Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Pakistan confirms acquisition of Chinese J-35 stealth fighters and integrated air defence systems

06/09/2025

Pakistan has officially confirmed the acquisition of up to 40 Chinese J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, making it the first international operator of China’s newest stealth aircraft. The deal marks one of Pakistan’s most significant military modernisation efforts in recent years.

US Air Force sets up new experimental unit to test drone and fighter jet teamwork

06/09/2025

The Experimental Operations Unit of the 53rd Wing is tasked with ensuring uncrewed systems like the Collaborative Combat Aircraft are both technically advanced and tactically integrated from the outset.

How Armenia Might Respond To Azerbaijan’s JF-17 Fighter Acquisition

06/09/2025

In an acquisition that will significantly alter the military balance in the South Caucasus, Pakistan is selling 40 fourth-generation JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Azerbaijan. The move will undoubtedly worry neighboring Armenia.

Taiwan detects 34 Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels close to its territory

06/08/2025

Taiwan said it detected 34 Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels, and one official ship around its territory between 6 a.m. on Friday and 6 a.m. on Saturday, media reports said. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense posted on X: "34 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today."

Lockheed Martin completes final assembly of ninth F-35A fighter jet for Belgium

06/08/2025

Lockheed Martin has completed final assembly of the ninth F-35A Lightning II multi-role combat aircraft for Belgium at its facility in Fort Worth. According to both parties, this is the first Belgian-designated aircraft that will be delivered directly to Belgium after acceptance.

Big Battle Of 6th-Gen Fighters: Japan Faces A Tough Choice Between GCAP & US Defense Partnership With F-47

06/08/2025

Amid reports that the Japan-UK-Italy Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) is facing delays, the United States has swooped in to pitch the F-47 sixth-generation aircraft to Japan. The big question is: will Japan bite the bullet?

This Could Be Our Best View Yet Of China’s J-36 Very Heavy Stealth Tactical Jet

06/08/2025

new image appearing to show China’s ‘J-36’ 6th generation tactical jet parked on the ground has emerged online. If legitimate, this would be the best front view of the aircraft to date, notably providing clear proof of the canopy design and further confirmation of a side-by-side seating arrangement. What looks to be three open ventral weapons bays, along with nearby personnel, underscore the design’s large size — something of a hybrid between a very heavy fighter and a tactical bomber.

A Ukrainian Surface-to-Air Missile Just Shot Down One of Russia's Best Su-35 Fighters

06/08/2025

A Ukrainian air force surface-to-air missile shot down a Russian air force Sukhoi Su-35 over Kursk Oblast in western Russia on Saturday. The twin-engine Su-35 is Russia’s best fighter that’s in widespread use. Initial reports that a Ukrainian Lockheed Martin F-16 shot down the Su-35 were apparently false. “According to updated information, the Su-35 fighter jet that took off from the Borisoglebsk air base was shot down by a surface-to-air missile system,” analysis AviVector corrected.

A Russian oil depot that supplies fuel to military aircraft is on fire, according to satellite images

06/07/2025

Satellite images have confirmed a large-scale fire at an oil depot in Engels, Saratov region. It supplies fuel to a military airfield that was previously attacked by drones. Satellite imagery confirmed a large-scale fire at an oil depot in Engels, Saratov region. This was reported by the "Crimean Wind" monitoring group, reports UNN.

British fighter jets scramble four times to meet Russians

06/07/2025

Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters deployed in Poland were scrambled four times in just seven days to intercept Russian aircraft operating near NATO airspace, according to a Ministry of Defence update. Based at the 22nd Tactical Air Base in Malbork, Poland, RAF Typhoon FGR4 jets from No. II (Army Co-operation) Squadron responded to multiple incidents involving aircraft leaving Kaliningrad without flight plans or radio communication.

The U.S. Air Force is still adding milestones with the new F-15EX Eagle II strike fighter

06/07/2025

The U.S. Air Force continues moving forward steadily with the incorporation of the modern F-15EX Eagle II strike fighter, marking a new milestone with the recent arrival of the fourth unit at the Portland Air National Guard Base, just ahead of the first anniversary of its integration on June 5.

India's air force hampered by aging fleet, delivery delays

06/07/2025

In an unusual public disapproval of India's weapons manufacturing ecosystem, Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Amar Preet Singh lamented the delays plaguing the country's defense projects and urged accountability.

Experimental Operations Unit activated, accelerating Collaborative Combat Aircraft integration

06/07/2025

The 53rd Wing formally activated the Experimental Operations Unit during a ceremony held on June 5 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The unit, which has operated as a detachment since 2023, has now been elevated to a fully operational squadron equivalent, marking a significant step forward in the Department of the Air Force’s focus to deliver substantial operational capability for Collaborative Combat Aircraft Increment 1 before the end of the decade.

