Military Aviation News Archive

Air Force asks Northrop Grumman for continued targeting radar technology development for combat aircraft

05/01/2025

U.S. Air Force aerial warfare experts are asking Northrop Grumman Corp. for additional modern active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar development for jet fighter aircraft under terms of an $8.4 million order announced on Monday.

KAI targets Peru for new fighter deal

04/30/2025

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has confirmed that Peru is actively exploring the KF-21 as a potential candidate in its ongoing fighter acquisition process, marking a possible expansion of South Korea’s defense ties in Latin America.

Selfridge ANGB slated to receive twelve new Boeing KC-46 Pegasus

04/30/2025

Selfridge ANGB is already slated to receive twelve new Boeing KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling and multirole transport aircraft to replace its existing squadron of aging KC-135 Stratotankers. The KC-46s are expected to begin arriving at Selfridge as early as 2029 according to the Secretary of Air Force Public Affairs. The base has also recently begun construction on a new hangar facility with additional new buildings planned to support future missions.

Trump Announces New Boeing F-15EX Unit and KC-46 Squadron for Selfridge ANGB

04/30/2025

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, will be home to a new Boeing F-15EX Eagle II unit. The announcement was made during a visit by the U.S. President to Selfridge ANGB today, April 29, 2025.

The Russian Air Force Has Suffered Heavy Losses in Ukraine

04/29/2025

It is estimated that the Russian Air Force has likely lost at least 100 fixed-wing combat planes. The sheer number of military equipment lost over the last three-plus years of Russia’s Ukraine invasion is staggering. While precise figures are difficult to verify due to the nature of the ongoing war, open-source intelligence trackers continue to provide insightful analyses of weapon loss in the conflict. From main battle tanks (MBTs) and airframes to munitions and infantry fighting vehicles.

AI-controlled fighter jets may be closer than we think — and would change the face of warfare

04/29/2025

Could we be on the verge of an era where fighter jets take flight without pilots – and are controlled by artificial intelligence (AI)? U.S. Rear Admiral Michael Donnelly recently said that an upcoming combat jet could be the navy’s last one with a pilot in the cockpit. That marks a striking, if not entirely surprising, shift in thinking about the future of aerial warfare.

US Navy loses $60 million jet at sea after it fell overboard from aircraft carrier

04/29/2025

A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet has been “lost” at sea after it fell overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier while it was being towed on board, the Navy said in a statement on Monday. A US official said that initial reports from the scene indicated that the Truman made a hard turn to evade Houthi fire, which contributed to the fighter jet falling overboard.

Ukraine loses Su-27 fighter jet repelling Russian drone attack, Air Force says

04/29/2025

Ukraine has lost a Su-27 fighter jet while it was repelling a Russian drone attack and providing air support to ground troops on the morning of April 28, Ukraine's Air Force reported. The pilot ejected and is receiving medical attention, according to the statement. The cause of the incident is under investigation. The Su-27, also known under the NATO code name "Flanker," is a highly maneuverable Soviet-era air superiority fighter used by both Ukraine and Russia.

India signs $7.4 billion deal to buy 26 Rafale fighter jets

04/29/2025

India signed a deal with France on Monday to buy 26 Rafale fighter aircraft worth 630 billion rupees ($7.4 billion) for its navy, the Indian defence ministry said in a statement. India will buy 22 single-seater and four twin-seater fighters, made by France's Dassault Aviation, opens new tab, the ministry said, in a deal that would boost the Asian country's defence ties with its second-largest arms supplier.

Pakistan highlights JF-17’s missile capability to counter India

04/28/2025

Pakistan has released the first official images of its JF-17C fighter jet armed with Chinese-made PL-10 and PL-15 air-to-air missiles, as tensions with India continue to mount over a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir. The release comes amid rising fears of another military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Following the attack, India has promised retaliation and threatened to disrupt the flow of a major river system into Pakistan.

China’s J-10C “Losing” To FA-50 Fighters For Egypt Deal? Seoul, Cairo Ink Pact For Local Manufacturing Of Aircraft: Reports

04/28/2025

Since the Chinese J-10C fighter jets arrived in Egypt for the first-ever Eagles of Civilization 2025 joint air drills, all eyes have remained on the Chinese aircraft that have been offered to Cairo. However, as per reports, Cairo has set its sights on the South Korean FA-50 instead.

Delivery of first JSM missiles marks major milestone for Norway’s F-35A fighter fleet

04/27/2025

Norway will reach an important milestone on 28 April as it receives the first Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) for its F-35 fighter aircraft. A ceremony at Ørland Air Base will mark both the completion of Norway’s F-35 deliveries and the start of a new era in national defence capabilities.

Croatia has received the last of ordered Rafale fighters

04/27/2025

The Croatian Air Force has received the last of the ordered French Rafale fighters. This was reported on the official page of the Croatian Ministry of Defense on the X network. The last, twelfth, Rafale fighter jet landed at Franjo Tudman Airport, thus forming a complete squadron of this type of aircraft.

