Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

DUBAI: Customer sought for AVIC’s new stealth fighter

11/09/2015

Chinese airframer AVIC has delivered a shock at Dubai by revealing a surprising level of detail about its proposed FC-31 Gyrfalcon fifth-generation multi-role fighter, even though the type has yet to secure a launch customer. The aircraft being promoted appears to be a follow-on development of the company’s J-31, a mysterious black fighter aircraft that appeared in at the flying display at Airshow China in Zhuhai last November.

Dubai Air Show: Security fears 'to boost arms sales'

11/09/2015

Fighter aircraft from the US, UK and France dominated the aerial displays, while on the ground many more multi-million-dollar jets and helicopters were on view. Among the 160 aircraft on display at the Dubai Airshow, it is the sleek, shiny passenger aircraft of Boeing and Airbus which Gulf carriers normally order in their hundreds.

China Expands Presence With Fighters on Woody Island

11/09/2015

China’s deployment of the more advanced J-11BH/BHS fighter aircraft to Woody Island, revealed in photographs released via online Chinese-language media websites in late October, underscores how seriously the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is taking its claims to the South China Sea.

Confirmation of Attack on Russian Jet May Strengthen Putin’s Resolve in Syria

11/09/2015

The main bell in St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg tolled 224 times on Sunday, once for each victim of the destruction of a Russian charter flight in Egypt a week ago. Although President Vladimir V. Putin and his aides at first indignantly dismissed suspicions of a terrorist act, the Kremlin has since then clearly come to grips with the idea that a bomb was probably involved in the crash: Late Friday it suspended all travel by Russians to Egypt.

Iran Prepares to Re-equip its Military

11/09/2015

There is probably no air force in modern history that deserves more credit for innovation and adaptive skills than the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF). For more than 35 years the Iranian force has struggled to maintain a fleet of aging American-made equipment, acquired under the reign of the former Shah of Iran.

DUBAI: Italy powers up combat jamming system for Tornado

11/09/2015

Italy’s air force appears set to join an elite group of services capable of fighting their way into hostile territory by using combat aircraft carrying active jamming technology. Elettronica chief executive Enzo Benigni welcomed Italian defence minister Roberta Pinotti to the company’s stand on the opening day of the show, before announcing that a teaming agreement has been signed to work on an escort jammer pod.

Report: Argentina to Purchase 14 Kfir Combat Jets from Israel

11/09/2015

After almost two years of negotiations and endless speculations surrounding the question of what fighter jet Argentina would go for, Argentine media report that a decision has been made to purchase the IAI Kfir jets to replace the South American Air Force’s 14 Mirages 3. According to the report, in Interdefensa Militar Argentina, the decision is currently awaiting final approval from the Cabinet.

Syrian Troops Kill Almost 60 Islamists in Failed ISIL Attack on Airbase

11/09/2015

The Syrian armed forces have repelled an attack of Islamic State (ISIL) militants on an airbase near the eastern city of Deir ez-Zor, destroying 58 jihadists, local media said early Monday.

Russia, Egypt Discuss Antey-2500, Buk Missile Systems Delivery

11/09/2015

Russia is holding talks with Egypt on the delivery of Antey-2500 anti-ballistic missile system and Buk surface-to-air missile system, Russia’s state technologies corporation Rostec head Sergey Chemezov said Sunday.

Boeing fights decision that gave bomber to Northrop

11/08/2015

Boeing and Lockheed Martin formally challenged the selection of Northrop Grumman to build a heavy bomber valued at up to $80 billion, calling the process “fundamentally flawed.” Boeing believes its “game-changing” innovations were ignored in the Pentagon’s calculations.

As U.S. Escalates Air War on ISIS, Allies Slip Away

11/08/2015

As the United States prepares to intensify airstrikes against the Islamic State in Syria, the Arab allies who with great fanfare sent warplanes on the initial missions there a year ago have largely vanished from the campaign.

Ahead of Latest Strategic Defense and Security Review, UK Faces Tough Choices

11/08/2015

Five years after Britain’s dire finances triggered a Strategic Defense and Security Review (SDSR) that axed capabilities, force numbers, readiness and ambition, the government gets to have another go at setting out its military priorities in the next few weeks when it wheels out the new version of the review.

Airbus Scrambles To Compete Against France's Planned Buy of 4 C-130s

11/08/2015

France's planned acquisition of four C-130 Hercules for €330 million (US $361 million) has fueled a debate between the armed forces and procurement officials over buying the US airlifter, while Airbus scrambles to develop a competing offer, defense executive and analyst sources said. Later this month, France expects to receive a US letter of acceptance setting out the price of four Lockheed Martin C-130Js, a defense specialist said.

