Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

NAF acquires 12 fighter aircraft

01/05/2025

The Nigerian Air Force, on Saturday, said it acquired 12 additional fighter aircraft to boost the operational capabilities of the force. The new additions to the NAF fleet include two King Air 360i light transport aircraft, four T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AgustaWestland 109 Trekkers, and four DA-62 surveillance aircraft. Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, stated this during a parley with NAF veterans resident in Kaduna.

France sends first batch of Mirage jets to Ukraine

01/05/2025

The first batch of French Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets is set to arrive in Ukraine by January 20, 2025, according to reports from Avions Legendaires. The initial batch is expected to include three to six aircraft, which will likely replace Ukraine’s aging fleet of Su-24 bombers.

Iranian UAVs Challenge F-22 Raptors; U.S.A.F Fighter Pilots Thwart Low-End Threats In High-Stake M.East Conflict

01/05/2025

The F-22 Raptor, one of America’s most advanced air superiority fighters, is built to face high-end aerial threats like advanced fighter jets and fast-moving aircraft. However, during a recent deployment to the Middle East, pilots of these fifth-generation fighters adjusted their tactics to protect US and allied forces from an unexpected low-tech threat, Iranian-made drones and cruise missiles.

Morocco seeks to replace aging Alpha jet with Chinese L-15

01/04/2025

The Moroccan Air Force is exploring the option of replacing its aging Franco-German Assault Alpha jets with the Chinese L-15 light attack and trainer aircraft According to local news media, Le Desk, the Royal Air Force indicated its preference for the L-15 Falcon, made by the Chinese aircraft manufacturer Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation (HAIC) to replace its aging fleet of Alpha jets of Franco-German design.

Philippines Decommissions Combat Aircraft Used for Counter-Terrorism

01/04/2025

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has decommissioned its last two pairs of AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters and OV-10 Bronco light attack aircraft. The aircraft were primarily used in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the Southeast Asian archipelago. During the formal decommissioning ceremony conducted by the 15th Strike Wing at the Major Danilo Atienza Air Base in Sangley Point, Cavite, the service announced that it signed a deal to acquire six new A-29 Super Tucano.

Taiwan tracks 24 Chinese military aircraft, 7 naval ships

01/03/2025

The Ministry of National Defense tracked 24 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Thursday and 6 a.m. on Friday. Eighteen of the 24 People’s Liberation Army aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the nation’s northern, southwestern, and eastern air defense identification zone, according to the MND. The MND said on Thursday morning that 22 of the PLA aircraft carried out “joint combat readiness patrols” around Taiwan with PLA naval ships.

Air Force Sent More A-10s to the Boneyard in 2024, But It Continues to Use the Aircraft Overseas

01/03/2025

The Air Force sent at least 39 retired A-10 Thunderbolt IIs to the boneyard in 2024, a significant increase as the service moves toward removing the aircraft from its inventory even as it recently used the planes in training exercises and in combat overseas.

F-16 Viper: As Xi Jinping Vows Taiwan Reunification, RoCAF To Send Fighter Pilots To U.S. To Train On F-16V, MQ-9

01/03/2025

The Taiwanese Air Force is sending its fighter pilots to the United States to train on the F-16 Viper ahead of its delivery in 2026. Taiwan is sending a total of 103 military personnel for training in the United States ahead of the delivery of new military platforms within the next two years.

India gets dual offers for next-generation fighter projects

01/03/2025

India has emerged as a pivotal player in the global defense arena, with invitations pouring in from leading military powers to collaborate on next-generation fighter jet programs. It is reported that Germany and Spain have extended an offer for India to join their Future Combat Air System [FCAS], a flagship European project aimed at developing cutting-edge 6th-generation combat aircraft. Simultaneously, the UK-Japan-Italy consortium has invited India to participate in the Global Combat Air Prog

Kicked Out Of F-35 Program, Turkey Acquires Stealth Jet’s “Development Firm” In Yet Another Boost For Turkish Aviation!

01/03/2025

Once banished from the F-35 program and left with a glaring capability gap, Turkey has turned around its destiny by dramatically expanding its aerospace industry. At the dawn of the 21st century, Turkey was the world’s third-biggest arms importer. However, its reliance on foreign military imports has plummeted drastically, from around 80% in 2004 to less than 20% today. On the contrary, Turkey has emerged as a defense exporter, with its cutting-edge arms being used on many battlefields.

Taiwan tracks 7 Chinese naval ships, 3 military aircraft

01/02/2025

The Ministry of National Defense tracked seven Chinese naval vessels and three military aircraft around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Wednesday and 6 a.m. on Thursday. The three People’s Liberation Army aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the nation’s southwest air defense identification zone, according to the MND.

Top Aces Continues to Support Royal Canadian Air Force’s Training with Upgraded A-4 Skyhawks

01/02/2025

Top Aces, the private ADAIR (Advanced Adversary Air) company which provides adversary, or Aggressor, training in support of multiple militaries, is continuing to expand its support to the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force). In fact, the company is employing both its A-4s and Alpha Jets, with the former sporting an arctic splinter camo, to support the training of Canadian CF-18 pilots.

