Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

China Modernizes AWACS ‘Flying Radars’ To Counter US Military; Draws Critical Lessons From Ukraine Conflict

06/27/2024

In the shadow of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, a quiet revolution is taking place in China’s military aviation. The world’s second-largest defense spender is rapidly modernizing its “eyes in the sky” – the crucial Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft that serve as flying command centers in modern warfare.

Stolen Secrets: How China's J-20 Stealth Fighter Took Shape from U.S. Designs

06/27/2024

China's Chengdu J-20 "Mighty Dragon" and the forthcoming Shenyang FC-31 stealth fighters are widely believed to incorporate stolen design elements from American and likely Russian fighter programs. In particular, a Chinese national named Su Bin was found guilty of conspiring to steal sensitive military information, including the designs for the F-22 and F-35, for the Chinese military.

What’s the spending plan for sixth-gen fighters around the world?

06/26/2024

The latest Future Years Defense Program, for fiscal 2025, shows continued support within the Pentagon for dramatic growth in spending on so-called sixth-generation aircraft, most prominently including the Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance and the Navy’s F/A-XX programs. At the same time, enthusiasm continues in Europe and Asia for another competing pair of sixth-gen developments, notably the French-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System and the British-Japanese-Italian.

KF-21 fighter engine plans matches South Korea’s aim for 40 aircraft by 2028

06/26/2024

South Korea’s aspirations to have a first batch of 40 KF-21 Boromae fighters delivered by 2028 has been backed up by an announced contract between Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and Hanwha Aerospace for the build of at least 40 F414 engines between 2024-2027.

Japan to hold fighter jet drills with Germany, France, Spain in July

06/26/2024

A contingent of more than 30 military aircraft from Germany, France and Spain will arrive in Japan next month to conduct a series of training exercises with the Air Self-Defense Force, the Defense Ministry said Tuesday, marking these countries’ first-ever trilateral air force deployment to the Indo-Pacific.

Greece Moves Closer to F-35 Purchase with Parliament Set to Review US Offer

06/24/2024

The Greek Parliament is poised to take a significant step towards acquiring a squadron of F-35 fighter jets, with a special committee expected to review the US government's Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) in the coming week.

BVR Combat: F-15 Eagles ‘Battle’ IAF Rafales During Red Flag 2024 Drills; Revenges 2004 Drubbing By Su-30?

06/24/2024

Years after its Sukhoi Su-30 MKI “over-powered” USAF F-15s, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighters gave a tough fight to American-made warplanes during the recently concluded Red Flag exercises.

US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea as a show of force against nuclear-armed North Korea

06/23/2024

A nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier arrived Saturday in South Korea for a three-way exercise involving Japan as they step up military training to cope with North Korean threats, which have escalated following a security pact with Russia. The arrival of the USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group in Busan came a day after South Korea summoned the Russian ambassador to protest a major deal between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this week.

The F-35 Is No Normal Warplane: It’s a 'Quarterback' in the Sky

06/23/2024

The F-35 Lightning II stands unmatched in versatility and capability, outshining Russian and Chinese fifth-generation fighters. Its advanced stealth, payload, electronic warfare, and intelligence-gathering capabilities make it a pivotal "quarterback" in modern combat.

Seoul is developing three versions of the KF-21 “Boramae” fighter jet: electronic attack, fifth generation, and export

06/22/2024

Plans were unveiled for the development of three derivative versions of South Korea’s next-generation fighter, the KF-21 “Boramae”. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and agencies belonging to South Korea’s Ministry of Defense began work on the electronic attack KF-21 EA, the performance-enhanced KF-21 EX and the KF-21 SA for exports.

F-35 Stealth Fighter: An Electronic Warfare 'Beast' Like No Other

06/22/2024

The F-35 Lightning II, renowned for its stealth, is also notable for its advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. The latest Block 4 variant includes the AN/ASQ-239 EW suite, enhancing threat detection and situational awareness.

Forget the F-35 or F-22: This Might Be the Air Force's Most Important Plane

06/22/2024

Lockheed Martin reached two significant milestones with its aircraft. The 1,000th F-35 Lightning II was delivered, marking a rare achievement in modern fighter production. Additionally, the 2,700th C-130 Hercules, a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker, was delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps.

Quebec Company Completes First A-4 Skyhawk Aggressor Aircraft Training for Canada

06/22/2024

Quebec-based tactical aircraft simulation provider Top Aces has completed the initial A-4 Skyhawk aggressor fighter jet training for Canada’s Contracted Airborne Training Services (CATS) program. CATS is an ongoing commitment to sustain the Canadian Armed Forces’ performance and dominance in airspace through the use of red teams or groups pretending to be real-world enemies.

