Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Swiss F-5 Fighters Get Second Life with U.S. Marine Corps

03/23/2024

The venerable Northrop F-5, a supersonic light fighter developed during the Cold War, continues to find a place in modern military operations, particularly within the U.S. Marine Corps. Despite the end of its production in 1989, the U.S. military has found the F-5 to be invaluable for training and adversary squadron roles, simulating enemy aircraft in aerial combat.

MiG-31: The Mach 3.2 Fighter Russia Can't Get Rid Of

03/23/2024

The Russians have relied on the MiG-31 during the invasion of Ukraine. Reportedly, MiG-31s shot down several Ukrainian aircraft, mostly with the long-range R-37 air-to-air missile. The Ukrainians do not have an aircraft that can match the MiG-31’s speed or altitude, meaning the MiG-31s have been able to operate in Ukrainian airspace virtually unopposed.

Saab receives order for Swedish future fighter concept studies

03/23/2024

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) regarding conceptual studies for future fighters for both crewed and uncrewed systems, with the contract running through to 2025. According to a 22 March release Saab will “collaborate closely” with the FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Defence Research Agency, GKN Aerospace, and other industry partners.

Asia Emerging as Hot Market for Advanced Fighter Jets

03/23/2024

The Indo-Pacific is becoming a global hotspot, and as a result the aerospace industry and countries across the region are investing heavily to upgrade their military aircraft, particularly fighter fleets. In the days leading up to the Singapore Airshow in February, Singapore’s Chief of Air Force Maj. Gen. Kelvin Khong — who as of press time was set to transition out of the role on March 22 — released a written interview providing an update on the state of the country’s air force.

Congress offers procurement boost for F-35 jets in FY24 spending bill

03/23/2024

The U.S. Air Force would receive enough money to buy 51 F-35A fighter jets in fiscal 2024 under the compromise Pentagon spending bill lawmakers released Thursday — three more than the service originally requested. If enacted, the allotment would mark the most Joint Strike Fighters the Air Force has bought in a single year since 2021, when it procured 60. The service had included 48 F-35As in its fiscal 2024 budget request.

36 Chinese Military Aircraft Detected Around Taiwan

03/22/2024

Taiwan's defence ministry said Friday that 36 Chinese military aircraft were detected around the self-ruled island in a 24-hour window - the highest number this year. Beijing claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under China's control. Since the 2016 election of President Tsai Ing-wen - who does not recognise China's claim on Taiwan - Beijing has stepped up military pressures.

Argentina Advances Toward Modernizing Its Air Force with F-16 Acquisition

03/22/2024

Argentina’s Ministry of Defense, backed by the Executive Power, is on the cusp of initiating the formal procurement of F-16 MLU fighters to modernize the Argentine Air Force’s capabilities. Local media have confirmed the upcoming visit of Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, who is set to meet with Argentine official Luis Petri to discuss defense cooperation, with the F-16 acquisition taking center stage.

Boeing to build 17 new F/A-18 Super Hornet jet fighter-bombers, sensors, and avionics in $1.4 billion deal

03/22/2024

Aircraft designers at the Boeing Co. will build 17 new single- and tandem-seat F/A-18 Super Hornet jet fighter bombers under terms of a nearly $1.4 billion order announced on Tuesday. Officials of the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md. are asking the Boeing Defense, Space & Security segment in St. Louis to build 10 F/A-18F Lot 46 aircraft; two F/A-18F; and five F/A-18E Lot 47 aircraft.

ANALYSIS: New Spike in NATO Spy Planes Operating Over Black Sea: French, British Fighters Provide Escort

03/22/2024

The skies over the western Black Sea saw another spike in NATO surveillance aircraft activity on Wednesday, with at least three large intelligence collection aircraft operating opposite Russia-controlled airspace, and British and French fighter jets flying protective cover. With one exception, all planes in the all-day operation flew elliptical orbiting routes over Romania’s Danube Delta region or the western reaches of the Black Sea nearby.

Netherlands Pledges $164M in F-16 Ammo for Ukraine

03/22/2024

Ukraine's F-16 fighter jet program is getting another boost from its NATO allies, with the Netherlands pledging to deliver Kyiv with $164 million in ammunition for the aircraft. Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said in a post to X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday that the funds will go toward producing air-to-ground missiles that can be fired from F-16s.

RD-33: Engines That Power Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder To Be Manufactured In India; HAL Gets MOD Contract

03/21/2024

India has found developing engines to power indigenous fighter jets challenging. However, following an agreement with Russia, it will soon be manufacturing RD-33 engines. The engines will power the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) MiG-29 fleet, increasing their residual life.

KF-21 Takes Lead Over India’s AMCA, Turkey’s KAAN; S.Korea Conducts 1st Aerial Refueling Test For ‘Boramae’

03/21/2024

Conducted on March 19, this milestone underscores the aircraft’s potential for extended-range operations, as confirmed by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). The test, which took place over the southern coastal waters, saw the Air Force’s KC-330 tanker aircraft seamlessly refueling the KF-21 prototype. Departing from an airbase in Sacheon, located 296 kilometers southeast of Seoul, the fighter engaged in the refueling operation under the careful watch of defense authorities.

