Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

To boost Make in India, IAF shelves plan to buy 48 Russian Mi-17 V5s

04/17/2022

Amid a strong push by the government for indigenisation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has shelved its plan to buy 48 additional Mi-17 V5 medium-lift helicopters from Russia. India had signed a deal with Russia about 10 years ago for the procurement of 80 Mi-17V5s that have been inducted in batches into the force and these 48 were planned to be inducted into the force and other aviation agencies who don’t want it anymore.

Japan Scrambled Fighter Jets to Intercept Foreign Aircraft Over 1,000 Times in FY2021

04/17/2022

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) scrambled its fighter aircraft 1,004 times in fiscal year 2021 (FY 2021) in response to foreign military aircraft approaching the country’s airspace. That marked the second-highest total recorded in a year since such operations began in 1958, providing an indication of rising regional tensions.

CHINA / MILITARY PLA drills around Taiwan targeted at US lawmakers’ visit, rehearse ‘real action’ once necessary

04/17/2022

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command on Friday organized multi-services and arms, dispatching forces including destroyers, frigates, bombers and fighters, and conducted joint combat alert patrols and drills including maritime assault, in the forefront of the East China Sea and in waters and aerial areas around the island of Taiwan, when a group of US lawmakers were visiting the island.

The Russian Defense Industry: A Distressed Brand – Analysis

04/16/2022

The war in Ukraine has damaged the reputation of Russian arms. Heavy armor has proved especially vulnerable, but other weapons have also not performed to standard. The future, moreover, is bleak. Due to crushing Western sanctions, Russia’s defense technological and industrial base, which is already plagued by debt, will now fare even worse.

Russia’s combat losses reach almost 20,000 personnel - General Staff

04/16/2022

According to Ukrinform, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said this in a statement posted on Facebook. The total estimated losses of the enemy, from February 24 to April 15, are also: tanks – 756, armored combat vehicles – 1,976, artillery systems - 366, fuel tanks - 76, air defense means - 66, aircraft - 163, helicopters - 144, vehicles – 1,443, ships/boats - 8, UAVs of the operational and tactical level – 135, special equipment – 25, and mobile SRBM systems – 4.

On the Moskva, think like Helen Mirren

04/16/2022

The sinking of Russia’s ‘Moskva’ cruiser is a big symbolic win for Ukraine, but does very little to change the course of the war. Experts NatSec Daily spoke to since the Kremlin confirmed the news say the Slava-class ship had minimal land-attack capability and was fitted with dated systems. Its main utility was gunning Ukrainian lands like Snake Island — a replaceable capability — taking on carrier strike groups, and protecting nearby Russian ships with its air defenses.

Going Nordic: What NATO membership would mean for Finland and Sweden

04/16/2022

As they watch Russia unleash total war against a European neighbor, Sweden and Finland seem to agree: It’s finally time to join NATO. With public opinion turning strongly in favor, both countries are inching closer toward formally joining the Alliance. Just this week, their prime ministers publicly telegraphed their strong support for such a move, though Finland appears more certain than Sweden and likely to move first.

Losses in Ukraine Won’t Change Russian Threat or USAF Posture, Brown Says

04/16/2022

Russia’s mounting losses of conventional equipment in the Ukraine war—and its likely inability to replace that hardware anytime soon, due to economic sanctions—won’t substantively change how the U.S. views the threat from that country, according to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. That’s because the threats posed by Russia’s nuclear, chemical, and biological capabilities remain unchanged.

Romania Should Give The MiG-21 Lancers It Just Grounded To Ukraine

04/16/2022

Ukraine's frantic hunt for more fighter aircraft continues as Russia's invasion rolls into its eighth week. Deals to replenish the Ukrainian Air Force with Soviet-era aircraft that are familiar to operate and easy to maintain have come and gone. While there is still hope that the embattled country can get additional MiG-29s from a NATO neighbor, progress toward such an arrangement has been slow and has been dogged by military readiness and geopolitical issues.

#BuyMeAFighterJet – Ukraine’s Latest Crowdfunding Appeal For A Fighter Jet Takes Internet By Storm

04/16/2022

Tired of the wait, Ukrainians have begun the #buymeafighterjet campaign to crowdfund the restocking of the nation’s fighter force. A video began circulating on April 14 featuring a Ukrainian Pilot wearing a helmet with the visor down and begins with the pilot walking in front of a MiG-29 that appears to be damaged, after which he appeals to the viewers for donations so that Ukraine can procure operational fighter jets.

Explosions heard in Kyiv after damaged Russian warship sinks

04/15/2022

Powerful explosions were heard in Kyiv early on Friday, and air raid sirens blared across Ukraine as residents braced for new Russian attacks after Moscow's lead warship in the Black Sea sank following a fire. The explosions appeared to be among the most significant in Ukraine's capital region since Russian troops pulled back from the area earlier this month in preparation for battles in the south and east.

What Finland Can Offer NATO

04/15/2022

These days, Finland—which shares an 800-mile border with Russia—has collectively proved itself such a brave soldier that NATO is expected to receive its membership application with open arms. As Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced this week, Finland will decide whether to apply within weeks.

Chinese J-20 Stealth Fighters Start Conducting ‘Combat Patrols’ To Counter F-35, F-22 Raptor Deployment – Military Expert

04/15/2022

The latest move came after US Pacific Air Forces Commander General Kenneth Wilsbach revealed in mid-March that US F-35 stealth fighter jets had a close encounter with China’s J-20 stealth fighter jets over the East China Sea. The Global Times reported that the J-20 has been conducting combat patrols in the East China Sea and alert patrols in the South China Sea after switching to domestically made engines.

