Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

China's Military Is Getting Strong (So Why Aren't Chinese Weapons Selling?)

09/18/2016

One of the frequent arguments made about China’s 20-year-long military buildup is that its locally produced weapons are better than they used to be. To a certain extent this is true, if hardly surprising. Relatively modern systems, such as the J-10 fighter jet, the Yuan-class submarine, and the Type-99 main battle tank, are certainly superior to the weapons systems they replaced, that is, the J-7, the Ming-class sub, and the Type-59 tank – all basically copies of Soviet weapons.

Thailand To Buy New Transport Aircraft

09/18/2016

The Thailand Air Force is eyeing to buy a new fleet of transport aircraft to replace their ageing C-130 Hercules. The competition between Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation Y-9 and Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules might emerge for procurement of new transport planes, an official was quoted as saying by Xinhua Friday.

Nigeria to buy JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft from Pakistan; Turkey to buy Super Mushshak

09/18/2016

Nigeria is likely to buy JF-17 Thunder multi-role combat aircraft from Pakistan. The oil-rich West African country has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that covers the sale of the aircraft. The deal is expected to be finalised in November, during the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar in Karachi, IHS Jane's reported quoting a senior official of Pakistan's Defence Export Promotion Organisation.

Aero Vodochody stresses military market focus

09/18/2016

Aero Vodochody has reaffirmed that its primary strategic focus is on the military jet trainer market, one month after UK start-up Aircraft Integrated Solutions announced it was to resurrect development of the Czech manufacturer’s Ae 270 civil light transport.

Deliveries of Spanish NH90s gather pace

09/18/2016

Airbus Helicopters is on track to deliver another pair of NH Industries (NHI) NH90 TTH troop transports to Spain before the end of the year, adding to the three examples already handed over.

Israel to Receive More Second-Hand F-15 Eagles in Massive New Aid Package

09/17/2016

There has been much speculation about what exactly the massive military aid package between the US and Israel would include. Some reports stated that more F-15 Strike Eagle derivatives would be a part of it, along with dozens of F-35s. Now that the deal has been inked we know more about what it will actually includes and there are signs that long-pending fighter jet sales to Kuwait and Qatar are finally going to be cleared to move forward.

China to Receive 4 Su-35 Fighter Jets From Russia in 2016

09/17/2016

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army-Air Force (PLAAF) is slated to receive the first four out of 24 Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 multirole fighter jets, the governor of Khabarovsk Krai, a federal subject located in the Russian Far East, said in a speech during the opening of a new aircraft production plan on September 15, according to local media reports.

Air Force Grounds ‘Combat Ready’ F-35 Over Coolant Line Flaw

09/17/2016

Seven weeks after the Air Force declared its first F-35 jets combat ready, 10 of the aircraft aren’t flying after service mechanics discovered “peeling and crumbling” insulation wrapped around lines that carry liquid to cool combat systems and computers.

US Special Forces join Turkish troops in Syria

09/17/2016

Up to 40 US Special Operations Forces are accompanying Turkish troops as they clear ISIS from northern Syria, two US officials told CNN Friday. The new mission, dubbed "Operation Noble Lance," was authorized this week and is now underway, the officials added.

USAF confirms F-15D delivery to Israel

09/16/2016

Following the signing of the largest military aid package in US history, the US Air Force confirmed the transfer of 10 Boeing F-15D fighters to Israel. During the Obama administration, Israel received new capabilities from the US, including 10 F-15 fighters, several Lockheed Martin C-130 cargo aircraft, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and joint direct attack munitions, according to a White House fact sheet published this week.

Boeing protests Denmark's F-35A decision

09/16/2016

Boeing has initiated a legal challenge against Denmark’s Ministry of Defence for selecting the Lockheed Martin F-35A over the F/A-18E/F as the Danish air force’s next generation fighter.

Zambian L-15 debuts

09/16/2016

The first Chinese-made Hongdu L-15 supersonic light attack/jet trainer for Zambia has broken cover at Africa Aerospace and Defence in the markings of the air force’s 15 Sqn.

Armored Su-34 Will Become a 'Revolutionary' Ground Support Aircraft

09/16/2016

Over the past year, Russia's Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bomber has been demonstrating its deadly potential against terrorists in Syria. According to independent military analyst Valentin Vasilescu, the next logical step for the plane's designers is to equip it with armor. This, the analyst emphasizes, will "revolutionize" its impact on the battlefield.

