Tag: military aviation
266 articles
US Air Force Weighs Expanding B-21 Raider Fleet Beyond 100 Aircraft
Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force are working together to analyze the possibility of expanding the B-21 Raider Fleet beyond 100 aircraft, thanks to a flexible production agreement that allows for accelerated production. This comes on the heels of a 25 percent boost in annual B-21 production capacity.
UK Unveils Stealth Fighter Demonstrator Details in New Images
Get ready to take a closer look at the UK's latest stealth fighter demonstrator, with BAE Systems releasing its clearest official photos yet, showcasing the aircraft's construction in unprecedented detail. The images give us a glimpse into the making of this cutting-edge tech, set to take to the skies from Warton by 2027.
Global Combat Air Programme Expands With Canada On Board As Observer
Canada has taken a significant step closer to joining the Global Combat Air Programme, announcing its new "observer" status - a strategic move that could pave the way for full membership and industrial collaboration in the future. This development comes as the UK reaffirms its commitment to GCAP with a substantial £8.6 billion investment over four years.
Helicopters Emerge as Key Players in Maritime Strike Exercises
In a display of precision firepower, AH-64 Apaches and other allied helicopters took aim at retired US Navy vessels during RIMPAC 2026's sinking exercises, showcasing their maritime strike capabilities. The US Army's Apaches even fired Spike NLOS missiles at the former cruiser ex-USS Mobile Bay with impressive results.
F-15EX Expands Mission Set with Air-to-Ground Capabilities
The Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Wing just took a major leap forward with its F-15EX Eagle II, successfully completing its first-ever air-to-ground bombing training missions at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Over 10 flawless missions, the crew dropped 36 inert training bombs with perfect scores and zero safety incidents.
Indonesia Secures 12 Leonardo M-346F Light Fighters in $1 Billion Deal
Indonesia's Ministry of Defence has sealed a nearly $1 billion deal with Leonardo for 12 cutting-edge M-346F light combat aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the country's military modernization. This deal underscores the growing trust in Leonardo's capabilities, as noted by CEO Lorenzo Mariani.
Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat Deploys in Pacific Exercise
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat, developed by Boeing for the Royal Australian Air Force, made its debut in a major Pacific exercise, flying alongside US and allied aircraft, including F-35s and F-15EX, in a groundbreaking display of collaborative combat. This marked the first time a collaborative combat aircraft has been deployed to a multinational exercise.
Farnborough Airshow Displays Latest Aviation Tech
Get ready to take to the skies! The 2026 Farnborough International Airshow is currently underway in the UK, showcasing the latest and greatest in aviation technology with thrilling aerial displays.
UK Eyes Typhoon Fighter Drones With Meteor Missiles
Imagine a future where a high-tech Typhoon fighter drone, equipped with advanced radar and Meteor missiles, teams up with smaller, agile aircraft to dominate the skies. This game-changing concept, dubbed the Typhoon/CCA, could revolutionize air combat by multiplying the power of our air forces.
Ukrainian F-16 Achieves First Air-To-Air Kill Against Russian Fighter
In a major milestone, a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet scored its first air-to-air kill against a Russian fighter, marking a significant boost to Ukraine's expanding military capabilities. This breakthrough achievement was confirmed by Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, before the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Embraer and Anduril to Arm C-390 with Palletized Cruise Missiles
Embraer and Anduril are teaming up to revolutionize the C-390 Millennium airlifter by arming it with palletized cruise missiles, a game-changing move that will expand the aircraft's capabilities. This innovative partnership will enable the C-390 to launch Anduril's Barracuda-500M cruise missile from its rear ramp, unlocking new possibilities for kinetic and non-kinetic effects.
Canada Joins Global Combat Air Programme
Canada is taking a significant step towards the future of air combat by expressing interest in joining the Global Combat Air Programme, a pioneering partnership between Japan, Italy, and the UK. By potentially joining forces with these global leaders, Canada could revolutionize its air defence capabilities.
USAF Hosts Anduril's Fury Loyal Wingman for Agile Combat Trials
The US Air Force is pushing the boundaries of combat innovation with Anduril's Fury Loyal Wingman, a cutting-edge aircraft being tested at Creech AFB, Nevada, as part of Agile Combat Trials. This game-changing exercise is bringing together humans and machines to revolutionize air combat operations.
Canada Joins GCAP Fighter Program as Observer
Canada has taken a significant step forward in its defense capabilities by joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an observer, granting it privileged access to cutting-edge technology and industrial cooperation. This new role will deepen Canada's understanding of the programme's governance, capabilities, and industrial framework.
Anduril Unveils Autonomous Tiltrotor for US Army Helicopter Missions
Imagine a game-changing aircraft that's a fraction of the cost of traditional helicopters like the Cheyenne or Apache, yet packs a powerful punch - Anduril's unveiled its autonomous, heavily armed tiltrotor, Thunder. This hybrid-electric, vertical-takeoff-and-landing rotorcraft is designed to be a robotic wingman, transportable in a standard shipping container.
Anduril Unveils Autonomous Tiltrotor Drone for Combat Missions
Meet Thunder, a game-changing, hybrid-electric tiltrotor drone designed for high-performance combat missions, capable of flying low and fast as a loyal wingman. This cutting-edge, autonomous vehicle is engineered for nap-of-the-earth flight, boasting impressive speed and agility.
RAF Unveils Storm Fighter Autonomous Combat Aircraft Program
The Royal Air Force is set to revolutionize combat aviation with its Storm Fighter program, a cutting-edge autonomous aircraft designed to fly alongside crewed planes like the F-35 and Eurofighter Typhoon, boosting pilot safety and firepower. This game-changing initiative marks a major leap forward in autonomous combat aviation, positioning the UK as a leader in innovative air power.
USAF Chief Wilsbach Warns of Base Defense Vulnerabilities Amid Iran Tensions
The US Air Force is overhauling its base defense strategy in response to growing threats from Iran, Russia, and Ukraine, with plans to establish a new career field focused on airfield defense. This move comes as General Kenneth Wilsbach warns of current vulnerabilities and emphasizes the need for experts trained to counter an array of threats, from ballistic missiles to drones.
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.