Military Aviation News Archive

PAF showcases JF-17 fighter jet capabilities in Saudi Arabia exercise

02/15/2025

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) showcased the long-range operational capabilities of its indigenous JF-17 fighter jets during the Exercise Spears of Victory-2025 in Saudi Arabia, the military’s media wing said on Friday, as the PAF contingent returned home.

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US offers India F-35, while Russia proposes SU-57. How do they compare?

02/15/2025

The Aero India 2025, which concludes today, witnessed a face-off between the US’ F-35 fighter jet and Russia’s SU-57. Both the US and Russia are offering their respective fifth-generation fighter jets – which were seen side by side for the first time on an airstrip – to India. Though the SU-57 took to the skies during Asia’s biggest air show on Thursday, the F-35 remained on static display.

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Australia condemns ‘unsafe’ Chinese jet intercept over South China Sea

02/14/2025

According to the Australian Department of Defence, the incident occurred on February 11, 2025, when an RAAF P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft was conducting a routine surveillance mission. A People’s Liberation Army Air Force J-16 fighter intercepted the aircraft and released flares in dangerously close proximity.

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NATO F-35S ENHANCE READINESS AND INTEROPERABILITY DURING SPARTAN LIGHTNING EXERCISE

02/14/2025

On February 6-7, 2025, Service members from the Royal Netherlands, Royal Norwegian and United States Air Forces demonstrated readiness, interoperability and maintenance proficiency during Spartan Lightning at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. A total of seven F-35A Lightning II aircraft participated in the exercise, with pilots and maintainers from the Dutch, Norwegian and United States air forces working to achieve key training objectives. The exercise provided the maintainers cross-servicing opport

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Analysis: French Mirage 2000-5F Fighter Jets Demonstrate Drone-Killing Power in Middle East Confirming Their Role in Ukraine

02/13/2025

On February 10, 2025, French Air and Space Force Chief of Staff General Jérôme Bellanger shared a video on his LinkedIn account, showcasing a French Rafale fighter aircraft destroying a suicide drone in flight using the MICA IR (Infrared) missile. The general also highlighted that similar drones had been intercepted and neutralized by both Rafale and Mirage 2000-5F aircraft deployed in the Middle East,

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Algerian pilots learning to fly Su-57s in Russia, TV says

02/13/2025

Algerian pilots are currently undergoing training in Russia to operate the Su-57, Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, Algerian TV reports. This marks a significant step in Algeria’s military modernization and confirms the country’s deepening defense ties with Moscow.With deliveries of the advanced fighter expected within the year, Algeria is set to become the first foreign customer of the Su-57, a development with wide-ranging geopolitical and military implications.

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What is the Su-57 stealth fighter jet Russia is offering to India?

02/13/2025

Russia is offering the production of Sukhoi Su-57, its fifth-generation stealth fighter and most advanced warplane, in India for boosting the Indian Air Force’s fleet, after unveiling the jet in the South Asian country’s air show this week.

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Emirati and Saudi Ambitions for Next-Generation Fighters

02/12/2025

On September 14, 2024, a senior Emirati official dismissed reports about the country’s interest in resuming long-deadlocked negotiations to purchase Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II aircraft should Donald J. Trump secure a second presidential term. However, Trump’s return to the White House in January has reignited questions regarding the potential for a resumption of talks.

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Russia offers India its most advanced Su-57 stealth fighter jet

02/12/2025

Russia has offered to make its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet Sukhoi Su-57 in India for the Indian Air Force, a Russian and an Indian official said on Tuesday, as Moscow looks to boost defence ties with New Delhi. Russia has for decades been the main weapons supplier to India, the world's biggest arms importer, and its fighter jets are part of India's military fleet. But Moscow's ability in recent years to export has been hobbled by the war in Ukraine, making New Delhi look westward.

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Türkiye’s KAAN, Hürjet combat aircraft receive major technical upgrades

02/11/2025

Currently, numerous aviation projects are being implemented, including both manned and unmanned systems, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media. The recent updates to the technical specifications of the KAAN and Hürjet combat aircraft serve as notable examples of this progress. The length of the national fifth-generation fighter, KAAN, has been reduced by 0.7 metres.

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First Polish Pilot Flies F-35

02/11/2025

A Polish fighter pilot has flown an F-35A Lightning II aircraft for the first time at the US Ebbing Air National Guard Base (ANGB) in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The milestone flight came after F-35 pilot training under the guidance of the US’ 33rd Fighter Wing began in October last year, which was followed by a couple of aircraft deliveries in December.

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The U.S. Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet IRST Block II System achieves Initial Operational Capability

02/11/2025

The constant evolution of aerial threats, such as operations in contested environments, is redefining the equipment that combat aircraft of the United States Armed Forces must possess. This is evident in the integration of new Infrared Search and Track (IRST) sensors into current combat platforms. The latest milestone was reported by the U.S. Navy, which confirmed that the new IRST Block II pod, set to equip its F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, has achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC).

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India expects stable delivery of GE-powered fighter jets next fiscal year after delays

02/11/2025

India expects stable delivery of a domestically-made light combat aircraft powered by a GE, opens new tab engine in the upcoming fiscal year after a delay of nearly 12 months, a top government official said on Sunday. India's state-run planemaker Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), opens new tab would have the capacity to hand over 16 to 24 aircraft in the fiscal year that starts in April following stable delivery of the engine made by the aerospace division of GE, the official said.

