Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Pakistan And India Bolster Azerbaijan And Armenia’s Airpower

09/30/2024

Neighboring rivals India and Pakistan are helping two other rival countries in the South Caucasus region build up their modest air forces with fighter jet exports and upgrades. Beaming and giving a thumbs up from the cockpit of a newly-delivered JF-17C Block III at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku on September 25, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev conclusively confirmed years of rumors that his country would acquire that combat aircraft from Pakistan.

US company General Atomics has unveiled a full-size model of a "disposable" unmanned fighter jet

09/29/2024

Perhaps all the world's advanced armies pay great attention to the development of unmanned systems, as the war in Ukraine has shown their effectiveness and indispensability in the conditions of modern combat operations.

Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35 jets reach Full Operational Capability

09/28/2024

It has been announced that the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s (RNLAF) F-35 Lightning II fighter jets have reached Full Operational Capability (FOC). The fighters are now capable of performing a range of critical defense missions, from airspace monitoring to counterterrorism operations, and even contributing to NATO’s nuclear deterrent strategy.

AMERICA’S F-15EX COULD WEAR MANY HATS IN A 21ST-CENTURY FIGHT

09/28/2024

In June of this year, the Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing in Portland, Oregon received America’s first operational F-15EX Eagle II – a revamped iteration of the legendary air superiority fighter intended to replace the nation’s aging fleet of F-15C and D fighters. These non-stealthy but highly capable fighters will be tasked with assuming the homeland defense role, but both Boeing and the Air Force are already looking at the possibility of expanding the responsibilities.

Ukrainian Pilots Finish Fighter Jet Training in France

09/28/2024

A group of Ukrainian pilots have completed a six-month training in France, the French Air Force announced last week. It is the second leg of a three-part training program, with the first phase in the UK and the third in Romania. The group began training in France in March on the Alpha Jet aircraft, a light attack jet and advanced jet trainer.

Russian Aircraft Intercepted By US F-16 in Russian-Style Camo. Here’s Why

09/28/2024

When a Russian warplane ventured near Alaska earlier this month, it faced a familiar—if perhaps unexpected—sight. On a trip into the Alaska Air Identification Zone (ADIZ) in September, a Russian Ilyushin Il-38 maritime surveillance aircraft was photographed by the U.S. military flying alongside a fighter with navy blue, light blue, and gray camouflage, complete with bright red numbering—the colors of the Russian Aerospace Forces, or VKS.

South Africa moves forward with acquisition of Embraer C-390

09/27/2024

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is progressing in evaluating the C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft following the successful showcase of Embraer‘s platform at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition.

Pakistan seals deal to supply JF-17 fighter jets to Azerbaijan

09/27/2024

Pakistan’s military announced on Thursday that it has signed a contract to sell JF-17 Block III fighter jets to Azerbaijan. The aircraft, co-produced by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and developed in collaboration with China, with whom Islamabad has grown increasingly close as ties with traditional military ally the United States have weakened over the last few years.

Italy’s MoD wants more F-35s and Typhoons combat aircraft and M-346 advanced trainer/LIFTs

09/27/2024

The Italian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is pursuing a larger fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning IIs and the replacement of older Eurofighter Typhoons alongside additional M-346 advance trainer/Lead-In Fighter Training aircraft, according to the recently unveiled Defence multi-year planning document (DPP, Documento Programmatico Pluriennale) 2024-2026.

Taiwan detects dozens of Chinese military aircraft, ships as Japanese warship cruises past island

09/27/2024

Taiwan's defence ministry said Thursday that 29 more Chinese fighter jets and drones were detected around the democratic island, following a 24-hour period that saw a surge in military movement by Beijing's forces. The incursions came as for the first time a Japanese warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait to assert its freedom of navigation.

The rise of small, fighter-like drones in US Air Force thinking

09/27/2024

You only had to walk into the exhibit hall at last week’s Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) convention in Maryland to realise that US air power is having a moment. A prime spot to the left of the entrance was occupied by the company Anduril. Now in its second year as an exhibitor, the startup’s exhibit was as large as any of the major defence companies.

Greece to Receive F-35 Fighters Beginning in 2028

09/26/2024

Greece's F-35 program is moving forward, with the Hellenic Air Force set to receive its first batch of the Lockheed Martin stealth fighters by 2028. The initial aircraft will be built in the U.S., followed by assembly in Italy. With a total order of 20 F-35s and an option for an additional 20, Greece is modernizing its air force alongside upgrades to its F-16 fleet and the acquisition of French Dassault Rafale fighters.

NGAD Stealth Fighter: Now the Same Price as the F-35 or F-15EX Eagle II?

09/26/2024

The U.S. Air Force has paused the development of its sixth-generation fighter, the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) project, due to its projected cost of $300 million per unit. The goal is to redesign and lower costs to around $100 million, closer to the price of the F-35 Lightning II or F-15EX.

