Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

A Ukrainian Surface-to-Air Missile Just Shot Down One of Russia's Best Su-35 Fighters

06/08/2025

A Ukrainian air force surface-to-air missile shot down a Russian air force Sukhoi Su-35 over Kursk Oblast in western Russia on Saturday. The twin-engine Su-35 is Russia’s best fighter that’s in widespread use. Initial reports that a Ukrainian Lockheed Martin F-16 shot down the Su-35 were apparently false. “According to updated information, the Su-35 fighter jet that took off from the Borisoglebsk air base was shot down by a surface-to-air missile system,” analysis AviVector corrected.

A Russian oil depot that supplies fuel to military aircraft is on fire, according to satellite images

06/07/2025

Satellite images have confirmed a large-scale fire at an oil depot in Engels, Saratov region. It supplies fuel to a military airfield that was previously attacked by drones. Satellite imagery confirmed a large-scale fire at an oil depot in Engels, Saratov region. This was reported by the "Crimean Wind" monitoring group, reports UNN.

British fighter jets scramble four times to meet Russians

06/07/2025

Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters deployed in Poland were scrambled four times in just seven days to intercept Russian aircraft operating near NATO airspace, according to a Ministry of Defence update. Based at the 22nd Tactical Air Base in Malbork, Poland, RAF Typhoon FGR4 jets from No. II (Army Co-operation) Squadron responded to multiple incidents involving aircraft leaving Kaliningrad without flight plans or radio communication.

The U.S. Air Force is still adding milestones with the new F-15EX Eagle II strike fighter

06/07/2025

The U.S. Air Force continues moving forward steadily with the incorporation of the modern F-15EX Eagle II strike fighter, marking a new milestone with the recent arrival of the fourth unit at the Portland Air National Guard Base, just ahead of the first anniversary of its integration on June 5.

India's air force hampered by aging fleet, delivery delays

06/07/2025

In an unusual public disapproval of India's weapons manufacturing ecosystem, Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Amar Preet Singh lamented the delays plaguing the country's defense projects and urged accountability.

Experimental Operations Unit activated, accelerating Collaborative Combat Aircraft integration

06/07/2025

The 53rd Wing formally activated the Experimental Operations Unit during a ceremony held on June 5 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The unit, which has operated as a detachment since 2023, has now been elevated to a fully operational squadron equivalent, marking a significant step forward in the Department of the Air Force’s focus to deliver substantial operational capability for Collaborative Combat Aircraft Increment 1 before the end of the decade.

Germany boosts F-35 fighter jet strike capability with acquisition of Norwegian stealth JSM missiles

06/06/2025

According to information published by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace on June 5, 2025, the German government has officially selected the Norwegian Joint Strike Missile (JSM) to equip its fleet of F-35 stealth multirole combat aircraft. This government-to-government agreement, approved by the Bundestag on June 4, is valued at approximately NOK 6.5 billion (USD 600 million) and marks a major advancement in transatlantic precision strike capability, with Germany becoming the fifth nation.

Defense ministry evaluates Chinese J-10 Fighter Jet offer

06/06/2025

The Ministry of Defense is studying the potential procurement of China’s J-10 fighter jets, though no official decision has been made, said Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, Donny responded to growing speculation about Indonesia’s interest in acquiring the multirole combat aircraft from China, following a recent visit by Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshal M. Tonny Harjono to the country.

Portuguese Air Force F-16M fighter jets conducted 20 interceptions of combat aircraft belonging to the Russian Armed Forces over the Baltic

06/06/2025

As part of their Baltic Air Policing mission, Portuguese Air Force (FAP) F-16M fighter jets conducted a significant number of interceptions of aircraft belonging to the Russian Armed Forces. The incidents, which occurred between late May and early June, amounted to a total of 20 interceptions involving various types of Russian military aircraft.

Dassault Aviation partners with Tata Advanced Systems to manufacture Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage for India and other global markets

06/06/2025

Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains.

The Big Question Over Fighter-Like Drones: Expendability May Be Preferable

06/06/2025

We’re still feeling our way with this. The concept of fighter-like drones, called collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs), holds much promise to air forces, notably to the US Air Force as it contemplates war with China. But maintaining CCAs in operation isn’t looking cheap and simple. Air forces may instead drift towards getting some CCA effects with expendable drones that can be treated much like rounds of ammunition.

Pentagon Wants To Shift Funds From Navy F/A-XX To USAF F-47: Report

06/06/2025

The U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter program looks to have hit another snag, with the Pentagon reportedly prioritizing the Air Force’s F-47 stealth fighter, amid concerns about how to run the two efforts simultaneously. Already, the F/A-XX was in limbo, with a U.S. official telling TWZ last month that the future of the program was still being reviewed. This came after reports that a contract award for the Navy’s new combat jet could be delayed by as much as three years.

Royal Thai Air Force selects Saab Gripen E/F as next-generation fighter

06/05/2025

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has confirmed its selection of the Saab Gripen E/F as its future multi-role fighter aircraft, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing effort to modernize its air combat capabilities. While a formal contract has not yet been signed, Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) are set to enter the next phase of the procurement process with the Kingdom of Thailand. The number of Gripen E/F aircraft to be ordered.

