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Military Aviation News

U.S. Flew Over Two Spy Planes a Day in South China Sea Throughout April

05/06/2021

The United States military maintained a constant presence in the South China Sea last month, flying an average of two reconnaissance runs every day in April, according to a recent report out of Beijing. In its monthly summary, the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI)—a Peking University think tank tracking military activity around China—said at least 65 U.S. military aircraft operated in the contested waters, where the U.S. Navy carried out 83 percent of those missions

Saab continues support for Gripen development

Swedish defence procurement agency FMV has extended its Gripen development support contract with Saab until 31 December 2022. Under the SEK998 million ($117.54 million) deal, the OEM will continue to operate and support test aircraft and advanced tools such as testing rigs and simulators on behalf of the Swedish Air Force and other Gripen operators.

Iraq’s F-16 program stalls after US contractors evacuate Balad Air Base, report says

Increased threats and attacks by Iran-backed militias forced American contractors to evacuate Iraq’s Balad Air Base in March, where they were supporting Iraq’s F-16 program, a U.S. government report said this week. Without the Americans, the Iraqis cannot perform the full range of maintenance tasks on the country’s fleet of F-16s, which are key in the fight against the Islamic State group.

C-130s arrive in Lithuania for Swift Response 21

U.S. Airmen and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and the 143rd AW, Rhode Island Air National Guard, arrived at Siauliai AB, Lithuania, on May 5, 2021, to provide airlift and airdrop during Swift Response 21.

The Air Force’s first Skyborg autonomous drone prototype made its first flight

The Air Force carried out the first flight test of a “Skyborg” drone last month with an Kratos UTAP-22 Mako equipped with a bespoke autonomy system, moving the service one step closer to fielding an uncrewed “loyal wingman” for human pilots.

India wins approval to buy more Boeing P-8 maritime patrol jets

Boeing's P-8 program is close to winning another foreign sale after a federal agency has approved the potential sale of six more of the maritime reconnaissance and patrol aircraft to India's navy. If the deal goes through — and most P-8 sales have been inked after such approvals — the order is worth up to $2.42 billion to Boeing, but final price could be lower depending on how many jets and weapon systems are ordered.

Australia faces ‘potential military crisis’ with China over Taiwan within years

You go to war with what you have, not with what you need. It’s an old saying. But a relevant one. With admirals, generals and politicians warning a new Pacific war may be just three to five years away, the question is being asked: Does Australia have what it needs? Last year, Prime Minister Scott Morrison promised to spend $270 billion over 10 years to prepare for a “poorer, more dangerous” world.

How US Helped French Rafales ‘Outflank’ Russian Su-35 Jets To Win Egyptian Fighter Jet Contract?

This is the second Rafale deal that Egypt has signed with France in five years. After signing the agreement on May 4, the Egyptian defense ministry stated that the procurement would be financed through a loan to be repaid over the next 10 years. For France also, this is the second Rafale deal this year after Greece signed a $3.04 billion agreement on January 25 for 12 second-hand aircraft and six new ones.

India, UK agree on co-production of military hardware; technology collaboration for combat aircraft

In a major move, India and the UK on Tuesday vowed to expand bilateral defence cooperation, including through technology collaboration in developing combat aircraft and complex weapons, during a virtual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Boris Johnson.

Nato Tiger Meet tactical-level live-fly event begins in Portugal

Egypt signs contract with France to buy 30 Rafale fighter jets

F-35B Jets To Join The Fight Against Daesh From Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group

In arms race for air superiority, Russia challenges US hegemony

Top Aces provides advanced combat aircraft simulation and training for German military armed forces pilots

Israel Is Enhancing Its Air Force’s Ability To Strike Iran

Taiwan warned to monitor China's development of new refueling aircraft

Who Will Win HX Fighter Jet Program As Dassault Rafale Competes With F-35, Gripen, Typhoon & Super Hornets?

Arms deals to fortify Taiwan's defense capacity

Modified U.S. F-15E Jets Transport 2X JDAM Munitions to U.A.E. Base

Five Chinese military aircraft enter Taiwan's ADIZ