Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

RTAF to test Gripen fighter jet taking off and landing on highway

01/13/2025

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) will test the capability of a Gripen fighter jet to take off and land on a highway before making a final decision on purchasing a fleet of the Swedish fighter jets by the middle of this year, a well-informed source said on Sunday. The source within the RTAF said it would be the first time the RTAF tests the take-off and landing of a Gripen fighter jet on a highway.

‘The Chinese Military is the Largest and Most Modern It’s Ever Been,’ Edwards AFB Commander Warns

01/13/2025

By 2027, in areas west of the international dateline where U.S. assets are deployed, China will outnumber U.S. forces about 12 to 1 in modern fighter jets (including 5 to 3 in fifth-generation aircraft) and 3 to 1 in maritime patrol planes. Speaking from the base theater to both an in-person and virtual audience, Brig. Gen. Doug Wickert, commander of the 412th Test Wing, at Edwards AFB, during the Monday’s Back-in-the-Saddle Day, held on Jan. 6, 2025.

US-China 6th-Gen Race: Designed To Keep U.S. Air Force Out Of Western Pacific, USAF Speaks On New-Age Chinese Threats

01/13/2025

USAF Secretary Frank Kendall said in an interview that the current Air Force leadership’s decisions on the Next-Generation Air Dominance program and the service’s overall strategic outlook were unaffected by the appearance of new Chinese combat aircraft, including a new AWACS platform, a smaller, fighter-size aircraft, and possibly a new bomber and medium bomber.

Russia eyes Libya to replace Syria as strategic base for operations in Africa

01/12/2025

The fall of Russian ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria has disrupted the Kremlin’s strategy not only for the Mediterranean but also for Africa, pushing it to focus on Libya as a potential foothold, experts say. Russia runs a military port and an air base on the Syrian coast, designed to facilitate its operations in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa, especially the Sahel, Sudan, and the Central African Republic.

Taiwan detects 8 Chinese military aircraft, 6 vessels near its territory

01/12/2025

The Ministry of National Defence (MND) of Taiwan detected eight aircraft from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and six naval vessels from the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) near its territory as of 6. It was also noted that seven of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The details were shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Phumtham gives green light for new fleet of Gripen fighter jets

01/12/2025

Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai attended a National Children's Day event at Wing 601, Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Base, on Saturday. The event featured aerial displays and activities organised by the RTAF, with Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Pattanakul, the Air Force commander-in-chief, extending a warm welcome.

Taiwan reports 4 Chinese military aircraft, 6 vessels near its territory

01/11/2025

The Ministry of National Defence (MND) of Taiwan detected four aircraft from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and six naval vessels from the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) as of 6. It was also noted that three of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. The details were shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Russian delegation heads to Algeria: Su-57 deal imminent?

01/11/2025

Algeria appears ready to finalize a deal with Russia for the purchase of Su-57 fighter jets, a move that would make the North African country one of the few operators of fifth-generation stealth aircraft. According to the Russian Telegram channel Russian Arms, a high-level Russian government delegation is currently en route to Algeria. The delegation is expected to secure agreements on military-technical cooperation, sign contracts for advanced weaponry, and finalize the Su-57 deal.

The U.S. Air Force’s F-15EX and F-15E strike fighters could potentially be equipped with AGM-158C LRASM anti-ship missiles

01/11/2025

The incorporation of new long-range strike capabilities across various combat platforms has become a priority for the United States Armed Forces. A potential conflict in the Asia-Pacific region, with the People’s Republic of China as the main adversary, has prompted strategic shifts in U.S. planning over recent years.

Final Rafale fighter jet delivered to Greek Air Force

01/10/2025

The Air Force has received a new Rafale fighter jet, completing its acquisition of 24 of the French-made aircraft. The single-seat jet, which bears the serial number 457, landed at the 114th Combat Wing in Tanagra air base shortly after 1 p.m., after a non-stop flight from Mérignac in Bordeaux, and was handed over to the 332nd Squadron.

After ‘Stealth’ J-35A From China, Pakistan Discusses Acquiring 5th-Gen KAAN Fighters From Turkey: Reports

01/10/2025

Pakistan’s appetite for a fifth-generation fighter jet appears to be expanding. Amid reports that the cash-strapped country has decided to purchase China’s newly unveiled J-35A aircraft, it is now reportedly holding discussions with Ankara for collaboration on Turkey’s fifth-generation combat jet, KAAN.

F-35 For India: Ex-IAF Boss Says “Desperate” India Needs US Stealth Fighters To Counter China’s J-20, J-35 & 6th-Gen Aircraft

01/09/2025

The developments of the last two months of 2024 have set alarm bells ringing in New Delhi as China debuted a second fifth-generation aircraft and flew two sixth-generation fighter jet prototypes. In contrast, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently staring at a massive lacuna in its capability with no fifth-generation stealth aircraft and a rapidly dwindling squadron strength.

China’s big new combat aircraft: a technical assessment

01/09/2025

The most spectacular debutant, making its maiden flight on December 26 was from Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group: a stealth combat aircraft that various anonymous commenters on the Chinese internet identify as the J-36. It is the largest combat aircraft designed and developed in China, and the second-largest to fly anywhere in 35 years.

