Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

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.

North Korea Reports Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Engine Test

04/09/2016

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un issued an order to conduct on Saturday the "jet test of a new type high-power engine of inter-continental ballistic rocket and personally came to the Sohae Space Center to guide the test," North Korea’s Central News Agency (KCNA) said as quoted by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency on Saturday.

US, India Look Into Co-Production of Fighter Aircraft

04/09/2016

US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter said that a team from the US Department of Defense is holding negotiations in India on potential co-production of fighter jets.

Algeria Increases Order of Russian-made Mi-28 Helos to 42

04/09/2016

The Algerian Air Force (AAF) has ramped up its order of Russian-made Mi-28NE "Night Hunter" attack helicopters from the eight initially reported in January to 42, the Russian-language newspaper RIA-Novosti reported.

Australia Buys New Precision-Guided Glide Bomb for F-35

04/08/2016

The U.S. State Department has approved the possible sale of nearly 3,000 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs and associated equipment, training, and support to Australia, according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) news release. The sale is still subject to approval by U.S. Congress before it can proceed.

Israel Aerospace begins producing F-35 C4 systems

04/08/2016

Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) is beginning production of the Command, Control, Communications and Computing (C4) systems developed for the Adir - F-35I, Israel's variant of the Fifth Generation Fighter F-35. The company recently completed system definition, prototyping and testing phases.

Air Force moving forward with possible A-10 replacement, general says

04/08/2016

The Air Force is taking a key step toward developing a dedicated close-air support plane to replace the A-10 "Warthog," a top general said Thursday. “My requirements guys are in the process of building a draft-requirements document for a follow-on CAS airplane,” Lt. Gen. Mike Holmes, the deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and requirements, said. “It’s interesting work that at some point we’ll be able to talk [about] with you a little bit more.”

REDISCOVERING LOW ALTITUDE: GETTING PAST THE AIR FORCE’S OVERCOMMITMENT TO STEALTH

04/08/2016

Once upon a time, aircraft avoided radar detection by flying low, sometimes ridiculously low. The benefits were obvious; the Earth is a lumpy sphere, and low altitude provides both cover and concealment. No sensor, be it radar, visual, infrared, or electronic surveillance, can see through a hill. The appearance of an aircraft at low level is often a surprise, and aircraft traversing gaps in terrain at high speed are fleeting targets at best.

F-35 fighter centres to create 300 jobs at RAF Marham in Norfolk

04/08/2016

Due to open in 2018, three new buildings on the site with provide training facilities for pilots and ground crews for the UK's first F-35 Lightning II fighter II aircraft. Work on building the three facilities will start this month. The project is being funded by the Ministry of Defence.

How Israel Wants To Soup Up Its Fleet Of F-35s

04/08/2016

Israel has done amazing things with their imported U.S. fighter aircraft, innovating and tailoring their capabilities to meet their unique needs. They want to continue this legacy with the F-35. Part of this initiative now includes the ability to externally modify their new stealth jets with the addition of conformal fuel tanks.

Egypt and France to Sign €1 billion Arms Deal

04/08/2016

Egypt and France plan to sign several agreements this month to purchase some €1 billion of weaponry. The agreement includes the sale of fighter aircraft, navy vessels and a military satellite communication system.

Vietnam Demands China Remove $1 Billion Oil Rig Amid Sovereignty Row

04/08/2016

Beijing’s relations with former regional allies continue to deteriorate as Chinese regime steadfastly continues development efforts throughout the South China Sea.

Carter Likely to Meet 'Cautious' India in Upcoming Defense Visit

04/08/2016

As US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter prepares for a visit to India next week, analysts warn the Indian Government to steer clear of any agreement likely to hamper relations with China.

Royal Australian Air Force Deploys To Red Flag 16-1

04/07/2016

The Sun rises over the land Down-Under, morning dew accumulated from the night before evaporates from the warmth of the golden glow permeating from the east as light ushers forth a new day in Spring. As members from the RAAF leave their loved ones at home ahead of a new day for one of the best jobs in the world, their concentration is transfixed ahead of them they are eager to accomplish the tasks set, ready for one of the biggest exercises the RAAF have ever participated in.

Watch a F-35 fighter jet drop a guided warhead: Weapon is able to destroy targets while steering clear of anti-aircraft guns

04/07/2016

Hailed as the most expensive weapon in history, costing an estimated $400 billion to develop so far, the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet can dogfight, drop bombs and spy on emery territory. While the US' plane is eight years late and recently had problem with its radar system, a video shows it dropping a particular type of laser-guided bomb for the first time.