Military Aviation News Archive

Typhoon makes history in Libya with first combat mission

03/22/2011

A pair of British F2 Typhoon aircraft took off from southern Italy on their first patrols to enforce the UN-imposed no-fly zone over Libya.

Canada's CF-18 Hornets

03/22/2011

The CF-18 Hornet was commissioned in 1980 by the Canadian military, which in 1977 issued a call for tender for the manufacture of 130 to 150 new fighter jets in order to replace its aging fleet.

From Libyan airspace, civilians hard to define

03/22/2011

For the aviators flying over Libya and deciding whether to press the button, the three-day-old U.S. military-led mission over Libya can be hard to define.

UPDATE 2-FACTBOX-Military assets in play in Libya crisis

03/22/2011

European and U.S. forces have unleashed warplanes and cruise missiles against Libyan targets under a U.N. Security Council resolution authorising military action to protect civilians from leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces. (Adds Qatar, updates Italy, Spain, Denmark, France, Britain)

No-fly zone in place, but danger remains, admiral says

03/22/2011

While the attacks on Libya's integrated air and missile defense system have been successful, thousands of anti-aircraft artillery emplacements and portable missile launchers still pose threats to coalition air crews, the director of the Joint Staff said March 21.

U.S. Air Force aircraft strike Libya

03/21/2011

U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirits, F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16CJ Fighting Falcons launched during the early hours of March 20 in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn to enforce U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973, which is centered on protecting Libyan citizens from any further harm from Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's regime.

Sweden's house backs Libya involvement

03/21/2011

The Swedish government can count on the broad support in parliament to send Jas Gripen aircraft to assist the UN-backed Libyan operation, with only the Sweden Democrats expressing a dissenting opinion.

Qatar fighter jets expected at Greek base

03/21/2011

Greece expects four fighter aircraft from Qatar to land at a military base on the island of Crete on Monday or Tuesday, a Defence Ministry official told Reuters.

Spanish fighter jets join Libya mission

03/21/2011

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said earlier in the day Spain would contribute four F-18 fighter jets to carry out air patrol missions and also send an F-100 frigate and a submarine for maritime surveillance to help impose an international arms embargo on the Muammar Gaddafi regime.

Russia not to participate in no-fly zone operations in Libya - Medvedev

03/21/2011

Russia will not participate in any operations in regard to the no-fly zone in Libya, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Monday.

Leaders agree on need for prudence

03/21/2011

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat took a common stand yesterday on the need for prudence in the ongoing Libya uprising while keeping national safety as the country’s top priority.

Surrender of loyalist troops key to success

03/21/2011

Although US aircraft were not used in the initial raid, they joined in early yesterday and included the B-2 stealth bombers from Missouri. At least 20 air-defence sites were hit, all of them surface-to-air missile batteries posing the gravest risk to coalition aircraft that will be involved in combat patrols over Libya.

Gadhafi vows 'long war' after US, allies strike

03/20/2011

A defiant Moammar Gadhafi vowed a "long war" after the U.S. and European militaries blasted his forces with airstrikes and over 100 cruise missiles, hitting air defenses and at least two major air bases early Sunday, shaking the Libyan capital with explosions and anti-aircraft fire.

Iran Announces first all-Iranian aircraft squadron

03/20/2011

Iran takes a unique step forward in the world of military aviation with the announcement of the country's first jet fighter squadron comprised of all Iranian aircraft.

America's Saudi air war

03/20/2011

A plan to train Saudi air force pilots in Idaho is turning former allies into bitter enemies.

Sole rebel jet is lost in sky over Benghazi

03/20/2011

PLUMMETING to earth in flames, this is the dramatic moment when a rebel Libyan fighter jet was apparently brought down over Benghazi.

Canada needs two days to prepare jets for Libya

03/20/2011

"While Canada supports quick action, Canadian fighter jets have just reached the region and will require two days to prepare for any mission," a spokesman for Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper told Reuters by email.

France denies reports of losing its warplane over Libya

03/19/2011

The French General Staff denied on Sunday media reports that one of its Air Force planes was shot down, saying that all warplanes returned to their bases.

U.S., Coalition Attack Libya Air-Defense Systems With ‘Operation Odyssey’

03/19/2011

President Barack Obama said he’s authorized U.S. armed forces to begin “limited” operations to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya, as U.S. and coalition ships and aircraft hit the North African nation’s air defenses.

British forces fire missiles at Gaddafi

03/19/2011

David Cameron ordered British forces into action against Libya in “Operation Ellamy” after world leaders united to tell the dictator the “time for action” had come.

Military action launched against Libyan forces

03/19/2011

Military action against Libyan forces was under way today as Prime Minister David Cameron declared that "the time for action has come" after dictator Muammar Gaddafi flouted his own ceasefire to mount continued attacks against his own people.

World Leaders Agree on Using Military Force in Libya

03/19/2011

Sarkozy said Saturday the international community has a duty to respond to the call of the civilians who are facing a military assault from forces loyal to leader Moammar Gadhafi.

Military assets in play in Libya crisis

03/19/2011

NATO said its ambassadors would meet to discuss their response, while analysts expect an initial strike would target Libya's military aircraft, air force bases and communication systems.

First Saudi A330 MRTT converted by Iberia performs maiden flight

03/19/2011

The first Airbus Military A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport for the Royal Saudi Air Force completed its four hour maiden flight on Wednesday. The aircraft was converted by Iberia as part the partnership between Iberia Maintenance and Airbus Military.

Libya May Give The F-22 Its First Wartime Test

03/19/2011

The Air Force’s most beloved fighter jet missed out on the last ten years’ worth of warfare. Now that the United Nations has approved a no-fly zone in Libya, the service is indicating the F-22 Raptor will get its first taste of combat.