Tag: military aviation
348 articles
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.
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.