Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

The ‘Eagle’ Has Landed: Why The F-15EX’s Arrival In Japan Is A Big Deal

07/17/2025

The U.S. Air Force has taken a step toward modernizing its forward-deployed airpower in the Pacific, sending two of its newest F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. The aircraft arrived on July 12 for training exercises aimed at integrating the advanced jets with local units stationed at the base.

Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder Block III Fighters Arrive in the United Kingdom to Take Part in RIAT 2025

07/17/2025

As part of its participation in the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025, which will begin on July 18, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has deployed a significant detachment of aircraft, including two JF-17C Thunder Block III fighters, which have recently arrived in the United Kingdom.

‘There’s a bit of a queue forming’: how UK firms are enticing buyers for the next generation of fighter jets

07/17/2025

In a factory on the banks of the River Ribble in Lancashire, robot arms stand on a floor striped with glowing lights. They will hold the tail fin for a test model for the UK’s next generation fighter jet, which is intended to fly for the first time in 2027. The jet, known as Tempest, will act as a symbol of Britain’s hopes to remain a top-tier military nation and keep alive more than a century of building military aircraft.

Manila, Seoul elevate defense ties with combat aircraft acquisition

07/17/2025

The Philippines will buy 12 South Korean-made FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft under a $700 million agreement that will double Manila’s FA-50 fleet and boost the nations’ defense ties. The acquisition marks “a significant enhancement to the country’s air defense capabilities and aligns with the DND’s [Department of National Defense] comprehensive archipelagic defense concept,” the DND said in mid-June 2025, referring to a strategy prioritizing territorial defense and national sovereignty.

Air Force Working Around Problem With Aerial Refueling Aircraft

07/16/2025

According to The War Zone, auxiliary power units (APUs) on some of the tankers are not functioning properly. The APU is a small engine that helps start up the aircraft’s main engines and provides electricity for other systems, reducing the KC-46’s reliance on ground support equipment and crews. Without it, though, the tanker becomes more cumbersome and costly to operate.

BAE Systems confident in winning up to 150 Typhoon fighter jet orders from export markets

07/16/2025

British defence firm BAE Systems has expressed strong confidence in winning new export orders for its Typhoon fighter jets from countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. The company's optimism was conveyed by Richard Hamilton, Managing Director for Europe and International in BAE Systems' Air sector, during a press briefing at its facility in Warton, northern England.

Canada Eyes Fighter Drone Fleet to Support F-35 Jets

07/16/2025

The Canadian Department of Defence is planning to acquire a fleet of tactical unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to complement the armed forces’ incoming F-35 combat aircraft. Ottawa is now laying the groundwork to adopt systems in line with the military’s requirements, according to unclassified papers obtained by The Canadian Press.

F-15EX Arrives In Japan For The First Time As Part Of Massive Pacific Exercise

07/16/2025

Two examples of the F-15EX touched down at Kadena Air Base, Japan, recently, for a period of advanced training in the Pacific. The jets will take part in Resolute Force Pacific 2025, which the Air Force describes as its biggest-ever contingency response exercise in the region. It marks the first foreign deployment of the F-15EX, which began equipping its first operational squadron last year.

Chances of partner joining UK-Italian-Japanese fighter jet project diminishing, BAE executive says

07/16/2025

The likelihood of a new country joining the British, Italian and Japanese project to develop a fighter jet is diminishing, said a BAE Systems executive, amid long-held speculation Saudi Arabia could become a fourth partner.

Low-Altitude Strike: MiG-29 Destroys Russian Drone Command Center

07/15/2025

In the Zaporizhzhia region, a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet launched a precision strike using GBU-39 guided bombs on a Russian drone command center. Footage of the operation was shared by AIR FIGHTER, a Telegram channel associated with Ukrainian combat aviation. The jet flew at an ultra-low altitude during the attack to ensure mission success and evade Russian air defense systems.

The U.S. Air Force Begins Using Its A-29C Super Tucanos to Train New Test Pilots

07/14/2025

In light of the need to modernize its training aircraft fleet, the United States Air Force has formally begun employing its Embraer A-29C Super Tucano aircraft in the training of new test pilots. This milestone marks the full integration of the Brazilian-designed light attack aircraft into the curriculum of the Test Pilot School, based at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

U.S. expands sixth-generation aircraft development with B-21 Raider and F-47 fighter

07/14/2025

According to the report, the B-21 Raider, developed by Northrop Grumman, is considered the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft and is currently undergoing flight testing. It is intended to replace the B-1 and B-2 bombers and will be capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear weapons while operating in high-threat environments.

Poland launches fighter jets amid Russian airstrike on Ukraine

07/13/2025

Poland on Saturday scrambled fighter jets in response to Russian military aircraft near its border with Ukraine. "Attention. Due to the activity of long-range aviation of the Russian Federation, conducting strikes on targets located, among others, in western Ukraine, Polish and allied aviation have begun operations in Polish airspace," the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said on X.

