL) framework in which value per maintenance, repair, and overhaul relies on resulting improvements.

Navy Will Pick a 6th-Gen Fighter as Air Force Pauses NGAD

10/03/2024

In the race to field the first sixth-generation fighter, the U.S. Navy is pressing ahead as the Air Force pauses its program amid concern that it’s too expensive and might not be the best answer to emerging threats. The Navy expects to award a contract for its next-generation, carrier-based fighter and expects the long-range attack jet to enter service in the 2030s, its top officer said Oct. 2.

Pakistan’s JF-17C Block-III Now Operational in Azerbaijan Air Force

10/02/2024

Azerbaijan has officially confirmed that the JF-17C Block-III fighter jets it bought from Pakistan are now in service as part of a $1.6 billion deal signed in February. The president’s office announced the news, showing Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev seated inside the aircraft during his inspection of it at the Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition 2024 in Baku on September 25.

Bulgaria starts full review of its combat aviation

10/02/2024

Bulgaria is to begin a long-awaited review of the readiness and training of its air force, which has seen several fatalities during combat exercises and demonstration flights in recent years. Bulgaria guards part of NATO's eastern flank with old, hard-to-maintain MiG-29 fighter jets and Su-25 aircraft that were supplied by the USSR more than 35 years ago.

VIDEO: Russian Fighter Cuts Off US F-16 During NORAD Intercept

10/01/2024

A Russian Su-35 fighter cut across the front of a U.S. Air Force F-16 conducting a routine intercept of Russian aircraft off the coast of Alaska in a dramatic incident Sept. 23. The U.S. military called the encounter “unsafe,” and said the Russian aviator’s actions were “unprofessional and endangered all.”

US Sending More Air Force Fighters to Middle East

10/01/2024

The U.S. military is ordering additional U.S. Air Force fighters to the Middle East after Israel launched punishing attacks on Lebanese Hezbollah and killed the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, U.S. officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine.

F-5 Advanced Tiger fighter planes come to Hill AFB to help with simulated combat exercises

09/30/2024

Utah residents may notice a new aircraft in the skies starting this weekend. Several F-5 Advanced Tiger fighters were scheduled to arrive Saturday at Hill Air Force Base to begin a year of training alongside F-35A Lightning IIs from the 388th Fighter Wing.

The current situation of the modernization of the Peruvian Air Force combat aviation

09/30/2024

While some international media are busy announcing the definitive retirement of the MiG-29 fighters, nothing has been said in the Peruvian Air Force (FAP) regarding the retirement or sale to third parties of the emblematic fighter-bombers of Russian origin. Offers have been received, such as that of the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), which proposed to sell them in exchange for U.S.-origin equipment, an idea that did not go beyond the headlines.

Pakistan And India Bolster Azerbaijan And Armenia’s Airpower

09/30/2024

Neighboring rivals India and Pakistan are helping two other rival countries in the South Caucasus region build up their modest air forces with fighter jet exports and upgrades. Beaming and giving a thumbs up from the cockpit of a newly-delivered JF-17C Block III at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku on September 25, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev conclusively confirmed years of rumors that his country would acquire that combat aircraft from Pakistan.

US company General Atomics has unveiled a full-size model of a "disposable" unmanned fighter jet

09/29/2024

Perhaps all the world's advanced armies pay great attention to the development of unmanned systems, as the war in Ukraine has shown their effectiveness and indispensability in the conditions of modern combat operations.

Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35 jets reach Full Operational Capability

09/28/2024

It has been announced that the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s (RNLAF) F-35 Lightning II fighter jets have reached Full Operational Capability (FOC). The fighters are now capable of performing a range of critical defense missions, from airspace monitoring to counterterrorism operations, and even contributing to NATO’s nuclear deterrent strategy.

AMERICA’S F-15EX COULD WEAR MANY HATS IN A 21ST-CENTURY FIGHT

09/28/2024

In June of this year, the Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing in Portland, Oregon received America’s first operational F-15EX Eagle II – a revamped iteration of the legendary air superiority fighter intended to replace the nation’s aging fleet of F-15C and D fighters. These non-stealthy but highly capable fighters will be tasked with assuming the homeland defense role, but both Boeing and the Air Force are already looking at the possibility of expanding the responsibilities.

Ukrainian Pilots Finish Fighter Jet Training in France

09/28/2024

A group of Ukrainian pilots have completed a six-month training in France, the French Air Force announced last week. It is the second leg of a three-part training program, with the first phase in the UK and the third in Romania. The group began training in France in March on the Alpha Jet aircraft, a light attack jet and advanced jet trainer.