DUBAI: Combat-tested A330 MRTT to get technology boost

11/08/2015

One of three Airbus Defence & Space-modified widebodies operated by the service, the aircraft is equipped with under-wing hose-and-drogue refuelling pods, which support operations with the Dassault Mirage 2000. It also has an advanced refuelling boom system, cleared to support other MRTTs – and crucially the UAE’s Lockheed Martin F-16E/Fs. These have been used in an offensive role as part of the international campaign to tackle Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.

US air-to-air combat aircraft just arrived in Turkey

11/08/2015

The US Air Force has deployed air superiority planes near Syria. Six F-15C Eagle jets, belonging to the 493rd Fighter Squadron of the 48th Fighter Wing, from RAF Lakenheath, UK, have just deployed to Incirlik airbase, in Turkey. According to the US Air Force, the air planes were moved close to Syria “in a demonstration of the United States unwavering support for Turkish sovereignty and the collective security of the region.”

Lockheed Martin Completes Acquisition of Sikorsky Aircraft

11/08/2015

Lockheed Martin has closed its acquisition of Sikorsky Aircraft, a world leader in military and commercial rotary-wing aircraft. Aligned under the Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training (MST) business segment, Sikorsky Aircraft is now known as Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company.

Boeing Highlights Middle East’s Importance Ahead of Dubai Airshow

11/08/2015

The Middle East continues to be a key market for growth in both the commercial and defense aerospace sectors, according to the latest Boeing market forecasts released ahead of the Dubai Airshow which opens tomorrow. Boeing will showcase a range of products and services at the show, including flydubai’s Next-Generation 737-800, Qatar Airways’ 25th 787 Dreamliner, the Maritime Surveillance Aircraft, the U.S. Navy’s P-8 Poseidon and the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22, among others.

India-Russia Joint Military Exercises to Start Saturday

11/08/2015

The seventh Indra exercises will take place in India's northern Mahajan firing range until November 20 with the focus on the so-called Counter-Terrorism Operations in Desert Terrain under a United Nations Mandate, according to a press release of the Indian Defense Ministry.

NATO chief sounds alarm over Russian buildup from Baltic to Mediterranean

11/06/2015

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg attends a press conference after the NATO military demonstration in Zaragoza, Spain, Wednesday Nov. 4, 2015. NATO is putting on its most fearsome display of military might in over a decade with soldiers, ships and planes meant to hone and test its abilities as well as send an unequivocal sign to Russia and other real or potential foes.

New Defence Minister Sajjan still in the Canadian military

11/06/2015

Canada’s new minister of National Defence is still a serving member of the Canadian Forces, putting him in the unusual position of theoretically having to take orders from generals who are supposed to answer to him. Harjit Sajjan, a lieutenant colonel in the army reserves, is trying to obtain his release from the Canadian Forces but at this point is still a member of the military.

Belarus Eyes Fighter Jets, MLRS Acquisitions

11/06/2015

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has announced plans to acquire new weapons and military gear to boost the country’s deterrence capability. The acquisitions will include new Polonez long-range multiple launch rocket systems fitted with a 200-kilometer strike range, to be delivered in the years 2016-2017.

France to send aircraft carrier to aid U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State

11/06/2015

France will deploy its only aircraft carrier to support military operations to combat the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, French President Francois Hollande said Thursday. In a statement by the French presidency following a meeting of its defense cabinet, the government said the Charles de Gaulle warship would be sent to the eastern Mediterranean for operations against Isis in both Syria and Iraq.

How a New Bomber Will Shape U.S. Military Strategy

11/06/2015

The U.S. Air Force is developing a new bomber that promises to secure the U.S. advantage in modern warfare. The next-generation long-range strike bomber, recently awarded to Northrop Grumman Corp. for development, will not be designed to rely on as yet undeveloped technologies, as is so often the case with new aircraft and weaponry.

F-35A Lightning II fighter gets new gun

11/06/2015

Ultra advanced stealth, fighter jet speed … and now the military’s F-35 has a new weapon. The F-35 Lightning II is a truly fifth-generation fighter jet. This advanced powerful single-seat and single-engine fighter is designed to be capable of a range of missions with just one aircraft.

Russia sends anti-aircraft missile systems to Syria

11/06/2015

Russia has sent missile systems to Syria to avert the hijacking of their combat aircraft, said a top commander. The "Islamic State" has reiterated claims it downed a Russian civilian plane as retribution for airstrikes.