Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Researchers unveiled cloaking technology that the US military has been waiting for

09/23/2015

Breakthrough research from the University of California-San Diego could take the US military one step closer towards having cloaked aircraft and drones. Researchers Li Yi Hsu, Thomas Lepetit, and Boubacar Kante have succeeded in creating an ultra thin “dielectric metasurface cloak,” which is composed of a multitude of ceramic cylinders embedded into a layer of Teflon.

The China Challenge: Island-building — a military threat in the South China Sea

09/23/2015

New details surfaced last week outlining Chinese military activities in the South China Sea where construction on several thousand acres of disputed islands is now the center of Beijing’s bid to gain control the strategic waterway. Despite appeals from US leaders to halt the island construction and militarization on them, the build up of military facilities by China in the South China Sea is continuing.

Russia Added numerous Aircraft to expand their Military in Syria

09/23/2015

One of the officials told AFP of the additional presence of around 20 combat helicopters and said Russian forces are flying surveillance drones over the Middle Eastern nation’s airspace. “The equipment and personnel just keep flowing in,” another official told the Times. “They were very busy over the weekend.” According to the New York Times, Russia’s military presence in Syria also includes at least three surface-to-air missiles, nine tanks and around 500 marines.

Marines on the hunt for gear to combat tomorrow's threat

09/23/2015

Post-Afghanistan missions will likely be dispersed and unpredictable, creating unique challenges for leaders who develop the gear Marines need to defeat the enemy. Framing those efforts is Expeditionary Force 21, the Corps' 10-year road map that predicts Marines will be conducting crisis response missions that could leave small teams of Marines deployed independently for weeks at a time, said Lt. Gen. Robert Walsh.

US A-10s arrive in Estonia for 6-month rotation

09/23/2015

Twelve A-10s arrived Monday at Amari Air Base in Estonia, the first stop in a deployment to Europe that’s expected to last about six months, the Air Force said Tuesday. The deployment marks the second time the Warthogs have been sent to Europe as part of a so-called theater security package.

THE RAAF’S AIR COMBAT GROUP: MIDDLE EAST OPERATIONS AND THE WAY AHEAD

09/23/2015

During my visit to Australia in August 2015, I had a chance to talk with an experienced fighter pilot and squadron commander, and now commander of Air Combat Group about his time in Operation Okra and the way ahead for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Northrop Grumman and Selex Combine To Offer IRST Pod

09/23/2015

At the AFA Conference last week, Northrop Grumman (NG) and Selex ES revealed details of the InfraRed Search and Track (IRST) pod that they are proposing to meet a new U.S. Air Force requirement. The transatlantic partnership is building on NG’s new concept of an Open Pod that can be adapted for various tasks, including communications, electronic warfare and targeting.

Lockheed Martin and Norwegian Armed Forces Celebrate Rollout of Norway’s First F-35A

09/23/2015

Ceremonies were held today at the Lockheed Martin F-35 production facility celebrating the rollout of the first F-35A Lightning II for the Norwegian Armed Forces. The event marked an important production milestone for the future of Norway’s national defense.

Northrop Grumman Signs Agreement With Norway-Based Kitron Over F-35's Modules

09/23/2015

A long-term agreement has been signed with the Norway-based Kitron AS to supply subassembly electronic modules for F-35 Lightning II aircraft avionics, defense contractor Northrop Grumman said in a statement on Tuesday.

Pentagon Officials: Chinese Jet, US Spy Plane Narrowly Avoid Collision

09/23/2015

A Chinese jet made a dangerous aerial intercept near a US spy plane over the Yellow Sea earlier this month, almost causing the two aircraft to collide, two Pentagon officials said.

Russia's Su-30SM vs. America's F-22 Stealth Fighter in Syria: Who Wins?

09/22/2015

Russia has deployed at least four advanced Sukhoi Su-30SM Flankers to its base near Latakia, Syria. The jets are the latest in a series of Russian deployments to the war-torn Arab nation that includes tanks, armored personnel carriers, heavy artillery and a sizable infantry contingent.

Fighter jet crashes near Lemoore NAS

09/22/2015

A fighter jet assigned to Lemoore Naval Air Station crashed just before 4 p.m. Monday in a field near the base, the Navy confirmed Monday evening. The pilot of the single-seat aircraft ejected safely and is in good condition, said base commander Capt. Monty Ashliman. He was taken for a medical evaluation, Ashliman said. The pilot’s name was not released.