Czech MoD agrees to extend Gripen fighter jet lease with Sweden

06/05/2025

The Czech Republic Ministry of Defence (MoD) has given its consent to the Swedish proposal to extend the lease of its Saab JAS-39 Gripen multirole fighter aircraft fleet. The agreement, which extends the contract until 2035, received backing from the Minister of Defence’s Collegium. The proposed agreement is set to be submitted to the government for approval.

China has reportedly finalized the sale of the new stealth fighter jet Shenyang J-35A to the Pakistan Air Force

06/05/2025

Just weeks after the most recent military conflict with India came to an end, the Pakistan Air Force is reportedly being bolstered through the purchase of China’s new stealth fighter jet, the Shenyang J-35A, marking a significant leap in capabilities compared to its current JF-17 Thunder Block III and J-10CE fighters. The news was revealed by Pakistani government officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to specialized media outlets.

3 Months After Tragic FA-50 Crash, The Philippines Signs Deal For 12 More Fighter Jets, Doubling Its Fleet

06/05/2025

Amid rising security challenges in the South China Sea and Beijing’s increasing muscle flexing, the Philippines has decided to double its fleet of South Korean FA-50 fighter jets, signing a contract for 12 additional aircraft, following its initial purchase of 12 jets in 2014.

U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX 6th Generation Fighter Gets Funding Boost, Enters DOT&E’s Operational Test and Live Fire Evaluations

06/05/2025

The U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX has transitioned from its long standing Developmental Test and Evaluation period to a combination of Developmental Testing (DT), Operational Testing (OT), and Live Fire (LF) evaluation last month within the the Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation amid rumors of cancellations and contract awards. The transition occurred between December 2024 and April 2025—in the first quarter of FY2025.

The Marine Corps' oldest flying squadron flew its last Harrier jump jet flight as the unit's pilots ready to fly new F-35 stealth fighters

06/04/2025

The Marine Corps will soon rebrand a storied aviation squadron as its pilots switch to a new jet designed for next-level warfare. Amid ongoing changes to the Corps, the North Carolina-based Marine Attack Squadron 231 will be renamed "Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 231." The squadron, identified as the service's oldest flying squadron, was formed just after World War I, and it adopted the Harrier jump jet in the mid-1980s.

Operation Spiderweb shows how small $30k drones deliver big blows to Russia's $7 billion fighter jets

06/04/2025

Ukraine struck at the heart of Russia’s air power on 1 June in one of its most daring operations of the war—codenamed Operation Spiderweb. Over 100 low-cost, first-person-view (FPV) drones hit air bases in five Russian regions, damaging at least 41 military aircraft including Tu-95, Tu-22M, and A-50 strategic planes.

China makes progress in development of KJ-3000 early warning aircraft to detect US stealth fighter jets

06/04/2025

As reported by Forca Aera on June 2, 2025, a high-resolution image captured the first known prototype of China’s KJ-3000 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft at an undisclosed airbase, confirming its configuration and serial number 7821. The aircraft appears coated in primer paint and is equipped with a prominent radar dome mounted atop the rear fuselage, a dorsal array of antennas, and an aerial refueling probe above the cockpit.

Belgium May Acquire 21 more F-35A Fighters to Fulfill NATO Defense Requirements

06/03/2025

According to information published by De Morgen on June 2, 2025, the Belgian government is preparing to finalize a strategic order for 21 additional F-35A fighter aircraft, bringing its total fleet to 55 units. This move is part of a broader €36 billion investment plan aimed at modernizing the country’s armed forces by 2035. Scheduled ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, the decision is intended to demonstrate Belgium’s commitment to meeting Alliance standards.

Air Force designates two Mission Design Series for collaborative combat aircraft

06/03/2025

The U.S. Air Force announced the designation of two Mission Design Series within its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program today: the YFQ-42A (General Atomics) and the YFQ-44A (Anduril). Representing the first in a new generation of uncrewed fighter aircraft, both will be crucial in securing air superiority for the Joint Force in future conflicts. These aircraft are designed to leverage autonomous capabilities and crewed-uncrewed teaming to defeat enemy threats in contested environments.

GCAP programme: EU approves UK–Italy–Japan joint venture for sixth-generation fighter jet

06/03/2025

The European Union has given formal approval to a joint venture involving BAE Systems (Holdings) Limited, Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd, and Leonardo S.p.A. The newly formed company will act as the prime contractor and lead systems integrator for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

Army designates MV-75 as mission design series for Future Long Range Assault Aircraft

06/02/2025

The U.S. Army has officially designated MV-75 as the mission design series for its Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, a key modernization effort aimed at fielding the next generation of vertical lift tactical assault and utility aircraft for the Army and U.S. Special Operations Command.

What Russian Air Force Fighter Jets Are Flying Over Ukraine?

06/02/2025

Now that US president Donald Trump has appeared to set a two-week deadline for his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to cease advances in its Ukraine invasion, all eyes are on the Kremlin to see if this ongoing war could finally see an end after three long years. Moscow escalated attacks targeting civilian centers in Kyiv this month, suggesting Putin may not be that serious about slowing down the violent barrages that continue to kill scores of soldiers and civilians on both sides of the conf