Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Air Force Chief Responds To Possibility Of Buying New ‘Block 80’ F-16s

05/21/2025

Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David Allvin today responded to questioning regarding the potential of a new version of the prolific F-16, a so-called Block 80, as a way of increasing the combat mass of the service in the future. While the Air Force doesn’t at this point have a plan to start buying Vipers again, it’s certainly interesting that the topic is up for discussion, especially with the service looking hard at how it will balance its next-generation fighter requirements.

General Atomics begins ground testing of YFQ-42A for U.S. Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme

05/21/2025

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has entered the ground testing phase of its YFQ-42A production-representative test vehicle as part of the U.S. Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme. Ground testing commenced on 7 May in preparation for the aircraft’s planned first flight later this summer.

Anduril Offers Rare Glimpse of Its Next-Gen Fighter Drone ‘Fury’

05/21/2025

Anduril just gave the world a closer look at “Fury,” its next-generation uncrewed fighter jet built to team up with human pilots in the skies. An episode of CBS’s 60 Minutes aired Sunday featured Anduril founder Palmer Luckey walking viewers through the aircraft’s development, offering a rare look inside the hangar where the drone is being pieced together.

Aero L-159: The World’s Cheapest Fighter Jet?

05/21/2025

First flown in 1997, the L-159 features many of the L-39/59’s aerodynamic configurations, but multiple changes were made to improve upon the L-159’s combat performance. The Aero Vodochody L-159 ALCA is a light combat aircraft and advanced trainer, developed as a replacement to Aero’s L-39 and L-59 Albatros aircraft. Built in the Czech Republic, the L-159 began development in 1993 for the purpose of replacing aircraft from the recently-collapsed Soviet Union.

Rafale deal at risk as Indonesia probes combat shortfall rumors

05/20/2025

Jakarta’s $8.1 billion deal to acquire 42 French-made Rafale fighter jets has come under scrutiny, with Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense initiating a review of the aircraft’s operational reliability following unverified claims of poor performance in recent aerial clashes between India and Pakistan.

Lockheed Martin Outlines F-16 Viper Fighters Offer for Philippines with Extended Range and Local Skills Transfer

05/20/2025

According to Inquirer.net, Lockheed Martin has recently intensified its communication surrounding its offer of F-16 Block 70 “Viper” fighter jets for the Philippine Air Force’s Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) program. In a regional context increasingly marked by tensions, particularly over sovereignty issues in the South China Sea, the U.S. defense company has highlighted a combination of strategic, technical, and industrial arguments to win over Manila.

Russia unveils Su-57M1 stealth jet with AI-assisted systems

05/20/2025

On May 15, 2025, Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation [UAC], through its Sukhoi Design Bureau, unveiled the advanced features of the upgraded Su-57M, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet poised to enhance Russia’s air combat capabilities.

U.S. Air Force test pilots train with Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet at in Linköping

05/20/2025

Three students from the United States Air Force Test Pilot School recently conducted flight training with the JAS 39 Gripen at the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration’s (FMV) test site in Linköping. The visit is part of an ongoing exchange programme between Sweden and the two major American test pilot schools, according to a press release from FMV.

What is behind Germany's veto on Türkiye's Eurofighter jets?

05/20/2025

Türkiye's recent efforts to modernize its air force have led it to seek new alternatives following unfavorable developments in the F-35 program. In this context, the country has intensified negotiations for procuring Eurofighter Typhoon jets, produced by a consortium involving the U.K., Spain and Germany, while continuing to develop its domestic air defense systems.

RTAF scrambles F-16s as Myanmar aircraft approaches Thai border

05/19/2025

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has clarified an incident involving the dispatch of F-16 fighter jets after a Myanmar aircraft approached Kanchanaburi around midday on Friday. Air Vice Marshal Prapas Sonjaidee, spokesperson for the RTAF, stated that a single K-8 military aircraft from Myanmar was detected flying close to Thai airspace in Mueang district, Kanchanaburi province, at 12.31 pm.

Taiwan says it detected Chinese military aircraft, ships around its territory

05/19/2025

Taiwan said on Sunday that it tracked Chinese military aircraft and naval ships around its territory. "Overall 18 sorties #PLA aircraft in various types (including J-16, KJ-500, etc.) were detected from 0850hr today. 13 out of 18 sorties crossed the median line of the #Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ," the Defense Ministry said on X.

Denmark Announces New Military Aid Package for Ukraine, Including F-16 Support and Training Infrastructure

05/19/2025

Denmark has announced its 26th military aid package for Ukraine, with a focus on maintaining F-16 fighter aircraft and enhancing training infrastructure, the Danish government stated. The package, valued at approximately €562.8 million (DKK 4.2 billion), covers the 2025–2028 period. It will be funded through Denmark’s Ukraine Fund and reimbursement mechanisms under the European Peace Facility (EPF).

