Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

China's 6th-Gen J-36 Aircraft Joins 5th-Gen J-20 Stealth Jet Marking New Era in Air Superiority

11/02/2025

Footage dated Oct. 31 shows China’s experimental J-36 stealth aircraft flying in formation with a J-20 near Chengdu, indicating paired testing with an operational fifth-generation fighter. If sustained, this points to mixed-generation strike packages and manned teaming concepts that matter for U.S. planning in the Indo-Pacific.

The Great U.S. Air Force Reboot Is Coming

11/02/2025

At first glance, the U.S. Air Force looks overstretched: old fleets, tight budgets, sliding deliveries. Look closer and it’s a deliberate pivot from industrial-age mass to sixth-generation, networked power. NGAD as the manned “quarterback,” B-21 for penetrating strike, and Collaborative Combat Aircraft to scout, jam, and shoot turn airpower from counting jets to syncing ecosystems.

KAI KF-21 to gain ground-attack capability ahead of schedule

11/01/2025

The Korea Aerospace Industries KF-21 BORAMAE 4.5 generation combat fighter will gain ground-attack capability ahead of schedule. Durign ADEX 2025, a company official told FW MAG that KAI remains “on track to complete all flight-test activities for the KF-21 by June 2026.” The first aircraft to be delivered to the Republic of Korea Air Force will be Block 1 variants capable of Air-to-Air engagements only.

The U.S. Air Force Could Soon Flex A Massive Amount Of New Fighter Jets

11/01/2025

An unclassified Air Force plan says the service needs 1,558 combat-coded fighters by 2035—about a 22% jump from the projected 1,271 in FY26—to meet the administration’s defense guidance. The roadmap leans on accelerating F-35A and F-15EX buys (while retiring A-10s and older F-15/16s), but flags funding and supply-chain risks.

Anduril’s drone wingman begins flight tests

11/01/2025

The second of the U.S. Air Force’s two prototype drone wingmen, known as collaborative combat aircraft, began flight testing Friday, the service said. Anduril’s YFQ-44A drone carried out its first flight at an unidentified California test location Friday, the Air Force said. It follows the first flight of its General Atomics-made counterpart, the YFQ-42A, which took place in August.

Maduro asks Putin for aid as U.S. military buildup continues

11/01/2025

Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro asked his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to supply missiles, radars, and modern combat aircraft, citing the ongoing U.S. naval asset buildup in the Caribbean, The Washington Post reported on Oct. 31.

South Korea in Talks to Supply KF-21 fighter jets to the Philippines

10/31/2025

South Korea is in active negotiations to sell KF-21 Boramae multirole fighter to the Philippines, according to reports from the Seoul International Aerospace & Defence Exhibition that was held at Seoul Air Base on October 19. Korea Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) efforts aims to expand its regional market presence. The Philippine Air Force currently operates the FA-50 light fighter and has recently requested more units.

Former US fighter pilot warns America's airpower edge is slipping as China builds a bigger, more capable, and readier force

10/31/2025

America's air dominance is slipping, a former US Air Force pilot and airpower expert said recently, echoing some concerns raised by senior officers. US military officials have long been concerned about the US Air Force's aging and shrinking fleet, especially as China's air force not only grows in size but also in combat capability and readiness.

US Air Force says it needs 1,500 more fighters to meet future threats

10/31/2025

The US Air Force says it needs to grow its fighter fleet by another 1,500-plus aircraft over the next decade to meet national defense requirements, according to a new report submitted to Congress. The unclassified, 10-year plan calls for a total of 1,558 combat-ready fighters, up from the current projection of 1,271 aircraft in fiscal year 2026. The increase would require faster production of F-15EX and F-35A jets and continued modernization of existing aircraft.

Dassault Aviation ‘ready’ to supply Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine

10/31/2025

Ukraine is now exploring the acquisition of Dassault Rafale fighter jets, adding France to its growing list of partners as it works to rebuild a modern and diverse combat fleet. The move follows ongoing F-16 deliveries and renewed discussions with Sweden over the Saab Gripen E/F.

Air Force’s 10-year fighter jet report is missing key details, experts say

10/31/2025

A new report to Congress pitching the Air Force’s 10-year fighter jet plan is missing key details and explanations, raising questions and concerns among defense experts. The 24-page document details Air Force Secretary Troy Meink’s support of the interim defense strategy’s mandate “to protect the homeland, deter our adversaries, and project decisive airpower” by purchasing more F-15EXs, F-35s and F-47 aircraft.

Sweden's Saab considering Canada for its Gripen jet assembly

10/30/2025

The Swedish defence firm Saab is considering Canada as a place to assemble Gripen fighter jets as it moves to quickly ramp up production to meet demand from Ukraine. Saab's CEO Micael Johansson said in recent interviews with financial news publications that Kyiv's interest in purchasing more than 100 Gripen fighter jets would double the defence company's production requirements.