Azerbaijan confirms purchase of JF-17 fighters

09/25/2024

On September 25, Azerbaijani President and Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev was presented with the new JF-17C (Block-III) fighter jets at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The advanced, all-weather multi-role aircraft, developed in collaboration between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), has officially entered service with Azerbaijan’s Air Force, according to the country’s defense ministry.

Japanese fighters use flares during QRA intercept

09/25/2024

On 23 September F-15J and F-35A fighter aircraft from the Japan Air Self-Defence Force’s Northern Air Defence Force were scrambled to intercept and escort a Russian Navy Ilyushin Il-38 ‘May’ maritime patrol aircraft that violated Japan’s airspace north of Rebun Island off Hokkaido. During a five-hour patrol in the area the Russian aircraft strayed into Japan’s airspace three times, flying above Rebun Island, just off the coast of Hokkaido – the northernmost of Japan’s main islands.

Russia's Su-57 Felon Stealth Fighter Could Be Headed to Africa

09/25/2024

Algeria has reportedly donated its surplus MiG-29 fighter jets to Sudan's Air Force in preparation for the arrival of Russia's Su-57 stealth jets. The move strengthens Algeria’s regional influence while modernizing its air force with advanced fifth-generation aircraft, making it the first nation outside Russia to operate the Su-57.

Belarusian Yak-130 Fighter Jet Spotted in Kyiv Region

09/25/2024

A Belarusian Yak-130 fighter jet [NATO reporting name "Mitten"] likely breached Ukrainian airspace from Belarus on Monday, Sept. 24, sparking an air alert in northern Ukraine. The incursion was reported by Ukraine’s Air Force and confirmed by monitoring channels. At 2:28 p.m. local time, Ukrainian authorities detected an aerial object crossing into Ukrainian territory, near the border of the Kyiv and Zhytomyr regions.

U.S. Fighters Intercept Russian Military Intelligence Aircraft Near Alaska, Japan Says Chinese and Russian Military Aircraft Violate Territory

09/25/2024

Four Russian military aircraft were tracked operating in the Alaska air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Monday, according to a release by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) on the same day. Meanwhile, Japanese news agency Kyodo News on Monday reported that the commanding officer of a Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer was sacked for an incident in July in which the destroyer sailed into Chinese territorial waters.

NATO Scrambles Fighter Jets To Intercept Five Russian Aircraft

09/23/2024

ATO fighter jets were scrambled to intercept five Russian military aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea without flight plans or active transponders, the Latvian Air Force confirmed on Saturday. The Russian planes were identified on two separate occasions, on Friday and Saturday, prompting a rapid response from NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission.

Here’s where US forces are in the Middle East as war looms

09/23/2024

The U.S. has kept an increased military presence in the Middle East throughout much of the past year, with about 40,000 forces, at least a dozen warships and four Air Force fighter jet squadrons spread across the region both to protect allies and to serve as a deterrent against attacks, several U.S. officials said.

Ukraine Could Soon Fly Dassault Mirage, JAS 39 Gripen and Eurofighter Jets

09/23/2024

The Ukrainian Air Force may soon be flying Dassault Mirage, JAS 39 Gripen, and Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, according to Ukraine’s top defense official. A few weeks after the delivery of the first batch of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets to Ukraine, Kyiv is in advanced discussions with its international partners for the transfer of additional types of fighter jets to effectively combat Russia’s aggression.

Omnidirectional ‘Stealth Threat’ For India! China Tests J-35 Fighter From CNS Liaoning, Could Soon Be Flexing Muscles In Indian Ocean

09/22/2024

China’s next-generation carrier-borne stealth fighter jet, the J-35, has reportedly commenced trial operations on the aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning. An Indian defense expert has warned that its potential deployment would pose an omnidirectional stealth threat to India’s security.

Morocco equips its F-16 aircraft with US AGM-154C JSOW glide missiles

09/21/2024

The US Pentagon has approved the sale to the Moroccan kingdom of 40 of these highly accurate, highly adaptable and highly effective remotely guided missiles. According to reports in various media, such as Le 360, the contract for the sale of this military weaponry is valued at 250 million dollars and is intended to increase the military potential of Morocco, considered ‘an important non-NATO ally that remains an important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa.'

Why is the F-15 still considered a masterpiece of air combat?

09/21/2024

The F-15 Eagle is one of the most iconic and successful fighter jets in aviation history, renowned for its superior air-to-air combat capabilities and incredible versatility. With over 50 years of service, this fighter jet has earned an unmatched reputation for dominance in the skies. Originally designed to outperform Soviet aircraft during the Cold War, the F-15 has proven its worth in multiple conflicts across the globe, achieving an astounding air-to-air combat record with over 100 confirmed

U.S. Marine Corps’ VMFA-251 Receives First F-35C Lightning II

09/20/2024

VMFA-251 is the first East Coast operational unit to receive the F-35C, whose arrival at MCAS Cherry Point marks the beginning of the 2nd MAW’s transition from the F/A-18 Hornet to the fifth generation stealth jet.