Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Ukrainian Air Force confirms loss of Su-27 fighter jet

12/09/2025

A Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet was lost during a combat mission on December 8 in the eastern region of the country, the Ukrainian Air Force confirmed in a public statement. “At noon on December 8, 2025, in the eastern direction, during the execution of a combat mission in a Su-27 aircraft, the senior navigator of the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Yevhenii Vitaliiovych Ivanov, was killed. The circumstances are being clarified.

Japan rejects China's 'interference' claim amid fighter jet engagement

12/09/2025

Japan on Monday rejected China's claim that interference by Japanese Self-Defense Forces fighter jets during Chinese naval training prompted radar to be locked on the planes, local media reported. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters that the Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) jets kept a "safe distance" from Chinese military aircraft off Japan's southernmost province of Okinawa, according to the Tokyo-based Kyodo News.

In Defense Bill, Congress Rejects Bid to Retire A-10s, F-15Es

12/09/2025

Lawmakers resolving differences in the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization bill want to stop cuts to the Air Force’s combat fleet by blocking scores of planned divestments of aging A-10 and F-15E fighters. The bill, unveiled Dec. 7, rejects the Air Force plan to retire all 162 A-10s still flying along with 21 F-15Es in 2026. If passed into law, the measure would limit divestments this fiscal year to just 59 A-10s and no F-15Es.

Should America Be Worried About Venezuela’s F-16 Fleet? Not Really.

12/09/2025

Before it bought the more modern Su-30MK2 Flanker fighter jet from Russia, Venezuela’s most advanced combat aircraft was the F-16A/B Fighting Falcon. Indeed, the F-16 was the most advanced combat aircraft in the entire region. Purchased during a period of close US-Venezuelan cooperation, the F-16s symbolized Venezuela’s efforts to modernize and align with the US. Yet four decades later, the fleet is a shadow of its former self.

For US$118.8 million, the U.S. authorized the sale of hundreds of GBU-39/B glide bombs for the Republic of Korea Air Force’s fighter jets

12/09/2025

The United States government has authorized the possible sale of hundreds of GBU-39/B SDB-I glide bombs intended to equip the Republic of Korea Air Force’s fighter aircraft. This information comes from one of the most recent notifications submitted by the Department of State to the U.S. Congress in order to approve the operation, which falls under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program and is valued at US$118.8 million.

Proposed defense bill would fund Golden Dome, next-gen fighters

12/09/2025

Congress’ proposed compromise National Defense Authorization Act would authorize $900.6 billion in discretionary defense spending in fiscal 2026, which would be an $8 billion increase over the Pentagon’s budget request this summer.

For US$ 730 million, the U.S. authorizes the sale of more AIM-120C-8 missiles for Denmark’s F-35A fighters

12/08/2025

The United States government has authorized the sale of new AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles to equip the Royal Danish Air Force’s F-35A stealth fighters. This was disclosed in one of the most recent notifications issued by the U.S. Department of State to Congress, approving the operation under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and valued at US$ 730 million.

Norwegian F-35 fighters return home as joint NATO Air Policing Mission in Poland concludes

12/08/2025

Norwegian F-35 fighter aircraft returned to Ørland Air Base on December 1, marking the end of their operational deployment in Poland. The mission formed part of a joint Norwegian–Dutch air readiness commitment under NATO command.

Bangladesh Turns To China For Fighter Jets After Rejecting European Options

12/07/2025

After months of speculation and diplomatic manoeuvres, Bangladesh appears to have made its choice in the race to modernise its air force. Despite earlier interest in European aircraft, Dhaka is now leaning towards a deal with Beijing – a decision that could shift the balance of power in South Asia’s skies.

U.S. Marines Conduct F-35B fighter jet Landing Qualification in Pacific Ocean to Keep Combat Readiness

12/07/2025

The U.S. Marine Corps says pilots and deck crews from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) wrapped up a fresh round of F-35B Lightning II fighter jet deck landing qualifications aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer while underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility. Unit officials described the evolution as a routine but essential step that keeps shipborne aviation procedures sharp, particularly as the MEU prepares for a busy operational cycle across the Pacific.

Chinese fighters target SDF jets with radar lock-on, Japan says

12/07/2025

Chinese J-15 fighter jets launched from the Liaoning aircraft carrier “intermittently directed their radar" at ASDF F-15 fighters, the ministry said early Sunday. The F-15s had been scrambled as a response to a potential airspace intrusion, and came as the Chinese carrier and three missile destroyers were holding exercises.

The Spanish Air Force increases its combat and maritime surveillance capabilities

12/06/2025

The Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Force (JEMA), General Francisco Braco, has revealed that the Spanish Air Force will take delivery of a total of six new aircraft in the first months of 2026: three Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets and three C295 VIGMA maritime surveillance aircraft, and that he is confident in the continuity of the NGWS/FCAS programme for the future European air combat system.

