Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Air Force Looks Beyond Officers to Boost Drone-Pilot Ranks

12/28/2015

The U.S. military’s increasing demand for drones has forced changes in the Air Force’s “flyboy” culture over the years, plucking pilots out of the cockpit and sending some to high-tech desert trailers to operate remotely piloted aircraft, leaving their proverbial white scarves at home.

Aerospace Deals Come Down to Wire

12/28/2015

The aerospace and defense industry is one of the few sectors to consistently throw up end-of-year surprises as companies look to meet or exceed prior commitments, and 2015 is no exception. The tussle between Airbus Group SE and Boeing Co. has a history of throwing up last-minute aircraft orders, with the European plane maker last year pulling out deals for more than 450 jets in December alone to overtake its rival, an unprecedented haul seldom seen even at air shows.

Air Force ends 2015 with supersonic capability, more capable aircraft

12/28/2015

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) ended 2015 not with a bang, but with the loud full-throated roar as the first of its two Mach 1.5 capable South Korean-made FA-50PHs light-interim fighter aircraft sped through the skies last November 28. The arrival of the two jet aircraft, the first pair out of the 12-plane contract from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) worth P18.9 billion, highlights the return of supersonic capability to the PAF after an absence of 10 years.

Swedish Company Offers India Collaboration to Manufacture Sea Fighter Jets

12/28/2015

Swedish defence major has offered to collaborate with India on production of sea version of its light combat fighter aircraft Gripen. "We have a great opportunity for technology transfer," Ulf Nilsson, head of Saab's aeronautics division said as he spoke about the naval version of the aircraft and the ongoing project of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop the naval version of the LCA Tejas.

India, France May Sign Deal on 36 French Rafale Fighters Sale in January

12/28/2015

India and France are likely to sign a deal for the sale of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft to New Delhi on January 25 during French President Francois Hollande's visit to India, media reported.

Will We See Saudi Troops in Iraq in the New Year?

12/28/2015

Ever since Saudi Arabia announced that it had formed a new 34-nation 'Islamic coalition against terrorism', experts have been debating whether the new alliance will entangle itself in a military operation in Iraq and Syria. Recently, analytical website Iranian Diplomacy posed that very question to regional Iraqi official Ibrahim al-Jinabi.

U.S. reports 17 air strikes against ISIS on Christmas Day

12/27/2015

The United States and its allies conducted 17 air strikes on Christmas Day against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, the coalition leading the operations said in a statement on Saturday. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted five air strikes using attack and remotely piloted aircraft, targeting ISIS militants near Ar Raqqah, Manbij and Mar’a.

China accuses USA of "serious military provocation" over South China Sea overflight

12/27/2015

China has been aggressively asserting its claims to virtually all man-made islands in the South China Sea, reefs and their surrounding seas. The information office of the ministry said the Chinese military kept close surveillance on the bombers' activities and gave it warnings. CCTV's Jim Spellman has a timeline of previous incidents between the two countries in and above the waters off China.

China's Lone Aircraft Carrier Struts Its Stuff

12/27/2015

High-definition video has emerged of China's lone aircraft carrier, CV-16 Liaoning practicing aircraft takeoffs and landings. The video was apparently shot during a visit to the carrier by the head of China's Navy during drills in the Bohai Sea.

Russian airbase in Armenia starts flight inspection of combat helicopters

12/27/2015

Russia’s airbase in the Armenian capital has started implementing flight inspections of Mi-24P helicopter gunships that have been deployed to Erebuni air base in December, a spokesperson for the Southern Military District of Russia’s Armed Forces said Friday, December 25, TASS reports.

Need to know, 2016: More changes for RPA community

12/27/2015

For the first time since World War II, the Air Force is set to get enlisted pilots. Air Combat Command is developing entry requirements for enlisted airmen to fly RQ-4 Global Hawks, remotely piloted aircraft that fly high-altitude reconnaissance missions.

Final Negotiations on Ahead of Rafale Deal

12/27/2015

South Block is abuzz with hectic activities ahead of the signing of the defence deal to buy Rafale fighter jets, with barely a month left for the scheduled visit of French President Francois Hollande to New Delhi. The two countries are expected to sign the deal for 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in fly-away condition during Hollande’s next month visit.

America’s secret war on ISIL: The African military operation you’ll never hear about

12/27/2015

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 comraderie and honor, of forging a family and continuing a legacy.

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.