India Coaxes France Into Selling its Air-to-Air Missile Equipped Rafale

09/16/2016

India and France are still working on preparing a fresh Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for 36 Rafale combat aircraft. Sources told Sputnik that following negotiations, officials from both countries are finalizing documents which will be placed before Cabinet Committee of Security, India’s topmost approving authority, for final approval.

Air Force denies report China aircraft entered ROC airspace

09/15/2016

The R.O.C. Air Force on Wednesday denied that a Chinese military aircraft briefly trespassed into Taiwan's aerial identification zone Monday. In a statement, the Air Force said no Chinese fighter jet had intruded into Taiwan's airspace on Monday, Sept.12, as was reported by online media outlet Up Media.

Boeing reveals new U.S. military aircraft design

09/15/2016

The T-X aircraft has one engine, twin tails, stadium seating and an advanced cockpit with embedded training. Boeing is showing off its latest designs with two new production T-X aircraft. The aerospace giant partnered with Saab AB to develop next-generation aircraft specifically designed for U.S. Air Force training missions.

B-2 Bomber to Receive New Ejection Seats, Other Upgrades

09/15/2016

The B-2 Spirit, America’s sole heavy stealth bomber, is getting upgraded ejection seats, the latest in a series of upgrades for the multi-role bomber to keep the aircraft flying into the 2050s. The Air Force on Tuesday awarded AMI Industries Inc., a United Technology Corp. subsidiary, a $14.4 million contract to develop upgraded Advanced Conception Ejection Seat II as part of the service’s Safety and Sustainability Program, according to a Defense Department contract announcement.

Lockheed Martin Expands F-16 Repair Center Support with Derco Aerospace

09/15/2016

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is partnering with Derco Repair Services, Inc. to expand its Global Supply Chain Services and support to F-16 operators worldwide. The company recently named Derco Repair Services as an authorized F-16 Hologram repair center. The Lockheed Martin Hologram designation is only awarded to repair and overhaul facilities that meet or exceed strict quality assurance criteria. Only two existing F-16 repair centers have been recognized with the distinction worldwide.

ANALYSIS: AFRL prepares to unveil 20-year propulsion vision

09/15/2016

Since the arrival of the high-bypass turbofan almost 50 years ago, engineers have made huge strides in jet engine efficiency without altering the basic architecture. Two air flows of constant volume either bypass or enter a core section. The core combusts a mixture of compressed air and fuel to generate thermal energy, which is then converted to supply some of the aircraft’s thrust and most of the power.

Airbus set to deliver C295W to Brazil

09/15/2016

Airbus plans to deliver the first C295W search and rescue aircraft to the Brazilian air force in the first quarter next year, the company tells FlightGlobal. A completed maiden flight means Airbus can start the process of having the aircraft cleared for delivery by Brazilian customers.

US adds F-15 to $38 billion military aid package for Israel

09/15/2016

US and Israeli diplomats announced the largest military assistance package in US history on 14 September in a $38 billion, 10-year package that will deliver an assortment of American-designed weapon systems, including Lockheed Martin F-35 and Boeing F-15 fighters to Tel Aviv.

AAD: Denel to begin formal talks over relaunching Rooivalk

09/15/2016

South Africa's government has given the go-ahead for Denel to engage in formal talks with potential foreign partners with a view to launching production of a new "mark two" version of its Rooivalk attack helicopter.

Russia to Showcase Advanced Helicopter Models at South Africa Expo

09/15/2016

The Russian Helicopters company, part of the Rostec state corporation, will present current and future helicopter models at the Africa Aerospace and Defense-2016 (AAD 2016) exposition in South Africa, the company said in a statement Wednesday.

South Korea Mulling Purchase of 20 More F-35 Stealth Fighter Jets

09/14/2016

Given recent North Korean provocations, the Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force is considering purchasing 20 additional fifth-generation stealth multirole Joint Strike Fighter F-35As—the aircraft’s conventional takeoff and landing variant—in order to boost its air combat capabilities in the event of war with North Korea, according to senior ROK defense officials.

Fighter jets to conduct combat training

09/14/2016

The Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing will host pilots and jets from Arizona-based 21st Fighter Squadron for air combat training today through Sept. 29 to practice maneuvering against potential adversary pilots. The flights from the Portland Air National Guard Base will take off at 8 a.m. and end before 4 p.m.