Tag: military aviation
266 articles
US Navy Expands 'Doomsday Plane' Fleet with New E-130Js
The US Navy is set to nearly double its "Doomsday Plane" fleet with the acquisition of 31 new E-130J Phoenix II aircraft, designed to carry the critical Take Charge And Move Out (TACAMO) mission. This massive expansion will significantly enhance the Navy's airborne command and control capabilities.
China's J-20 Stealth Fighter Exposes Advanced Engine Capabilities
A stunning close-up photo of a WS10C engine installed on a J-20 airframe has been released publicly via the PLAAF's Weibo account, giving a rare glimpse into China's advanced engine capabilities. The image, which has been making waves in defense circles, was shared by the China-Defense blog.
USAF Winds Down A-10 Warthog Weapons School
Meet Maj. Alex "Trippin" Boules, one of the last A-10 weapons instructor pilots, who shares what makes the A-10 Weapons School a game-changer: teaching pilots to master their aircraft and seamlessly integrate with larger operations. The school's legacy, built over nearly 50 years, is a testament to the power of expert training.
Damaged KC-135 Tanker Enters Tinker AFB Repair Facility
The damaged KC-135 tanker, serial 63-8017, has arrived at Tinker Air Force Base's Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex for a thorough repair and scheduled maintenance, following a midair collision over Iraq that tragically claimed the lives of the crew on board the other tanker. The aircraft is set to undergo extensive repairs, combining damage patching with its regular 5-year maintenance.
Fuel Cells Empower Group 2 Drones for Expanded Battlefield Roles
Fuel cell technology is revolutionizing the battlefield by empowering smaller drones, like Group 2 drones, to take on expanded roles without sacrificing maneuverability or stealth. By providing sustained power in a compact package, fuel cells are unlocking new possibilities for these agile aircraft.
P-8 Poseidon Crews Gain Direct Control of MQ-4C Triton Drones
In a groundbreaking lab test, P-8 Poseidon crews successfully took the reins of MQ-4C Triton drones, issuing direct mission tasking and watching as the drones autonomously planned and executed their assignments. This first-of-its-kind demo paves the way for seamless collaboration between these powerful aircraft.
Pakistan Air Force Eyes C-130H Hercules as Embraer C-390 Orders Surge
The Embraer C-390 Millennium is on a roll, with thirteen countries now on board - and its growing popularity is set to create a ripple effect in the market, as air forces upgrade and older tactical transports are phased out.
USAF's X-62A Autonomously Intercepts Target with AI-Driven Sensor Data
In a major breakthrough, the X-62A aircraft successfully intercepted a target using AI-driven sensor data to guide its moves in real-time, executing 27 flawless intercepts across eight flights. This cutting-edge test, dubbed "Have Heat," marks a significant milestone in the development of autonomous combat capabilities.
China's PLAAF Upgrades Aggressor Fleet with J-20, J-16, J-10C
The People's Liberation Army's 66th Brigade is upgrading its aggressor fleet with cutting-edge aircraft, including the J-20 and J-16, marking a significant boost to its capabilities. This modernization move is a notable shift from its previously reported mix of legacy fighters like the Su-30MKK, J-10A, and J-11B.
B-52 Upgrades Face Cost and Schedule Risks
The Air Force's $21 billion plan to upgrade the B-52 bomber is under threat from rising costs and schedule risks, putting the longevity of this Eisenhower-era aircraft in jeopardy. Thirteen separate modernization efforts are underway, with two major projects - the Commercial Engine Replacement Program and Radar Modernization Program - posing the biggest challenges.
Marine Corps F-35 Crashes in California
A Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet crashed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California, with emergency personnel swiftly responding to the scene at 10 a.m. local time. The pilot ejected and details about their condition are still emerging.
