Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

China military drills send ‘stern warning’ to Taiwan after US visit

08/20/2023

China has launched air and sea military exercises around Taiwan to send a “stern warning” to separatist forces on the island following a recent visit by Taiwan’s Vice President William Lai to the United States. Taiwan responded on Saturday saying the drills highlighted Beijing’s “militaristic mentality” and that combat aircraft, naval ships and land-based missile systems had been tasked with monitoring Chinese forces.

Drone attacks russian airfield in novgorod oblast and damages combat aircraft

08/20/2023

The Ukrainian Defense Forces attacked a military airfield in the novgorod oblast of the russian federation with drones, at least one aircraft was damaged. The Ministry of Defense of russia informs about this.

Zelensky: We are getting closer to Swedish Gripen aircraft appearing in our skies

08/20/2023

Ukrainian pilots have started testing Sweden’s Griping fighter jets, and Ukraine is getting closer to these fighter jets flying in Ukrainian skies. President Zelensky said this in his video address late on Saturday evening, August 19, Ukrinform reports with reference to the president’s press service.

For the first time F-15E Strike Eagle fighter bombers (flown by Raytheon Trophy winners) will take part in William Tell Competition

08/20/2023

After a 19-year hiatus, the 2023 William Tell Air-to-Air Competition is scheduled to take place Sep. 11-15, 2023, at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia. As told by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Sirimarco-Lang, 4th Fighter Wing, in the article 4th Fighter Wing selects team to participate in William Tell competition, the historic fighter aircraft competition is named after legendary Swiss archer, William Tell.

Kicking Mules validate, verify hot refueling procedures

08/19/2023

The 95th Reconnaissance Squadron validated and verified recently developed RC-135 hot refueling procedures at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Aug. 14, 2023. Hot refueling is when an aircraft is refueled after landing and parking, while also leaving an engine running. “This was part of a larger system safety engineering analysis process we are going through with Air Force Life Cycle Management Center,” said Capt. Jon Comer, 95th RS maintenance director of operations.

Japan mulls long-range missiles on transport aircraft

08/19/2023

Based on available information, it is likely that the upgraded air-launched variant of Japan's Type 12 missile and the US-origin Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range could be used to turn Japan's cargo aircraft into lethal platforms. (Janes) Transport aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) could be equipped with long-range missiles to improve the country's stand-off strike capabilities.

Ukraine war prompts new US air tactics in Europe

08/19/2023

Nineteen months into Russia’s war on Ukraine, its lessons are shaping how the U.S. Air Force thinks about combat over Europe. The conflict is pushing the Pentagon to focus on tactics instead of the strategic-level chess moves that have defined the U.S.-Russia military relationship in Europe since the end of the Cold War, Gen. James Hecker, the Air Force’s top officer in Europe, told Air Force Times in a recent interview.

Unveiling the Tempest: Sixth-Generation Combat Aircraft and Saudi Arabia’s Unexpected Interest

08/19/2023

Initially comprising the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan, the program now grapples with a dilemma as Saudi Arabia expresses its desire to become a participant. The kingdom’s request has ignited debates, raised concerns, and exposed divisions among the existing partners.

Lessons From Ukraine For The Future Of War – Analysis

08/18/2023

The war in Ukraine has reinforced the age-old lesson that geography is one of the most important variables in warfare. Any battle plan that Ukraine’s or Russia’s commanders might draw up remains subject to the dictates of space and terrain. As they have over the centuries, mountains, rivers, rain, mud, and snow continue to set humanity’s boundaries in fighting wars.

Japan at the Center of Airpower Defense Diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific

08/18/2023

From August to October 2022, the German Air Force conducted its first large-scale deployment in the Indo-Pacific region, known as Rapid Pacific. This was defense diplomacy by the German Air Force, symbolized by the “Air Ambassador” paint scheme on one of the six Eurofighters deployed to strengthen ties with allies and partners in the region, including Japan. Thus, Rapid Pacific marked the beginning of full-fledged airpower defense diplomacy in the region.

ncreased Russian Attacks Lead Ukrainian Pilots to Frequent Air Base Changes - FT

08/18/2023

Ukrainian pilots constantly disperse combat aircraft to various air bases and civilian airports to counter the Kremlin’s intensified strikes on air installations, runways, and pilot training centers in the western regions of Ukraine, as reported by The Financial Times.

With Eye On China, Pakistan Air Battles, India Forward Deploys Its LCA Tejas Fighters For Ultimate Clash

08/18/2023

A final decision on deploying the Tejas squadrons in fighter air bases along the borders with Pakistan and China will be taken later. But the Indian Air Force (IAF) has already begun sending the existing two LCA squadrons on detachments to forward air bases along the western and northern frontiers, as was witnessed recently with a squadron in Awantipur in Jammu and Kashmir for training.

China’s newly built Paracels airstrip could host drones, analyst says

08/18/2023

A newly built airstrip on a disputed island in the South China Sea is only long enough for China to stage patrol aircraft, but it could still boost Beijing’s ability to collect intelligence over an area that includes Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, a security analyst told Radio Free Asia. Satellite photos from Earth imaging company Planet Labs PBC this week showed that a 600-meter (2,000-foot) airstrip was built on Triton Island in the Paracel chain between July 12 and Aug. 15.