Russian Fighter Aircraft Arrive in Syria

09/22/2015

New satellite imagery, provided through Stratfor's partnership with AllSource Analysis, shows at least 16 combat aircraft stationed at the Bassel al Assad air base near the Syrian city of Latakia. Construction on the base continues, and the persistent deployment of combat helicopters and other military assets to the airfield has given the Russians a significant military capability in Syria.

Russia deploys 28 combat planes in Syria: US officials

09/22/2015

Russia has deployed 28 combat planes in Syria, US officials said Monday, confirming the latest move in Moscow's increasing military presence in the war-torn nation. Washington in recent weeks has expressed growing concern over Russia's moves to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and warned that militarily backing his regime risks further hampering efforts at bringing peace. Experts said the buildup is likely a prelude to military action.

US, Estonian Air Forces to Hold Joint Drills on Tuesday

09/22/2015

Joint exercises of the US and Estonian Air Forces that will involve participation of 12 US A-10 ground-attack aircraft are expected to begin on Tuesday in Estonia, the country’s Defense Ministry announced Monday.

Russia expanding its military presence

09/21/2015

Russia is conducting a series of massive military exercises with live ammunition in the Mediterranean Sea between the Syrian port of Tartus and the island of Cyprus. Aircraft-carriers and missile units are involved in the exercise, thereby confirming Moscow’s commitment to support the Syrian regime led by President Bashar Al Assad.

China, Pakistan ink pact to keep JF-17 tech away from India

09/21/2015

China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement to keep technology secrets of the PAC JF-17 combat aircraft from India and the US, a Beijing based quasi-government military website said. The jet has been jointly developed by the two countries. Pakistan has also resisted a recent attempt by the US to delve into the secrets of the technology, the Sina Military Network said. JF-17 Thunder multi-role combat aircraft is superior to F-16 of the US, it said.

As Russian Subs Encroach, Britain Seeks a Sub-Hunter

09/21/2015

It's been a busy year for anyone who counts Russia as its neighbor. Ever since Vladimir Putin began his Great Ukrainian Adventure last year, the cycle of reaction, counter-reaction, and counter-counter-reaction has raised tensions in the North Atlantic. In the skies above Europe, Russian combat aircraft repeatedly probe NATO air defenses. In the waters below, unidentified submarines - presumed to be Russian -- keep popping up off the shores of Sweden, Finland, and beyond.

Israel to Voice Concerns About Russian Deployment in Syria

09/21/2015

Israel joined the U.S. in expressing concerns about Russia’s military buildup in Syria ahead of a planned meeting in Moscow on Monday between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli officials said.

India's incredible shrinking air force

09/21/2015

By my calculation, about 79% of India's combat aircraft squadrons and 96% of its main battle tanks are of Soviet-design, a legacy of New Delhi's close relationship with Moscow in the 1970s and 1980s. A country's defence choices can define the shape of its armed forces for decades to come.

DARPA And Air Force To Equip War Planes With HELLADS Combat Lasers By 2020

09/21/2015

The U.S. Air Force wants to equip its war planes with the High Energy Liquid Laser Area Defense System (HELLADS) by 2020, upping its defense game. The Army and the Navy have already moved to upgrade their systems and boost their arsenal — now it's the Air Force's turn to make significant changes. The Air Force plans to employ combat lasers of its own to make its war planes more effective.

Venezuela to Buy at Least 12 Russian Fighter Jets - President Maduro

09/21/2015

Venezuela's President is going to purchase at least 12 Russian fighter jets after the recent Su-30 fighter jet crash.

Real Deal: Pakistan Confirms Interest in Russian Su-35 Fighters

09/21/2015

A Pakistani government official spoke to IHS Jane's, confirming that the sides had already discussed a possible purchase of the advanced aircraft, as the Pakistani Air Force requires a two-engine fighter "that can fly for a longer range than the JF-17 and penetrate more deeply into the enemy's territory".

New Helis for India: Close to Deal After Threats From Boeing, US Army?

09/21/2015

India has an epic story of purchasing – or, rather, non-purchasing – attack helicopters for its military needs. Now, the country is reportedly close to strike a bargain with a US manufacturer for a purchase of its world famous choppers.

Blue Angels crew pushes the envelope with 'Fat Albert'

09/20/2015

Fighter jocks aren’t the only Blue Angels who challenge the limits of capability and precision. The team’s maintenance and support crew also takes pride in pushing the envelope with a C-130 Hercules, and on Friday they took Navy Times along for the ride.