Focus: F-35B Fighter Jets Deliver Unmatched Air Power Aboard British Navy Aircraft Carrier HMS Prince of Wales

04/26/2025

In a striking reaffirmation of British global defense posture, the United Kingdom has launched Operation HIGHMAST on April 23, 2025, a wide-ranging multinational deployment spearheaded by the British Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS Prince of Wales. Central to the potency of this Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is the deployment of the UK’s most advanced stealth fighters—the F-35B Lightning IIs—from the Royal Air Force’s 617 Squadron and the Royal Navy’s 809 Naval Air Squadron.

“Iniochos 2025”, Report on a large military exercise

04/26/2025

“Initiated in the late 1980s, Iniochos has evolved into a comprehensive training platform designed to simulate modern air warfare challenges. The exercise provides participating air forces with opportunities to plan and execute combined air operations (COMAO) in a high-tempo environment, reflecting the complexities of contemporary combat situations”.

Inside the fighter-jet school where virtual technology is your wingman

04/25/2025

Wishing a fighter pilot a good flight isn’t the done thing, apparently. Stefano Centioni, a former Italian Air Force (IAF) pilot who now works for the country’s largest defence contractor, Leonardo, winces at the suggestion. “That’s the sort of thing that you say to a Ryanair pilot,” he says. We’re at the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Sardinia, a collaboration between the public and private sectors that is aiming to become top gun in the niche of fighter-pilot training.

USAF Doubles Down on More F-16 Fighters near North Korea

04/25/2025

The U.S. Air Force will ramp up its presence near North Korea by sending more than two dozen additional F-16 fighters to Osan Air Base, South Korea, creating a second “super squadron” there.

421st EFS bolsters Kadena’s fighter presence

04/25/2025

F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, touched down at Kadena Air Base, April 24, 2025, completing the latest round of U.S. Air Force fighter deployments to the Pacific. As the Keystone of the Pacific, Kadena is a pivotal hub for Agile Combat Employment, which allows squadrons like the 421st EFS to project combat power in concert with U.S. allies and partners.

Lockheed Martin to Incorporate NGAD Upgrades Into F-22 and F-35

04/25/2025

Can the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II—commonly regarded as two of the greatest planes in the world—become even more powerful? The CEO of Lockheed Martin, the famed aerospace giant that built both planes, thinks so. The defense and aerospace giant and manufacturer of the U.S. military’s two stealth fighter jets intends to buff the aircraft with cutting-edge technology initially intended for the F-47 sixth-generation stealth fighter jet.

French Air Force launches surprise dispersal drill and Sweden deployment

04/25/2025

The French Air and Space Force simultaneously conducted two high-profile exercises demonstrating its operational versatility and strategic reach. While one operation tested the force’s ability to disperse combat aircraft rapidly across the French mainland without prior notice, the other projected French air power into northern Europe in cooperation with NATO allies.

Chinese J-10C Fighters Drill In Egypt Amid Speculation That Cairo May Opt For Vigorous Dragons Over Upgrading Fighting Falcons

04/24/2025

For the first time, China has deployed its cutting-edge aircraft, including the J-10C, for the “Eagles of Civilization 2025” joint air drills that kicked off on April 19 in Egypt. The deployment comes amid speculations that the Egyptian government is considering purchasing the aircraft. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced the China-Egypt joint air force training, code-named “Eagles of Civilization 2025,” from mid-April to early May, on April 16.

Flash News: Portugal Air Force Chief Confirms U.S. F-35 as Only Fifth-Gen Fighter Jet Fit to Replace F-16s.

04/24/2025

Portugal has taken a decisive step toward modernizing its air force by affirming its intent to acquire the U.S.-built F-35 Lightning II fighter jet as the successor to its aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons. The announcement, delivered by General João Cartaxo Alves, Chief of the Air Force General Staff (CEMFA), during the Portuguese National Defense Conference on April 22, 2025, marks a significant evolution in the country’s defense strategy.

The Netherlands has confirmed the transfer of another batch of F-16 fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force

04/24/2025

During the most recent meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, held in Brussels and attended by more than 50 countries, the Netherlands confirmed the transfer of another batch of F-16 fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force. The announcement was made by the country’s Minister of Defense, Ruben Brekelmans, who also reported the delivery of a Patriot system and new commitments to supply I-Hawk air defense systems, aimed at strengthening Kyiv’s ability to withstand Russian attacks.

Exclusive: U.S. F-22 Raptor Fighter Jet Upgraded with Infrared Sensors to Shoot Down Enemies Before Detection.

04/24/2025

Following the release of its Q1 2025 financial results on April 23, 2025, Lockheed Martin announced a pivotal enhancement to the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jet program: the integration of a system of next-generation infrared sensors aimed at increasing the aircraft’s survivability and lethality. This strategic move reinforces Lockheed Martin’s commitment to maintaining U.S. air superiority and highlights the continued evolution of the F-22 as a dominant force in modern aerial warfare.

China “Outproducing” U.S. In Fighter Jets; Can “Deny” Air Superiority In First Island Chain: Top Commander

04/24/2025

After building the world’s largest maritime fighting force, China has gained a 1.2 to 1 production rate advantage over the US in fighter jets. Together with modern fifth-generation combat aircraft and advanced ‘long-range’ air-to-air missiles, Beijing can prevent the US from achieving air superiority within the key first island chain, a top US Commander has warned.