Tag: military aviation
348 articles
A-10 Warthogs Arrive in England Bearing Marks of Epic Fury Campaign
Eleven battle-hardened A-10 Warthogs, adorned with bold nose art and battle markings from their epic Fury campaign, have landed at RAF Lakenheath, bringing a burst of excitement to the airbase. The Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, fresh from their deployment in Jordan, made a striking arrival, showcasing their unique squadron markings.
Poland Plans to Double F-35 Fighter Jet Order
Poland is set to supercharge its air defense capabilities by doubling its order of F-35 fighter jets, with plans to add two more squadrons to the initial 32 aircraft, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. This massive upgrade is part of the country's ambitious Armed Forces Development Program, aimed at bolstering its defense priorities through 2039.
Congress Moves to Restore U-2S Spy Plane Fleet, Defying Air Force Plans
In a surprising move, Congress is pushing to revive the U-2S spy plane fleet, bucking the Air Force's plans to retire the entire 23-aircraft fleet due to concerns over its viability in future conflicts. A new House Appropriations Committee draft bill would limit retirements and fund maintenance to restore four aircraft.
Pentagon Seeks $13.7 Billion to Bolster F-35 Sustainment Amid Readiness Decline
The Pentagon is throwing a lifeline to its struggling F-35 fleet, requesting $13.7 billion to boost sustainment and reverse a troubling decline in readiness that saw full mission capable rates plummet from 38% to just 25%.
F-22 Testbed 'Catfish' Spotted with New Infrared Sensor Pod
Meet the "Catfish," a one-of-a-kind Boeing 757 testbed that's been secretly pushing the boundaries of F-22 technology since the 1990s. Recently spotted with a sleek new infrared sensor pod, this modified marvel is still playing a vital role in advancing stealth capabilities.
Leonardo Accelerates AW249 Combat Helicopter Production for Italian Army
Leonardo is revving up production of its cutting-edge AW249 combat helicopter, with plans to deliver 17 units to the Italian Army by 2028. The company is in advanced talks with the Italian Ministry of Defense to expand the program, which could see a total of 48 helicopters built to meet the Army's needs.
China Rapidly Expands Special Mission Aircraft Fleet
China is rapidly bolstering its special mission aircraft fleet, with recent reveals including the GX-19, Y-9PT (GaoXin-18), and Y-9GR, showcasing a surge in airborne ISR and electronic-warfare capabilities. This steady stream of new aircraft unveilings highlights China's accelerating advancements in military aviation.
US Air Force Weighs Restarting C-17 Production Line
The US Air Force may revive the production line of its prized C-17 aircraft, with a House committee requesting a feasibility briefing by 2027. This move comes as the current fleet faces mounting demands from combat, humanitarian, and mobility operations.
Airbus Unveils Ravenstorm Combat Drone in Expanded Portfolio
Meet the Ravenstorm, a cutting-edge combat drone that's part of Airbus' bold new lineup of uncrewed systems designed to supercharge air power. With its expanded portfolio, Airbus is empowering nations to defend their skies like never before.
US Launches Retaliatory Strikes Against Iran After Apache Downed
Tensions escalate in the Middle East as the US launches retaliatory strikes against Iran after a sophisticated Apache helicopter was shot down by an Iranian drone while patrolling the Strait of Hormuz. Fortunately, the crew was safely rescued in a daring operation involving a drone boat.
China's PLAAF Deploys J-35A Fighter with Elite Unit
The 1st Aviation Brigade, under the Northern Theater Command Air Force, boasts a storied history dating back to June 19, 1950, when it was formed as the 4th Mixed Brigade and became the PLAAF's first unit to see combat in the Korean War. This legacy of nearly 70 years of operational experience has forged a unit identity rooted in sustained action and modernization.
US Air Force KC-135 Tanker Spotted with Advanced Satellite Antenna
A KC-135 tanker has been spotted at RAF Mildenhall with a cutting-edge satellite antenna, signaling the US Air Force's commitment to modernizing its tanker fleet. The exciting development was captured on camera by aviation photographer Alessandro Ledda, and has sparked interest among defense enthusiasts.
