Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Why China’s new Taiwan move is a huge disaster for Australia

04/30/2023

The first of Australia’s $368 billion nuclear submarine fleet won’t be operational before the 2040s. But China’s not sitting idly by. Reports suggest it is already actively working to “seal off” Taiwan and the South China Sea from all unwanted underwater intruders.

Strategic Importance Of India-Bangladesh’s Recent ‘Military Diplomacy’ – OpEd

04/30/2023

Defense cooperation between India and Bangladesh has made significant progress in the last few years. It is depicted in the exchange of visits between the leaders of the two countries, as well as the conduct of training programs, joint exercises, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). India has always cherished its close ties with Bangladesh and at the same time works to strengthen its ties while contributing to Bangladesh’s development agenda.

US B-21 Raider stealth bomber could be exported

04/30/2023

The United States usually sells a good part of its advanced combat aircraft to friendly countries, including fighters such as the F-15 Eagle and even the F-14 Tomcat, whose only foreign customer was Iran, shortly before the fall of its ally, the Xa Reza Pahlavi. There are, however, exceptions. The F-117A stealth attack aircraft and the F-22 Raptor fighter are exclusive to the US Air Force (USAF) as are their strategic bombers.

Russian official: Ukrainian drones strike Crimea oil depot

04/30/2023

A massive fire erupted at an oil depot in Crimea after it was hit by two of Ukraine's drones, a Russia-appointed official there reported Saturday, the latest in a series of attacks on the annexed peninsula as Russia braces for an expected Ukrainian counteroffensive. Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Moscow-installed governor of Sevastopol, a port city in Crimea, posted videos and photos of the blaze on his Telegram channel.

What Happens to the Air Force’s Oldest F-22s if Congress OKs Their Retirement?

04/29/2023

If Congress agrees with the Air Force’s request to retire 32 Block 20 F-22s as part of its fiscal 2024 budget, the aircraft will be used as trainers a while longer, then stored for an undetermined period at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base’s Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) “Boneyard” in Arizona, Air Combat Command told Air & Space Forces Magazine.

China flies combat drone around Taiwan; US Navy plane transits strait

04/29/2023

A Chinese uncrewed combat aircraft has flown around Taiwan, the island's defence ministry said, showcasing Beijing's ability to attack its fall-back east coast bases, as a U.S. maritime patrol aircraft transited the Taiwan Strait. China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has increased military pressure on the island over the past three years as it tries to force Taipei to accept its sovereignty claim.

Reports: Russian Fighters ‘Trying To Dogfight’ U.S. Combat Aircraft Over Syria

04/29/2023

Earlier this month, the U.S. Air Force Central Command released footage of an unsafe and unprofessional intercept conducted by a Russian Su-35 jet on a U.S. F-16 over Syria. The clip, shot by the American aircraft using a targeting pod on Apr. 2, 2023, shows the armed Flanker-E aggressively maneuvering while interacting with the “Viper” (as the F-16 is nicknamed in the fighter pilot community).

F-16 Fighters ‘Sitting Ducks’ For Russian Missiles; US Air Force Pilot Says JAS-39 Gripens Better Choice For Ukraine

04/29/2023

Ukraine has once again renewed the pitch for F-16 fighter jets, with the Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba telling the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting that the wisest investment in the long-term security of the European continent will be to provide Ukraine with modern combat aircraft. However, a popular air warfare expert has noted that if Ukraine ever receives F-16 fighters from the US, the aircraft may not be very durable.

Russian nuclear bombers skirt NATO airspace, triggering response from fighter jets

04/27/2023

A group of Russian military aircraft, including two nuclear bombers, triggered NATO’s Quick Reaction Alert system on Tuesday as it skirted Norwegian airspace and flew near the north of Great Britain. The Norwegian news organisation iFinnmark was first to report on the group, comprised of two Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bombers, two Il-78 Midas tankers and three MiG-31 fighter jets. The Blackjacks, which date back to the era of the Soviet Union.

Indonesia to Order 18 More French Rafale Fighters for $2.3 Billion

04/27/2023

Indonesia will order 18 additional Rafale fighter jets from France as part of a $2.3-billion deal, according to a report by La Tribune, citing procurement sources. The order is part of 42 aircraft Jakarta plans to purchase to modernize its air force. According to the report, the Southeast Asian nation has already secured funding for the additional Rafales and to arm them with air-to-air missiles.

Videos capture Russian MiG-31 jet bursting into flames before it crashed into a lake

04/27/2023

A Russian MiG-31 fighter jet crashed in a remote part of northwestern Russia on Wednesday, marking the latest in a string of aviation accidents. The aircraft was flying a routine training mission in Russia's Murmansk region — which borders NATO's newest member Finland — when it crashed in a deserted area, state media outlet TASS reported, citing a statement from Russia's defense ministry.

F-15 Fighter Jet That Shot Down Two MiG-29s In A Single Engagement Makes Final Flight To The USAF Museum

04/27/2023

The iconic plane will now join the museum’s impressive lineup of exhibits, showcasing the aircraft’s significant role in US military aviation history. After conducting several fly-bys to burn off fuel, Lt. Col. Matthew “Beast” Tanis piloted the F-15C from Barnes Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts to Dayton. He then shared his personal connection to the aircraft and what it signifies to him.

