B-52s Conduct Live Weapons Drop and Flyover in Sweden, Marking the Nation’s First Year in NATO
Two B-52s escorted by Gripens conducted a flyover of the Swedish Parliament for the first anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO, and later performed a live weapons drop at the…
The JMSDF Retires the U-36A After 37 Years of Service
The U-36A, one of the JMSDF’s most secretive assets, conducted its last flight at Iwakuni Air Base and retired quietly on Mar. 10, 2025, after 37 years of service. The…
NTSB Issues Preliminary Report on Potomac River Mid-Air Collision
The preliminary findings reveal a concerning history of near-miss incidents around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. On Mar. 11, 2025, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report…
Sikorsky Successfully Flies Rotor Blown Wing VTOL UAS, Validating Control Software
The aircraft is meant to develop and mature rotor blown wing design, which can now be applied to larger aircraft for unmanned aerial logistics and even tactical ISR missions. Sikorsky…
“Celestial Eagle Flight”: An F-15A Destroys a Satellite
In 1985, an ailing solar observation satellite in orbit over 300 miles above the Earth was the target of a United States Air Force F-15A armed with a 2,700 lb…
USMC F/A-18s, F-35s and KC-130J Fly Together for Project Legacy Off San Diego
The Project Legacy flight was a ‘unique opportunity for all aircraft platforms across Marine Air Group 11 (MAG-11) to fly as one team, practice tight formations, and take part in…
The F-35 ‘Kill Switch’: Separating Myth from Reality
With heightened tensions between Europe and the United States over NATO and Ukraine, the myth of an F-35 "kill switch", which would supposedly allow the Pentagon to disable foreign-operated F-35s,…
North Sea Collision: How the Rescue Operation Has Unfolded So Far
On Mar. 10, 2025, container ship MV Solong collided with fuel tanker MV Stena Immaculate off the UK coast, triggering an extensive search and rescue response. MV Solong, a container…
B-21 Raider’s Extended Range Increases Demand for Aerial Refueling Support
A fleet of 100 B-21 Raiders would require more tankers than the 20 B-2 Spirits currently in service, as well as a faster fuel transfer rate to reduce the time…
LC-130H Skibird Of the 109th Airlift Wing Lands on Freshwater Ice In Canada for the First Time
The LC-130H Skibird polar transport is largest tactical aircraft in the world capable of landing on snow and ice using skis. On Mar. 5, 2025, an LC-130H Hercules of the…
USAF B-52 Stratofortress Flies with Israeli F-35Is and F-15s in Joint Training Over Middle East
The B-52, currently deployed to the UK for BTF 25-2, practiced operational coordination and communication with Israeli F-35Is and F-15Is to deter regional threats. A U.S Air Force B-52H Stratofortress…
F-35s Take Over Rotational U.S. Marine Corps Deployments to MCAS Iwakuni
VMFA-214’s F-35s have deployed to Japan in place of long-running F/A-18 Hornet detachments, which reinforce the U.S. Marine Corps squadrons permanently based in the region. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214…
Uncertain Future for the U.S. Air Force Next-Gen Stealth Tanker
A new U.S. Air Force analysis recommends continuing the development of NGAD, as well as terminating the NGAS stealth tanker program which was supposed to support the next gen fighter…
French Navy Tested Link 22 Tactical Data Link During Indo-Pacific Deployment
The Marine Nationale says it needs to adapt to an atmosphere that demands ‘shorter reaction times,’ and the new Link 22, together with the Link 16, allows all tactical data…
U.S. B-52H Bombers Integrate with Italian Eurofighters During Rare Training CAS Mission
Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortresses integrated with Italian Typhoons and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers for a rare joint close air support mission. On Mar. 7, 2025, two U.S. Air Force…
Space Force’s Boeing X-37B Spacecraft Returns To Earth After 434 Days in Orbit
The secretive X-37B spaceplane has just returned from its latest highly classified, long-duration mission. On Mar. 7, 2025, at 07.22 UTC (2.22AM EST), the Boeing X-37B landed at Vandenberg Space…
Turkey’s Akıncı UCAV Flies with MURAD AESA Radar
Equipped with the new MURAD AESA radar, the Akıncı can track both aerial and ground targets, paving the way for a future in an air-to-air role with the integration of…
Dutch F-35As Shoot Down Target Drones with AIM-9X Sidewinders Over Baltic Sea
During an exercise with the Estonian Air Force, two RLAF F-35s employed AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles to shoot down a number of target drones over the Baltic Sea. In an…
U.S. Air Force Halts Deliveries of KC-46 Tankers Following Discovery of Cracks
Boeing discovered cracks in the aileron hinges of two KC-46s which were being readied for delivery, prompting the U.S. Air Force to launch a fleet-wide inspection while the root cause…