Russian Aircraft Intercepted By US F-16 in Russian-Style Camo. Here’s Why

09/28/2024

When a Russian warplane ventured near Alaska earlier this month, it faced a familiar—if perhaps unexpected—sight. On a trip into the Alaska Air Identification Zone (ADIZ) in September, a Russian Ilyushin Il-38 maritime surveillance aircraft was photographed by the U.S. military flying alongside a fighter with navy blue, light blue, and gray camouflage, complete with bright red numbering—the colors of the Russian Aerospace Forces, or VKS.

South Africa moves forward with acquisition of Embraer C-390

09/27/2024

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is progressing in evaluating the C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft following the successful showcase of Embraer‘s platform at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition.

Pakistan seals deal to supply JF-17 fighter jets to Azerbaijan

09/27/2024

Pakistan’s military announced on Thursday that it has signed a contract to sell JF-17 Block III fighter jets to Azerbaijan. The aircraft, co-produced by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and developed in collaboration with China, with whom Islamabad has grown increasingly close as ties with traditional military ally the United States have weakened over the last few years.

Italy’s MoD wants more F-35s and Typhoons combat aircraft and M-346 advanced trainer/LIFTs

09/27/2024

The Italian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is pursuing a larger fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning IIs and the replacement of older Eurofighter Typhoons alongside additional M-346 advance trainer/Lead-In Fighter Training aircraft, according to the recently unveiled Defence multi-year planning document (DPP, Documento Programmatico Pluriennale) 2024-2026.

Taiwan detects dozens of Chinese military aircraft, ships as Japanese warship cruises past island

09/27/2024

Taiwan's defence ministry said Thursday that 29 more Chinese fighter jets and drones were detected around the democratic island, following a 24-hour period that saw a surge in military movement by Beijing's forces. The incursions came as for the first time a Japanese warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait to assert its freedom of navigation.

The rise of small, fighter-like drones in US Air Force thinking

09/27/2024

You only had to walk into the exhibit hall at last week’s Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) convention in Maryland to realise that US air power is having a moment. A prime spot to the left of the entrance was occupied by the company Anduril. Now in its second year as an exhibitor, the startup’s exhibit was as large as any of the major defence companies.

Greece to Receive F-35 Fighters Beginning in 2028

09/26/2024

Greece's F-35 program is moving forward, with the Hellenic Air Force set to receive its first batch of the Lockheed Martin stealth fighters by 2028. The initial aircraft will be built in the U.S., followed by assembly in Italy. With a total order of 20 F-35s and an option for an additional 20, Greece is modernizing its air force alongside upgrades to its F-16 fleet and the acquisition of French Dassault Rafale fighters.

NGAD Stealth Fighter: Now the Same Price as the F-35 or F-15EX Eagle II?

09/26/2024

The U.S. Air Force has paused the development of its sixth-generation fighter, the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) project, due to its projected cost of $300 million per unit. The goal is to redesign and lower costs to around $100 million, closer to the price of the F-35 Lightning II or F-15EX.

Azerbaijan confirms purchase of JF-17 fighters

09/25/2024

On September 25, Azerbaijani President and Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev was presented with the new JF-17C (Block-III) fighter jets at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The advanced, all-weather multi-role aircraft, developed in collaboration between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), has officially entered service with Azerbaijan’s Air Force, according to the country’s defense ministry.

Japanese fighters use flares during QRA intercept

09/25/2024

On 23 September F-15J and F-35A fighter aircraft from the Japan Air Self-Defence Force’s Northern Air Defence Force were scrambled to intercept and escort a Russian Navy Ilyushin Il-38 ‘May’ maritime patrol aircraft that violated Japan’s airspace north of Rebun Island off Hokkaido. During a five-hour patrol in the area the Russian aircraft strayed into Japan’s airspace three times, flying above Rebun Island, just off the coast of Hokkaido – the northernmost of Japan’s main islands.

Russia's Su-57 Felon Stealth Fighter Could Be Headed to Africa

09/25/2024

Algeria has reportedly donated its surplus MiG-29 fighter jets to Sudan's Air Force in preparation for the arrival of Russia's Su-57 stealth jets. The move strengthens Algeria’s regional influence while modernizing its air force with advanced fifth-generation aircraft, making it the first nation outside Russia to operate the Su-57.