Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Kenya in need of capable air superiority aircraft

11/16/2024

The Kenyan Air Force (KAF) is in urgent need of a capable air superiority aircraft to replace its aging fleet of F-5s, acquired decades ago as a stop-gap measure for air defense and aerial control. Over the years, there has been no replacement in sight, despite the clear need for modernization.

Norwegian F-35s called into action as NATO scrambles jets after Russian aircraft spotted off Norway and over Baltic Sea

11/16/2024

Norwegian F-35s were called into action on Tuesday as NATO scrambled jets in response to Russian aircraft "not adhering to international norms," NATO's Air Command said in a post on X. Italy's air force intercepted a Russian Coot-A plane flying over the Baltic Sea, while the Norwegian F-35s identified multiple Russian aircraft off the coast of Norway, NATO Air Command said.

Iran Expands Airbase Infrastructure to Host russian Su-35 Fighters (Satellite Images)

11/16/2024

Recent satellite imagery from September 2024 has unveiled the construction of large arched shelters at the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force’s 3rd Tactical Air Base near Hamadan. These structures, measuring approximately 25 meters by 30 meters, appear oversized for the F-4 Phantom aircraft currently stationed there. This suggests that Iran is building these shelters to house russian Su-35S fighters, which perfectly match the dimensions.

RAF jets scrambled to Russian military aircraft spotted close to UK airspace

11/16/2024

RAF fighter jets were scrambled to a Russian military aircraft spotted flying close to UK airspace. Two Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray took to the skies over the North Sea to closely monitor an approaching Russian Bear-F aircraft on Thursday, the Ministry of Defence said.

The U.S. Air Force will retire its last A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft from South Korea in 2025

11/15/2024

Through an official statement issued on November 12, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) confirmed it will retire its last A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft from South Korea in 2025. Osan Air Base will be the last overseas base maintaining this type of aircraft in operation. Specifically, a fleet of 24 units stationed there will begin to be withdrawn starting in January.

To Whom Was russia Able to Sell its Su-57, If Indeed It Was Able to After 16 Years of Trying

11/15/2024

Alexander Mikheev, the head of the Rosoboronexport - a russian state-owned company focused on the trade of russian weapons on the international market, said that currently there are already "signed contracts" for the export of the Su-57 stealth multirole fighter aircraft (NATO reporting name: Felon). This news was extremely unexpected, especially given the fact that russian weapons are actively losing their traditional markets.

US F-35Cs complete first known combat mission

11/15/2024

Lockheed Martin F-35C fighters from the US Marine Corps took part in recent US air strikes against targets in Yemen, marking the first known combat flight for the carrier-based variant of the prolific multi-role stealth fighter. The strikes, which took place on 9 and 10 November, involved a number of platforms, including F-35Cs and unspecified US Air Force (USAF) assets, according to the Pentagon.

Russia Inks First Su-57 Supersonic Fighter Jet Export Deals

11/15/2024

Russia’s Rosoboronexport has revealed its first export contracts for the Sukhoi Su-57 supersonic aircraft for foreign military customers. The state-run company verified the sales at an aerospace exhibit in China, where the aircraft was also displayed for the first time outside the federation’s territory. “The system of military-technical cooperation should bring new types of weapons and military equipment to the market,” Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheye commented during the event.

Germany took step toward clearing Turkey's Eurofighter jet buy, Turkish official says

11/15/2024

Germany has mandated its sales authority to work on the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey after initially being opposed to the move, a Turkish defence ministry source said on Thursday, but added this did not mean the process was concluded. Last year, Ankara said it was in talks with the Eurofighter consortium members Britain and Spain to buy 40 Typhoons, though Germany objected to the idea. It has since complained of a lack of progress on the issue over Berlin's reluctance.

Implications of the Air Force’s Suspension of NGAD

11/14/2024

Earlier this year, the Air Force put its planned Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Fighter on hold. NGAD is a critical element in the Air Force’s plan to maintain air dominance. Several reasons were given by Air Force officials for the suspension, including cost; yet this action is symptomatic of problems that the U.S. military is facing due to decades of defense underfunding.

Spain's Order For Eurofighters Opens Second Chance For Ukraine to Get Used F/A-18

11/13/2024

Spain's plans to decommission its F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft could be an opportunity for Ukraine to strengthen its air force. A total of 80 jets are nearing the end of service life, waiting to be replaced by new Eurofighter Typhoon multirole fighters. A new deal on 25 additional Eurofighters potentially frees up to two squadrons of aging yet operable aircraft that could become a powerful reinforcement to Ukraine's air combat capabilities

Norway receives new F-35A fighters to strengthen air force capabilities

11/13/2024

Two new F-35A fighter jets arrived at Ørland Air Station on Friday afternoon, joining Norway’s expanding fleet. The aircraft landed at 15:30, with two more F-35s scheduled to arrive in the coming days from the Lockheed Martin production facility in the United States.

