Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

German Opposition Supports Combat Aircraft Deliveries to Ukraine

07/16/2024

Friedrich Merz, leader of the German opposition Christian Democratic Union, supports the call to deliver combat aircraft to Ukraine to help it “restore sovereignty over its own airspace” in light of continuing Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. Merz, speaking on German television on Sunday, July 14, said the situation “cannot be taken under control only from the ground,” and that “Germans cannot stand aside” as Kyiv’s other Western allies have already reached a consensus on fighter de

-31 Stealth Fighter: Pakistan May Become 1st Customer Of China’s 5th-Gen Jet; Is IAF Ready For F-35 Gamble

07/16/2024

On July 8, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV released a promotional video of China’s J-31B stealth fighter jet, produced by the state-owned Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. The footage suggests that the aircraft can carry two missiles in its side weapon bays—a feature that differentiates it from the USA’s F-22 and China’s own J-20. Moreover, the main weapons bay can carry four PL-12 medium-range air-to-air missiles similar to those used on the J-20.

France Sells Last KC-135s to U.S. Commercial Refueling Company Metrea

07/15/2024

On July 11, 2024, it was announced that the French Air Force had sold the last of their KC-135 Stratotanker fleet to commercial air refueling operator Metrea, raising their fleet of the type from four to eighteen aircraft. “Metrea has agreed to acquire all fourteen of the FASF C-135 tankers, including both the KC-/C-135FR and KC-/C-135RG variants,” says the official public release. The first eleven KC-135FR jets were delivered to the company in June.

Taiwan tracks 16 Chinese military aircraft, 9 naval ships around nation

07/15/2024

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 16 Chinese military aircraft and nine naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Saturday (July 13) and 6 a.m. on Sunday (July 14). Of the 16 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 14 crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the northern, southwestern, and southeastern sectors of the country’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ), according to the MND.

Taiwan tracks 30 Chinese military aircraft, 7 naval ships around nation

07/14/2024

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 30 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Friday (July 12) and 6 a.m. on Saturday (July 13). Of the 30 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 20 crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the northern, southwestern, and southeastern portions of the country’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ), according to the MND.

Why Turkey Is Cutting Back It Massive F-16 Fighter Jet Deal

07/13/2024

Turkey is reducing its planned $23 billion acquisition of forty Block-70 F-16 Fighting Falcons and 79 upgrade kits to cut domestic spending, potentially saving billions. This decision follows the recent approval from the U.S. after Turkey agreed to Sweden's NATO membership. Lockheed Martin remains confident in the F-16's benefits for Turkey. However, Turkey's focus appears to be shifting towards its domestically-developed TAI KAAN (TF) fighter, which had its maiden flight in February.

Boeing promises ‘Raptor-like’ F-15 Advanced Eagle displays at RIAT and Farnborough

07/13/2024

Boeing will, in fact, be sending four F-15QA jets from its St Louis facility to the UK: two to conduct aerobatic displays, one to go on static display and one aircraft as a spare. They will initially fly into RAF Lakenheath, home of the US Air Forces in Europe’s F-35/F-15 fighter wing, to prepare for the flight displays at RIAT and Farnborough. After the shows have ended the four F-15QAs will be ferried on to their new home at Al Udeid Air Base by pilots of the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF).

Questions on possible Turkish military aircraft sale to Russia

07/13/2024

At the recent NATO leaders summit in Washington, Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea were described as the “hostile camp” to the Alliance in harsher terms than ever before, sharpening fault lines. The decision to hold the 2026 NATO Leaders Summit in Türkiye was perhaps the most important decision for us. The joint statement also referred to the 1936 Montreux Convention, emphasizing freedom of navigation towards the Black Sea.

Oregon's 142nd Wing unveils new F-15EX Eagle fighter jet, first mission-ready unit in USA

07/13/2024

The 142nd Wing out of the Portland Air National Guard Base is officially unveiling its new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet - which will also be the first model in America to be used in real-world missions! The F-15EX is a replacement for the 142nd Wing's F-15C/D fleet, which was built in the 1980s. While the new jet might look similar, pilots tell KATU that everything on the inside is new and improved.

Forget the F-15 or F-16: This Might Be the U.S. Military's Most Important Plane

07/13/2024

Often overshadowed by fast fighter jets and stealth bombers, the C-130 Hercules, designed by Lockheed Martin, stands out as one of the most versatile and long-serving military aircraft ever. First flown in 1956, the C-130 is still in production today, serving in various roles for over 60 countries.

Surplus A-10 Warthogs Could End Up In The Jordanian Air Force

07/12/2024

Jordan has emerged as a possible future operator of A-10 Warthog ground attack aircraft. The U.S. Air Force is planning to stop flying the venerable Warthogs operationally before the end of the decade. The impending retirement of the type in U.S. service has already prompted discussions about sending A-10s elsewhere, including to Ukraine.

German Eurofighters intercept Russian carrier-based MiG-29K jets

07/12/2024

German Eurofighter jets, deployed in Latvia, were scrambled to intercept two Russian carrier-based MIG-29K fighter jets flying without a flight plan and not in contact with civil air traffic control. According to officials, the interception occurred in international airspace over the Baltic Sea.

