Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Inside the fighter-jet school where virtual technology is your wingman

04/25/2025

Wishing a fighter pilot a good flight isn’t the done thing, apparently. Stefano Centioni, a former Italian Air Force (IAF) pilot who now works for the country’s largest defence contractor, Leonardo, winces at the suggestion. “That’s the sort of thing that you say to a Ryanair pilot,” he says. We’re at the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Sardinia, a collaboration between the public and private sectors that is aiming to become top gun in the niche of fighter-pilot training.

USAF Doubles Down on More F-16 Fighters near North Korea

04/25/2025

The U.S. Air Force will ramp up its presence near North Korea by sending more than two dozen additional F-16 fighters to Osan Air Base, South Korea, creating a second “super squadron” there.

421st EFS bolsters Kadena’s fighter presence

04/25/2025

F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, touched down at Kadena Air Base, April 24, 2025, completing the latest round of U.S. Air Force fighter deployments to the Pacific. As the Keystone of the Pacific, Kadena is a pivotal hub for Agile Combat Employment, which allows squadrons like the 421st EFS to project combat power in concert with U.S. allies and partners.

Lockheed Martin to Incorporate NGAD Upgrades Into F-22 and F-35

04/25/2025

Can the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II—commonly regarded as two of the greatest planes in the world—become even more powerful? The CEO of Lockheed Martin, the famed aerospace giant that built both planes, thinks so. The defense and aerospace giant and manufacturer of the U.S. military’s two stealth fighter jets intends to buff the aircraft with cutting-edge technology initially intended for the F-47 sixth-generation stealth fighter jet.

French Air Force launches surprise dispersal drill and Sweden deployment

04/25/2025

The French Air and Space Force simultaneously conducted two high-profile exercises demonstrating its operational versatility and strategic reach. While one operation tested the force’s ability to disperse combat aircraft rapidly across the French mainland without prior notice, the other projected French air power into northern Europe in cooperation with NATO allies.

Chinese J-10C Fighters Drill In Egypt Amid Speculation That Cairo May Opt For Vigorous Dragons Over Upgrading Fighting Falcons

04/24/2025

For the first time, China has deployed its cutting-edge aircraft, including the J-10C, for the “Eagles of Civilization 2025” joint air drills that kicked off on April 19 in Egypt. The deployment comes amid speculations that the Egyptian government is considering purchasing the aircraft. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced the China-Egypt joint air force training, code-named “Eagles of Civilization 2025,” from mid-April to early May, on April 16.

Flash News: Portugal Air Force Chief Confirms U.S. F-35 as Only Fifth-Gen Fighter Jet Fit to Replace F-16s.

04/24/2025

Portugal has taken a decisive step toward modernizing its air force by affirming its intent to acquire the U.S.-built F-35 Lightning II fighter jet as the successor to its aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons. The announcement, delivered by General João Cartaxo Alves, Chief of the Air Force General Staff (CEMFA), during the Portuguese National Defense Conference on April 22, 2025, marks a significant evolution in the country’s defense strategy.

The Netherlands has confirmed the transfer of another batch of F-16 fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force

04/24/2025

During the most recent meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, held in Brussels and attended by more than 50 countries, the Netherlands confirmed the transfer of another batch of F-16 fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force. The announcement was made by the country’s Minister of Defense, Ruben Brekelmans, who also reported the delivery of a Patriot system and new commitments to supply I-Hawk air defense systems, aimed at strengthening Kyiv’s ability to withstand Russian attacks.

Exclusive: U.S. F-22 Raptor Fighter Jet Upgraded with Infrared Sensors to Shoot Down Enemies Before Detection.

04/24/2025

Following the release of its Q1 2025 financial results on April 23, 2025, Lockheed Martin announced a pivotal enhancement to the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jet program: the integration of a system of next-generation infrared sensors aimed at increasing the aircraft’s survivability and lethality. This strategic move reinforces Lockheed Martin’s commitment to maintaining U.S. air superiority and highlights the continued evolution of the F-22 as a dominant force in modern aerial warfare.

China “Outproducing” U.S. In Fighter Jets; Can “Deny” Air Superiority In First Island Chain: Top Commander

04/24/2025

After building the world’s largest maritime fighting force, China has gained a 1.2 to 1 production rate advantage over the US in fighter jets. Together with modern fifth-generation combat aircraft and advanced ‘long-range’ air-to-air missiles, Beijing can prevent the US from achieving air superiority within the key first island chain, a top US Commander has warned.

Kratos adding landing gear-equipped XQ-58 to inventory amid growth in uncrewed fighter scope

04/23/2025

Uncrewed aircraft manufacturer Kratos is modifying one the company’s marquee offerings to match the US Air Force’s (USAF’s) growing ambitions for autonomous fighter jets. The San Diego-based firm has revealed a rendering of its XQ-58 Valkyrie uncrewed jet aircraft featuring a new piece of kit: landing gear.

UAE Signs KF-21 Boramae Fighter Cooperation Deal With South Korea

04/23/2025

South Korea and the UAE have signed a letter of intent for comprehensive cooperation on the development and operation of Seoul’s KF-21 Boramae fighters. The agreement was signed by the Republic of Korea Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Young-su and UAE Air Force (UAEAF) Major General Rashid Mohammed al-Shamsi, allowing UAEAF personnel to take part in future exercises and air drills involving the aircraft.

