Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Northrop Grumman’s Mission Solutions Aim To Keep Fourth-Generation Aircraft Lethal And Survivable

12/13/2024

Fourth-generation fighter aircraft continue to play critical roles in air forces around the world, even where operators are transitioning to more advanced fifth-generation platforms. The U.S. Air Force, for example, features more F-16s in its total force inventory than any other fighter aircraft type. The Viper’s future roadmap foresees it operating in an increasingly threatening battlespace and being tasked with tackling a multitude of complex mission sets.

Report to Congress on F-35 Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter

12/13/2024

The F-35 Lightning II is a strike fighter aircraft and the Department of Defense’s (DOD’s) largest procurement program. Lockheed Martin manufactures the aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and international partners and customers. Nineteen governments have agreed to purchase F-35s; of those governments, seven are U.S. allies and considered partners that share the cost of development with the United States. DOD, which plans to purchase 2,470 of the aircraf.

Marines reactivate East Coast squadron with Corps’ newest fighter jet

12/13/2024

The Marines have reactivated a fighter squadron with a lineage that traces back to Guadalcanal as the first East Coast squadron to fly the Corps’ newest fighter jet. Marine Attack Fighter Squadron 251, or VMFA-251, received its first F-35C Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter in mid-September before the unit officially reactivated in a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, on Dec. 5, according to the service.

“Bodyguards” Of 6th-Gen Fighters: Who Is Winning The Global Race To Develop AI-Enabled Loyal Wingman?

12/12/2024

The “Loyal Wingman” concept refers to an innovative approach in military aviation where autonomous or semi-autonomous drones or unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) work in tandem with piloted aircraft to perform various support and combat missions. These drones act as “wingmen” to human pilots, providing increased situational awareness, expanding mission capabilities, and reducing the risk to human pilots by taking on more dangerous or complex tasks.

Over half of Russia’s MiG-29SMT fleet left to rust at Kursk

12/12/2024

In a grim revelation, it’s come to light that over half of Russia’s MiG-29SMT fleet is languishing, rusting away at Kursk Air Base, a stark reminder of how quickly the promises of modernization can fade. The MiG-29SMT once heralded as a groundbreaking step toward rejuvenating Russia’s aging MiG-29 fleet, has become little more than a symbol of missed opportunities and broken promises.

Taiwan detects 53 Chinese military aircraft around island as tensions rise

12/12/2024

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said Wednesday morning that it had detected 53 Chinese military aircraft and 19 navy and coast guard vessels operating around the island over the past 24 hours, as the democratic island remained on alert amid speculation that Beijing has launched another round of war games.

Israel strikes Syria 480 times and seizes territory as Netanyahu pledges to change face of the Middle East

12/11/2024

The collapse of the Assad regime has prompted a punishing military response from Israel, which has launched airstrikes at military targets across Syria and deployed ground troops both into and beyond a demilitarized buffer zone for the first time in 50 years.

Taiwan says China naval deployment is largest in decades

12/11/2024

China has deployed the largest number of naval ships to regional waters around Taiwan since the mid-1990s, the Defense Ministry in Taipei said Tuesday, amid growing speculation that Beijing has launched another round of war games.

Rafale, Gripen or F-16: What’s the Future of Peru’s Combat Air Fleet?.

12/11/2024

On December 10, 2023, the Peruvian Congress approved an ambitious budget for 2025 aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of its FAP. A project to acquire 24 fighter jets was approved, marking a turning point since the purchase of Mirage 2000 aircraft in the 1980s. The initial $2 billion, financed through long-term debt via Banco de la Nación, represents the first phase of a total investment estimated at $3.5 billion.

French Fighter Jets Leave Chad: French Sources

12/11/2024

French fighter aircraft left Chad for good on Tuesday after N'Djamena decided last month to end military cooperation with the former colonial power, the French military said. One of the sources said that two Mirage 2000D combat jets and a tanker aeroplane took off before 1230 GMT, a French source told AFP. A third took off later. "The French armies are withdrawing today the fighter jet capability present in N'Djamena," said the French army staff on Tuesday in a statement, referring to the aircra

Israel confirms attack on Syrian naval fleet

12/11/2024

Israel has confirmed it carried out attacks on Syria's naval fleet, as part of its efforts to neutralise military assets in the country after the fall of the Assad regime. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its ships struck the ports at Al-Bayda and Latakia on Monday night, where 15 vessels were docked. The BBC has verified videos showing blasts at the port of Latakia, with footage appearing to show extensive damage to ships and parts of the port.

Qatar confirms purchase of 12 additional Eurofighter Typhoon jets

12/10/2024

The Qatari Air Force, Al-Quwwat Al-Jawiyyah Al-Amiriyyah Al-Qatariyyah, has confirmed the acquisition of 12 additional Eurofighter Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft. This purchase is part of Qatar’s broader investment in enhancing its defence capabilities and strengthening ties with the United Kingdom.

