Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Russia's Su-35 Flanker Fighter Nightmare Keep Getting Worse

04/29/2024

The Russian Air Force is facing significant setbacks in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with substantial losses including several Su-35 fighter jets. As Moscow intensifies its aerial assaults, the strain on its military arsenal grows, with more than 150 sorties involving Su-34 and Su-35 airframes reported over just 13 days earlier this year.

Entire F-16 Fleet Disbanded! How This EU Country Is Taking Fight To Russia & China Without Firing A Missile

04/29/2024

In a bid to arm its aging air force, Argentina signed a $300 million contract with Denmark earlier this month to purchase 24 F-16 aircraft. Commenting on the sale, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said, “In close cooperation with our allies, we have donated 19 F-16s to Ukraine’s fight for freedom, and now we have sold 24 aircraft to Argentina in a good process that has created valuable ties between our two countries.”

Why Did US Buy Old Soviet Aircraft from Kazakhstan?

04/29/2024

For several years Kazakhstan has been gradually replacing its outdated fleet of Soviet-made combat aircraft with modern versions, such as the Russian Su-30SM multi-role aircraft and has been in discussion with Western manufacturers to source suitable combat platforms. As part of this process, it was announced in October that the Kazakh government was offering 117 Soviet-era fighter and bomber aircraft for sale by auction.

How A Pakistani Pilot “Shot Down” An Israeli Fighter Jet With His Russian-Origin MiG-21 Aircraft In 1974?

04/29/2024

In the annals of military history, some stories stand out for their unexpected twists and turns. One such event occurred half a century ago, on April 26, 1974, when Flight Lieutenant Sattar Alvi, a Pakistani pilot, accomplished a rare feat by shooting down an Israeli fighter jet while flying a MiG aircraft for the Syrian Air Force.

US buys 81 Soviet-era combat aircraft from Russia's ally costing on average less than $20,000 each, report says

04/29/2024

The US has acquired 81 Soviet-era combat aircraft from Kazakhstan, the Kyiv Post reported. Kazakhstan, which is upgrading its air fleet, auctioned off 117 Soviet-era fighter and bomber aircraft, including MiG-31 interceptors, MiG-27 fighter bombers, MiG-29 fighters, and Su-24 bombers from the 1970s and 1980s.

Taiwan tracks 22 Chinese military aircraft, 4 naval ships around nation

04/28/2024

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 22 Chinese military aircraft and four naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Saturday (April 27) and 6 a.m. on Sunday (April 28). Of the 22 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 12 crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the northeastern section of the country’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ), according to the MND.

F-16s headed to Ukraine this summer will face their most dangerous battlefield ever

04/28/2024

The long-awaited delivery of F-16s to Ukraine is on the horizon, and these advanced American-made fighter jets can't come soon enough for its forces. Western-provided F-16s will give Kyiv's current fleet of aging Soviet-era warplanes a major upgrade in capabilities, for critical offensive and defensive roles, and boost their firepower with the right munitions.

China's J-10: Just a Copy of America's F-16 Fighter? Actually, There Is an Israel Connection

04/27/2024

The Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon, often compared to the F-16 due to its similar features, has its own unique design and capabilities. Although some sources suggest the J-10 was influenced by the Israeli IAI Lavi, China maintains it evolved from earlier Chengdu models like the J-9.

Sweden Taps Saab for New Gripen Rigs, Simulators Support

04/27/2024

Sweden has tapped Saab to modernize the country’s Gripen C/D and Gripen E fighters under a 540-million-kronor ($50 million) contract. The operation and support of test aircraft and equipment such as rigs and simulators will be covered under the new agreement. The deal is part of a program that covers the aircraft’s major upgrades by the aerospace firm, which includes engine and electronic warfare system updates.

Saab boosts UAE and Gripen capabilities in dual advancements

04/26/2024

Swedish defence company Saab delivers its fourth GlobalEye aircraft to the UAE while securing an order for Gripen development resources. Saab has recently achieved milestones in reinforcing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) defence capabilities and the future potential of its Gripen aircraft system. Delivering the fourth GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the UAE marks a feat, highlighting Saab’s ability to provide defence solutions.

Chinese Jet Comes Within 5 Minutes Of ‘Hitting’ Taiwan’s Top Office; Ex-Commander Says Hard To Stop PLA

04/26/2024

A statement by a former Republic of China Air Force (RoCAF, or Taiwan Air Force) commander about the incapability of its military to prevent a People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) attack raised alarm bells among the island’s leadership.

Croatia Welcomes Arrival of First Rafale Fighter Aircraft

04/25/2024

On Thursday, April 25th, around 12:30 PM, the first six of a total of 12 multi-purpose combat aircraft Rafale will fly into the Republic of Croatia, to the "Colonel Marko Živkovic" barracks in Velika Gorica from the French Republic.

US Holds 1st Ever F-35 Cross-Service Maintenance With Norway – A Move That Could Worry Russia, China?

