Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Search continues for crew of crashed Navy fighter jet

10/18/2024

Search efforts continued Thursday for the two-person crew of a Navy fighter jet that crashed near Washington's Mount Rainier earlier this week, officials said. The EA-18G Growler jet was on a routine training mission when it went down Tuesday in the scrubby landscape on the mountainside east of Rainier, about 30 miles west of Yakima, and officials have said the whereabouts of the crew remains a mystery.

Turkey working to accelerate Eurofighter jets buy, official says

10/18/2024

Turkey has been conducting technical works aimed at accelerating its planned purchase of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, a defence ministry official said on Thursday. Ankara said last year it was in talks with Eurofighter consortium members Britain and Spain to buy Typhoons, though Germany objected the idea. Since then, it has complained of a lack of progress on the issue over Berlin's reluctance.

The Thai Air Force Chose a New Fighter. The More Interesting Question Is What Comes Next.

10/18/2024

On August 28, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) announced the Swedish Saab Gripen E as its preferred combat aircraft to replace its aging F-16A/Bs. However, as the RTAF aspires to become one of the best air forces in Southeast Asia, it is unlikely to be satisfied with 4+ generation combat aircraft in the future. With denied access to the U.S.-made fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II, Thailand may turn to South Korea to fulfill its future airpower needs.

Historic Hungarian–Swedish Agreement on Joint Gripen Fighter Jet Development

10/18/2024

A historic agreement on the joint development of the Gripen fighter jet has been reached with the Swedish defence minister, Hungary’s Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky announced in a video posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday. Szalay-Bobrovniczky highlighted that the Gripens are the iconic, multi-role tactical aircraft of the Hungarian Air Force, originating from Sweden and serving as a key asset in Hungary’s defence.

First Upgraded CF-18 Hornets Delivered to RCAF Base

10/16/2024

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for its CF-18 Hornet Extension Project (HEP), marking a significant step forward in the modernization of the Canadian fighter fleet. The announcement comes as the first six HEP2-upgraded CF-18 Hornets were delivered to 3 Wing Bagotville in Quebec, part of a five-year collaboration with the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265). The project aims to upgrade a total of 84 aircraft by 2026.

Labour cuts £160m from next-generation fighter jet programme amid concerns over future

10/16/2024

Ministers have been accused of “cutting” the RAF’s next generation fighter programme by 10 per cent this year as Rachel Reeves seeks budget savings. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed £160 million less than expected will be spent on the Tempest project amid wider fears about its future. It comes after Labour was accused of downgrading its pre-election commitment to increase military spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP “as soon as possible”.

Taiwan detects record 153 Chinese aircraft in one day near island

10/16/2024

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported an intense surge of military activity from China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) over a 24-hour period spanning from 05:00 on October 14 to 06:00 local time on October 15, 2024. A total of 153 PLAAF aircraft and 14 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were detected operating near Taiwan, raising concerns of escalating tensions in the region.

The Ukrainian Air Force’s Su-27 fighter begin to be equipped with the GBU-39 glide bombs provided by the U.S

10/16/2024

In a new milestone for the integration of Western weaponry with Russian/Soviet-origin platforms, the Ukrainian Air Force has announced that its Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker fighters have begun to be equipped with GBU-39 SDB glide bombs provided by the United States. This news was confirmed through a recent viral video on social media, showing ground crews loading and equipping a Ukrainian combat aircraft.

Video shows one of Taiwan's F-16s tracking a Chinese J-15 fighter jet with its sniper pod during war games

10/16/2024

A new video from Taiwan's response to China's military exercises this week shows a Chinese J-15 carrier-based fighter jet through the sniper pod on an American-made F-16. The Chinese drills, which were called "Joint Sword-2024B," saw a record number of Chinese aircraft flying around Taiwan, according to data from Taiwan's defense ministry.

China sends 125 military aircraft in exercises aimed at Taiwan in single-day record, Taiwan says

10/15/2024

China employed 125 military aircraft in exercises aimed at Taiwan on Monday, a record for a single day, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said. It said 90 of the aircraft, including warplanes, helicopters and drones, were spotted within Taiwan’s air defense identification zone.

Germany Launches Technical Talks with Türkiye for Eurofighter Fighter Jet Sale.

10/15/2024

With German Chancellor Olaf Scholz scheduled to visit Türkiye on October 19, 2024, Germany has greenlit technical discussions with Türkiye for a potential sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. This decision, taken in a confidential meeting by the German Federal Security Council, marks a shift from Berlin, which had previously blocked the sale over concerns that these aircraft could be used against Kurdish armed groups in Syria and Iraq.

US Approval Pending Over Kuwait to Sell F/A-18 Jets to Malaysia

10/15/2024

Kuwait is in negotiations to sell its F/A-18C/D Hornet multi-role fighters to the Malaysian Air Force, subject to US approval. During a recent visit to Kuwait, Malaysian Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin inspected the Kuwait Air Force’s F/A-18C/D jets manufactured by Boeing.

Taiwan on ‘alert’ after spotting Chinese aircraft carrier sailing to its south

10/14/2024

Taiwan’s military is on “alert” after a Chinese aircraft carrier was spotted sailing to its south on Sunday. Last week, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te held a National Day speech in which he vowed to resist Chinese annexation. Beijing responded by saying that Lai’s “provocations” would result in “disaster” for Taiwan.