The F-15EX Is the U.S. Air Force's 'Stopgap' Fighter Plane

03/21/2024

In response to operational demands and evolving threats, a strike variant emerged, leading to the development of the F-15EX. This modernization effort, bolstered by lessons from export models and advancements in technology, aims to address the shortfall in fighter numbers caused by the limited procurement of the F-22 and delays in the F-35 program.

NGAD 6th Generation Fighter Will Replace F-22 Raptor. It Won't Come Cheap

03/21/2024

The U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, set to usher in sixth-generation air capabilities, is slated to cost approximately $28.5 billion between fiscal years 2025-2029. This ambitious initiative aims to replace the F-22 Raptors, incorporating a new airframe and over 1,000 Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) to enhance combat efficacy.

Greek fighter jet crashes into sea, pilot rescued

03/21/2024

A Greek Air Force F-16 (Block 52+ variant) fighter jet crashed into a sea off the small island of Psathoura, in the northern Aegean. The pilot managed to escape from the single seater aircraft using the ejection system. He was located and collected by a Super Puma helicopter and is being transferred to hospital.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter to take to the skies over Santiago de Chile during FIDAE 2024

03/19/2024

As the start of the 2024 International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE 2024) in Santiago, Chile draws closer, new details about participants and air displays are emerging. Undoubtedly, one of the main attractions of the fair will be the presence of the F-22 Raptor demonstration team from the United States Air Force (USAF).

U.S. Marine Corps aircraft and personnel conduct first U.S. F-35 landing in Sweden during Exercise Nordic Response 24

03/19/2024

Four U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters (JSF) with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), and a KC 130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, 2nd MAW, conducted distributed aviation operations (DAO) during Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Kallax Air Base in Lulea, Sweden on March 13.

UK Boosts Air Power with Additional F-35 Lightning II Fighters

03/19/2024

Originally committed to acquiring 138 F-35Bs, the UK has adjusted its procurement strategy to balance between immediate next-generation air capabilities and future investments, such as the Global Air Combat Programme (GACP) aimed at developing a sixth-generation fighter. Despite scaling back, the intention to acquire more F-35s remains firm, highlighting the aircraft's integral role in the UK's defense strategy.

Japan set to lift export restrictions on F-X fighter jet

03/19/2024

The Japanese government is taking steps to allow the export of a stealth fighter jet currently under development with the United Kingdom and Italy. The move comes amid a shift in Japan’s security strategy and as the country loosens stringent post-war export regulations targeting weaponry. Under revised rules, Japan had approved the transfer of radars to the Philippines and the delivery of Patriot missiles to the U.S. last year.

The J-35 stealth fighter soon on board all Chinese aircraft carriers?

03/18/2024

New photos from the aircraft carrier Liaoning seem to show a completely different reality. As it ends a long period of technical unavailability, the first Chinese aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, which entered service in 2017 and lacks catapults, welcomed on board, for a few days, a life-size model of the J- 35, to perform numerous mobility exercises on the flight deck.

Swedish Gripen conduct first visual identifications over Baltic Sea as NATO member, together with Belgian and German allies

03/17/2024

Following Sweden’s recent NATO membership, its air force engaged in multiple encounters with Russian planes over the Baltic Sea. The incidents involved Swedish Jas 39 Gripen fighters working in coordination with NATO allies, intercepting Russian military aircraft.

Boeing's F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet Fighter Is Almost Unstoppable

03/17/2024

Since its introduction in 1984, the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet has been a cornerstone of U.S. naval aviation. In 2001, Boeing unveiled the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, marking a significant advancement in this fourth-generation strike fighter's capabilities. The Super Hornet, approximately 20% larger than its predecessor, boasts enhanced ordnance capacity, range, and stealth qualities. The Navy is now transitioning to the even more advanced Block III Super Hornets, which.

USAF Plans $28.48 Billion over 5 Years to Develop New Advanced Fighters, Drone Escorts

03/17/2024

The Air Force plans to dramatically ramp up spending on the Next Generation Air Dominance fighter program in the coming years, to the tune of $28.48 billion fiscal 2025-29, according to newly released budget documents. That figure includes the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, which will produce uncrewed, semi-autonomous “escort” aircraft to fly alongside NGAD.

Su-34: Russia's 'Fullback' Fighter-Bomber Nightmare Has Just Begun

03/16/2024

Russia's inability to secure air superiority over Ukraine has significantly hindered its military operations, with the airspace remaining contested. The Ukrainian anti-air forces have notably targeted the Russian Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bombers, claiming to have downed 13 Russian aircraft in February alone, including ten Su-34s.

After Months of Talks, Japan’s Ruling Coalition Agrees to Allow the Sale of Its Next-Gen Fighter Jets

03/16/2024

On March 15, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner, Komeito, agreed to relax the country’s strict defense export rules, paving the way for Tokyo to allow the international sale of the next-generation fighter jets being co-developed with the United Kingdom and Italy.