Beyond the Eurofighter: Turkey Has Big Plans for Its Air Force

10/30/2025

Turkey is bolstering its defense capabilities across the board. From building up its domestic production industry to procuring a wide range of military systems, including fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, and missiles, Ankara has its eyes focused on strength. Earlier this month, Turkish officials revealed Ankara’s intentions to purchase 20 Eurofighter Typhoons in a deal with the United Kingdom.

Ukraine Unveils Combat Jet Drone Concept at Global Summit in the Philippines

10/30/2025

Ukraine has unveiled a concept model of its jet-powered unmanned aircraft, the Fighter Aircraft FA v1, during the Drone Warfare Summit held in Subic Bay, Philippines, according to Defence Blog on October 27. The three-day event, running from October 27 to 29, was the first of its kind in the Philippines and gathered defense officials, manufacturers, and military representatives from across the Indo-Pacific.

Polish Fighter Jets Intercept Russian Spy Plane Over Baltic Sea

10/30/2025

Polish MiG-29 fighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 spy plane over the Baltic Sea on October 28 and escorted it out of the area. Poland’s Operational Command of the Armed Forces reported that the plane did not violate Polish airspace but was flying without a flight plan and with its transponder switched off.

Spain approves €3.12 bln deal for 45 Turkish-built Hurjet aircraft

10/30/2025

The Spanish government has approved a €3.12 billion agreement for the acquisition of 45 Hurjet training aircraft, designed and manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The Hurjet, a single-engine advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft, will be produced at TAI’s facilities in Turkey.

China’s new combat jet spotted in test flight

10/29/2025

China has conducted the maiden flight of a new jet trainer aircraft, as shown in recently published images circulating on Chinese social media. The prototype aircraft was spotted during pre-flight preparations and later airborne, marking its debut in the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s expanding aviation program.

ECRS Mk1 Adds Key Capabilities to Eurofighter Tranche 5

10/29/2025

In a formal ceremony, NETMA and Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH signed the contract for 20 new Eurofighter Tranche 5 for the German Air Force. The aircraft will be equipped with the newly developed ECRS Mk1 radar (Eurofighter Common Radar System Mark 1) developed by HENSOLDT and Indra, as is already the case with the Quadriga fleet. The new radar provides Eurofighter with unique detection capabilities indispensable for the future air combat environment.

Zelenskyy confirms Rafale fighter jet talks with France as Ukraine eyes three-fighter strategy

10/29/2025

Ukraine is in talks with France on the possible supply of Rafale fighter jets, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on 28 October, Militarnyi reports. The French-made multirole Rafales could become a new component of Ukraine’s air fleet as the country transitions away from its aging Soviet aircraft during the Russian invasion.

ANALYSIS: Ukraine Plans 250-Aircraft Fighter Fleet, Prioritizes Swedish Gripens – Zelensky

10/29/2025

Ukraine is working to build a fleet of 250 modern fighter aircraft, including F-16s, Swedish Gripens, and French Rafales, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday. The program is part of Ukraine’s long-term strategy to modernize the Ukrainian Air Force (UAF) and strengthen national security.

Korean Air, Lockheed Martin to Maintain US Military Aircraft in Asia

10/29/2025

Korean Air has signed a partnership framework with Lockheed Martin to maintain and repair American military aircraft stationed across the Indo-Pacific. Announced in Goyang, the deal supports the Pentagon’s Regional Sustainment Framework, which aims to improve combat readiness by moving plane repairs and upgrades closer to where US and allied forces operate.

Russia says it has tested nuclear-powered Burevestnik missile

10/28/2025

Russia has tested the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, Moscow's top general has said. "We have launched a multi-hour flight of a nuclear-powered missile and it covered a 14,000km (8,700-mile) distance, which is not the limit," Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov told President Vladimir Putin in a televised meeting. The low-flying experimental weapon, first announced in 2018, has been hailed as having a potentially unlimited range and the ability to evade missile defences.

Northrop Grumman integrates next-gen radar and EW systems to boost F-16 combat capability

10/28/2025

Northrop Grumman has combined two advanced technologies—its Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) and Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) AESA radar—to enhance the F-16 fighter jet’s survivability and lethality. The systems were designed to operate together, sharing the same portion of the electromagnetic spectrum without interference or performance loss.

Philippines looks to buy KF-21 fighter jets

10/28/2025

The Philippines is in talks with South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for additional fighter jet acquisitions, as reported by South China Morning Post on Monday. The discussions come on the heels of the Seoul International Aerospace & Defence Exhibition 2025, where KAI showcased its KF-21 Boramae multirole fighter.

Jets Converge on Tyndall for Major Exercise, Despite Shutdown

10/28/2025

Dozens of fighter jets gathered at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida last week to kick off one of the service’s biggest air combat exercises—even as much of the government remains in shutdown. More than 50 aircraft and 500 personnel are participating in Checkered Flag 26-1, which began Oct. 21 and runs through Nov. 6. USAF is flying F-16, F-22, and F-35A fighters, and the U.S. Marine Corps and Royal Australian Air Force are contributing F-35C and E-7 aircraft, respectively.