Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

PM Borisov: Bulgaria Is Capable of Guarding Its Borders on Its Own

04/11/2016

Prime Minister Boyko Borisov stated that the Bulgarian army and border police are capable of guarding the country's borders on their own without the need for assistance from NATO. Borisov said this after he attended the joint training of the navy and border police held in the bay of Burgas on Sunday.

Russian army to get sixth S-400 missile system by year end - Defense Ministry

04/11/2016

Russia’s Aerospace Forces will receive by the end of this year the sixth set of the S-400 Triumph air defense missile system, says a release by the Russian Defense Ministry press service received by TASS on Sunday. "Within the framework of the rearmament with new samples of weapons and military equipment in 2016.

MILITARY 3D PRINTING APPLICATIONS TO TRANSFORM THE INDUSTRY

04/11/2016

It is no secret that all branches of the United States military have been keeping a close eye on 3D printing technology. With the variety of uses across all industries, 3D printing has proven its versatility. Besides the ongoing research in a number of directions, such as 3D printing of replacement bones, battle armor, and vehicle parts, the Navy has already successfully tested ballistic missiles containing 3D printed components.

Sporadic clashes hit Yemen ahead of midnight ceasefire

04/11/2016

Sporadic fighting gripped parts of Yemen on Sunday, hours before a UN-brokered ceasefire aimed at laying the groundwork for upcoming peace talks was due to take effect. The new ceasefire, which was timed to start at midnight (1am UAE), is supposed to be the cornerstone of a long-lasting peace deal negotiated between Yemen’s warring parties from April 18 in Kuwait.

BAE Systems still keen on Malaysia’s fighter jet replacement programme

04/11/2016

BAE Systems (International) Ltd, a UK multinational defence, security and aerospace company that has been vying for the contract to replace the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) Russian-made Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter jet fleet since 2011, remains keen on the deal. And in the current challenging economic environment when governments all around the world are tightening their expenditure, it believes it has the better offer on the table.

Tensions Rising Between US, Turkey Over Possible Closure of Incirlik Base

04/11/2016

Washington's unwillingness to take actions toward the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, may result in Ankara closing the Incirlik airbase to the US, an adviser to the Turkish president said.

Obama's 'Red Line' on Russian Su-30 Sale to Iran Unlikely to Hold

04/11/2016

The Obama administration plans to prevent Russia from selling its Sukhoi Su-30 multirole fighters to Iran by vetoing the approval for the possible deal at the UN Security Council, but the US president could well cross his latest self-imposed "red line" like he's done in the past, Washington Times columnist L. Todd Wood asserted.

What's Behind Russian-Belarusian Joint Air Defense System

04/11/2016

Russia and Belarus have completed the formation of their joint air defense system in the Eastern European region of collective security, the deputy commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces said earlier this week.

China threatens key US base in Djibouti

04/10/2016

For a base on the strategic Horn of Africa, the Obama administration will evidently overlook a lot. It has tolerated the leader of Djibouti deploying lethal force against political foes and extending his autocratic rule while allowing the Chinese Navy to open its first overseas base in Africa. The Chinese base will thus be in proximity to a more than 4,000-strong ((HOW MANY??)) American military presence that includes the largest United States drone installation outside Afghanistan.

Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq

04/10/2016

U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

B-52s arrive in Qatar to join bombing campaign against ISIS

04/10/2016

U.S. Air Force B-52 bombers arrived at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, on Saturday joining Operation Inherent Resolve, the American-led campaign against the Islamic State group. The deployment marks the first time the Air Force will use the Cold War-era warplanes — from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana — in the counter-ISIS fight in Iraq and Syria. The service did not disclose the exact number of bombers it deployed.

Defense Ministry: No Azerbaijani drone downed over Khankendi

04/10/2016

Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry has dismissed the recent Armenian media reports, which said that allegedly an Azerbaijani unmanned aerial vehicle was downed over the city of Khankendi, located in the Azerbaijani lands occupied by Armenia.

RAF MARHAM GETS READY FOR THE F-35: A STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITY FOR THE RAF AND THE USAF TO SHAPE COMMON SUPPORT CAPABILITIES FOR THE F-35 FLEET

04/10/2016

According to an article on the UK Ministry of Defence website, the Ministry of Defence has announced contracts worth 167 million pounds to upgrade and build new facilities at RAF Marham, the future home of the UK F-35B Lightning II squadrons.