F-35: After Trump, Vance Makes “Verbal Offer” For F-35 Stealth Jets To India; Will Delhi Bite The Bullet?

04/23/2025

The United States has made yet another verbal offer for the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II stealth aircraft to India. This announcement comes just two months after President Donald Trump first offered the aircraft to India during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This time, however, the offer is more subtle, as it comes from Vice President JD Vance in a speech made during his ongoing visit to India.

Lockheed Will Not Protest NGAD Award to Boeing, Looks to ‘Supercharge’ F-35 Instead

04/23/2025

Lockheed Martin will not protest the Air Force’s selection of Boeing for the Next-Generation Air Dominance fighter contract, company president and CEO Jim Taiclet said April 22, explaining that the company now hopes to insert the technology it developed for NGAD into its fifth-generation F-35 and F-22 fighters. “We are not going to protest the NGAD decision of the U.S. government,” Taiclet said on a company earnings call.

KAI aims to position its KF-21 fighter jet as an option to equip the United Arab Emirates Air Force, competing against the U.S.-made F-35

04/22/2025

As part of its efforts to open new markets in the Middle East, South Korean company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is advancing the international promotion of its new KF-21 Boramae fighter jet, specifically targeting the United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAEAF). The UAE is seeking alternatives to the U.S.-made fifth-generation F-35A, following Washington’s reluctance to authorize a potential sale.

Chinese J-10 fighter fly over US Navy port in Saudi Arabia

04/22/2025

A photograph circulating on social media has raised eyebrows among defense analysts and observers of global military dynamics. The image, posted by the open-source intelligence account MenchOsint on April 20, 2025, shows Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force [PLAAF] J-10 fighter jets flying over King Fahd Port in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. In this key logistical hub, U.S. Navy ships dock to resupply the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman.

South Korea Planning To Export 100 FA-50 Fighting Eagle Light Attack Aircraft to Egypt – OpEd

04/22/2025

South Korea is well-known for electronics and automobiles. It is now slowly emerging as a top defence producer in the world. Recently, South Korea has signed a deal with Indonesia to produce jointly advanced fighter jets starting in 2026. South Korea is aimed to produce 20 KF-21 fighter jets, The Korean Times newspaper reported.

China's Neighbor Could Buy F-16s in Blow to Xi

04/22/2025

Vietnam may be set to purchase F-16 Fighting Falcon jets, according to a report. The deal would make Vietnam the fifth government in the Asia-Pacific region to acquire F-16 fighter aircraft, as militaries look to strengthen their capabilities amid rising territorial tensions with China, ruled by President Xi Jinping.

RAF fighter jets intercept Russian aircraft flying close to Nato airspace

04/21/2025

RAF fighter jets have intercepted two Russian aircraft flying close to Nato airspace over the Baltic Sea. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said two RAF Typhoons were scrambled from Malbork Air Base in Poland on Tuesday to intercept a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M “Coot-A” intelligence aircraft. On Thursday, another two Typhoons were scrambled from the base to intercept an unknown aircraft leaving Kaliningrad air space close to Nato airspace.

Swiss revolt against F-35 deal sparks U.S. defense concerns

04/21/2025

In Switzerland, a nation renowned for its steadfast neutrality and fiscal prudence, a growing wave of public and political opposition is challenging the country’s decision to purchase 36 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jets.

Chinese J-10 fighter jets arrive in Egypt

04/21/2025

China has officially confirmed the purpose behind last week’s unexpected arrival of a fleet of Xi’an Y-20 strategic transport aircraft in Egypt. According to a statement from the Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) dispatched a full detachment, including J-10 fighter jets, to Egypt to participate in the joint air force exercise titled “Eagles of Civilization 2025.” The exercise is scheduled to run from mid-April t

Awaiting Rafales, Boeing Sweetens F-15EX Deal For Indonesia; Offers To Produce 85% Of Fighters Locally

04/21/2025

US defense giant Boeing is courting Indonesia to acquire its F-15EX fighter jets by making the deal much more attractive. According to new reports, Boeing promised that if Indonesia decides to buy the F-15EX fighters, the company will produce 85% of the aircraft locally. This commitment was made by Boeing South East Asia President Penny Burtt during a media briefing on April 15.

Ukraine converts MiG-29UB trainer jets for combat missions

04/19/2025

In a bold move reflecting the dire realities of the ongoing war, Ukraine has converted nine of its MiG-29UB Fulcrum-B aircraft, originally designed for training, into combat-ready jets to counter intensifying Russian air attacks.

Advanced Fighter Market Update

04/19/2025

While major powers like the USA, Europe, and China push forward with 6th-generation fighter concepts, significant global interest and procurement activity remain focused on advanced 4th-, 4.5-, and 5th-generation platforms. Nations balance sophisticated capability requirements against acquisition costs, operational sustainment, and industrial participation goals.

Egypt nears $1B deal for South Korea’s FA-50 jets

04/19/2025

Egypt is on the verge of signing a major defense contract with South Korea for the acquisition of up to 100 FA-50 light combat aircraft, in a deal estimated to be worth over $1 billion. According to DefenseWeb, Egyptian Ambassador to South Korea Khaled Abdelrahman confirmed that negotiations with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) are nearly complete, and the agreement will include technology transfer.

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