Tag: military aviation
200 articles
Pakistan Air Force Weighs J-35, Kızılelma as F-16 Alternatives
Baykar's Kızılelma UCAV just hit a major milestone, successfully test-firing a Roketsan JET-230 air-launched ballistic missile, further cementing its status as a cutting-edge, strike-capable drone. This latest achievement builds on last year's groundbreaking radar-guided air-to-air missile launch from the same platform.
UK Launches Storm Fighter Loyal Wingman Program
The UK is gearing up for future combat with the launch of the Storm Fighter Loyal Wingman program, a cutting-edge initiative that aims to supercharge its air power with a swarming fleet of drones, sixth-gen fighter jets, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities. Funded with $406 million, this bold move is set to revolutionize the Royal Air Force's capabilities.
China's J-20 Fighter Production Hits 300 Mark
The J-20 fighter production has reached a major milestone with over 300 aircraft manufactured, and experts predict that around 500 J-20s will have been delivered by mid-2026. This surge in production marks a significant shift in the program, transforming the J-20 from a symbolic stealth fighter to a cornerstone of China's air force.
RAF Downgrades F-35A's Nuclear Role
The Royal Air Force has clarified that its recent purchase of a dozen F-35A aircraft is primarily for training and conversion purposes, not to bolster its nuclear strike capabilities. This move underscores a strategic shift, separating the jets' day-to-day role from their potential nuclear support functions for NATO.
South Korea Bolsters Electronic Warfare with Global 6500 Jammer Jets
South Korea is taking its electronic warfare capabilities to the next level with the acquisition of two Global 6500 jets, which will be converted into cutting-edge standoff jammer aircraft. The move underscores the country's commitment to bolstering its defense systems, leveraging the high-performance and versatility of the Global 6500 aircraft.
France Bolsters Rafale Fighter with Low-Cost Drone-Killing Rocket Capability
France is arming its Rafale fighter jets with a game-changing, low-cost rocket that can take down enemy drones without breaking the bank. This innovative solution comes as the French Air and Space Force seeks alternatives to using million-euro missiles to destroy inexpensive drones.
US Army Fortifies Aerial Intel with HADES Jets, Drone Battalion
The US Army is taking aerial intel to new heights with its HADES jets and a pioneering drone battalion, set to be based at Fort Hood, Texas, boosting its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities like never before. With a combined range that's unmatched, the Army is poised to access previously unreachable intel.
Pakistan Eyes New Army Aviation Assets to Bolster Counterinsurgency Push
Pakistan is gearing up to supercharge its counterinsurgency efforts with fresh army aviation assets, as part of a massive and ongoing operation in Balochistan. The move marks a major revival of the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps' large-scale operations after a decade-long hiatus.
Air Force Opts for Two-Pilot Crew for B-21 Raider Bombers
The US Air Force has decided that the B-21 Raider bombers will be flown by a two-pilot crew, a configuration that will tap into the extensive combat experience of its pilots to maximize the aircraft's lethality and survivability. This setup matches the current standard for the B-2 and is designed to support the B-21's mission needs.
Pakistan Weighs F-16 Replacement Options Beyond J-35 Hype
As Pakistan's reliable workhorse, the F-16, approaches retirement by 2040, the air force is faced with a crucial decision: finding a worthy replacement to preserve its operational tempo and capabilities. With the F-16's legendary reliability and high availability, the stakes are high for its successor.
F-47 Design Exposes Boeing's Shift in Sixth-Gen Fighter Strategy
Meet Darold Cummings, the aerospace engineer behind Northrop's YF-23, who shares his insights on fighter design, revealing that every fighter's blueprint revolves around its weapon bay. He breaks down the delicate balance between aerodynamics and stealth, where getting the radar cross-sectional area down is the ultimate goal.
China's J-8I Fighter Marks Maturation of Airpower
Every July 4th, China's J-8I fighter jet celebrates another year of maturity, marking a milestone for the People's Liberation Army Air Force's (PLAAF) trusty Cold War interceptor. Born from China's ambitious pursuit of a high-altitude, high-speed fighter, the J-8I embodies the air-defence demands of the Cold War era.