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Ukrainian military shoots down Russian Su-25 near Toretsk

02/10/2025

The plane was shot down by an “Igla” MANPADS on the outskirts of Toretsk (Donetsk region). The Russians later sent an Mi-8 helicopter to evacuate the pilot, but Ukrainian FPV operators prevented this from happening.

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Taiwan claims to have detected 11 Chinese fighter jets, 8 ships, balloon near its territory

02/10/2025

Taiwan said on Saturday that 11 Chinese fighter jets and eight ships, as well as a balloon, were detected around Taiwan. According to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, nine out of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern air defense identification zone. They were detected until 6 a.m. (2200GMT) and the balloon was flying at an altitude of 20,000 feet (6 kilometers), said the ministry.

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Typhoons soar through the skies for Ex Red Flag's 50th anniversary in Nevada

02/10/2025

It is considered one of the world's toughest air combat training environments where pilots hone their war-fighting skills. RAF personnel, including Rivet Joint aircrew, Air Operations Controllers from 19 and 20 Squadron, along with eight Typhoons and a Voyager aircraft are participating. Exercise Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, provides opportunities to train for challenges – from mission generation to command and control.

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F-35 Completes First Dual External GBU-54 Laser JDAM Drop

02/10/2025

The U.S. Air Force has announced that the United Operational Test Team conducted the first ever dual release of externally mounted GBU-54 LJDAMs (Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition) from an F-35. The test saw an F-35C, assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9) release the guided bombs again a remote controlled High-Speed Moving Target, said the statement.

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Ukraine receives first Mirage 2000 fighter jets from France

02/07/2025

Ukraine received the first Mirage 2000 fighter jets promised by France on Thursday, French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu said, giving the country its second type of Western aircraft in addition to F-16 jets handed over by allies last year. The Mirage 2000 jets arrived with Ukrainian pilots on board, after several months of training in France, Lecornu said in a post on X. “They will now participate in defending the skies of Ukraine.”

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Russian Aerospace Forces Tu-95MS strategic bombers intercepted by norwegian F-35A stealth fighters over the Barents Sea

02/07/2025

Over the past week, the strategic bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) have been conducting various patrol flights focused on the Arctic region. One of the most recent incidents occurred today, February 5, when Tu-95MS bombers, escorted by fighter jets, were intercepted by Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35A stealth fighters while flying over the Barents Sea airspace.

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Russian Soldier Rams Truck Into Putin's Prized Su-25 Fighter Jet: Report

02/07/2025

A Russian soldier is reported to have rammed a truck into one of President Vladimir Putin's prized Su-25 fighter jets, rendering it unusable. It adds to the many military jets Russia has lost throughout the war in Ukraine. Russia's air force has suffered extensive casualties—both in cases of friendly fire, and as a result of Ukrainian forces shooting down Putin's military jets.

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Putin nuclear bombers fly north of Britain as Nato fighter jets forced to shadow aircraft

02/06/2025

Russia has launched a new show of military strength as two Tu-95MS nuclear bombers conducted a four-hour flight over the Norwegian Sea north of Britain. The strategic bombers were escorted by Russian MiG-31 and Su-33 fighter jets during their mission over neutral waters. Nato warplanes shadowed the pair of Tu-95MS 'Bears' throughout their flight, which took place just days after Sir Keir Starmer urged European leaders to increase efforts against Russian aggression.

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ThinKom, Boeing demo high-speed satellite communications for military aircraft

02/06/2025

Aerospace manufacturer Boeing and satellite antenna maker ThinKom Solutions successfully demonstrated high-bandwidth satellite communications technology aimed at military aircraft, the companies announced Feb. 5.

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Ahead Of Aero India 2025, SAAB Renews Pitch For Gripen-E Fighters To IAF; Promises Superfast Deliveries

02/06/2025

The IAF, looking to arrest the dwindling fighter squadrons, is looking to acquire 114 Medium-Role Fighter Aircraft. Saab insists that the Gripen-E will be the fastest-delivered fighter aircraft if chosen. Kent-Ake Molin, Head of the Gripen India campaign, said: “Gripen’s exceptional capabilities align seamlessly with India’s defense needs, offering advanced weapons, cutting-edge sensors, countermeasures systems, and pilot-friendly Human-Machine Collaboration (HMC).”

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F-15 EW Suite Declared ‘Effective,’ But Full Extent of Capabilities in Combat Less Clear

02/06/2025

The electronic warfare suite which will protect the Air Force’s F-15E and F-15EX in contested airspace has been declared “operationally effective,” the Pentagon’s test director said in its recent annual report. But the system can’t be evaluated to the very limits of its capabilities because of test range limitations, and because the Air Force doesn’t want to expose what the system can really do in open-air testing.

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Su-35 Super Flankers: Russia’s Best Combat Aircraft In Iranian Hands; Can They Turn The Tide In Tehran’s Favor?

02/05/2025

Iran has reportedly purchased Russian-made Sukhoi 35 fighter jets amid Western concerns about Tehran and Moscow’s growing military cooperation. Ali Shadmani, the deputy Coordinator of the Khatam-ol-Anbia, who was quoted by the media, did not clarify how many jets were purchased and whether they had already been delivered to Iran.

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