Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

How F-35 Tech Turned The ‘Old’ F-16 Into A New Killer Jet

11/19/2025

Born in the 1970s, the F-16 should be aging out. Instead, a sweeping Service Life Extension Program and F-35–grade tech have effectively rebuilt the jet for modern war. Structural upgrades and new systems push service life toward 12,000 hours, while an AESA radar lets pilots track dozens of targets at far greater ranges. A revamped cockpit, added automation, and the F-16V’s high-def displays, new data bus, EW suite, and helmet cueing all sharpen lethality.

Russia’s Su-57 Fighter Jet Just Made Its Debut over the Middle East

11/19/2025

Russia is attempting to drum up Arab interest in the Su-57 Felon through impressive aerial displays in the skies over Dubai. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Russia’s state-run military aviation conglomerate, announced that Hero of Russia test pilot Sergey Bogdan, the chief pilot of the Sukhoi Design Bureau, was at the controls of the Sukhoi Su-57E (NATO reporting name “Felon”) at this week’s Dubai Airshow 2025, which kicked off on Monday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

What to know about the F-35 fighter jet that Trump is selling to Saudi Arabia

11/19/2025

President Donald Trump says he has agreed to sell the nation’s most advanced fighter jet to Saudi Arabia despite concerns that China could gain access to the plane’s vaunted American technology. The sale to the Middle Eastern nation, whose top trading partner is China, was reaffirmed Tuesday during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington.

Airpower on display at the Dubai Airshow 2025

11/19/2025

The Dubai Airshow 2025 roared to life this week as American air power took a leading role, captivating attendees with aerial demonstrations featuring the venerable B-52 Stratofortress, the cutting-edge F-35 Lightning II, the versatile F-16 Fighting Falcon and the capable U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon. The displays highlighted the United States’ commitment to regional security and underscored the unmatched capabilities of American air power.

Saudi Arabia weighs U.S. F-15EX and F-35 fighter jets to build Middle East's most powerful air force

11/18/2025

As reported by Aviation Week on November 16, 2025, Saudi Arabia is once again at the center of Boeing’s export strategy as the company promotes the F-15EX Eagle II as a candidate for the Kingdom’s next fighter jet review. Ahead of the Dubai Airshow, Boeing indicated that it aims to secure new F-15EX orders in the Middle East and that Saudi Arabia remains a primary focus for both upgrades of existing F-15C/D airframes and possible new-build acquisitions.

Ukrainian Mirage 2000 Fighter Jet Displays Six Russian Cruise Missile Kill Markings

11/18/2025

On 17 November 2025, the Ukrainian Air Force published a new video on its official X account showing a Mirage 2000 on an active combat mission. The clip is accompanied by the caption: “Mirage 2000 of the Ukrainian Air Force flies on a combat mission, awaiting good news from France.” The short sequence offers an unusually clear view of the aircraft, its weapons loadout and a series of kill markings under the cockpit.

US to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, Trump confirms

11/18/2025

President Donald Trump said the US will sell the advanced F-35 stealth fighter jet to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in American defense policy in the Middle East. “We’ll be selling the F-35s,” Trump told reporters on November 17, 2025. The planned sale comes on the eve of the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, further underscoring the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia to Washington.

F-22 Pilot Controls ‘CCA Surrogate’ Drone from Cockpit

11/18/2025

An F-22 pilot controlled an MQ-20 drone from the fighter’s cockpit last month, General Atomics announced Nov. 17—a preview of the Air Force’s vision for Collaborative Combat Aircraft. General Atomics partnered with F-22 maker Lockheed Martin and L3Harris, which provided radios and data links, for the self-funded demonstration, which took place Oct. 17 at the Nevada Test and Training Range.

Canada considers diversifying fighter jet purchases beyond F-35 deal: Defense minister

11/17/2025

Canada is considering diversifying its fighter jet purchases from multiple companies to meet defense requirements as a review of F-35 fighter jets purchases continues, Defense Minister David McGuinty said Sunday. The government is "grateful for any forthcoming offer" and open to joint ventures that create Canadian jobs, McGuinty told the Canadian CTV news.

Russia displays Su-57E next-generation stealth fighter for the first time at Dubai Airshow 2025

11/17/2025

Russia displays the Su-57E export variant of the fighter jet at the Dubai Airshow 2025, marking the stealth fighter’s first public appearance in the Middle East and signaling Moscow's bid to become a key competitor in the global stealth fighter market.

Russian Combat Aviation Industry Vulnerable, Says Think Tank

11/17/2025

Russia’s combat aircraft industry is struggling to sustain itself, with the sanctions impacting exports at the eye of the storm, according to a new report. On the eve of the influential Dubai Airshow 2025, the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) has pointed to supply chain issues and a lack of funding for research and development. Amid these difficulties, China has sought a constructive relationship with states that would have previously been the key customers of Russian suppliers.

The Brazilian Air Force receives a new F-39E Gripen fighter aircraft from Sweden

11/17/2025

At the end of yesterday, the Brazilian Air Force received its new F-39E Gripen fighter aircraft, registration FAB 4111, manufactured by SAAB AB and transported from Sweden by sea. The aircraft arrived in Navegantes, on the coast of Santa Catarina, after completing the Atlantic crossing aboard the Dutch-flagged vessel Fortunagracht. The journey, which began in Norrköping, took nearly 20 days.