Meteor Air-to-Air Missile Successfully Integrated on U.S. F-35A Stealth Fighter Jet

12/06/2025

MBDA, Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office have completed major ground integration tests to validate safe carriage and release of the Meteor missile from the F-35A’s internal bay. The step positions the program for flight trials and marks a significant shift in NATO air combat reach and readiness.

Argentina receives first six F-16 fighters after ten years without supersonic jets

12/06/2025

Argentina has officially received its first six Lockheed Martin F-16A/BM Fighting Falcon fighters, ending a decade without a supersonic interceptor. The jets landed at the Río IV Material Area on Friday, December 5, after a weeklong trip from Skrydstrup, Denmark, with stopovers in Zaragoza, Gando in Spain, and Natal in Brazil.

Austria signs €1.5bn agreement for 12 of Leonardo’s M-346FA to replace ageing trainers

12/06/2025

The Austrian Ministry of Defence confirmed on 29 November that it has finalised its purchase of 12 M-346FA (Fighter Attack) aircraft from the Italian aerospace/defence manufacturer, Leonardo. The finalisation of this acquisition – which has been inked as a government-to-government agreement – comes almost a year after Vienna initially announced its decision to procure 12 M-346FAs to replace the Austrian Air Force’s now-retired fleet of Cold War-era Saab J105Ö twin-engine jet trainers.

Saab and Airbus co-operate on unmanned fighter technology

12/06/2025

Saab, opens new tab and Airbus, opens new tab are discussing co-operation on unmanned warplane technology, senior executives of the companies told Reuters, a move highlighting surging interest in drones and evolving alliances in Europe's fractured defence industry. The project, revealed in separate CEO interviews at a European industry event this week, focuses on exploring unmanned aircraft to support the current generation of crewed combat jets.

South Korea Starts Domestic Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile Program for the KF-21 Fighter Jet

12/05/2025

South Korea has approved a 435.9 billion won program to develop a homegrown short-range air-to-air missile for the KF-21 Boramae. The effort aims to deepen strategic autonomy and strengthen the fighter's export value as regional demand for advanced aircraft grows.

Ukrainian Intelligence Destroys Russian MiG-29 Fighter Jet in Bold Crimea Strike, Video

12/05/2025

Ukrainian military intelligence forces reportedly carried out a precision operation targeting Russian military infrastructure in temporarily occupied Crimea, destroying a MiG-29 fighter jet at the Kacha airbase and damaging a radar installation near Simferopol, on December 4.

Navy releases investigation on 3 lost planes, including one to friendly fire

12/05/2025

It’s a big deal whenever an aircraft carrier loses a plane during a deployment. In a six-month span while deployed to the Red Sea this year, the USS Harry S. Truman lost three F/A-18 Super Hornets, including one that was accidentally shot down by another Navy ship in a friendly fire incident.

Project Talon: Northrop unveils new loyal wingman drone design

12/05/2025

Northrop Grumman has unveiled a new autonomous combat drone known as Project Talon, with an eye toward dramatically lowering the price point and speeding up the development and manufacture of large uncrewed aircraft.

Saab details Brazilian Gripen E Meteor firings that confirm the fighter’s long range combat edge

12/04/2025

The Brazilian Air Force has completed its first firings of the Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile from the Gripen E, marking an important step in the fighter’s operational development. Saab said the November tests confirmed the aircraft’s long range air combat capability after both missiles hit their designated targets during the BVR X Technical Exercise at Natal Air Base.

Turboprop for Modern Warfare – Super Tucano is Becoming Even More Useful

12/04/2025

The first jet fighters appeared in World War II – yes, that long ago! Soon after, propeller-driven light combat aircraft were pushed to the margins. This process accelerated further with the spread of missile air defense systems. A shoulder-launched missile can eliminate any slow aircraft, so it seems better not to even come on the modern battlefield with a propeller-driven fighter plane.

Air Force F-35 Jets Deploy to Alaska for Arctic War Training

12/04/2025

The exercise was designed to test the 354th Fighter Wing’s ability to rapidly generate, deploy, and sustain its combat aircraft in a near-peer operational environment. F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets have recently been deployed to Alaska to hone their arctic warfare capabilities. The Air Force conducted the exercise to test and validate its Arctic warfare capabilities and prepare for potential combat operations in the High North.

Thunderbirds F-16C Fighting Falcon Crashes in California

12/04/2025

An Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon belonging to the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team crashed this afternoon in California, the Air Force said. “On December 3, 2025, at approximately 10:45 a.m., a Thunderbird pilot safely ejected from a F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft during a training mission over controlled airspace in California,” according to a statement from the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office. “The pilot is in stable condition and receiving follow-on care.”

Finally, the Hellenic Air Force is set to move forward with upgrading its 38 F-16 Block 50 fighters to the Block 70 standard

12/03/2025

Amid various doubts that seemed to point toward purchasing new F-35 fighters at the expense of the upgrade program, the Hellenic Air Force has ultimately decided to continue moving forward with modernizing its fleet of F-16 Block 50 fighters to the Block 70 standard, a fleet that currently consists of around 38 aircraft. According to local media reports, the decision already has the approval of the current Greek government.