UK ‘needs’ GCAP future fighter to counter growth of Russian and Chinese stealth jets: Air Chief

11/13/2024

The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) must press forward with the multinational Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to deliver a next generation fighter jet if it wants to take a stand against the “proliferation” of Russian and Chinese stealth aircraft, according to the head of the service.

The U.S. Air Force Has Much Bigger Plans Than NGAD Fighters

11/13/2024

The U.S. Air Force is pursuing advanced modernization programs, including the NGAD sixth-generation fighter, CCA drone swarms, and the NGAS refueling system, to maintain air superiority amid potential conflict with China. However, the high costs of these programs are prompting difficult funding decisions.

Saab proposes sale of Gripen fighter jets to Colombia, eyes Peru deal

11/12/2024

Saab has made an offer to Colombia for the proposed purchase of an undisclosed number of Gripen fighter jets and is looking at a potential deal for the sale of the jets to Peru, the CEO of the Swedish defense firm told Reuters on Monday. A Swedish public radio station reported last week, citing unnamed sources, that Colombia would buy a fleet of JAS Gripen jets made by Saab, which has a production line in neighboring Brazil.

Taiwan wants to buy F-35 fighter jets and Patriot missiles to show Trump it's serious: report

11/12/2024

Taiwan may buy a US weapons package worth more than $15 billion to show President-elect Donald Trump it is serious about defending itself against China. According to the Financial Times, the package could include 60 F-35 fighter jets, four Advanced Hawkeyes, 10 retired warships, and 400 Patriot missiles.

The UAC claims to be ready to produce and offer the export version of the Russian Aerospace Forces’ Su-57 fighter to new foreign partners

11/12/2024

Against the backdrop of the Zhuhai Airshow, to be held in China from November 12 to 17, executives from United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) have announced that the company is ready to produce and offer the export version of the Su-57 stealth fighter, which currently equips the Russian Aerospace Forces, to foreign partners.

F-21: The F-16 Fighter That Could Be Built Specifically for India

11/11/2024

The F-21, an advanced iteration of Lockheed Martin’s F-16, has been offered to the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a tailored "Make in India" opportunity in partnership with Tata. Showcasing features like an F-35-style cockpit, AESA radar, and compatibility with IAF’s Russian tankers, the F-21 aims to outclass existing Russian MiG-29s in the IAF's fleet.

After J-35 Stealth Fighter, China’s Another “Stealth Aircraft” Emerges Ahead Of The Zhuhai Air Show

11/11/2024

China has unveiled multiple mysterious, big-ticket military equipment ahead of the Zhuhai Air Show. After the J-35A stealth combat aircraft, photographs of the new model of China’s long-awaited ‘CH-7’ stealth drone have struck the internet like lightning.

Brazil-Sweden agreement: FAB to get more Gripen fighters and Sweden starts purchase of the C-390 Millennium

11/10/2024

Brazil and Sweden took a firm step towards the conclusion of an agreement that will allow the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) to increase its inventory of JAS-39 Gripen E/F fighters, while the Swedish Air Force will incorporate the Brazilian C-390 Millennium as a new military transport aircraft, replacing its aging C-130 Hercules.

F-22, F-35 and Maybe Even NGAD Fighters Could Someday Get 'Stealth Tankers'

11/10/2024

Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works has revealed concept imagery for the KC-Z, a next-generation stealth aerial refueling tanker that may be piloted or unmanned. The KC-Z aims to support stealth aircraft such as the F-35, with anticipated readiness in the 2030s to 2040s.

After B-21 Raider, World’s 2nd Sixth-Generation Combat Aircraft Project Gets Green Light From British PM

11/10/2024

The next-generation Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) being developed by the trilateral alliance of the UK, Japan, and Italy has received a green light from London. If all goes according to plan, this grouping could unveil the world’s second sixth-generation aircraft unless China springs some surprise.

The Russian Air Force Is 'Dropping Like Flies' in the Ukraine War

11/09/2024

Despite increased production of Su-35 and Su-57 fighters, Russia's Su-35 "Flanker-E" has struggled in Ukraine. Originally designed to rival American fourth-generation jets, the Su-35 boasts a range of missiles, electronic warfare capabilities, and powerful weaponry.

Air Force places a $30 million order to Northrop Grumman for additional AESA airborne radar systems for F-16

11/09/2024

U.S. Air Force aerial warfare experts are ordering additional modern active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for F-16 jet fighter aircraft under terms of an $30 million order announced in September.

Report to Congress on Air Force Next-Generation Air Dominance Fighter

11/08/2024

U.S. Air Force officials say they have paused a contract award for the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter as they rethink the aircraft’s requirements. NGAD is an advanced fighter jet intended to replace the stealthy F-22 Raptor. According to the Air Force, NGAD is also a “family of systems,” enabling air superiority, defined as the ability to operate without threat of attack, even in highly contested environments.