USAF Winds Down A-10 Training Program Amid Divestment Plans
The US Air Force has wrapped up its final A-10 Warthog training course at Nellis Air Force Base, marking another milestone in the program's gradual wind-down. This development comes even as three A-10 squadrons have been given a reprieve, extending their service to 2030.
F-47 Design Unveiled Through Unit Patch
A clever unit patch has spilled the beans on the highly anticipated F-47 design, with a stylized firebird motif that eerily matches leaked imagery of the aircraft. The surprising reveal was noted by keen-eyed observers, including aviation analyst Tyler Rogoway.
China Expands AWAC Fleet with Advanced KJ-700 Radar Platform
China's latest KJ-700 Radar platform is a game-changer, boasting not two, but four side-looking airborne radars that supercharge its airborne warning and control capabilities. This upgraded variant has been spotted with two AESA panels behind each wing and two additional panels ahead, marking a significant leap forward.
USAF Scrambles to Buy Scarce MQ-9 Reapers After Heavy Losses
The US Air Force is on a mission to replenish its fleet of MQ-9 Reapers, and it's turning to General Atomics for help, with plans to buy several unused MQ-9A Block 5 aircraft. The scramble comes as General Atomics reveals an alarmingly small inventory of just a handful of new MQ-9As available worldwide.
Stealth Fighter Concept Resurfaces in Area 51 Mystery Aircraft Leak
A decades-old stealth fighter concept has resurfaced in discussions after a viral sighting near Area 51, sparking fresh interest in a mysterious aircraft that was once deemed too unstable for serious consideration. The unusual plane's distinctive double arrowhead design was caught on thermal footage near Groom Lake, leaving many to wonder about its true purpose.
Navy's MH-53E Sea Dragon Fades into Sunset
Meet Steve Jones, a former MH-53E Sea Dragon pilot who learned the helicopter's limits the hard way - and lived to tell the tale of this powerful machine, built for brute strength and endurance with three GE engines and massive fuel sponsons. The MH-53E was a beast that could fly, hover, and tow with the best of them, but as Jones puts it, "it's really a young person's game."
Thermal Image Reveals Possible Prototype of US Air Force's F-47 Fighter
A thermal image captured over Area 51 appears to reveal a mysterious aircraft, possibly the prototype of the US Air Force's highly anticipated F-47 fighter. The stunning footage has sparked excitement among enthusiasts, with one eyewitness describing their thrill at seeing the unprecedented sight.
China Unveils Twin-Engine Variant of Historic XP-55 Ascender Fighter
China has just revealed a game-changing twin-engine version of the historic XP-55 Ascender fighter, a bold twist on the original's radical design. By doubling up on engines, this new concept takes the XP-55's innovative spirit to the next level.
Marine Corps Grounds Harrier After 40 Years of Service
As the Marine Corps bids farewell to its trusty Harrier jets after 40 years of service, the highly skilled aircrew and maintenance teams are already soaring to new heights with their expertise on the cutting-edge F-35B. The Harrier's final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point was a nostalgic sendoff, marked by a thrilling flyover of five legendary jets.
US Marine Corps Retires AV-8B Harrier Jump Jet
The US Marine Corps bid farewell to its iconic AV-8B Harrier II squadron, Marine Attack Squadron 223, in a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, marking the end of an era for the legendary jump jet. The Harrier's unique vertical takeoff and landing capabilities made it a staple of Marine aviation for decades.
Ukrainian Mirages Expand Role with Air-To-Ground Strikes
Newly released footage shows Ukrainian Mirage 2000-5Fs taking on a more versatile role, using low-level passes and toss-bombing techniques to deliver air-to-ground strikes. This tactical shift marks a significant expansion of their capabilities, moving beyond pure air-defense work.
US Special Ops Scraps Plans for U-28 Surveillance Plane Replacement
The US Special Operations Command has scrapped plans to replace its U-28 surveillance planes, with a full divestment of the fleet expected by 2029. Instead, the command will rely on alternative assets for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.