04/25/2024

The United States and Royal Norwegian Air Forces have successfully conducted the first-ever unsupervised F-35 Lightning II cross-service operation, marking a significant milestone in fighter aircraft interoperability. The operation, which took place on April 8, 2024, saw Norwegian aircraft maintainers servicing two US fighter jets at Ørland Air Station in Norway, a development announced by the US Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa on April 22.

Anduril and General Atomics advance in USAF autonomous fighter programme

04/25/2024

Anduril and General Atomics advance in USAF autonomous fighter programme Proposals from defence start-up Anduril and uncrewed aircraft pioneer General Atomics were selected from a pool of submissions by five aerospace manufacturers to develop autonomous fighter jets for the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme.

Ukraine Receives 1st Fighter Jet From Lithuania; Kyiv ‘On Verge’ Of Acquiring Danish F-16 Fighting Falcons

04/25/2024

Ahead of the much-anticipated delivery of F-16 fighting falcons to Ukraine, Lithuania recently announced the transfer of an Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Albatros light strike jet to Ukraine. The Lithuanian Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced the delivery of the Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Albatros light strike jet on April 20. The MoD added that the transfer of the light attack aircraft was part of a larger military aid package for Ukraine. Lithuania has been a key military supplier to Kyiv in the ongoing wa

China's J-20 Stealth Fighter Could Soon Be Headed to the Middle East

04/24/2024

In 2020, the UAE's decision to normalize relations with Israel was seen as a step toward Middle East stability, but complications arose due to the UAE's desire to acquire the advanced F-35 fighter jet, challenging Israel's security doctrine of maintaining military superiority.

One Country Expressed Interest In Buying The A-10, Air Force Secretary Says

04/24/2024

The U.S. Air Force is in the process of retiring its A-10 attack jet fleet, with plans to phase out 56 aircraft from its total fleet of 265 by fiscal 2028. During a House Armed Services Committee hearing, Secretary Kendall noted that at least one country has expressed some interest in obtaining the A-10s. However, there won’t be significant support for the aircraft once they’re out of the American inventory due to their age and lack of a support base.

One dead, seven missing after two Japan navy helicopters crash in Pacific

04/22/2024

Two Japanese navy helicopters carrying eight crew members crashed into the Pacific Ocean during a night-time training exercise after possibly colliding with each other, killing one person, the defence minister said on Sunday. The two SH-60 patrol helicopters were conducting antisubmarine exercises on Saturday night near Torishima in the remote Izu island group, off the southern coast of central Japan.

Taiwan tracks 21 Chinese military aircraft, 7 naval ships around nation

04/22/2024

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 21 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Saturday (April 20) and 6 a.m. on Sunday (April 21). Of the 21 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 14 crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, according to the MND. Three entered the southwest corner of Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) and two were detected in the northeast ADIZ.

Iran to get Su-35 jets? Russia may deliver first aircraft by next week

04/22/2024

Iran could receive its first Su-35 Flanker fighter jets from Russia as soon as next week, reports state-run media outlets. The timing of the delivery of advanced fighter jets is highly significant as it coincides with skyrocketing tensions between Tehran and Israel. While there is no mention of the number of jets making up the first shipment, Iran will reportedly receive at least 24 fighter jets in total, Forbes reports.

House passes contentious Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan aid package

04/21/2024

The House on Saturday passed military aid bills for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, more than six months after President Joe Biden initially submitted his massive foreign aid request to arm all three security partners. The roughly $95 billion package includes $48 billion in Ukraine security aid.

Portugal confirms that it has begun its transition to the F-35 and indicates bad news for Spain

04/21/2024

The announcement made by General Cartaxo in that interview implies that Portugal is ahead of Spain in the acquisition of a fifth generation fighter, since until now the Spanish government has not given any news indicating its possible intention to acquire the F-35, not even to replace the Harrier II of the Spanish Navy, for which there is no other possible substitute on the market at present.

Portuguese F-16 fighters intercepted two aircraft from the Russian Aerospace Forces in the Baltic Sea

04/21/2024

In a new episode in the Baltic Sea region, Portuguese Air Force F-16 fighters, as part of their Air Policing Mission, conducted the interception of two aircraft from the Russian Aerospace Forces. This new incident was reported by NATO’s Air Command, adding to the long list of similar episodes recorded between combat aircraft of NATO members and Russian forces.

Ukraine downs Russian Tu-22M3 bomber for first time

04/20/2024

Ukrainian anti-aircraft units shot down a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber for the first time, Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk said on April 19. The Tu-22M3 bomber crashed in Russia's Stavropol Krai on the morning of April 19, just after Russia launched an attack on Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Nigeria expects first batch of Leonardo M-346 fighter jets this year

04/20/2024

Nigeria will take delivery of the first six of 24 Italian M-346 light fighter-trainer aircraft it has ordered by year end, the country’s Air Force has said. Originally manufactured by Italy’s Leonardo as a twin-seater jet trainer, the M-346 has been acquired by Nigeria in its more recent, armed M-346FA fighter format.