Leonardo and Baykar Partner to Develop Unmanned Technologies
A new Joint Venture between Leonardo and Baykar, based in Italy, will exploit the industrial synergies and complementarities of both companies in the unmanned sector and pursue opportunities in both…
Philippine Air Force FA-50 Crashes During Night Operations Against Insurgents
The FA-50 went missing during night anti-insurgency operations with other aircraft in the south of the country, with special forces locating the wreckage and the deceased pilots two days later.…
MQ-20 Avenger Flies Autonomously with Hivemind AI at Orange Flag
General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger unmanned combat aerial vehicle autonomously flown with Shield AI’s Hivemind software at Orange Flag exercise. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and tech company Shield AI have…
B-52 Spotted Over Texas Apparently Carrying Hypersonic Missile During Test
The B-52, sporting the orange throwback paint scheme, has been spotted flying over Texas with two loads under the wing hardpoints, one of which clearly looks like an AGM-183 ARRW…
Lockheed Martin No Longer Running for the U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX Program
Lockheed Martin reportedly submitted its proposal for the U.S. Navy’s sixth generation F/A-XX fighter but didn’t satisfy the requirements, leaving Boeing and Northrop Grumman as the remaining competitors. According to…
Pratt & Whitney Successfully Tests Rotating Detonation Engine
The Rotating Detonation Engine being developed by Pratt & Whitney has no moving parts, which reduces complexity and costs, and could help enable high-speed, long-range flight with increased efficiency. Pratt…
King Charles Visits HMS Prince of Wales Ahead of Carrier Strike Group Deployment
King Charles III flew to the aircraft carrier on board a Royal Navy Merlin HM2 direct from his Sandringham Estate, where he recently hosted President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. The King’s…
F-35B Completes First Test Flight with AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile
Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Pax River ITF completed an initial flight test integrating the AGM-158C LRASM onto the F-35B Lightning II, following the first test on the F-35C in…
First CCAs Assigned Unmanned Fighter Designations by the U.S. Air Force
The U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff announced that the first two Collaborative Combat Aircraft will be designated YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A, making them the first assets to ever fall under…
F-35 Fleet Soars Past One Million Flight Hours
The F-35 Lightning II celebrated a historic milestone as the worldwide fleet has officially reached one million flight hours logged by 16 services with more than 1,100 aircraft. The F-35…
Exclusive Images Reveal Patched-Up F-22 Raptor After Landing Mishap
We got a rare look at the F-22A Raptor which was repaired after being involved in a landing mishap a few years ago. On Feb. 21, 2025, an F-22A Raptor…
Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2T-AI Variant Takes Maiden Flight
The TB2T-AI has three new “AI computers,” a new turboprop engine and winglet. Recently, the TB2 also flew with the Antidot Electronic Warfare pods. Turkey’s Baykar Tech, maker of the…
The Initial Aerial Victories of the Axis and Allies in World War II
In the opening hours of World War II, in the early morning skies over Poland, both the Axis and the Allied side had aerial victories and aerial “firsts”, some involving…
Lockheed Martin Unveils Mysterious New Weapon
Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new unnamed weapon in a short video, describing it as modular, lethal and affordable. Lockheed Martin has released on Mar. 1, 2025, a short video…
Hellfire R-9X ‘Ninja’ Missile Airstrike Shown in Newly Released Footage
The low collateral damage variant of the Hellfire missile, with pop-out blades instead of an explosive warhead, was first documented in 2019, but has remained elusive. Video footage released by…
General Atomics Enhances MQ-9B SeaGuardian’s Submarine Hunting Capability with New Air-Dropped Sensors
The Sonobuoy Dispensing System test has enhanced the MQ-9B SeaGuardian’s status as the only RPA that can carry, release and monitor sonobuoys, whose data is then used by aircraft and…
U.S., Japanese and Australian F-35s Train Together for the First Time at Cope North 25
The main goal of Cope North 25 is the integration of the F-35s from Japan, Australia and the United States, building cooperation, enhancing command and control practices, and developing air…
Sweden to Acquire Taurus KEPD-350 ALCM for its Saab JAS39 Gripens
Sweden has initiated negotiations with its German counterpart to integrate the Taurus KEPD-350 on the Gripen, and ordered time-critical activities integration studies with Saab. Sweden will acquire the German-made Taurus…