Kendall: CCA Increment 2 Shouldn’t Be ‘Exquisite,’ But Better than Increment 1

01/09/2025

Analyses and wargames indicate the second increment of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program should not be an “exquisite” aircraft—meaning very stealthy and equipped with many sensors and weapons—but it should have more capability than Increment 1, and an additional cost of 20-30 percent would be acceptable, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall told Air & Space Forces Magazine this week.

Taiwan holds live military drills amid Chinese aircraft activity

01/08/2025

The Taiwanese military on Tuesday conducted a live combat drill at Hukou Camp, a county in the northwest in response to the detection of increased Chinese military activity near Taiwan. According to the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense, the drill was part of the annual media event to demonstrate the army’s readiness against any threat. "F-CK-1 fighters demonstrated scramble drills, highlighting their commitment to defending our airspace," said the ministry on X.

Ukrainian F-16 shot down six cruise missiles

01/08/2025

For the first time in history, a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet shot down six Russian cruise missiles in one combat mission. Yuriy Ihnat, head of the Air Force Command Communications Department, reported on this. The combat aircraft pilot used the F-16’s missiles and cannon to destroy the air targets.

F/A-18 “Murder Hornet”! Armed With 9 Air-To-Air Missiles, U.S. Navy Gives A New Nickname To F-18s: Reports

01/08/2025

The US Navy has officially coined the term “Murder Hornet” to refer to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets equipped with a formidable combination of five AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) and four AIM-9X Sidewinders. This powerful configuration, aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness, was among the key developments highlighted in the Navy’s 2024 year-in-review factsheet, first reported by The War Zone.

Progress in Morocco’s F-35 Acquisition

01/07/2025

Recent media reports from Israel indicate that Morocco is advancing in its plans to acquire Lockheed Martin’s fifth-generation F-35 Lighting II stealth fighter jets. According to the Israeli newspaper Identité Juive, Morocco is set to become the first Arab and African country to procure U.S. F-35 fighter jets, marking a significant milestone in its military modernization efforts.

Russia completes delivery of six new Su-30SME fighter-bombers to the Myanmar Air Force

01/07/2025

As part of an official ceremony held in mid-December, the Myanmar Air Force celebrated the delivery and induction of the last two Su-30SME fighter-bombers acquired from Russia. With this final batch, the Southeast Asian country has completed the incorporation of a total of six Russian-made aircraft into its combat fleet.

China has proposed supplying Chengdu J-10 fighter jets to Brazil

01/07/2025

The Brazilian Air Force’s (FAB) search for a second type of fighter jet has reportedly led China to propose the sale of J-10 aircraft from Chengdu. According to the Brazilian outlet Veja, the Chinese government has reportedly submitted a proposal to Brazil to supply J-10C fighter jets, generation 4.5. However, the talks have not progressed for reasons that have not been clarified. The J-10 is a medium-sized fighter jet that entered service in 2004 and is similar to the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Has China’s Secret H-20 Stealth Bomber Broken Cover?

01/07/2025

Imagery has appeared on Chinese social media of a new large combat aircraft, apparently making a test flight, which may be China’s new secret H-20 stealth bomber. The location and exact date of the imagery were not disclosed, and the People’s Republic of China has not made an official comment about the footage, the authenticity of which cannot yet be established. The U.S. Department of Defense just recently predicted the bomber would not debut for years.

F-16s, F-15s, and A-10s Conduct Airstrikes Against ISIS in Iraq

01/07/2025

The U.S.-led coalition and Iraqi forces stepped up their campaign against Islamic State fighters over the past week, including a confrontation with militants holed up in an Iraqi cave, the U.S. Central Command said Jan. 6. F-16s and F-15s carried out airstrikes against ISIS fighters operating in Iraq’s Hamrin Mountains. U.S. Air Force A-10s, which were called in to support ground forces, were successful in killing Islamic State militants fighting in the cave, the command said.

Experts: New Chinese Combat Aircraft Likely a Medium-Range Bomber

01/07/2025

Imagery of two new, tailless Chinese military aircraft disseminated on social media last week likely reveals a prototype stealth medium bomber and a new lambda-winged technology demonstrator, aerospace experts and former Air Force officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine. The larger aircraft could be analogous to the FB-22 medium stealth bomber considered but not adopted by the U.S. Air Force in the early 2000s.

Sri Lanka to Receive Military Aircraft from US, Pakistan

01/07/2025

Sri Lanka is adopting more American Bell 206 helicopters and a Pakistani Chengdu J-7 aircraft to enhance the country’s air force capabilities. The investment stipulates eight of the 206 systems in their TH-57 Sea Ranger military derivative ordered from Washington DC and a single Chinese-made J-7 in its FT-7 export trainer variant from Islamabad.

Su-35s in Iran: Reports suggest possible deployment by 2025

01/07/2025

Iran Observer announced on social network X that Iran’s Su-35 fighter jets are set to be inducted into service this year. This is a significant milestone for the Iranian Air Force, which has been striving for years to modernize its fleet. The Su-35, developed by Russia, is a fourth-generation multirole fighter, and its adoption could dramatically shift the balance of power in the region.