North Korea’s MiG-29 fires new radar-guided missile in bold test

05/19/2025

On May 17, 2025, North Korea showcased a significant advancement in its military capabilities, unveiling a new active radar-guided air-to-air missile integrated with its MiG-29 fighter jets. The demonstration, overseen by leader Kim Jong Un during a visit to the 1st Guards Air Division of the Korean People’s Army Air Force, marks a notable step in Pyongyang’s efforts to bolster its aging air force.

Boeing ramps up New F15-EX fighter jet production to accelerate US Air Force modernization.

05/18/2025

American Company Boeing's revitalized production strategy for the F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet signals a major boost to U.S. Air Force combat readiness, as 90 units are now actively progressing through the assembly line. This acceleration reflects improved manufacturing efficiency and strategic foresight, with the goal of consistently delivering two aircraft per month by the end of 2026.

Denmark receives four more F-35s; half of fleet now home after delays

05/17/2025

Denmark received four more F-35 fighter jets on Thursday, with more than half of the country’s ordered fleet of stealth aircraft now stationed on Danish soil, after delivery had been delayed as manufacturer Lockheed Martin struggled to implement an upgrade for the plane.

An Air Force General Just Posted New Details About the F-47 NGAD

05/17/2025

The Air Force graph revealed that the plane would have a top speed of approximately Mach 2+, or around 1,550 miles per hour, similar to the F-22 Raptor. In March, President Donald Trump revealed with great fanfare the Air Force’s next stealth fighter jet. The Boeing F-47— is set to become the first 6th-generation stealth fighter jet to ever take to the skies. Now, in a recent post on X, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin revealed some interesting information about the upcoming

China ‘pitches’ J-10CE jets to Colombia in bold defense play

05/17/2025

In a striking development that has caught the attention of defense observers worldwide, China has extended an offer to sell two squadrons of its advanced Chengdu J-10CE multirole fighter jets to Colombia. The proposal came during a high-profile visit by Colombian President Gustavo Petro to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The offer, reported by multiple sources including defense outlet Infodefensa, marks a bold move by China to penetrate the Latin American.

Ukraine 'lost contact' with F-16 during combat, pilot ejected, Air Force says

05/17/2025

The Air Force "lost contact" with an F-16 jet during a mission to repel a Russian aerial attack overnight on May 16 following an emergency situation on board, the Air Force reported. The pilot diverted the plane away from populated areas and ejected, after which he was found by a search and rescue team, according to the statement.

Pentagon silent, aviation experts baffled by Trump’s fighter comments

05/17/2025

President Donald Trump’s comments Thursday in Qatar about future fighter jets planned for the U.S. military have baffled observers and been met with silence from the Pentagon. During a roundtable discussion in Doha, Qatar, flanked by the heads of Boeing and GE Aerospace, Trump surprised many in the military aviation world by asserting a twin-engined F-35 successor, which he dubbed the F-55, was in the works.

US Air Force chief reveals further details about next-gen F-47 fighter, CCA

05/16/2025

Chief of Staff for the US Air Force General David Allvin has released some further details about the recently unveiled F-47 next-generation fighter aircraft and the supporting fleet of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) set to reshape the US Air Force.

RAAF Links F-35 Simulators for 1st Time on LM Network

05/16/2025

The Australian Department of Defence in partnership with Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] connected F-35 simulators at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bases Williamtown and Tindal via F-35's distributed mission training (DMT) network. This establishes Australia as the first international F-35 customer to receive this capability, further enhancing global mission readiness and interoperability of the F-35 fleet.

Trump Touts ‘F-55’ Fighter: Is There a Twin-Engined F-35 in the Air Force’s Future?

05/16/2025

President Donald Trump is interested in developing a twin-engined, upgraded version of the F-35 fighter, he said during a press event May 15 in Qatar marking the sale of Boeing airliners and GE Aerospace engines to Qatar Airways. He said he would name the improved aircraft the “F-55” and also referred to a freshly improved F-22 as the “F-22 Super.”

Trump wants two new cutting-edge fighter jets: F-22 Super and F-55

05/16/2025

President Trump on Thursday revealed his wishes for bleeding-edge warplanes he dubbed F-22 Super and F-55. Trump's comments during a stop in Qatar were the first time either potential aircraft has been publicly mentioned. Such major, multibillion-dollar endeavors are not pulled from thin air, suggesting some legwork may already be underway.

Russian Su-35 violates Estonian airspace amid major NATO exercise

05/15/2025

A Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jet violated Estonian airspace on the evening of 13 May, flying without a flight plan, with transponders off, and no radio contact. The breach—lasting under a minute—occurred over the Juminda Peninsula in the Gulf of Finland during Exercise Hedgehog, Estonia’s largest annual military drill involving over 16,000 NATO troops.

Urgent search underway for missing crew after Japanese military aircraft crash

05/15/2025

An urgent search is underway for two crew members reported missing after a Japanese air force training aircraft crashed following takeoff. The T-4 training jet, belonging to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), lost contact just two minutes after departing from Komaki Air Base in Aichi prefecture, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi.