Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Indo-Russian fighter aircraft project proposal to get moving

12/27/2015

An Indo-Russian proposal to jointly produce fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) is expected to soon take off thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to that country. A decision on the project is expected in the next six months, chairman of Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) T Suvarna Raju said today.

Daesh Loses Major Supply Route Amid Strategic Defeat on Euphrates

12/27/2015

The fate of Raqqa, the de-facto capital of Daesh, has come under serious threat as one of the chief supply roads across the Euphrates has now been cut off by Kurdish-led forces Saturday.

Watch: An inside look into the KC-10 tanker

12/26/2015

Ever wonder what presents a strong military? The answer lies within its logistical capability. Militaries that are capable of providing a good logistical answer for their troops generally have an easier time bringing the battle to the enemy more effectively. The US Military has long been known for its military might, the proof of that lays within the confines of the 305 Air Mobility Wing.

Need to know, 2016: Aircraft programs to watch

12/26/2015

It’s likely to be a banner year for aircraft, as the service takes big steps forward for several of its newest planes: The Air Force is aiming for Aug. 1 as the date for initial operating capability for the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter. Developing the plane has long caused a headache for the Air Force, which saw the aircraft wind up more than $150 billion over budget and between three and seven years behind schedule, depending how you count.

Daesh, Nusra Fighters Begin Turning in Heavy Arms Outside Syrian Capital

12/26/2015

Fighters from the Daesh and the al-Nusra Front have begun giving up heavy weapons to the Syrian army south of the Arab republic’s capital of Damascus, a military source said Friday.

Russia Prepares for President-S Onboard Defense System Deliveries to Egypt

12/26/2015

Russia is preparing for short-term deliveries of its President-S onboard defense system (ODS) for civil and military aircraft to Egypt, a senior Radio-electronic Technologies Concern (KRET) executive said Friday.

Russia to Replace 2 Anti-Aircraft Artillery With New 57 Caliber Systems

12/26/2015

Commander of the Russian Land Force’s air defense stated that Russia is developing a new 57 caliber anti-aircraft weapon system to replace two existing systems.

ISIS using human shields to escape from major Iraqi army offensive as government forces close in on strategic town of Ramadi

12/25/2015

ISIS terrorists are using human shields and have booby-trapped entire houses in Ramadi in a bid to prevent the Iraqi army from retaking the strategically important town. An estimated 100 jihadis are surrounded by Iraqi troops who are being supported by US airstrikes, who are targeting the remaining ISIS strong points. ISIS captured the city, which is about 60 miles from Baghdad, in May. The defeat was a major propaganda victory for the terrorists.

Malaysia defense official denies interest in JF-17

12/25/2015

Malaysia Defense Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein is denying media reports his country is interested in purchasing the JF-17 multi-role fighter. Hussein responded to the media as Malaysian defense officials discuss the implementation of air force modernization plans. Malaysian media reported Malaysian High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr. Hasrul Sani bin Mujtabar discussed purchasing the Joint Fighter-17, a collaboration between Pakistan and China.

Inside the U.S. Drone War on the Islamic State

12/25/2015

On October 7th, at an “undisclosed location” somewhere in “Southwest Asia,” men wearing different types of camouflage and dun-colored boots gathered before a black backdrop adorned with Arabic script. They were attending a ceremony that mixed solemnity with celebration, the commemoration of a year of combat that left scores of their enemies slain. One of their leaders spoke of camaraderie and honor, of forging a family and continuing a legacy.

Putin, Modi vow closer ties as their governments sign defense, energy deals

12/25/2015

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday pledged closer ties between their historically allied countries as their governments signed agreements in the defense, nuclear and energy sectors.

China says carrier operations improving as navy chief visits

12/25/2015

China is getting better and better at operating fighter jets from its lone aircraft carrier, with confident pilots and an increasing number of flying operations, the military's newspaper said on Friday as China's navy chief visited the ship.

Russia Rearms for a New Era

12/25/2015

Russia has bolstered its military and asserted itself on the world stage with a forcefulness not seen since the Cold War, ratcheting up tensions with the West. Here is what Russia has been doing to reclaim its influence.