Sweden offers JAS-39 aircraft for PH Air Force modernization

08/17/2023

Sweden has again offered its Saab JAS 39 "Gripen" multi-role fighter aircraft for the modernization needs of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) which is looking to beef up its fleet. This developed following Monday's courtesy call of Sweden Ambassador to Manila Annika Thunborg to Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Russia Pitches Su-57 ‘Felon’ & Su-75 ‘Checkmate’ To Key Partners; Keen On Co-Production Of Stealth Fighters

08/17/2023

Alexander Mikheyev, the chairman of Rosoboronexport, told TASS on the sidelines of the Army-2023 symposium that Russia is in discussions with several partners about cooperation on its fifth-generation fighter jets, the SU-57E and the Su-75 Checkmate, including their joint development and manufacturing.

Russia risks war with NATO in Black Sea, former top commander in Europe warns

08/17/2023

Moscow risks sparking a direct war with NATO by intercepting ships in international waters and seeking to impose an economic stranglehold on Ukraine, NATO's former Supreme Allied Commander Europe is warning. Ex-U.S. Admiral James Stavridis, who led the alliance's forces on the continent between 2009 and 2013, told POLITICO that escalations at sea — including the boarding of a Turkish ship on Sunday — could force Kyiv's partners to intervene to prevent Ukraine's economy being crippled.

Nearly Invisible! Australia To Make Its F-35 Stealth Fighters Stealthier, Announces $100M Investment

08/16/2023

The Australian government is investing $100 million to establish an aircraft-coating facility at the Royal Australian Air Force base in Williamtown, New South Wales, aiming to keep its fleet of F-35 fighters ‘nearly invisible.’

India, Pakistan 5th-Gen Fighter Jet Race Heats-Up; Will PAF Beat IAF To Acquire Next-Gen Warplanes

08/15/2023

Turkey recently announced it is starting negotiations with Pakistan to make it an official partner in combat aircraft development. The culmination of a series of bungling by the Indian defense establishment and top brass of the Indian Air Force (IAF) over the years has resulted in the force staring at two lost decades of technological advancement.

How F-16s for Ukraine could harm Russia without taking a single shot

08/15/2023

With F-16 fighter jets expected to be provided to Ukraine over the coming months, opinions of their usefulness spans from a gamechanger in the war with Russia to a total waste of resources. But there is one way that these aircraft will harm Russia even if they never shoot down a missile, fighter jet or helicopter: They will cost the Russian Aerospace Forces precious aircraft life.

Fighter jet crashes during Thunder over Michigan air show in Ypsilanti

08/14/2023

A retired Russian fighter jet flying in Yankee Air Museum’s Thunder over Michigan air show at the Willow Run Airport near Ypsilanti crashed just after 4 p.m. Sunday, as thousands of spectators, including children, watched in horror. The two aboard ejected before the jet went down, but the plane burst into a raging fireball when it hit the ground, narrowly missing an apartment building adjacent to Interstate 94 in Van Buren Township and hitting vehicles but not injuring anyone.

Russian Su-30 fighter jet crashes in Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast, crew killed

08/13/2023

A Russian Su-30 two-seat fighter aircraft crashed in Kaliningrad Oblast, the Russian exclave sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania, Russian state news agency TASS reported on Aug. 12, referring to the Western Military District. The aircraft was performing a training flight. The crew was killed in the incident.

These charts show why there may be a spike in Chinese military planes flying over Taiwan's airspace this week

08/12/2023

Over the next few days, as one of Taiwan's most senior politicians touches down in the United States, observers are anticipating that China could take another opportunity to flex its military muscles. China has ratcheted up military and political pressure on its democratically governed neighbour over the last three years, and has repeatedly voiced its opposition to friendly relations between Taiwan and the US.

Indonesia Receives 18 Rafale Combat Jets From Dassault Aviation

08/12/2023

Dassault Aviation delivered 18 Rafale multirole fighter jets to Indonesia as part of a $2.3-billion acquisition program signed in April 2023. The handover supports an effort to replace the Indonesian National Army Air Force’s aging F-5 light combat aircraft. In 2021, France offered the Rafale to sustain the service’s airspace dominance.

Saudi Arabia pushes to join fighter jet project with UK, Italy and Japan

08/12/2023

Saudi Arabia is pushing the UK, Japan and Italy to allow it to become a full partner in the landmark next-generation fighter jet project that the three countries signed in December. The request, confirmed by five senior officials in London, Tokyo and Rome, has already created strains within the tri-national alliance. While the UK and Italy are open to the idea of Saudi membership, Japan is firmly opposed and has made its position clear to the other two.

Russia Boosts Su-57 Fighter Production Rate & Capabilities With A More Powerful Engine In Quest For Increased Air Dominance

08/11/2023

Ahead of Army 2023, Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy General Director of Rostec, told Izvestia that Russia plans to significantly increase the rate of production of the Su-57, which is currently undergoing operational trials in Ukraine. “We fully fulfill our obligations to the Ministry of Defense. Now the aircraft is undergoing a trial operation in the Russian Aerospace Forces. This year, our cooperation led by UAC plans to significantly increase the pace of production of these aircraft under the