Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Indonesia Shelves Mirage Fighter Jet Procurement

01/06/2024

The Indonesian government has shelved its planned procurement of 12 Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets previously owned by Qatar due to budget constraints. A defense ministry spokesperson told local media outlet TV One that neither the Indonesian Defense Ministry nor the country’s Ministry of Finance can financially support the controversial acquisition “for the time being.” He added that the military will just opt to retrofit its Sukhoi and F-16 combat jets to fill current capability gaps.

Belgium to send two F-16s to Denmark to train Ukrainian pilots - media

01/05/2024

"Belgium will send two F-16s to Denmark and around fifty personnel to train Ukrainian pilots between March and September. [...] for two eight-week periods. The training mission is part of the F-16 coalition, made up of thirteen countries and led by Denmark, the Netherlands and the U.S. The aim is to equip the Ukrainian Air Force with these types of fighter jets from the 1980s and 90s," the report reads.

Taiwan tracks 9 Chinese military aircraft, 4 naval ships around nation

01/04/2024

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked nine Chinese military aircraft and four naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Tuesday (Jan. 2) to 6 a.m. on Wednesday (Jan. 3). Of the nine People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, two crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, including one Xian JH-7 fighter bomber in the northeast air defense identification zone (ADIZ) and one BZK-005 reconnaissance drone in the southwest sector of the ADIZ, according to the MND.

Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2023)

01/04/2024

The Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet is still in the limelight over 40 years after its first flight. Shephard sums up the latest developments and tells you everything you need to know about the aircraft in the 2020s. The list of countries that would like to get their hands on the jet constantly grows. Ukraine, after lobbying hard for acquiring enhanced air power, is now in the process of training its pilots for the F-16 as the invaded country waits for the arrival of the jets from Europe.

Ukrainian pilots complete UK F-16 training – Netherlands commits aircraft

01/04/2024

In a strategic move to fortify Ukraine’s air capabilities, the United Kingdom has successfully concluded basic training for Ukrainian combat air pilots, enabling them to embark on F-16 fighter jet proficiency in Denmark. Simultaneously, the Netherlands has pledged 18 F-16 fighter aircraft, solidifying international support against Russian aggression.

J-20 Fighter: “Banned” For Exports, China Could Sell Its ‘Next Best Thing’ Stealth J-31 Aircraft To PAF?

01/04/2024

Pakistan could acquire China’s other stealth fighter, the Shenyang FC-31 (or J-31), according to its air force and army chiefs. The news comes just as the fighter is also being readied to operate from China’s Fujian aircraft carrier and become Beijing’s second carrier-borne strike fighter after the J-15.

Poland scrambles F-16 fighter jets during massive Russian missile strike on Ukraine

01/03/2024

According to a statement from the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command, Poland scrambled F-16 fighter jets early Tuesday morning to “ensure the security of Polish airspace” amid “intense long-range air activity by the Russian Federation connected with carrying out strikes on the territory of Ukraine.”

Boeing's F-15EX: The Incredible Fighter Jet Israel Wants

01/03/2024

The Israelis still want the F-15EX fighter. The Israeli Ministry of Defense officially requested 25 F-15EX fighters from the US last January, but sources suggest that Israel intended to purchase upwards of 50.

The F-35 Stealth Fighter Is a Victim Of Its Own Success

01/03/2024

The F-35 Lighting II is the most popular fifth-generation fighter jet in the skies today. Its technological edge and capabilities are mainly why the aircraft is so highly sought after by many countries. And, in some respects, that creates a problem.

Tavria sector: Enemy intensifies aircraft activity, 35 strikes per day

01/03/2024

Tavria sector: Enemy intensifies aircraft activity, 35 strikes per day 02.01.2024 12:50 In the area of the Tavria operational and strategic grouping of troops, the Russian occupation forces reduced the number of combat engagements and intensified tactical aircraft activity. At the same time, the Defense Forces eliminated 357 invaders and 50 pieces of enemy military equipment over the day.

New F-15EX Fighters—Nos. 3 and 4—Arrive at Eglin for Testing

01/03/2024

The third and fourth airframes of the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II have arrived at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., for testing, the Air Force said Dec. 30. To hold the program schedule, six more need to be delivered before July. The new aircraft, dubbed EX3 and EX4, arrived at Eglin on Dec. 20, the Air Force said. EX1, EX2, and EX4 belong to the 53rd Wing, while EX3 belongs to the 96th Test Wing.

Taiwan tracks 4 Chinese naval vessels, 4 military aircraft on first day of 2024

01/02/2024

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked four Chinese naval vessels and four military aircraft around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Sunday (Dec. 31) and the same time on New Year's Day. Of the three People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, one Shaanxi Y-8 anti-submarine warfare plane entered the southwest sector of the country’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ), according to the MND. No PLA aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line during that time.

U.S. helicopters sink 3 Houthi boats in Red Sea, Pentagon says

01/01/2024

A clash between Iranian-backed Houthi fighters who were attacking a commercial freighter and U.S. Navy helicopters responding to the ship’s distress call ended on Sunday morning with the killing of all the crew members on three Houthi boats, the Pentagon said, a sharp escalation of violence at a moment when the White House is considering direct strikes on Iran’s proxies in the Middle East.

