Military Aviation News Archive

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.

Obama's Brazil trip may influence possible F/A-18 Hornet deal

03/19/2011

When President Barack Obama travels to Brazil this weekend, one of the many items on his agenda eventually could have an impact on thousands of aerospace workers in St. Louis.

Britain to deploy fighter aircraft for Libya mission

03/19/2011

Earlier Friday, Cameron told parliament that Royal Air Force (RAF) Tornado and Typhoon fighter aircraft would be moved to air bases in the region 'in the coming hours', from where they could be deployed.

US, Britain and France prepare for air strikes

03/18/2011

BRITISH, FRENCH and US military aircraft are preparing to protect the Libyan rebel stronghold of Benghazi after the UN Security Council last night voted to establish a no-fly zone over Libya and “all necessary measures” to protect its citizens from harm at the hands of Col Muammar Gadafy’s forces.

Australia to buy amphibious military transport ship, aircraft

03/18/2011

Australia will buy a large amphibious warship from Britain and a C-17 wide-body military transport plane from Boeing to expand its fleet, which is currently on earthquake relief operations in Japan, the defence minister said on Thursday.

Lockheed Martin Support Enables High-Tempo F-22 Deployments Worldwide

03/18/2011

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is logging a deployment-intensive pace in early 2011 following a busy 2010, and the company continues to provide key support to the fleet as the Raptor projects power globally.

UN Security Council adopts resolution on Libya

03/18/2011

The United Nations Security Council on Friday adopted a resolution on Libya. The resolution imposes a no-fly zone over the African state and authorizes possible military action except for ground forces. It also freezes assets of Libyan oil companies and the country's Central Bank.

Sarkozy promises Brazil fighter jet technology

03/17/2011

French President Nicolas Sarkozy promised Brazil his government would support Dassault's proposed technology transfer of its new fighter jet as the company seeks an edge in its bid to win a multibillion-dollar Brazilian military contract.

MD Helicopters, Boeing Advance Collaborative Production Agreement for AH-6i Helicopter

03/17/2011

MD Helicopters, Inc., a leading manufacturer of ommercial and military helicopters, and The Boeing Company (Boeing) have announced significant progress on a contract to collaborate on the production of the Boeing AH-6i Light Attack/Reconnaissance Helicopter for the worldwide market. Consistent with the Memorandum of Agreement signed in July, 2010, both companies are now finalizing a Long Term Requirements Contract for the Boeing AH-6i.

Bell Helicopter AH-1Z Earns Navy Initial Operating Capability designation ahead of schedule

03/17/2011

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announced on Monday that the U.S. Marine Corps' newest attack helicopter, the AH-1Z Cobra, achieved Initial Operating Capability ahead of schedule in February.

The J-20 Clarified

03/17/2011

Two months after the impressive new Chinese fighter, the J-20, made its first flight, it's been possible to scrutinize the photos, videos and other evidence, and form a better idea of where the Chinese are with their new "stealth fighter."