Russian Su-24 intercepted by Dutch F-35s in Baltic standoff

12/10/2024

The Royal Netherlands Air Force [RNLAF] reached a significant operational milestone with its fleet of Lockheed F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters, conducting what reports indicate as their first operational interceptions over the Baltic Sea.

Taiwan raises alert to ‘high’ amid presence of Chinese warships

12/10/2024

Nearly 90 Chinese navy, coastguard ships reported near Taiwan, southern Japanese islands, East and South China Seas. Taiwan’s military has raised the alert level to “high”, saying China restricted its airspace and deployed dozens of warships and coastguard vessels in waters around the island amid reports of a possible Chinese military drill.

Air Force, Navy should work more closely to develop 6th-gen fighter, senator says

12/10/2024

A key lawmaker on the Senate Armed Services Committee is suggesting that the Air Force and Navy work hand-in-hand to develop their respective sixth-generation fighter jets, rather than take diverging paths. The two services have discussed how to keep their sixth-generation aircraft — the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) platform and F/A-XX, respectively — complementary, but they’re running two separate programs that feature different airframes and propulsion systems.

Land Of The Rising Sun ‘Rising Again’! Japan Challenges China In 6th-Gen Military Race With ‘New Age’ Tech

12/10/2024

In stark contrast to its previous pacifist posture, Japan is rapidly boosting its military might in the face of growing security challenges from China. Japan is co-developing its next-generation fighter jet and CCA drone with the United Kingdom and Italy under the ‘Global Combat Air Program’ (GCAP).

Taiwan reports 14 Chinese warships and 4 balloons near the island

12/09/2024

China sent 14 warships, seven military aircraft and four balloons near Taiwan between Saturday and Sunday, according to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, as Beijing ramps up pressure on the island it claims as its own. China’s military activities come amid speculation Beijing might organize military drills around the island in response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent visit to Pacific allies, including U.S. stops in Hawaii and Guam.

PAF’s NASTP Sets Upgrade Path for JF-17 (or ‘PFX Alpha’)

12/09/2024

During the 2024 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2024), the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) revealed that the JF-17 Thunder will undergo an ‘Operational Capability Upgrade’ (OCU). NASTP is also designating this JF-17 OCU project as ‘PFX Alpha’, indicating that it is the first sequential step towards the future PFX fighter program.

The arrival of the J-35A gives China control of the technological tempo of global combat aviation

12/09/2024

For several days, a rumor has been circulating on Chinese social networks: the new J-35 fighter could be presented, for the first time, at the Zhuhai Air Show, which will be held in mid-November. The rumor was clearly true, as the People's Liberation Army confirmed the presence of no fewer than seven aircraft at the show, including the J-7 heavy stealth fighter, the J-20 multirole fighter-bomber, and the new Y-16U tanker aircraft. All three will perform flight demonstrations at the event.

United States Air Force A-10s Visit Philippines

12/09/2024

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron landed at Clark Air Base, Philippines on Dec. 6, 2024. U.S. Pacific Air Forces Airmen will conduct integrated training with the Philippine Air Force through Dec. 15, providing pilots and maintenance teams an opportunity to increase shared capabilities and enhance interoperability.

Russia, North Korea Agree To Su-27, MiG-29 Transfer

12/09/2024

The top U.S. officer in the Pacific says Russia has reached an agreement with North Korea to send MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter aircraft to Pyongyang in return for that nation deploying soldiers to help with Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Syrian government falls in stunning end to 50-year rule of Assad family

12/08/2024

The Syrian government fell early Sunday in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family after a sudden rebel offensive sprinted across government-held territory and entered the capital in 10 days. Syrian state television aired a video statement by a group of men saying that President Bashar Assad has been overthrown and all detainees in jails have been set free.

Syrian rebels say they have taken control of Homs

12/08/2024

The leader of the Islamist group leading an insurgency in Syria says his forces have taken full control of Homs - the country's third largest city. Abu Mohammed al-Golani called it a "historic victory" and urged his followers not to harm those who surrendered. The BBC has not yet been able to verify the claims. The Syrian Defence Ministry said the reports were false and that the situation in Homs was "stable and safe".

Denmark hands over second batch of F-16 fighters to Ukraine – Zelenskyy

12/08/2024

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on 7 December that Denmark has delivered a second batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, marking a significant expansion of Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. “The second F-16 batch for Ukraine from Denmark is already in Ukraine. This is leadership in protecting life that distinguishes Denmark,” Zelensky said.

Syria in maps: Where have anti-Assad rebels taken control?

12/07/2024

Rebels have launched a major offensive against the government in Syria, seizing cities in a lightning advance that has expanded the territory under their control. The rebels captured the city of Hama on Thursday in a significant new blow to President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies. Seizing Hama gives them control of the strategically located central city for the first time since a rebellion against Assad descended into civil war 13 years ago.