Operation Bolo: how Robin Olds F-4s disguised as F-105s shot down 7 North Vietnamese MiG-21s in 12 minutes

01/01/2024

Robin Olds, the first USAF pilot to score four combat victories with F-4s in Southeast Asia was Col. Robin Olds, a World War II ace. Thanks to its boldness, courage and leadership he gained widespread fame and respect as the aggressive commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) during the Southeast Asia War.

Air Force spox on F-16 pilot training: Partners may not say much, but process underway

01/01/2024

The training of Ukrainian pilots and personnel to fly the F-16 fighter aircraft continues as agreed within the air coalition. The relevant statement was made Spokesperson for the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Yurii Ihnat during a nationwide telethon, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Taiwan tracks 1 satellite launch, 7 Chinese military aircraft, 4 naval ships

12/31/2023

On the penultimate day of 2023 the Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked one satellite launch, seven Chinese military aircraft, and four naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Friday (Dec. 29) and the same time the next day.

F-35 Missile For Ukraine! Kyiv ‘Bets Big’ On F-16-Launched AGM-158 JASSM To Bust Russia’s Heavily Fortified Bases

12/31/2023

In recent military engagements, the Ukrainian armed forces have reported significant successes against Russian aircraft, raising speculation about the potential involvement of F-16 fighter jets or a new NATO weapon to counter the Russian military.

New in 2024: Air Force plans autonomous flight tests for drone wingmen

12/31/2023

The U.S.A.F’s plan to create a fleet of drone wingmen to fly alongside piloted fighter jets will accelerate in 2024, as the service ramps up its experimentation with autonomous flight. These drones, which the Air Force calls collaborative combat aircraft, are intended to fly alongside F-35s and the future Next Generation Air Dominance platform. The service wants them to be able to perform a variety of missions, including striking enemy targets, conducting surveillance, jamming enemy signals.

Taiwan tracks 22 Chinese military aircraft, 4 naval ships around nation

12/30/2023

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 22 Chinese military aircraft and four naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Thursday (Dec. 28) and 6 a.m. on Friday (Dec. 29). Of the 22 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, six Chengdu J-10 combat jets, two Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, and two Shenyang J-11 jet fighters crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, according to the MND.

“Poorest” Air Force With ‘Most Powerful’ Fighters: Troubled IAF Plans To Fly F-15EX, Rafale, F-16, Su-30MK2, F-16 & KF-21

12/30/2023

In a push to enhance its Air Force, Indonesia has embarked on a significant modernization journey in recent years. The nation has committed to procuring diverse fighter jets, signaling a strategic move to bolster its defense capabilities. However, as the ambitious modernization drive gains momentum, financial constraints will likely emerge as a potential stumbling block for the Southeast Asian nation.

NATO forced to scramble fighter jets to intercept Russian military aircraft over 300 times in 2023

12/30/2023

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was forced to scramble its air forces more than 300 times in response to Russian military aircraft over the course of 2023, the international organization said Friday. "NATO has standing air-policing missions that calls for Allied jets to scramble when there are signs of Russian military planes approaching Allied airspace in unpredictable ways," NATO said in a statement.

Biden administration again bypasses Congress for weapons sale to Israel

12/30/2023

For the second time this month the Biden administration is bypassing Congress to approve an emergency weapons sale to Israel as Israel continues to prosecute its war against Hamas in Gaza under increasing international criticism. The state department said on Friday that the secretary of state, Antony Blinken, had told Congress that he had made a second emergency determination covering a $147.5m sale for equipment, including fuses, chargers and primers.

Ready To Operate F-35B Stealth Fighters, Japan’s Makeshift Aircraft Carrier ‘Kaga’ Gets Ready To Roar

12/29/2023

Long after Japan announced its plans to convert its Izumo-class helicopter carriers into aircraft carriers, the second vessel, JS Kaga, has been put to sea trials as per photos published on social media. The Escort Flotilla Four of Japan Marine United (JMU) has released new photos to the social networking platform X, formerly Twitter. The images show JS Kaga leaving its dock at the shipyard in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, to conduct sea testing.

Turkey seeks F-16 engines from US to use in domestic fighter plane

12/29/2023

Turkey has asked the US for permission to co-produce GE Aerospace engines used in F-16 jets, with an aim to deploy them for its own domestically produced fighter plane. The NATO member is looking to manufacture GE’s F110 engines in Turkey to ensure supplies for the initial phase of TAI Kaan, an all-weather fighter plane scheduled to make its maiden flight in January 2024, according to people familiar with the matter. The fifth-generation aircraft is under development by Turkish Aerospace Industr

Chinese J-35 Jet Spotted On Fujian Aircraft Carrier

12/29/2023

On December 8, 2023, the Bing Jiang Tang YouTube channel shared a video showing footage of PLA Navy J-35 fighter jets, which are the Chinese counterpart of the F-35, on the deck of the Fujian aircraft carrier. The video also covered the various speculations in Chinese circles about the plane and the way it will be deployed.