Morocco-France Rafale fighter jet negotiations collapse

01/01/2025

As the Rafale fighter jet cements its status as a benchmark in military aviation, France faces mounting challenges in promoting its advanced aircraft in Morocco. Despite being a long-time ally of Paris, the North African kingdom has, for now, opted against including Dassault Aviation’s Rafale in its military modernization plans, according to reports from the Moroccan newspaper The Parliamentarian.

Saudi Arabia seeks to buy 100 Turkish fighter jets

01/01/2025

audi Arabia is seeking to buy 100 Kaan fighter jets from Turkiye as part of its Vision 2030 plan, Turkish newspaper Milliyet has reported. The fifth-generation Kaan fighter jet was developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), and can perform air-to-air combat missions, as well as conduct precision air to ground strikes at supersonic speeds.

Turkey tries to skirt F-35 fighter jet ban

01/01/2025

In July 2019, during the twilight of the first Trump administration, the Defense Department kicked Turkey out of the F-35 joint strike fighter program. While analysts can debate the wisdom of including Turkey in the F-35 program to start with, its expulsion was warranted: By purchasing Russia’s S-400 anti-aircraft missile system, Turkey put NATO at risk in two ways.

What UK fighter pilots did and didn’t teach China’s PLA

12/31/2024

A clutch of retired British pilots have been banned from re-entering the United Kingdom’s defense sector after they were found to have trained the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in China two years ago. The pilots were among those from the United States, Europe, South Africa and South America who served in a flight training school in Guyuan, Ningxia, China, according to the UK-based Livingston Aerospace Ltd, which was sanctioned by the US in July this year.

China’s mysterious new sixth-generation stealth aircraft likely bombers, not fighters

12/31/2024

You can’t say the Pentagon didn’t warn us. On December 18, the US Defense Department released the latest edition of its Congressionally mandated annual report on Chinese military capabilities. It’s a sobering read detailing the People’s Liberation Army’s breakneck modernisation in space and cyberspace, in the air, on the ground and on and beneath the waves – modernisation clearly meant to equip PLA forces to invade and occupy Taiwan while holding off any US or allied forces.

Houthi attack risk complicates Navy’s calculus on retrieving downed fighter jet, analysts say

12/31/2024

Recovery of a Navy fighter jet recently downed over the Red Sea likely hinges on what’s left of the wreckage and how safely a salvage operation could be pulled off, analysts say. The F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman was shot down by apparent “friendly fire” from the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg on Dec. 22. Although the jet is being phased out, newer Block III versions of it have equipment upgrades that could be a tempting target for adversaries.

Taiwan tracks 23 Chinese military aircraft, 6 naval vessels

12/30/2024

The Ministry of National Defense tracked 23 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Sunday and 6 a.m. on Monday. Sixteen of the 23 People’s Liberation Army aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the country’s northern, southwestern, and eastern air defense identification zone, according to the MND. The Chinese aircraft included fighter jets, bombers, drones, and support aircraft.

Taiwan tracks 7 Chinese military aircraft and 5 ships

12/29/2024

The defense ministry reported seven Chinese military aircraft and five vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. One of the aircraft crossed over the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the country’s northern air defense identification zones, or ADIZ. In response, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor Chinese activity.

India’s 5th-Gen fighter challenge amid China’s 6th-Gen advances

12/29/2024

China unveiled its sixth-generation stealth aircraft, nicknamed the “White Elephant” and unofficially called the J-36, during a test flight that shook global aerospace and defence circles. The tailless, delta-wing design signals Beijing’s push for advanced stealth, endurance, and long-range capabilities—a bold leap into the future of air power.

Austria looks to buy light fighter jet from Italy

12/29/2024

Austria is in negotiations to acquire 12 M-346FA light fighter jets from Italy to replace the Saab 105 aircraft that were retired from service in late 2020. The planned purchase underscores Austria’s efforts to modernize its air force capabilities and maintain a robust defense posture. The Austrian Ministry of Defense confirmed the ongoing discussions with the Italian government, with both sides aiming to finalize the agreement.

Ukraine to use French Mirage jets for ground strikes, not air combat, says Ukrainian pilot

12/28/2024

Ukrainian test pilot reveals French Mirage 2000-5F fighters will primarily launch SCALP missiles against ground targets, working alongside F-16s in a specialized tactical approach. The strategic decision comes as experts acknowledge Russian air superiority capabilities would limit the French jets’ effectiveness in direct air combat.

The first test flight of the new J-20S two-seater stealth fighter of the Chinese Air Force has been recorded

12/28/2024

Although the spotlight yesterday, December 26, was on the new and mysterious stealth aircraft unveiled by China’s aerospace industry, another significant milestone took place. During its test flight, the new aircraft was escorted by the new two-seater version of the fifth-generation J-20 fighter of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), officially designated as the J-20S.

Saudi Arabia eyes up to 100 Turkish Kaan fighter jets as US-made F-35 remains inaccessible.

12/28/2024

According to Ekotrent on December 26, 2024, Saudi Arabia has begun negotiations with Türkiye to acquire 100 Kaan fifth-generation fighter jets. The talks were held during a three-day meeting in Istanbul, where Türkiye's Defense Industry President Haluk Görgün hosted Saudi Arabia's Deputy Defense Minister Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari and Air Force Commander Turki bin Bandar Al Saud. Discussions centered on the potential procurement of the aircraft.