Light Combat Aircraft Tejas To Be Showcased At Bahrain Air Show 2016

12/25/2015

The Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) will be showcasing its indigenous fighter jet Tejas at the Bahrain International Air Show next month. Two Tejas fighter jets will demonstrate their agility and other attributes at BIAS 2016, Sakhir Airbase, commencing on January 21, 2016 — the first by any made-in-India aircraft. In the run-up to the aerobatics display, Asian Age news daily reported Thursday.

China Tests Electronic Warfare Variant of J-16 Fighter Jet

12/25/2015

A new electronic warfare variant of the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation J-16 twin-seat strike fighter made its first flight on December 18, IHS Jane’s reported, citing Chinese sources.

More Tiger combat helos for France

12/23/2015

The French military has ordered seven additional Tiger combat helicopters, which will bring their fleet of the aircraft to 67. The order, which is to strengthen the capability of French forces in air-land operations, was made to Airbus Helicopters by the French Directorate General of Armaments, or DGA, through the European Union's Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation.

With Eye On China, India Seeks 100 Armed Drones From US

12/23/2015

India has sought from the US 100 latest unmanned aerial vehicles, both armed and surveillance versions, worth USD 2 billion to bolster its arsenal amid recurring incursions by Chinese troops. Industry sources familiar with New Delhi's interest and ongoing talks between the two governments, said that India is interested in the latest Avenger drones, which is basically an unmanned combat air vehicle, and is mainly being sought with an eye on China.

India’s Defence Trade with Russia

12/23/2015

Speculation is rife about the defence deals likely to be signed during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Moscow. The front runners are S-400 ‘Triumf’ air defence systems, Ka-226 ‘Kamov’ helicopters, and Grigorovich-class stealth frigates. The lease of a second nuclear-powered attack submarine is also believed to be on the cards.

The Sino-Pakistani JF-17 Might Have Another Buyer in Asia

12/23/2015

Christmas is a time for reflection, celebration and… buying really expensive gadgets which might or might not be obsolete in a few years. As Robert Farley noted earlier, several states in Asia are getting in the holiday spirit with the presentation of so-called “fifth generation” combat aircraft.

F-16, F/A-18, Su-30 Ranked World’s Most Sold Fighter Aircraft

12/23/2015

US F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-18 and Sukhoi Su-27/30 family of fighter jets are ranked most popular combat aircraft in the world. According to a report published by Flight International analytical center Monday, US F-16 fighter jet makes up 16 per cent with 2264 jets ranked at number one is followed by F-18 with 1,047 aircraft making up seven per cent jets around the world.

Italian Air Force Receives Two More Predator Drones - US Defense Contractor

12/23/2015

General Atomics drones have now amassed more than 2.1 million cumulative flight hours and recorded the highest mission capable rate of any aircraft in the US Air Force's inventory, Pace added. "With the delivery of these aircraft, GA-ASI completes over two decades of delivering Predator A capabilities to the United States and allied countries," said GA-ASI Aircraft Systems President Frank Pace said on Tuesday.

Philippines to Spend Big on Massive Military Modernization

12/23/2015

Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Monday promised that an 83.9-billion-peso ($1.77 billion) allocation for military modernization projects would be spent by 2017 as the country is in the midst of a territorial dispute with China.

Israel, Russia Develop Coordination Mechanism to Prevent Air Incidents

12/23/2015

In late November, Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon said that an aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces task unit deployed to Syria had entered by mistake the Israeli-controlled airspace over Golan Heights and left it. According to Yaalon, a communication channel established between the military of the two countries was involved to settle the issue.

India to Deliver 4 Russia-Built Helicopters to Afghanistan Within Days

12/23/2015

Afghanistan expects to receive four Russian-made combat helicopters from India within days, an acting Afghan Charge d’Affairs to Russia told Sputnik. "The agreement to deliver helicopters from India is in place, it has been signed," Ahadzada Abdul Ghayour said. "The transfer of the four helicopters from India should take place in the coming days."

Enlisted Airmen Will Now Get To Fly Drones

12/22/2015

For the first time since World War II, the Air Force will use enlisted airmen as pilots. Rather than climbing into cockpits, though, they'll be seated at workstations in places like Beale Air Force Base north of Sacramento, CA.