Germany boosts F-35 fighter jet strike capability with acquisition of Norwegian stealth JSM missiles

06/06/2025

According to information published by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace on June 5, 2025, the German government has officially selected the Norwegian Joint Strike Missile (JSM) to equip its fleet of F-35 stealth multirole combat aircraft. This government-to-government agreement, approved by the Bundestag on June 4, is valued at approximately NOK 6.5 billion (USD 600 million) and marks a major advancement in transatlantic precision strike capability, with Germany becoming the fifth nation.

Defense ministry evaluates Chinese J-10 Fighter Jet offer

06/06/2025

The Ministry of Defense is studying the potential procurement of China’s J-10 fighter jets, though no official decision has been made, said Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, Donny responded to growing speculation about Indonesia’s interest in acquiring the multirole combat aircraft from China, following a recent visit by Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshal M. Tonny Harjono to the country.

Portuguese Air Force F-16M fighter jets conducted 20 interceptions of combat aircraft belonging to the Russian Armed Forces over the Baltic

06/06/2025

As part of their Baltic Air Policing mission, Portuguese Air Force (FAP) F-16M fighter jets conducted a significant number of interceptions of aircraft belonging to the Russian Armed Forces. The incidents, which occurred between late May and early June, amounted to a total of 20 interceptions involving various types of Russian military aircraft.

Dassault Aviation partners with Tata Advanced Systems to manufacture Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage for India and other global markets

06/06/2025

Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains.

The Big Question Over Fighter-Like Drones: Expendability May Be Preferable

06/06/2025

We’re still feeling our way with this. The concept of fighter-like drones, called collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs), holds much promise to air forces, notably to the US Air Force as it contemplates war with China. But maintaining CCAs in operation isn’t looking cheap and simple. Air forces may instead drift towards getting some CCA effects with expendable drones that can be treated much like rounds of ammunition.

Pentagon Wants To Shift Funds From Navy F/A-XX To USAF F-47: Report

06/06/2025

The U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter program looks to have hit another snag, with the Pentagon reportedly prioritizing the Air Force’s F-47 stealth fighter, amid concerns about how to run the two efforts simultaneously. Already, the F/A-XX was in limbo, with a U.S. official telling TWZ last month that the future of the program was still being reviewed. This came after reports that a contract award for the Navy’s new combat jet could be delayed by as much as three years.

Royal Thai Air Force selects Saab Gripen E/F as next-generation fighter

06/05/2025

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has confirmed its selection of the Saab Gripen E/F as its future multi-role fighter aircraft, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing effort to modernize its air combat capabilities. While a formal contract has not yet been signed, Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) are set to enter the next phase of the procurement process with the Kingdom of Thailand. The number of Gripen E/F aircraft to be ordered.

Czech MoD agrees to extend Gripen fighter jet lease with Sweden

06/05/2025

The Czech Republic Ministry of Defence (MoD) has given its consent to the Swedish proposal to extend the lease of its Saab JAS-39 Gripen multirole fighter aircraft fleet. The agreement, which extends the contract until 2035, received backing from the Minister of Defence’s Collegium. The proposed agreement is set to be submitted to the government for approval.

China has reportedly finalized the sale of the new stealth fighter jet Shenyang J-35A to the Pakistan Air Force

06/05/2025

Just weeks after the most recent military conflict with India came to an end, the Pakistan Air Force is reportedly being bolstered through the purchase of China’s new stealth fighter jet, the Shenyang J-35A, marking a significant leap in capabilities compared to its current JF-17 Thunder Block III and J-10CE fighters. The news was revealed by Pakistani government officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to specialized media outlets.

3 Months After Tragic FA-50 Crash, The Philippines Signs Deal For 12 More Fighter Jets, Doubling Its Fleet

06/05/2025

Amid rising security challenges in the South China Sea and Beijing’s increasing muscle flexing, the Philippines has decided to double its fleet of South Korean FA-50 fighter jets, signing a contract for 12 additional aircraft, following its initial purchase of 12 jets in 2014.

U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX 6th Generation Fighter Gets Funding Boost, Enters DOT&E’s Operational Test and Live Fire Evaluations

06/05/2025

The U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX has transitioned from its long standing Developmental Test and Evaluation period to a combination of Developmental Testing (DT), Operational Testing (OT), and Live Fire (LF) evaluation last month within the the Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation amid rumors of cancellations and contract awards. The transition occurred between December 2024 and April 2025—in the first quarter of FY2025.

The Marine Corps' oldest flying squadron flew its last Harrier jump jet flight as the unit's pilots ready to fly new F-35 stealth fighters

06/04/2025

The Marine Corps will soon rebrand a storied aviation squadron as its pilots switch to a new jet designed for next-level warfare. Amid ongoing changes to the Corps, the North Carolina-based Marine Attack Squadron 231 will be renamed "Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 231." The squadron, identified as the service's oldest flying squadron, was formed just after World War I, and it adopted the Harrier jump jet in the mid-1980s.