Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Canada is running out of runway for its F-35 review

08/20/2025

It was courtesy of the U.S. ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, who perhaps spoke the quiet part out loud last week in an interview with Canadian independent podcaster Jasmin Laine. Hoekstra, a no-nonsense Republican from Michigan, was asked about the Liberal government's review of the $27.7-billion purchase of stealth fighters and the possibility that after delivery of the first tranche of jets, Canada could decide to fill the rest of its order with another type of aircraft.

China’s J-20S Stealth Fighter Mothership Just Might Have ‘All The Tools’

08/20/2025

Recently-circulated images of the J-20S, a two-seater version of China’s fifth-generation J-20, raised questions about what makes this variant different than the parent J-20 fighter—and what the jet’s intended role will be. Though there are several possibilities, as well as the possibility of something else entirely, speculation about the aircraft has run rampant.

ATAC Awarded Task Order for FMS F-16 Chase Fighter Jet Services

08/20/2025

Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC), part of the Textron Systems segment of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT), announced today an initial task order under the Combat Air Forces Contracted Air Services indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract to provide the Defense Contract Management Agency with chase flight support services for F-16 aircraft. The task order has a potential period of performance of up to 27 months.

Aerial photos show scale of destruction across Gaza

08/19/2025

Aerial footage taken onboard a plane dropping aid over Gaza shows the scale of destruction in the area during Israel's 22-month offensive.

Russia’s $37M Su-57 Stealth Fighter Deployed Incomplete Amid Sanctions, Experts Say

08/19/2025

Russia’s Su-57 fighter jet has long been advertised by Moscow as the crown jewel of its military aviation, but newly obtained classified documents suggest the aircraft was delivered to the Russian military in stripped-down form—missing critical targeting subsystems—and at inflated costs.

US Air Force to integrate F-16s with augmented reality training system

08/19/2025

Software company Red 6 has won a contract with the US Air Force (USAF) to integrate its ATARS (Airborne Tactical Augmented Reality System) into the F-16 Fighting Falcon. On August 15, 2025, Red 6 said that the contract was awarded to the company through Air Combat Command and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Türkiye plans diversification strategy on fighter jet formula while awaiting indigenous KAAN aircraft

08/19/2025

ürkiye is advancing plans to acquire 40 Eurofighter jets, 40 next-generation F-16 aircraft, and 40 F-35 fighter jets as part of a comprehensive air force modernization strategy while awaiting the deployment of its indigenous fifth-generation KAAN fighter aircraft. The procurement strategy aims to strengthen Türkiye's air defense capabilities during the transition period before the domestically developed KAAN aircraft becomes operational, according to information reported by Türkiye daily.

Morocco Nears $600 Million Military Aircraft Deal with Brazil’s Embraer

08/18/2025

Morocco is close to finalizing a major military aircraft deal with Brazilian aerospace company Embraer to acquire KC-390 Millennium military transport planes. The deal comes closer to finalization even as American defense giant Lockheed Martin continues pushing its C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to maintain its market position in the North African country.

F-35 And F-16 Viper Fighters: Poland Is Sending A Message To Russia

08/18/2025

As part of that, Poland has been seeking to modernize its defense capabilities, and the latest step entails an upgrade to its fleet of F-16s. As reported by The War Zone, Poland has signed a $3.8 billion contract to “upgrade the country’s 48 F-16C/D Block 52+ Viper fighters to the F-16V configuration.”

“Deadly Duo”! U.S. Integrates F-35-A Stealth Fighter With C100 Drone For Precision Strikes In New War Doctrine

08/18/2025

In a demonstration of the next-generation joint air warfare concept, Performance Drone Works (PDW), a US company specializing in artificial intelligence and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and the US Department of Defense, exhibited joint fire support using the PDW C100 and F-35A Lightning II multirole stealth fighter jet.

Morocco on the verge of acquiring U.S. advanced F-35 jets

08/17/2025

Morocco is on the cusp of securing a deal for 32 U.S. advanced fighter jets, becoming the first Arab and African nation to operate the fifth-generation stealth combat aircraft, says Military Africa news platform. The $17 billion deal, spanning over 45 years, covers maintenance and technical support and spare parts, says the report, noting that the F-35, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is at the top of modern aviation engineering, blending stealth, versatility, and cutting-edge avionics.

Switzerland reviews Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet procurement as U.S. demands higher payment

08/17/2025

Switzerland’s government has instructed its defence ministry to examine options for the planned acquisition of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets after the United States refused to drop demands for additional funding. One option now under consideration is to reduce the number of aircraft purchased.

The F-15EX Eagle II Is The ‘Energizer Bunny’ Of Fighter Jets

08/17/2025

Once derided by its competitors as “too old, too expensive, too big for the stealth era, etc,” the F-15EX Eagle II is turning into the Energizer Bunny of fighter aircraft. The Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal features a number of changes in procurement priorities that this long-serving twin-engine fighter is benefiting from.