China Sends Record Number of Military Aircraft to Drill Near Taiwan, Japan Releases Report on Helicopter Accident

07/12/2024

China surged 66 military aircraft near Taiwan over Wednesday and Thursday – the largest sortie for this year, according to the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense. Fifty-six aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and of those 36 People’s Liberation Army Navy’s drilled with the Shandong Carrier Strike Group, according to MND.

Sixth-gen jet selection likely in ‘24, Air Combat Command chief says

07/12/2024

The head of Air Combat Command on Wednesday said he expects the Air Force to choose which company will develop its sixth-generation fighter jet later this year. The fate of the Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems has been in question recently, as looming budget crunches have called its affordability into question. In an interview with Defense News in June, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall declined to comment about potential changes when asked if NGAD’s.

Philippines air force joins multination war games in Australia

07/11/2024

The Philippines Air Force arrived in northern Australia on Wednesday on its first overseas deployment in six decades for combat practice alongside U.S. and Australian fighter jets, amid a rise in tensions with China in the South China Sea. Four Philippine FA-50 fighter jets and 162 personnel are taking part in the Pitch Black war games over Australia's largely unpopulated Northern Territory, involving 20 countries and 140 aircraft.

Wilsbach: Air Force Should Keep the Block 20 F-22s It Asked to Retire

07/11/2024

Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, head of Air Combat Command, came out in favor of retaining 32 Block 20 F-22 fighters, despite the fact that the Air Force has sought to retire the older jets in its last three budgets. Speaking at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies on July 10, Wilsbach also said there is still no set replacement for the F-22 and the Air Force is likely to retain that aircraft.

Ukraine Partners With Turkey to Supply Jet Engines, Hopes to Co-Develop Fifth-Gen Fighter

07/11/2024

Turkish Aerospace Industries reveals several of its weapon systems are equipped with engines manufactured in Ukraine. Recently, Kyiv’s ambassador said Ukraine also wants to join Ankara’s fifth-generation fighter project, in a consortium with TAI and BAE, to help build and acquire the stealthy jet.

Uruguay selects the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano

07/10/2024

After years of searching for a new combat aircraft, Uruguay chose its new vector this week: the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano. The acquisition of Brazilian turboprops was confirmed to senators by Defense Minister Armando Castaingdebat on Monday (08).

Poland considers transferring additional MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine

07/09/2024

Poland will consider providing Ukraine with at least one additional squadron of MiG-29 fighter jets, comprising a minimum of 14 aircraft. This possibility was discussed during the signing of a security guarantee agreement between Ukraine and Poland, as reported on the Ukrainian President’s website. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk explained that an immediate transfer is not possible, as these aircraft are currently participating in NATO air patrol programs, according to Militarnyi.

Ukraine Says Successfully Duped Russia With ‘Realistic’ Fighter Decoys

07/09/2024

A Ukrainian military commander claimed that his troops were able to dupe Russia into believing that it had successfully taken out Ukrainian fighter jets. Last week, Moscow’s defense ministry released footage that purportedly showed an Iskander ballistic missile destroying a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet at an air base near the central city of Kriviy Rih.

‘Burning in the Steppes of Donbas’: Ukraine Downs Russian Su-25 Attack Jet

07/09/2024

Ukrainian antiaircraft gunners shot down a Russian Su-25 ground attack aircraft in the Donetsk region, as reported by the Khortytsia operational and strategic group of troops via Telegram. “In the Pokrovsky sector, our Ukrainian servicemen shot down a Russian Su-25 aircraft that was firing at the positions of units of the Defense Forces,” the report said.

Liberty Wing maintainers keep U.S., Norwegian F-35s in the sky at Ramstein 1v1

07/08/2024

Maintenance professionals assigned to the 439rd Fighter Generation Squadron traveled from their home base in England to support Norwegian and U.S. F-35 Lightning II’s during the U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s first-ever basic fighter maneuvers exercise at Ramstein Air Base, Germany June 6. The exercise, titled Ramstein 1v1, bolstered relationships and esprit de corps among allies through the sharing of tactics, techniques and experiences specific to a pilot’s most foundational skill set.

China sends 30 military aircraft, 9 naval ships around Taiwan

07/07/2024

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 30 Chinese military aircraft and nine naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. Friday (July 5) and 6 a.m. Saturday (July 6). Of the 30 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 23 crossed the Taiwan Strait median line and entered the northern, southwestern, and southeastern air defense identification zone (ADIZ), according to the MND. The aircraft came as close as 72 km (39 NM) from Eluanbi in the south and 77 km (42 NM) from Keelung in the north.

Washington offers the F-16V on leasing to establish itself in Thailand

07/06/2024

The United States is increasing initiatives to try to place its F-16V or F-16 Block 70/72 fighter in the Pacific. After the Philippines, it is today to Thailand that Washington and Lockheed Martin have sent an offer relating to the ultimate version of the American single-engine fighter, to assert itself in the effort to modernize the fighter fleet of the forces Royal Thai Air Force.

Typhoon: next generation

07/06/2024

When military aircraft first take to the skies, they often begin with an initial set of capabilities which transforms over time. This evolution follows a growth trajectory known as the capability growth curve, often resembling an S curve. Initially slow, these enhancements accelerate, marking the steep and most exciting part of the curve; showcasing the aircraft’s full potential.