China Defense Blog Exposes J-35 Fighter in CCTV Footage
The China Defense Blog recently shared a surprisingly engaging CCTV footage featuring the J-35 fighter, sparking excitement among defense enthusiasts. This rare gem stands out from the usual PR segments, catching the attention of even seasoned analysts.
F-35B Crashes, Catches Fire at Miramar Air Station
A dramatic crash: an F-35 jet broke apart and burst into flames at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego on Friday morning, with emergency crews rushing to the scene after heavy smoke was spotted around 10 a.m. The cause of the mishap is currently under investigation.
Japan Unveils New Stealth Cruise Missile On F-2 Fighter
Get ready for a game-changer in military tech: Japan has just unveiled a cutting-edge stealth cruise missile, spotted on an F-2 fighter during its first test flight at Gifu Air Base on July 30, 2026.
Air Force Realigns F-15E Fleet
Big news for Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri: it's been selected as the new home for a 24-aircraft F-15E Strike Eagle mission, a critical move that will preserve the Air Force Reserve's combat capabilities. This development follows the Department of the Air Force's approval of the enterprise definition and site survey criteria.
Air Force Faces Engine Dilemma for F-47 Fighter
The Air Force is caught in a timing squeeze with its F-47 fighter engine plans, as it works to build its current system while preparing for future integration activities. With the Next-Generation Air Power (NGAP) program's prototype phase slated to run through 2031, the service is racing against the clock.
Air Force Accelerates KC-135 Connectivity Upgrades Amid Iran War
The Air Force has fast-tracked connectivity upgrades for its KC-135 fleet following a deadly tanker crash during Operation Epic Fury, a move driven by urgent safety and operational concerns. This acceleration comes after a tragic incident in March that claimed the lives of six airmen and raised critical questions about the aircraft's battlespace awareness and secure communications.
Singapore Explores Sixth-Gen Fighter Options with GCAP Interest
Singapore is taking a closer look at the possibility of joining the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a move that could pave the way for the country to acquire a cutting-edge sixth-generation fighter. This exploratory engagement signals Singapore's interest in staying ahead of the curve in military aviation.
Air Force Narrows Drone Wingman Vendors
The Air Force is pushing forward with its Collaborative Combat Aircraft development, planning to narrow down its pool of vendors from nine to as many as six next year. Over the next 10 months, the service will refine its concept and ultimately receive up to six closed conceptual designs.
Air Force Advances Robot-Wingman Effort with Six Potential Designs
The Air Force is pushing forward with its robot-wingman initiative, narrowing down to six potential designs that could soon move into prototyping. Col. Timothy Helfridge says the next phase, expected to wrap up by mid-2027, will yield several promising conceptual designs.
USMC Osprey Fleet Reaches Full Delivery, Eyes Sustainment Through 2055
The US Marine Corps has officially welcomed its final MV-22B Osprey, marking a major milestone with a fleet of 359 aircraft that will continue to soar through 2055. This game-changing aircraft has revolutionized the way the Marine Air-Ground Task Force generates combat power, and now the focus shifts to long-term sustainment and evolution.
Nigeria's Air Force Clears Leonardo M-346FA for Delivery
Nigeria's Air Force has given the green light for the delivery of the Leonardo M-346FA aircraft, confirming they've met all necessary standards. The first three of 24 ordered aircraft have successfully completed testing and been cleared for delivery.
US Air Force Explores Commanding Australian MQ-28 Ghost Bat Drones
The US Air Force is pushing the boundaries of drone technology with the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a cutting-edge Australian drone that's being tested in a historic partnership with US forces. Gen. Kevin Schneider reveals that the MQ-28's successful integration with US test units at Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 marks a major milestone in collaborative combat aircraft development.
Air Force Resumes B-52 Radar Testing After Deadly Crash
The Air Force is reevaluating its testing schedule for the B-52 radar modernization program after a devastating crash on June 15 killed an eight-person crew, and plans to resume testing using another Stratofortress. The program's goal is to keep the 75 aging bombers flying until at least the 2050s.