Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

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.

The U.S Air Force deployed its F-15E fighter bombers over Iceland on Air Policing Missions

06/17/2024

A contingent of U.S Air Force F-15E fighter bombers landed at Keflavik Air Base in early June to conduct Air Policing Missions over Iceland. The initial tasks performed by the combat aircraft included reconnaissance flights followed by Quick Reaction Alert – Interception exercises.

Russian military planes violate Finnish airspace claims Finland

06/16/2024

According to a statement made by the Finnish Border Guard, Finland claims that four Russian military planes have violated the country’s airspace on 10th June. The Finnish defense ministry initially said that only a single Russian military plane violated the airspace above the Gulf of Finland. However, it has now been revealed that it was, in fact, a total of four military aircraft from Russia.

Morocco acquires 10 Boeing Harpoon missiles for F-16 fighter jets

06/16/2024

Morocco has procured ten Harpoon Block II (AGM-84L) anti-ship missiles and SLAM-ER (AGM-84H/K) cruise missiles from Boeing. These acquisitions aim to enhance the capabilities of the Royal Moroccan Air Force, particularly with the integration of Harpoon missiles into the F-16 Viper fighter jets. The Royal Armed Forces are expected to receive 24 of these advanced jets by 2026.

Russian military plane violates Swedish airspace and is intercepted

06/16/2024

A Russian Su-24 plane (NATO code “Fencer”) violated Swedish airspace near Gotland’s southern tip on a Friday afternoon, according to the Swedish Armed Forces. Despite attempts by the Swedish defence to communicate with the plane, it did not respond, prompting two Jas-39 Gripen jets to intercept it.

Senators Want to Block F-22 and F-15E Retirements, Require Study on Air Superiority

06/16/2024

The Senate Armed Services Committee finished its markup of the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization bill on June 14, with mandates on more than a dozen aircraft or related programs and a keen interest in the future of the Air Force fighter fleet.

France plan to transfer Mirage 2000-5 fighters to Ukraine

06/08/2024

In an interview with broadcasters from French media, President of France Emmanuel Macron revealed plans to send an undisclosed number of Mirage 2000-5 combat aircraft from its inventory to Ukraine, and to train 4,500 Ukrainian fighter pilots.

Macron Promises To Send Mirage Combat Aircraft To Ukraine

06/07/2024

French President Emmanuel Macron says France will provide Ukraine with Mirage combat aircraft to help the country defend against Russia's aggression. Macron told France's public broadcaster on June 6 that a new cooperation with Ukraine to be announced on June 7 will include the sale of the French-made Mirage 2005, which will "allow Ukraine to protect its soil, its airspace" against Russian attacks.

Germany’s Scholz says 20 more Eurofighters to be ordered

06/06/2024

Berlin plans to order an additional 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, in what German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said here today is part of an effort to fortify the European defense industry. “We want a strong aerospace industry in Germany and Europe,” Scholz tweeted, according to an online translation. “This includes planning security in the defense industry. That’s why we ensure reliable orders — including the purchase of 20 more Eurofighters in this legislative period.”

Japan approves international treaty on next-generation fighter jet

06/06/2024

Japan's parliament on Wednesday approved an international treaty to set up an intergovernmental organization managing the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet by Japan, Britain and Italy.

Sukhoi Fighter Jet Crashes In Nashik, Pilot, Co-Pilot Eject Safely

06/05/2024

A Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet crashed in a field in Maharashtra's Nashik today. The pilot and the co-pilot managed to eject safely but suffered minor injuries. The plane crashed in a field near Shirasgaon village, a senior police officer said. Visuals showed the plume of smoke billowing after the aircraft crashed in the field. The twin-engine aircraft was up in flames and a crowd gathered near the crash site.

Is Congress Forcing the F-15EX Fighter on the U.S. Air Force?

06/05/2024

Congress is pushing the U.S. Air Force to purchase more F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets and keep the production line open longer amid rising tensions with China. A proposal in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) aims to increase the Air Force's fleet to 122 F-15EXs, more than the current target of 98 but still short of the original goal of 144.

Airbus Unveils New Stealthy Loyal Wingman Concept

06/05/2024

Airbus is set to unveil “Wingman” concept at the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA, in Berlin. According to the giant European aerospace company, a full-scale model of the Wingman [noteworthy, in the official press release Airbus does not use the standard definition of “Loyal Wingman” but calls it just “Wingman”] will be on display ILA, akin to a “show car” used by the automotive industry for design exercises.

