Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

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.

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff confirms F-47 next-generation fighter jet first flight in 2028

11/13/2025

According to information published by the Defence Index X account on November 12, 2025, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin confirmed that the F-47, Boeing’s next-generation air dominance fighter, will take its first flight in 2028. The aircraft, part of the NGAD program, is expected to replace the F-22 Raptor and redefine U.S. air superiority.

Swedish king’s visit highlights growing Canadian interest in Saab military aircraft

11/13/2025

A few days before the federal budget was tabled, the CEO of Swedish industrial giant Saab flew to Ottawa to meet with the country's top bureaucrat, fuelling the sense a deal is brewing between the Canadian government and the military manufacturer. Sources said the fact that Michael Sabia, the clerk of the Privy Council, made room in his tight agenda on Oct. 31 to meet with Micael Johansson highlights Canada's interest in acquiring European military equipment.

France’s F5 Super Dassault Rafale Fighter Is Coming

11/13/2025

France’s Rafale F5 (“Super Rafale”) extends a proven 4+ gen airframe with next-gen sensors, connectivity, and loyal-wingman teaming. A new RBE-2XG radar aims to spot low-observable targets at long range, while upgraded EW, datalinks, Meteor, and expanded SEAD/strike kits push capability without the cost and sustainment burdens of full stealth.

Russia’s Su-57 Felon Might Not Be A ‘Stealth Fighter’ Afterall

11/13/2025

Russia’s Su-57 will make its Gulf debut at the Dubai Airshow, one of the few venues open to Moscow’s defense industry since European bans. The export-focused Su-57E targets new buyers, with Algeria reportedly first in line via sanction-bypassing payments. Analysts remain unconvinced: round engine nozzles, limited composites, and uncertain RAM coverage undercut stealth; production is low and combat validation thin.

Global defence spending: What next for European military procurement?

11/13/2025

With its fragmented production process, European defence procurement is inefficient and uncompetitive in comparison to the United States. A new approach, prioritising cross-country collaborations, could improve things, but would not be without its own challenges.

Russia recycles Su-57 fighter jet parts for its classified PAK DA stealth bomber

11/12/2025

Leaked files published by InformNapalm on November 4, 2025, indicate that Russia is using components derived from the Su-57 fighter jet for its classified PAK DA strategic stealth bomber program. The files describe hydraulic actuators and geared hinges identified as 80RSh115 and 80RSh, two systems that control internal weapon bays while reducing radar visibility.

China’s GJ-11 stealth drone flies with J-20 fighter jet in first public display

11/12/2025

On November 11, 2025, China marked the 76th anniversary of its air force with the release of a short film titled “Far-Reaching Dreams” showing for the first time its GJ-11 Sharp Sword stealth drone (now renamed Dark Dragon) flying in formation with the J-20 fighter jet and J-16D electronic warfare aircraft. The footage begins with the GJ-11 taxiing out of a hangar, taking off, and joining the two manned aircraft in formation.

CCA Moves Force Multiplication & Affordable Mass Closer to Reality

11/12/2025

Released videos show little beyond the CCA prototype’s takeoff silhouetted against a sunlit mountain range. But GA-ASI spokesperson C. Mark Brinkley assured that it was more than a Kitty Hawk-style bumping along the terrain: “It went up in the air. It flew for some amount of time. It went up to altitude. It was a true flight.” The flight signified what Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink has called “an inflection point.”

Aircraft Carrier Moves Into the Caribbean as U.S. Confronts Venezuela

11/12/2025

The Navy’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford, moved into the Caribbean region on Tuesday, adding to the capability of the United States to strike boats suspected of carrying drugs or targets on land in Venezuela as the Trump administration weighs further military steps aimed at ousting the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro.

Turkish military plane with 20 on board crashes in Georgia

11/12/2025

A Turkish military cargo plane with 20 people on board crashed in Georgia near the border with Azerbaijan on Tuesday, authorities said, but they gave no immediate confirmation of feared casualties. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and top officials from Georgia and Azerbaijan signaled that at least some of those aboard were believed to have been killed, without providing details.

Countering Chinese Satellites: Japan to Build Air Defense Shelter in Okinawa in 2026

11/11/2025

The Ministry of Defense of Japan plans to equip air bases with camouflage shelters for aircraft to protect them from detection by satellites. The relevant information was published in the budget request for 2026. According to the document, a shelter for fighter aircraft will be built at the Naha air base on the island of Okinawa, where F-15J/DJ fighters are currently based.

Rostec’s Su-57E fighter jet to make Middle East debut at Dubai Airshow 2025 with flying display

11/11/2025

Rostec State Corporation will present the Su-57E fifth-generation fighter jet for the first time in the Middle East during the Dubai Airshow 2025, where it will also take part in the official flying display. The aircraft is designed for high manoeuvrability, low radar visibility, and precision engagement, and has already proven its performance in large-scale combat operations.