Rafale or Mirage: Zelensky Announces Historic Agreement with France

11/17/2025

President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the signing of a “historic agreement” with France to strengthen Ukraine’s air capabilities. He stated this in a morning address. According to Zelensky, the “historic agreement” with France to bolster combat aviation and reinforce the protection of Ukrainian airspace will be signed on Monday, November 17.

U.S. official says the 'table is being set' for possible military action against Venezuela

11/16/2025

The world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, will arrive in the northern Caribbean on Sunday as tensions with Venezuela grow, according to a U.S. military official. The carrier will join 15,000 service members, including 2,000 Marines aboard an amphibious assault ship.

Turkey grounds all C-130 military aircraft after Georgia crash kills 20

11/16/2025

Turkey has grounded all C-130 military cargo aircraft as a precaution following a crash earlier this week that killed 20 military personnel, a Turkish Defense Ministry official said on Thursday.“As of November 12, 2025, the flights of our [C-130] aircraft have been suspended as a precaution,” a Defense Ministry official told journalists at a briefing in Ankara. “After all detailed technical checks and inspections are completed.

China’s Missile Trap: Inside The U.S. Navy’s New Plan To Survive At Sea

11/16/2025

China’s growing anti-ship arsenal is forcing the U.S. Navy to rethink how it fights and survives in the Western Pacific. Rather than betting everything on a handful of big, vulnerable surface combatants, future plans shift toward more numerous small surface ships, new amphibious vessels and a massive expansion of unmanned surface and undersea systems. The strategy is clear: a more dispersed, resilient, allied fleet designed to complicate Beijing’s targeting and outlast its missile salvos.

Gulf States' Airpower Capabilities Are Still Evolving

11/16/2025

Standing at the crossroads of cultures and a source of great natural wealth, the Gulf region has become a geopolitical hotbed with rising military presence from both global powers and, more recently, the smaller nations that fringe the waters of the Gulf. The last decade has seen a dramatic rise in both the numbers and capabilities of combat aircraft operated by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members.

Colombia signs $3.6B deal for Gripen fighters

11/16/2025

Colombia on Friday signed an agreement for 17 Gripen E/F fighter jets, with a value of €3.1 billion ($3.6 billion), according to a statement by Saab. The deal covers 15 Gripen E one-seater aircraft, along with two Gripen F two-seaters and a host of equipment and weapons, the Swedish company announced. Delivery of the jets will take place between 2026 and 2032.

KC-390 Millennium Tanker Joins Gripen E Fighter Jet In Brazil’s New Aerial Duo

11/15/2025

Embraer and Saab have completed the full flight test and certification campaign for in-flight refuelling between the KC-390 Millennium and F-39E Gripen of the Brazilian Air Force at Gavião Peixoto. The qualification closes a critical gap in Brazil’s new airpower architecture and creates a marketable tanker fighter package for export customers that plan to operate both platforms.

Ukraine finalizes another historic military aviation deal, says Zelenskyy

11/15/2025

Ukraine will soon receive new air defense systems and combat aircraft from its allies, including France. The relevant decisions are already being prepared, and it will be a historic agreement, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy recalled that this week, the Nordic and Baltic states agreed to provide 500 million dollars for the PURL program to supply American weapons to Ukraine. This will significantly help to deter Russian attacks.

Venezuela Conducts F-16 And Su-30 Fighter Jet Drills Projecting Deterrent Power Against U.S. Forces.

11/15/2025

Venezuela released new footage of F-16 and Su-30 fighters conducting joint maneuvers, filmed from inside a cockpit and shared on official military channels. The timing reinforces Caracas’s intent to project readiness as US naval activity increases in the Caribbean.

U.S. Officials Raise Concerns About Saudi Arabia’s Bid for F-35 Jets

11/14/2025

As the Trump administration tries to finalize a deal to sell advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a Pentagon intelligence report has raised concerns that China could acquire the warplane’s technology if the sales go through, according to people familiar with the assessment.

French Rafale fighter jets conduct joint operations with Norwegian F-35s from Ørland Air Base

11/14/2025

Several French Rafale fighter jets operated from Ørland Air Base last week as part of a four-day training mission. The aim was to practise rapid deployment with minimal personnel while carrying out complex operations alongside Norwegian F-35s.

Global Combat Air Program Builds Momentum

11/14/2025

A joint initiative between Italy, Japan, and the UK, the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) is developing a sixth-generation fighter to answer the future airpower needs of the three partner nations and attract export orders. GCAP has made significant progress over the last year, with consortia formed and technology demonstrators in build or modification.

Russian Su-30 Fighter Jet Crashes Near Finland Border, Both Pilots Killed

11/14/2025

A Russian Su-30-series fighter crashed in the Republic of Karelia on November 13, with both crew members confirmed dead. According to Russian Telegram channels SHOT and 112, the aircraft went down in a forested area near Petrozavodsk, not far from the city’s civilian airport.