F-35 Flies for the First Time with Meteor BVRAAM
A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B flew the first test missions with the Meteor missile, starting the integration of the European air-to-air missile on the Lightning II. The Royal Air Force…
U.S. Air Force Tests Harpoon Missile Integration on F-16
The 53rd Test and Evaluation Group completed an operational taxi test with a U.S. Navy AGM-84N Harpoon Block II+ anti-ship missile loaded on a U.S. Air Force F-16 in a…
Argentina Unveils its First F-16B in Official Ceremony
A decade after retiring the Dassault Mirage III, the Argentine Air Force has regained a supersonic fighter capability with the introduction of the F-16. The Argentine Air Force’s (Fuerza Aérea…
OA-1K Officially Dubbed Skyraider II, Honoring the Legendary A-1 Skyraider
AFSOC leaders broke the news today at the Special Air Warfare Symposium. The name pays tribute to the battle-tested legacy of the A-1 Skyraider, a tough and adaptable warbird that…
U.S. Air Force Completes Final F-16 Sortie at Luke AFB
After 42 years, the 56th Fighter Wing completed its final U.S. local training sortie with the F-16 and will now focus only on F-35 training. The U.S. Air Force’s 56th…
Sikorsky Envisions X2 Technology as the Helicopter Equivalent of the F-35
Sikorsky shared its concept vision for a future X2 aircraft, interestingly envisioning it as an F-35 Lightning II parallel in the low-altitude domain. After the cancellation of the Future Attack…
The Patrulla Águila Set to Replace C-101 Jet with PC-21 Turboprops
Local media reports say the Patrulla Aguila is set to change its mount to the Pilatus PC-21 after 40 years and over 500 shows with the Spanish-made CASA C-101. This…
Iran’s Yak-130 Shoots Down Drone During Exercise with MiG-29s
During its first operational exercise, the Iranian Yak-130 coordinated with two MiG-29s to intercept and destroy a target drone with a R-73E air-to-air missile. A little over two months after…
Let’s See What the S-97 Raider and the X2 Technology Are Capable Of
During the X2 Technology Demonstration, the S-97 Raider performed a flight display to show the capabilities the X2 technology. On Feb. 12, 2025, during the second day of the X2…
Su-57 Felon Lands in Iran for the First Time
The Su-57 landed at Iran's 9th Tactical Air Force Base in Bandar Abbas, on the south-eastern side of the country, while on its way back from AeroIndia 2025, and has…
Taiwan’s F-CK-1 Ching-kuo Seen Carrying Air-Launched Hsiung Feng III Anti-Ship Missile
The photo of the HF-III on the F-CK-1 follows the reports about the RoCAF and NCSIST working to integrate the anti-ship missile on the indigenous fighter jet, modifying it to…
Dissecting the Interception of American Airlines Flight AA292 by Italian Air Force Eurofighters
We attempt to answer all the questions about AA292, which was intercepted and escorted to landing by two Italian Air Force Eurofighters following a bomb threat. On Feb. 23, 2025,…
USAF B-1B Lancers Conduct ‘Precision Strike and Interdiction’ Drills with U.S. and South Korean Jets
The training validated the two nations’ combined ability to conduct strikes, operate together in a contested environment, and ensure the combat readiness in the Indo-Pacific theater by building proficiency in…
Estonian Independence Day Marked With B-52, F-35, and F/A-18 Flypast
The Baltic nation of Estonia celebrated its national Independence Day on Feb. 24, 2025, joined by forces from a number of NATO allies who help reinforce the nation against Russian…
We Got Up Close with Sikorsky’s S-97 Raider
The Aviationist was among the outlets invited to attend a demonstration event of the X2 technology at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center. Here's how it went. After the U.S. Army’s…
Israeli Fighters Conduct Flyover Over Funeral of Hezbollah’s Leader Hassan Nasrallah
In an extremely unconventional show of force, the Israeli Air Force conducted a fighter flyover over Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral. The dramatic show-of-force operation involved four Israeli Air Force fighter jets:…
Swiss F/A-18s to be Moved to Emmen in First Step Towards Retirement
The Swiss Air Force will move all F/A-18 squadrons to Emmen starting in 2027, while Meiringen and Payerne prepare for the eventual induction of the F-35A. Relocation of the Hornet…
USAF’s TOC-L Tactical Comms System Shines as F-35Cs and F-22 Raptors Roar During Exercise Sentry Aloha
Sentry Aloha 25-1 saw for the first time a team of Battle Management Operators relaying data aboard a KC-135 and rapidly deployable Tactical Operations Center-Lite advanced airspace tactical control system.…
NAVAIR Releases ‘New’ Rendering of Secretive AIM-260 JATM
The external shape of the AIM-260 seems to be the same we already saw in 2022 when the U.S. Air Force announced the F-22 upgrades. It remains to be seen…