US Downsizes J-8F Fighter Fleet with Planned Aircraft Boneyard Disposal
The US is significantly reducing its J-8F Fighter Fleet, with plans to dispose of the aircraft in a boneyard, marking the end of their service life. The move comes as the fleet is being dismantled, with airframes being relocated to a storage facility.
Pakistan Air Force Prepares for Major Fighter Procurement Cycle in 2030
Get ready for a major upgrade in Pakistan's air defence capabilities, as the Pakistan Air Force is set to embark on a significant fighter procurement cycle in the 2030s, driven by the impending retirement of its F-16A/B fleet. A recent $686 million deal with the US will support the current fleet, but a new generation of fighters is on the horizon.
US Military Unveils Massive Aerial Armada for 4th of July Flyover
Get ready for a star-spangled spectacle! To kick off the 4th of July celebrations, a massive aerial armada, including NASA-affiliated F-5 Tiger IIs jets, will soar above Washington, D.C. in a spectacular seven-hour flyover.
Ukraine Targets Russian Air Base in Crimea with Drone Strikes
Ukraine just landed a major blow to Russia's military capabilities with a daring drone strike on the Saki Air Base in Crimea, taking out multiple hangars and at least seven aircraft, including Su-30SM, Su-30, and Su-24 fighter jets and bombers. The bold operation, claimed by the Ukrainian Security Service, dealt a significant hit to Russia's aviation assets.
Air Force Confirms B-21 Raider to Miss America 250 Flyovers
The Air Force has confirmed that the B-21 Raider won't be joining in on the America 250 flyovers this week, dashing hopes of a high-profile display by the stealth bomber. The two flight-test aircraft will remain at Edwards Air Force Base in California for now.
Russia's Su-57 Targets Ukrainian Drones with Unusual Weapons Load
New photos reveal Russia's advanced Su-57 fighter jet packing a surprising punch against Ukrainian drones, with a mysterious pod and air-to-air missiles in tow. The unusual weapons load comes as the small fleet of just nine Su-57s is thrust into a new kind of battle.
Trump Takes First Flight on VC-25B Bridge Aircraft as Air Force One
On July 1, 2026, President Donald Trump took to the skies on the VC-25B Bridge aircraft, a modified Boeing 747-8i, for its first operational flight as Air Force One, marking a historic milestone. The flight, which carried the callsign "AIR FORCE ONE," soared over Washington, D.C. en route to North Dakota for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening.
F-35 Radar Unveils Directed-Energy Attack Capability
The advanced APG-85 radar system for the F-35 requires a significant boost in cooling power, more than doubling the aircraft's current needs. This crucial upgrade will rely on planned engine enhancements and a sophisticated cooling system, set to arrive in the mid-2030s.
US Navy Helicopter Crashes in Arabian Sea, Search Underway
A US Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopter made an emergency landing in the Arabian Sea, and a search is underway for the one missing crew member after three were safely recovered and are receiving medical care. The incident is being investigated, but there is no indication of hostile action being involved.
Navy Retires C-2 Greyhound After Decades of Carrier Resupply Missions
The C-2 Greyhound's legendary career came to a close with its final takeoff and landing on the USS Nimitz, marking the end of nearly 60 years of dedicated service as the Navy's carrier onboard delivery workhorse. The iconic aircraft will continue to fly until later this year, when it will be fully retired.
B-2 Stealth Bomber Fires Anti-Ship Missile in Pacific Exercise
In a major show of force, a US Air Force B-2 stealth bomber fired a powerful anti-ship missile during a live-fire exercise in the Western Pacific, marking a significant milestone in countering maritime threats. The impressive display took place as part of Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, where the bomber launched an AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile at a decommissioned US Navy ship.
China's J-20 Exposes Refueling Limitations
New high-resolution photos reveal the J-20's mid-air refueling probe, highlighting a key difference between China's advanced fighter jet and the US Air Force's F-22. The images provide a glimpse into the J-20's refueling capabilities, or limitations.