The Eurofighter Typhoon Fighter Is Nearing the End of the Line

10/14/2024

The Eurofighter Typhoon, a fourth-generation multirole aircraft, has served as the Royal Air Force's backbone for two decades. Despite the rise of fifth-generation stealth fighters like the F-35, the Typhoon remains effective for roles such as quick reaction alerts and air policing.

Le Rafale is approaching an order for 24 aircraft for the Peruvian Air Force

10/13/2024

After the Middle East, Asia and Europe, the Rafale could soon land on the South American continent. Several South American air forces must, in fact, modernize their fighter fleets more or less quickly, and the Rafale is often cited by the local press as one of the favourites, or even the favourite, for the competition.

Taiwan’s Chien Hsiang Loitering Munition ‘Soars’ to Mass Production, as Taipei Reconsiders Advanced Defense Fighter, Prioritizes Asymmetric Warfare – Reports

10/13/2024

Taiwan might not move forward with its Advanced Defense Fighter (ADF) program over a host of technological, financial and commercial-diplomatic hurdles, Up Media reported. Chief among them is a prohibitive cost, together with the inability to develop a high-thrust engine and “unwillingness” of foreign defense firms to participate as the main contractors. The report also mentioned the thrust on “asymmetric” systems that is de-prioritizing big capital weapons.

100+ NATO Warplanes Inc. F-35, Rafale, Eurofighter, JAS-39 Gripen, Flex Muscles Over European Skies In Major War Drills

10/13/2024

More than 130 NATO aircraft took to the skies over Europe this week in a major show of strength and coordination as part of the Ramstein Flag exercise. The multinational drill, which took place in Greek airspace, involved fighter jets and support aircraft from over 12 NATO member nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Greece, Italy, and Poland.

F-16 Fighting Falcon from Ukraine Has Shot Down Russian Su-34 Fullback Fighter-Bomber: Report

10/13/2024

An F-16 Fighting Falcon, possibly supplied by Denmark earlier this year, has reportedly claimed its first air-to-air kill against a Russian Su-34 aircraft in Ukraine. The incident, which occurred around 30 miles from the frontlines, was first reported by pro-Kremlin milbloggers, though neither the Russian nor Ukrainian governments have officially commented.

A Close-Up Look at the F-35’s Highway Operations during the Baana 24 Exercise

10/12/2024

A new cockpit video offers an exclusive look at the operations carried out during Exercise Baana 24, in which two U.S. Air Force F-35As landed for the first time on a highway in Finland. The historic event, which took place on Sept. 4, 2024, saw the 495th Fighter Squadron’s Lightning II fighters operate from the makeshift airstrip in Hosio, Ranua, Finland.

Second MiG-31K Fighter Jet Arrives in Belarus, Heightening Tensions

10/11/2024

A second russian MiG-31K fighter jet, equipped to carry the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles, has arrived in Belarus, marking a significant escalation in military presence from russia. This development, reported by Belarusian Hajun on Telegram, indicates that the aircraft has landed at the Machulishchy airfield, just two days after the first MiG-31K aircraft was deployed.

Saudi Arabia Deploys Tornado Fighter Jets for Exercise in Pakistan

10/11/2024

The Royal Saudi Air Force has deployed six Panavia Tornado fighter jets for the Indus Shield 2024 air exercise in Pakistan, where Turkey and Egypt also showcased their military capabilities and explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation. The drill allowed each nation to discuss and exchange best practices on the latest technologies, strategies, and operations.

Airbus, Multiverse to build gesture-based control system for fighters

10/11/2024

Airbus Defence and Space is collaborating with Spain-headquartered Multiverse Computing to develop advanced gesture recognition software for future fighter aircraft, leveraging quantum-inspired algorithms and Large Language Models (LLMs). This initiative is part of the European Defence Fund’s Enhanced Pilot Interfaces and Interactions for Fighter Cockpit (EPIIC) project.

USAF F-15s Arriving in Middle East as Israel Weighs Response to Iran Attack

10/11/2024

More of the U.S. Air Force fighters directed to deploy to the Middle East late last month arrived as Israel contemplates its response to Tehran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel on Oct. 1. A squadron of F-15E Strike Eagles began arriving in the region Oct. 9, U.S. Central Command announced.

Super Rafale! France Announces Stealth Combat Drone For Its Rafale F5 Fighter; Eyes Mother Of All Deals

10/11/2024

In a significant technological advancement for the French Air and Space Force, the nation has announced the development of a stealthy uncrewed aerial vehicle (UCAV) that will fly alongside the futuristic ‘Super Rafale’ in a manned-unmanned teaming configuration.

US requests information from Saab North America on Brazil fighter jet purchase

10/11/2024

The U.S. Department of Justice has requested information from a subsidiary of Saab, opens new tab over Brazil's purchase of the Swedish firm's Gripen fighter jets in 2014, which was the subject of a Brazilian corruption probe, Saab said on Thursday. "Saab intends to comply with the request to supply information and to cooperate with the DoJ in this matter," the company said of the U.S. queries to Saab North America.