Lockheed to Continue Infrastructure Support for F-35 JSF Program

06/22/2024

Lockheed Martin has secured a contract to extend infrastructure support for the US Department of Defense’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. The $63.5-million deal orders the continued engineering, logistics, maintenance, materials, and manpower services for the program’s laboratory facilities and associated aircraft developmental flight evaluations.

F-22 Raptor: The Best 'Air Superiority Fighter' in the World

06/21/2024

Lockheed Martin's F-22 Raptor, despite lacking combat kills, recently achieved a significant milestone of 500,000 flight hours. The fifth-generation air superiority fighter, introduced in 2005, has proven its capabilities in various roles, including ground attacks during Operation Inherent Resolve.

Taiwan tracks 7 Chinese naval ships, 6 military aircraft

06/20/2024

Of the six People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, four crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the northern and southwestern sectors of the country’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ), according to the MND, Taiwan News website reported. In response, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor the PLA activity.

Boeing F-15QA Advanced Eagle Demo Flies With 12 AIM-120 Missiles During First Airshow

06/20/2024

On May 24, 2024, Boeing officially announced that their demo team would return to the airshow circuit this year with two jets, generating a lot of excitement within the aviation community. The F-15QA Advanced Eagle Demo team is scheduled to take part in three airshows, one in the U.S. (Spirit of St. Louis Airshow) and two in Europe (RIAT and Farnborough International Air Show).

Nigeria announces plans to acquire 50 military aircraft; analysts question intent

06/20/2024

The Nigerian air force said Tuesday it will acquire 50 new aircraft to strengthen its capabilities against armed gangs and terrorists in northwest Nigeria. Nigerian Chief of Air Staff Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar made the announcement at the opening of new military facilities, including two aircraft hangars in northwest Katsina state.

Turkey Sets Sight on European Jets After US F-16 Fighter Jet Deal

06/19/2024

A deal for Turkey to purchase fighter jets from the US is a sign of improved relations between the two countries amid the ongoing threat of Russia, analysts told The Media Line, as Ankara turns its focus next on procuring jets from European allies. Experts say the war in Ukraine has made clear the threat Moscow poses to Turkey and the region, motivating Ankara to look to its Western partners to boost its security.

Six months to combat readiness - French instructors tell of F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots

06/19/2024

Ten young pilots from Ukraine are currently training at an undisclosed airbase in the south of France on Alpha Jet training aircraft, considered as a bridge between a rotorcraft and an F16 fighter. In total, the French Air and Space Force has undertaken to certify the training of 26 pilots over the two years.

The proposal of Gripen fighters to replace the Kfir jets of the Colombian Air Force: more doubts than certainties

06/19/2024

According to media reports, discussions were expected to include evaluation for the possible acquisition of Gripen fighters for the Colombian Air Force, particularly addressing the long-awaited decision on a new combat aircraft to replace the scheduled retirement of the Israeli-origin Kfir jets. In this article, we will analyze the real possibility of such a purchase being crucial for our air defense.

Russian bomber forced out of Swedish airspace after ignoring warnings from air command

06/18/2024

A Russian military aircraft has been intercepted when it violated Swedish airspace east of the southern tip of Gotland. The incident ended with the Russian aircraft being forced out of the airspace. The Swedish military said the Sukhoi Su-24 tactical bomber entered Sweden's airspace without permission, forcing a Swedish JAS-39 Gripen aircraft to intercept it.

Hawaii ANG hosts Sentry Aloha 24-2: Joint Forces Synchronize for Combat Readiness

06/18/2024

The Hawaii Air National Guard’s 154th Wing concluded the latest iteration of its ongoing fighter exercise, Sentry Aloha 24-2, on June 12 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. This National Guard Bureau training event brought together more than 1,000 participants from nine states and four service branches throughout two weeks, providing essential combat training to joint and total-forces units.

Brazil Could Soon Be Flying Powerful F-16 Fighter Jets

06/18/2024

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) operates a diverse fleet of combat aircraft, including AMXs, Northrop F-5s, Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucanos, and Saab Gripen E jets. Brazil is currently in negotiations to purchase two dozen F-16 Fighting Falcons from the U.S. Air Force, aiming to finalize the deal by the end of 2024.

‘Phenomenal’ F-22 Raptor Reaches Historic Milestone Of 500K Flight Hours; Ex-Pilot Called It Super Agile

06/18/2024

On June 17, Lockheed Martin announced that the US Air Force’s F-22 Raptor fleet had reached an impressive milestone of 500,000 flight hours. This achievement underscores the F-22’s enduring role in maintaining air superiority and highlights the dedication of the teams responsible for its operation and support.