Belarus to add 4 new Su-30SM2 fighter jets to air force fleet by year-end

08/17/2025

Belarus plans to expand its Air Force fleet with the addition of four Su-30SM2 fighter jets by the end of this year, Azernews reports, according to local media reports. Speaking at an official ceremony marking Air Force and Air Defense Forces Day, Major General Andrei Lukyanovich, commander of Belarus’ Air Force and Air Defense Forces, said the country is continuing to modernize its aerial capabilities.

Italian Air Force F-35As dispatched from Estonia to intercept Russian aircraft

08/15/2025

Italian Air Force F-35A fighter jets were dispatched to intercept Russian aircraft in its first Baltic Air Policing mission since taking over safeguarding NATO airspace from the Romanian Air Force. NATO Air Command confirmed that F-35s from the Italian Air Force’s 32nd Wing detachment at Ämari Air Base in Estonia were scrambled on August 13, 2025, to respond in defense of the Baltic countries’ airspace.

Switzerland Vows to Press on With US Fighter Jet Deal

08/15/2025

Switzerland vowed Wednesday to continue its attempts to buy F-35A fighter jets from the United States despite spiralling expenses. The US is pushing for Switzerland to bear extra costs for producing the jets of between 650 million and 1.3 billion Swiss francs ($807 million-$1.6 billion), but the Swiss want to agree on a fixed price.

Spanish analysts eye Turkish KAAN fighter as alternative after F-35 cancellation

08/15/2025

Spain has indefinitely suspended plans to acquire U.S.-made F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, according to Spanish media outlet El País, prompting Spanish defense analysts to examine Türkiye's fifth-generation KAAN fighter aircraft as a potential strategic alternative for both the Spanish Air Force and Navy, according to reports from Spanish media outlet Defensa y Seguridad.

Russia’s Su-35 ‘Flanker’ Fighter Is Getting Blown Out Of The Skies Over Ukraine

08/15/2025

At least eight Russian Su-35 fighter jets have reportedly been lost in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Some sources suggest the number could be higher, with unconfirmed reports estimating over 25 losses. Russia has lost about 100 combat aircraft since the “Special Military Operation” began three and a half years ago.

Russian Su-30SM fighter jet likely down near Snake Island, Ukrainian Navy says

08/15/2025

Russia has likely lost a Su-30SM fighter jet while conducting a mission southeast of Snake Island, the Ukrainian Navy said on Aug. 14. The twin-engine, two-seat aircraft – designed for both air superiority and ground attack –reportedly crashed for unknown reasons.

France’s New ‘Super’ Dassault Rafale Is ‘Gunning’ For The F-35

08/14/2025

The Dassault Super Rafale, also known as the Rafale F5, is the next evolution of the Rafale fighter jet, currently under development and slated for French military service around 2030. It will feature more powerful engines, advanced sensors, improved data links, and a reduced radar cross-section. The F5 will also be equipped with the ASN4G hypersonic missile and is designed to work with a newly developed Unmanned Combat Aerial System (UCAS).

IAF seeks 114 Rafale jets in direct deal with France, bypassing MRFA tender

08/14/2025

India is poised to move forward with a government-to-government (G2G) proposal for 114 additional Rafale fighter jets under its Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, The Times of India reports. The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to submit the case for “Acceptance of Necessity” (AoN), an early but essential step in India’s defense procurement process, to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) by October 2025. A final government decision is expected thereafter.

Did India Really Shoot Down an F-16 Fighting Falcon Fighter?

08/14/2025

India’s announcement of its aerial victories came nearly three months after the brief border dispute with Pakistan. It is common to see both India and Pakistan each claim victory after one of their periodic border clashes, such as the recent four-day war in May. Information warfare is another reminder that in wartime, the first casualty is the truth. Both sides have downplayed their respective losses while inflating the casualties that the other endured.

Poland to upgrade entire F-16 fleet to F-16 Viper standard in $3.8B deal

08/14/2025

Poland has signed a $3.8 billion contract to upgrade its fleet of 48 F-16C/D Block 52 multi-role combat aircraft to the advanced F-16V Block 72 configuration, enhancing the country’s airpower and interoperability with other Polish platforms such as the F-35 Lightning II, AH-64E Apache helicopters, and M1A2 Abrams tanks.

Chinese fighter 'intercepts' Philippine plane over disputed shoal, Manila says

08/14/2025

Chinese jet fighter "intercepted" a Philippine aircraft carrying journalists during a patrol flight over the Scarborough Shoal on Wednesday, the Manila government said, days after two Chinese vessels collided in the area while allegedly trying to block a Philippine supply mission. A Reuters journalist aboard the Philippine Coast Guard flight watched as the Chinese fighter closed in on the small Cessna Caravan turboprop.

The Tempest Stealth Fighter Could Have Panavia Tornado ‘DNA’

08/13/2025

The Panavia Tornado is a multi-role jet developed by a tripartite European consortium—originally comprising Italy, the United Kingdom, and West Germany—and designed to combine the qualities of several types of aircraft, offering a modular approach to combat aviation. The design, a twin-engine, swing-wing aircraft, combined several roles, including air defense, reconnaissance, strike, and maritime operations, into a single aircraft.