Russian fighter jet exports have collapsed: Here’s why its biggest customers have walked away

07/13/2025

Once a dominant force in global arms sales, Russian fighter jet exports are now in sharp decline. Decades after inheriting the Soviet Union’s military aerospace industry, Russia is seeing its traditional markets vanish. A mix of Western sanctions, the war in Ukraine, and rising competition from China and others has driven a collapse in exports and cast serious doubt over Russia’s long-term role in the global fighter aircraft market.

China’s Secret J-35 Stealth Fighter Factory Revealed On State TV

07/13/2025

China’s state-run CCTV network has provided the world with its first glimpse inside the secretive Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) production facilities, where the J-35 was spotted. During a segment focused on the new catapult-capable J-15T carrier fighter, two J-35 stealth fighters were prominently visible in the background.

Major opportunity for U.S. industry: Canada weighs combat drones to support F-35 fleet

07/13/2025

Canada's Department of National Defence is examining the potential addition of uncrewed combat aircraft to support its incoming fleet of F-35 fighter jets. Newly obtained documents reveal that officials are researching various options for acquiring this emerging technology.

U.K. Report on F-35 Capability

07/12/2025

The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter is a technologically cutting-edge multirole stealth fighter aircraft. Originally conceived in the 1990s by the US Department of Defense, the UK is one of 8 nations that are partners in the global F-35 programme, although the US has by far the most influence on the programme, so far ordering approximately 80% of all aircraft. Other countries purchase F-35s as foreign military sales customers. F-35s from different countries are designed to be interoperabl

MiG Fighters, Tu-95 Bombers, Shahed Drones—Russian Arms Plants Come Under Drone Strikes

07/12/2025

Multiple Russian defense industry facilities were reportedly hit in a wave of drone strikes, including two major aircraft plants and several weapons manufacturers, according to the head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, Andrii Kovalenko, on July 11. Kovalenko said a strike targeted the Lukhovitsy Aircraft Plant in the Moscow region, which manufactures and upgrades MiG-29 and MiG-31 fighter jets.

Eight Generals Probe the F-35, E-7 Problem in 2026 Budget

07/12/2025

Sixteen retired four-star Air Force generals, including six retired Chiefs of Staff, signed a June 7 letter along with AFA leadership in a plea to Congress to increase investment in F-35 fighter jets and restore funds cut from the fiscal 2026 budget for E-7 Wedgetail. On July 10, eight of the signatories gathered for a virtual media roundtable and candid conversation on Department of the Air Force needs and requirements, and the 2026 budget.

Air Force shifts enhanced F-16s from Japan to South Korea in force realignment

07/12/2025

The U.S. Air Force has transferred upgraded F-16 Fighting Falcons from Japan to South Korea, reinforcing its fighter capabilities on the Korean Peninsula amid ongoing efforts to deter airborne threats. The 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base — home to the 7th Air Force, about 30 miles south of Seoul — received the aircraft from the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan, said Maj. Kippun Sumner, spokesman for the 51st.

Japan urges China to stop flying fighter jets too close to Japanese military aircraft

07/11/2025

Japan has demanded China stop flying its fighter jets abnormally close to Japanese intelligence-gathering aircraft, which it said was happening repeatedly and could cause a collision. Japan's Defense Ministry said a Chinese JH-7 fighter-bomber flew as close to 30 meters (98 feet) to a YS-11EB electronic-intelligence aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force on Wednesday and Thursday.

Aero markets its Skyfox to African Air Forces

07/10/2025

Aero Vodochody, the Czech aircraft manufacturer renowned for its L-39 Albatross, has set its sights on the African continent with the introduction of its latest aircraft, the Skyfox. This light attack and trainer jet, officially designated the Aero L-39NG (“Next Generation”), represents the company’s effort to build on its long-standing relationship with African air forces.

Full batch of RAAF pilots pass Introductory Fighter Course for the first time

07/10/2025

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has announced that a full batch of pilots graduated from the challenging Introductory Fighter Course (IFC) at the RAAF Base Williamtown’s 76 Squadron, on June 27, 2025. This is the first time that a single cohort has had a 100% pass rate – 10 out of 10 pilots – since the introduction of the Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter aircraft in the year 2000.

Gripen E triumphs over F-16 and Rafale as Peru commits to $3.5 billion fighter jet deal

07/10/2025

Peru is set to acquire 24 Saab Gripen E multirole fighter jets for $3.5 billion, according to local outlet Perú21. The deal includes additional support packages and marks a significant step in modernising the country's ageing air force.

Navy’s Unfunded Priorities List Seeks $1.4B for Next-Gen Fighter Aircraft

07/10/2025

U.S. Navy’s fiscal year 2026 Unfunded Priorities List, or UPL, includes a $1.4 billion funding request for a sixth-generation fighter aircraft program called F/A-XX. “This additional funding will enable Navy to award the 6th Generation Strike Fighter contract to industry,” the service branch wrote in its letter to lawmakers. “Navy’s 6th Generation Strike Fighter aircraft is a critical component of both the future Carrier Strike Group (CSG)” and the “air wing of the future.”