NATO Fighter Jets Scrambled To Intercept Russian Aircraft

06/05/2024

German air force fighter jets have intercepted Russian aircraft reportedly operating "without a flight plan and radio contact" above the Baltic Sea. Team Luftwaffe wrote on X on Tuesday morning that Eurofighter aircraft operating from Lielvarde, Latvia, as part of the NATO Air Policing Baltic Reinforcement (VAPB) mission had to conduct "Alpha Scrambles" after being alerted about the Russian aircraft by the Combined Air Operations Centre at Uedem, Germany (CAOC UEDEM).

ALLIED FIGHTER PILOTS FACE-OFF DURING RAMSTEIN 1V1 INTEGRATION EXERCISE

06/05/2024

Fighter jets from nine Allied Nations will arrive at Ramstein Air Base to take part in the US-led multi-national exercise Ramstein 1v1, on June 6, 2024. United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa will host its first ever Ramstein 1v1 exercise, where fourth- and fifth-generation fighter aircraft will take turns squaring off in friendly competition during a day-long fighter manoeuvre exercise.

2 Japanese F-35 fighter jets make emergency landings after 1 has a mechanical problem

06/04/2024

Two Japanese F-35A stealth fighter jets made emergency landings at a commercial airport in northern Japan on Monday, but there were no injuries or damage, officials said. The fighter jets were on a training flight from Misawa Air Base and landed safely at nearby Aomori Airport after one developed an unspecified mechanical problem and requested an emergency landing, airport officials said.

J-10 ‘Vigorous Dragon’: China & Pakistan’s Jets Breathe Down India’s Neck On ‘Both Sides’ To Fight Rafales

06/04/2024

While the deployment of J-20s has been widely reported, the presence of “Rafale Challenger” J-10 warplanes has not really caught the media’s attention. J-10s are the only fighters deployed on both sides of the Indian border with China and Pakistan.

Ukraine Says 'Nine Russian Jets' Downed in a Month

06/03/2024

Russian forces operating in Ukraine lost nine jets in May, according to Kyiv, as Ukraine reports record equipment losses and casualties for Moscow's troops. Ukraine's Defense Ministry said on Saturday that nine Russian jets were "destroyed" in May 2024.

U.S. Military Nightmare: China Wants NGAD 6th Generation Fighters

06/03/2024

The United States and China are racing to develop sixth-generation warplanes, signaling intense military rivalry in a multipolar world. China unveiled a mockup of its sixth-generation fighter in 2021, aiming for deployment by 2035, while the U.S. targets 2030 for its "Next-Generation Air Dominance" (NGAD) platform.

Sweden Holds Off Sending Fighter Jets to Kyiv – All May Not be Lost

06/03/2024

Sweden is pausing plans to transfer JAS 39 Gripen fighters to Ukraine, reportedly to enable Kyiv’s air forces to focus on integrating the US-made F-16 fighters when they eventually arrive. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson announced the decision on May 28, citing a request by members of NATO’s aviation coalition.

South Korea seeks to join top arms dealers with new fighter jet engine

06/03/2024

South Korea’s largest defence company is developing a fighter jet engine as the country works to move up the arms exporter value chain and boost its security self-sufficiency. The chief of aero systems at Hanwha Aerospace said the company wanted to develop the engine by as early as 2036. It is working in partnership with the South Korean government, one of the world’s highest spenders on arms development.

Restoring credible deterrence, Dutch F-35’s begin Nato nuclear role

06/01/2024

The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter will take on the Nato’s nuclear role for the first time on 1 June 2024, as the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), one of few Nato Allies contributing dual-capable aircraft to this mission, transfer the task from its F-16 fighters to the new fifth-generation airframe.

Dutch military could base fighter jets at civilian airports given rising global tensions

06/01/2024

The Dutch military is investigating whether fighter aircraft can jointly use the civil airports in Eelde, Lelystad, and Twente, the Ministry of Defense announced on Friday. Due to rising international tensions, the military will need much more space in the coming years.

NGAD Might Be the Last Stealth Fighter of the U.S. Air Force

06/01/2024

Will the Next Generation Air Dominance program, or NGAD, produce the last stealth fighter that the U.S. Air Force ever builds? The fighter jet in general may soon be outdated, given recent advances in drone technology and artificial intelligence. It’s hard to say exactly when the moment will arrive that renders fighter jets obsolete and prompts the Air Force to cancel all future development programs.