NATO Intercepts of Russian Aircraft Near Poland’s Skies Increasing

04/15/2022

Russia is increasingly harassing NATO aircraft near Polish air space, reinforcing the need for both Polish and NATO air policing, including various U.S. Air Force assets, a senior Polish Air Force official told Air Force Magazine. “The current situation brings more tension—more risk—and it’s definitely more serious for the whole NATO community,” Polish Chief of the Air Force Directorate Brig. Gen. Ireneusz Nowak said via videoconference.

Air Force’s nuclear modernization bill is cramping fighter jet procurement

04/15/2022

With two major nuclear programs ramping up, the Air Force had to make hard choices on fighter procurement in fiscal 2023, the Air Force’s top officer said. After three budgets where Air Force fighter buying soared to heights of more than 60 aircraft per year, the service requested 33 Lockheed Martin F-35As and 24 Boeing F-15EXs in FY23, for a total of 57 jets.

Russian warship Moskva has sunk - defence ministry

04/15/2022

Moskva, the flagship of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, was being towed to port when "stormy seas" caused it to sink, according to a ministry message. The 510-crew missile cruiser was a symbol of Russia's military power, leading its naval assault on Ukraine. Kyiv says its missiles hit the warship. Moscow has not reported any attack. It says the vessel sank after a fire.

There's no diplomatic path to end Russia's assault on Ukraine, Polish diplomat says

04/14/2022

Next door to Ukraine, Poland has become a key player in Russia's war. As a member of the European Union and NATO, it is a strategic center of gravity for military and humanitarian aid, and it has welcomed Ukrainians who have fled. Yesterday, I sat down with Poland's ambassador to the United States. Marek Magieroweski said Poland is trying to integrate about 2.7 million refugees as quickly as possible.

Ukraine and General Atomics discuss Reaper and Predator drones delivery

04/14/2022

Ukraine officials met with General Atomics to negotiate the potential acquisition of Reaper and Predator armed drones. As the country continues to defend itself from Russia’s invasion, members of the Ukrainian government appeal to foreign partners to receive more equipment and ammunition. Oleksii Reznikov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine, detailed on Twitter the needs of the armed forces: air defense systems, unmanned aircraft, tanks, artillery, combat aircraft, and anti-ship missiles.

Saab to Upgrade Swedish Gripen Combat Aircraft

04/14/2022

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration has awarded a $53 million contract to conglomerate Saab to modernize the country’s JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft. As part of the agreement, the company will provide capability improvements to the aircraft and maintain its operational relevance until the mid-2030s. Saab will also provide cost-effective solutions to help sustain the Gripen for a longer period.

Ukraine’s anti-aircraft missile units destroyed 300 air targets since Russian invasion started

04/13/2022

The Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have downed 300 enemy air targets since the Russian invasion started. The relevant statement was made by the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. On April 12, 2022, in eastern and southern Ukraine, most affected by Russia’s air strikes, the weather was rather unsafe for completing air tasks and, thus, the intensity of enemy aircraft operations was low.

Draken Will Provide Red Air Services To The Royal Air Force

04/13/2022

The Royal Air Force awarded a six-year contract to Draken to provide aggressor aircraft to support the training of Typhoon and F-35B pilots, replicating the tactics, techniques and procedures of potential adversaries. This is the first such contract placed in the United Kingdom, although a similar service is currently being delivered by Draken International and other contractors to the United States Air Force.

Ukraine Situation Report: Slovakia Donating MiG-29 Fighters Is Fine By The U.S.

04/13/2022

The U.S. government has no objections to Slovakia transferring its fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter jets to Ukraine, a senior American defense official said today. This comes after a previous plan to give Poland's MiG-29s to the Ukrainian Air Force collapsed after authorities in the United States said they would not directly facilitate the delivery of the fighters via an American base in Germany.

Air Force positions autonomous drones, networked weapon systems as top priorities

04/13/2022

The Air Force is asking Congress for more than $100 million in additional R&D funding for autonomous drones and networked weapon systems as the Pentagon pursues more cost-effective ways to match up against China. The technology is a top priority for Air Force leaders as they look toward the future operating environment and fiscal constraints that will limit the number of manned planes that the service can buy for Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) and other programs.

The German F-35 Decision and Its Cascading Effects on German Defense

04/13/2022

At the end of February 2022, the German chancellor announced a new way ahead with regard to German defense and the immediacy required for upgrading German defense capabilities. Relatively shortly after that the German government announced a decision to acquire F-35s to replace their gaining Tornados, which provides the current nuclear option for Germany.

Indiana's Guard Swapped its F-16s for A-10s a Decade Ago. Now the Air Force Wants to Send F-16s Back.

04/12/2022

In the fall of 2010, the Indiana Air National Guard took on the task of replacing its old, 1990s-era F-16 Fighting Falcons at the Fort Wayne airfield with a fresh fleet of A-10 Warthogs.The A-10, a larger aircraft at 53 feet, 4 inches long with a 57 foot, 6-inch wingspan, has been in service with the U.S. military since the 1970s. It was used extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing close-air support for troops as it lumbered above at a max speed of 420 miles per hour.