Recapitalizing Joint STARS: Small is Beautiful

04/10/2016

Recall the movie “Jaws,” when Police Chief Martin Brody warns shark-hunter Quint that “We’re gonna need a bigger boat”? That, essentially, is the argument that some defense industry analysts are making regarding the selection of an aircraft to house the next Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS).

Going for the ZAP

04/10/2016

Although the U.S. Navy’s $40 million Laser Weapon System (LaWS) just looks like a backyard telescope on steroids, this piece of equipment may herald the future of warfare — at sea, in the air and on the ground. The first weapon of its kind the Navy has ever deployed, LaWS is mounted on the deck of the USS Ponce, which is based in the Persian Gulf region. In a series of successful tests run in late 2014 after its installation.

Carter Heads Out on Pacific, Gulf Swing

04/10/2016

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter leaves Saturday for a two-week visit that will take him to India, the Philippines and through the Gulf region. The visit has a dual purpose: to bolster partnerships in the Pacific, and then to discuss the ongoing fight against the Islamic State group, commonly known as ISIS or ISIL.

Air Force looking to replace A-10 Warthog

04/10/2016

A top U.S. general says the Air Force is reviewing the future of its close air-support aircraft, a role currently filled by the A-10 Warthog, which first flew in 1975. "My requirements guys are in the process of building a draft-requirements document for a follow-on (close air-support) airplane," said Lt. Gen. Mike Holmes, the deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and requirements.

Russian confirms Egypt as North African buyer of 50 MiG-29s

04/09/2016

The Russian Commission for Military Technical Cooperation has confirmed Egypt as the North African buyer of 50 MiG-29M fighter jets and released fresh details of the Egyptian purchase of several other weapons systems worth at least $5 billion in 2015. In February Russian officials confirmed the sale of 50 MiG-29M fighter jets to a North African country but declined to identify the buyer.

India in talks with US to buy about 100 latest drones

04/09/2016

India is in talks with the US for possible procurement of about 100 latest drones - both armed and surveillance versions - worth USD 2 billion to bolster its arsenal keeping China and Pakistan in mind. The issue is likely to figure in the talks between the two sides as US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter visits India next week.

India may buy F16s if US transfers tech

04/09/2016

Just ahead of crucial talks with US defence secretary Ashton Carter, defence minister Manohar Parrikar said that any discussions on America's proposal to sell the F16 Super Viper or F/A 18 Super Hornet to India hinged on the US government's guarantee to permit technology transfer.

In case you missed it, the U.S. is solidly back in Iraq

04/09/2016

On March 19, Staff Sgt. Louis F. Cardin, 27, was killed during an Islamic State-launched rocket attack in Iraq. According to reports, Cardin, of California, and several other members of his unit came under enemy rocket fire at a base in Makhmour, southeast of the Islamic State-controlled city of Mosul, very near the front line.

BAE WINS MAJOR FIGHTER AIRCRAFT DEAL

04/09/2016

BAE Systems is set to build engineering and training facilities at RAF Marham in Norfolk in preparation for the arrival of the UK's first F-35 Lightning II aircraft in 2018. The £118m contract award coincides with a major production milestone for the UK aircraft - the completion of the tenth UK aft fuselage ahead of schedule. The fuselage will now be delivered to the F-35 final assembly line in Fort Worth, Texas.

Watch This F-5 Squadron Give The Blue Angels A Run For Their Money Over Key West

04/09/2016

VFC-111, the Sundowners, provide fleet adversary support with their F-5Ns out of gorgeous Key West, Florida. For a recent air show there, headlined by the Blue Angels, the squadron put together their own little four-ship demo team, and by the looks of the video below they did not disappoint.

These 4,500 Marines and sailors will soon be in striking distance of ISIS

04/09/2016

An amphibious force loaded with Marine aircraft for the ISIS fight entered U.S. Central Command Tuesday. The amphibious assault ship Boxer, dock landing ship Harpers Ferry and amphibious transport dock New Orleans, with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked, were in the Indian Ocean when they entered 5th Fleet, the Boxer said in a news release.

IAF: Tale of deficiencies & mismanagement

04/09/2016

With the retirement pace fast exceeding the replacement rate, the Indian Air Force faces an ageing aircraft fleet. Shortfalls in squadron strength apart, the IAF is plagued by a long list of ailments reflective of bad planning which is adversely impacting India’s air- power capability.