Air Force Fighter Roadmap Projects Slow Growth for F-35 Fleet

11/11/2025

The Air Force is projecting relatively limited growth for its main F-35 fleet for the rest of the decade, according to the new fighter roadmap it provided to Congress. That roadmap also calls for the overall fighter fleet to shrink for two more years before starting to grow.

The U.S. Has 1 Big Reason For Hiding The F-47 Fighter (And China Knows It)

11/10/2025

A central mystery in military aviation is why China constantly shows off its 6th-generation J-36 and J-50 fighters, while the U.S. Air Force’s F-47 NGAD remains top secret. The answer lies in a “PR War.” Chinese developers may be flaunting their aircraft to secure funding in a competitive political system. The U.S., in contrast, feels no need to “show off,” prioritizing the secrecy of its superior technology, such as new adaptive cycle engines and advanced sensor fusion, which form the F-47’s.

France uses Mirage 2000D RMV to test combat AI and human-machine teaming

11/10/2025

France’s upgraded Mirage 2000D RMV, a mid-life program covering 55 aircraft, is evolving from a straightforward modernization into one of the French Air and Space Force’s most experimental platforms.

US Deploys Combat Aircraft to El Salvador in Push Against Cartels

11/10/2025

The United States has stationed combat aircraft in El Salvador, marking a shift in its military approach to regional security threats. Flights from the country’s main international airport began in mid-October, involving planes equipped for strikes on land and sea targets.

UK Deploys Record Number of F-35B Fighter Jets on Its Aircraft Carrier

11/10/2025

For the first time since the end of World War II, the UK’s Royal Navy has deployed 24 fighter jets on an aircraft carrier – a major milestone that significantly boosts the ship’s operational capabilities. The War Zone reported on this. This deployment was carried out entirely by the UK, without assistance from foreign forces – unlike previous missions, when the United States had stationed its own aircraft on the British carrier.

HAL Signs Pact With GE Aerospace For 113 More F404-GE-IN20 Jet Engines To Power Tejas Mk1A Fleet

11/09/2025

In a significant boost to India’s fighter jet programme, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday (7 November) inked an agreement with GE Aerospace to acquire 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), India Today reported. The deal comes amid improving India–US defence cooperation following recent tariff-related frictions.

Gripen E/F vs Gripen C/D: Inside the key upgrades to Sweden’s new generation combat jet

11/09/2025

Just as the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet was essentially an all-new fighter jet compared with the older F/A/18 Hornet, so too is the new Gripen E essentially a new aircraft over the Gripen C/D. In Russia, such upgrades would come with a higher number, implying a new aircraft (e.g., MiG-29 vs MiG-35 or Su-27 vs Su-35), but Saab retained the original brand with just an upgrade to the variant. Here is what to know about the dramatically improved capabilities of the new Saab Gripen E/F.

Ukraine in talks with Sweden on Gripen jet supply and future local production from 2033

11/09/2025

Ukraine is continuing discussions with Sweden regarding the supply of Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft, as well as the future localisation of their production in Ukraine, according to statements made by Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal. The minister made the announcement during a joint briefing with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following high-level meetings in Sweden.

After Decades of Homeland Defense, Barnes ANG Base Bids Farewell to F-15s

11/09/2025

U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles have roared out of Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., for the last time. The 104th Fighter Wing’s final three remaining F-15Cs departed the base Oct. 23 for the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., ending the aircraft’s era on the frontlines of homeland defense.

Lockheed Martin aims to deliver 200 F-35 jets in 2025 as global demand reaches record high

11/09/2025

At the company’s third-quarter earnings call, CEO Jim Taiclet stated Lockheed is on track to “manufacture one plane for every working day of the year.” The firm confirmed it had already delivered 143 jets by the end of Q3, surpassing its previous annual record of 142 set in 2022. If the target is met, Lockheed Martin could achieve its strongest F-35 delivery year of the decade, marking a 64% increase compared to 2023.

Maldives to acquire military aircraft next year, inaugurates first dedicated air station

11/08/2025

Maldives will acquire a military aircraft next year, President Mohamed Muizzu said as he inaugurated the national defence force's first dedicated air station. "The landmark event formalises a key component of the island nation's defence strategy, significantly expanding the capabilities of the newly constituted Air Corps," state-run Public Service Media (PSM News) said.

China seeks to project power far beyond its coast with the new Fujian aircraft carrier

11/08/2025

China has commissioned its latest aircraft carrier after extensive sea trials, state media reported Friday, adding a ship that experts say will help what is already the world’s largest navy expand its power farther beyond its own waters. The official Xinhua news agency said the Fujian had been commissioned Wednesday at a naval base on southern China’s Hainan island in a ceremony attended by top leader Xi Jinping.