Vulnerable to Chinese Air Attack, Taiwan Signs Deal With US to Maintain Fighter Aircraft

04/27/2023

Taiwan and the U.S. have signed two deals worth close to $420 million for maintaining fighter aircraft operated by the self-governing island that China considers its own territory. Based on the agreement, around $323 million will be allocated for a parts contract that runs through March 2028, according to a local news report.

With a roar, the first F-35 fighter jets arrive in Madison

04/26/2023

On a crisp Tuesday afternoon, four of the most advanced fighter jets in the world emerged like speeding, roaring, dark seeds from banks of silvery white clouds above Truax Field on Madison's North Side.

Türkiye’s first indigenous supersonic combat aircraft makes maiden flight

04/26/2023

Hurjet, Türkiye's first indigenous supersonic combat aircraft, has made its maiden flight the country’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Twitter. The aircraft is the fruit of an advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft project that was launched in 2017 by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

Sweden continues to strengthen with investment in aerospace industry

04/25/2023

The total defence strategy is defined in Swedish law as the planning and measures required to prepare the country for total war and informs almost every aspect of defence planning. The 2021-25 bill outlines plans to strengthen ‘total defence’ and establish a new agency tasked with reviewing and evaluating all total defence activities to avoid wasteful spending or poor planning.

Retired German general argues Ukraine needs western fighter jets, not just air defense systems.

04/25/2023

Retired German General Erhard Bühler argues that Ukraine requires not only air defense systems, but also Western fighter jets, Bild reports. Bühler, a former commander of NATO forces in Kosovo, criticized the German government for the inadequate equipment provided to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Czech Republic looks to supply Vietnam more aircraft, radars

04/25/2023

Vietnam is in talks with the Czech Republic for military supplies, including aircraft, radars, upgrades of armoured vehicles and firearms, a Czech government source told Reuters, as Hanoi aims to diversify its mostly Russian arsenal. Security was one of the main topics discussed with Vietnam leaders by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala in a three-day visit last week, the official said, noting that security firms were the largest component of the business delegation that accompanied Fiala.

2,000th U.S. F-35 pilot graduates from Luke AFB

04/25/2023

The 56th Fighter Wing graduated the 2,000th F-35 Lightning II pilot, U.S. Air Force Maj. Christopher “Blade” Jeffers, April 17th, 2023, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. This milestone marks a step forward for the Airmen at Luke in realizing its mission of training the world's greatest fighter pilots.

Taiwan OKs $419M Jet Repair Deal With US

04/25/2023

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has approved a 12.84-billion New Taiwan dollar ($419 million) deal with the US to provide maintenance services for the island nation’s fighter aircraft fleet. Around 9.9 billion New Taiwan dollars ($323 million) is allotted for spare parts, while the remaining 2.94 billion New Taiwan dollars ($95.9 million) will be used for nonstandard parts and aviation materials.

China sends 13 military aircraft, 3 naval vessels around Taiwan

04/24/2023

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 13 Chinese military aircraft and three naval vessels around the country between 6 a.m. on Sunday (April 23) and 6 a.m. on Monday (April 24). At 9 a.m. on Monday, the MND said that 13 People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) military aircraft and three People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels had been tracked around Taiwan. Of the detected aircraft, one entered the southeast section of Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ).

Germany sends military aircraft to evacuate citizens from Sudan

04/24/2023

Germany has begun to evacuate its citizens from Sudan, authorities said on Sunday. The German Defense Ministry said on Twitter that it started a military evacuation operation, in close coordination with the partners. "Our goal is to fly out as many citizens as possible from Khartoum, during this dangerous situation in Sudan. Within the scope of our possibilities, we will also take EU citizens and other nationals with us,” the ministry said.

Ukraine War: Chinese Fighter Jet ‘Rammed Into’ US Spy Aircraft Over South China Sea; What Really Happened 22 Years Ago

04/24/2023

Of late, Russian and Chinese Air Forces have been engaging in dangerous interceptions with Western aircraft, which could result in accidents similar to the mid-air collision between an American P-3 Orion and a Chinese J-8II interceptor over the South China Sea 22 years ago.

Swedish and Danish air forces in joint action after Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea

04/22/2023

On Thursday 21 April, two Swedish Jas 39 Gripen and two Danish F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets followed a Russian Ilyushin-20 military reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea. It is the first time that a synchronised effort has been carried out in this way. During the entire operation, the Swedish and Danish airlines were under their own national management.On Thursday 21 April, two Swedish Jas 39 Gripen and two Danish F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets followed a Russian Ilyushin-20.

Ukraine War Turns Korea a Major Arms Exporter

04/22/2023

South Korea is on the way to joining the ranks of major arms exporters as Russian aggression in Ukraine triggers a global race for arms acquisition, already triggering an indignant response from Moscow, which has issued a stern warning that supplying arms to Ukraine would make Seoul a participant in the conflict, according to a Reuters dispatch.