Pratt & Whitney Awarded $1.5 Billion Contract to Support the F-22’s Engine
Pratt & Whitney secured a three-year contract to sustain the F119 engines which power the U.S. Air Force's F-22 fleet. Pratt & Whitney has been awarded a $1.5 billion contract…
Sandia National Laboratories Confirm B61-12’s Production Completion and Switch to Sustainment
Sandia National Laboratories will produce spare components until 2026, which it targets for the final closeout activities, while the National Nuclear Security Administration is now looking at the development and…
Pratt & Whitney and General Electric Complete Detailed Design Review for Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion
P&W and GE successfully passed the Detailed Design Review of their offerings for the U.S. Air Force’s next generation NGAP engine, expected to power the NGAD manned fighter. Pratt &…
NORAD Releases Photos of U.S. F-35s Intercepting Russian Tu-95s and Armed Su-35s Off Alaska
The Russian "package," which included armed Su-35 Flanker-E fighters, was intercepted on two consecutive days in international airspace west of Alaska. On Feb. 18, 2025 the North American Aerospace Defense…
Initial Operating Capability Declared for Australia’s UH-60M Black Hawks
Fifteen months after the Black Hawks entered service to replace the troubled MRH-90 Taipan, the Australian Army declared initial operating capability (IOC) with the Sikorsky UH-60M. To date, 12 airframes…
California Air National Guard’s 129th Rescue Wing Begins Transition to the HH-60W
The 129th RQW, located at Moffett ANG Base, Mountain View, has now received the first two new HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters to replace its current HH-60G Pave Hawks, with…
First In-orbit Photo Taken By Secretive Boeing X-37B Spacecraft Officially Released
The photo, taken during the X-37B's seventh mission, shows Earth from High-Elliptical Orbit. On Feb. 20, 2025, the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs uploaded on the DVIDS website,…
The U.S. Navy Has Fired the Commander of USS Harry S. Truman
The commanding officer of USS Truman aircraft carrier was fired after the collision with a merchant vessel off Egypt. Capt. Dave Snowden, commanding officer of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN…
Royal New Zealand Air Force Seasprite Helicopter Tests ‘Penguin’ Anti-Ship Missile for the First Time
The RNZAF has test fired the Penguin Mk2 Mod 7 anti-ship missile (AShM) for the first time since it was first adopted a decade ago. The Penguin was launched by…
French Navy Rafales and U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets Perform Cross-Deck Operations During Exercise Pacific Steller
Pacific Steller saw the USS Carl C. Vinson, FNS Charles De Gaulle and JS Kaga involved in a Multi-Large Deck Event near the Philippine Sea, with both joint naval operations…
Multinational Exercise Spears of Victory 2025 in Saudi Arabia Concludes
One of the largest multinational exercises in the Middle East, Spears of Victory 2025 saw the involvement of 15 nations aiming to strengthen military partnerships, facilitate the exchange of expertise…
Deployed B-52s Drop Live Weapons During Force Projection Exercise to the Middle East
Two B-52 Stratofortress bombers, deployed on BTF 25-2 to RAF Fairford, UK, performed a 24-hour flight through Europe and the Middle East, joining with allied aircraft along the way. A…
JSDF Orders 17 CH-47 Block IIs as Part of Helicopter Fleet Modernization
The Japan Self-Defense Forces have placed an order for 17 CH-47JA Block II Chinooks (Extended Range) transport helicopters, becoming the fourth nation to acquire the new Block II variant. On…
Newly Emerged Photos Show F-35C’s Mirror-Like Coating with Damaged Tiles After Intensive Testing
The photos, dating back to November 2022, show the second “chrome” F-35C with its peculiar mirror-like coating degraded over time during testing, before the aircraft was returned to its original…
The Last Martin JRM Mars Flying Boat Flew for the Final Time
The last Martin JRM Mars flying boat, Philippine Mars, retired after a career of almost 80 years, with its final flight taking the plane to Arizona for its final destination…
U.S. Army Deploys ATHENA-R ISR Jet to South Korea
The ATHENA-R will be part of a key four-month operational assessment to assess the readiness of the aircraft and possible fixes, as well as supporting the United States’ long-standing commitment…
Italy Has Already Ordered 17 AW249 Helicopters as Testing Progresses
According to Italian government’s documents, a prototype and three pre-production AW249s are currently being tested, while the initial order has been now increased to 17 helicopters. The Italian Army has increased…
Damaged USS Harry S. Truman Arrives at Souda Bay for Repairs
Following its collision with merchant vessel Besiktas-M, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman has sailed to Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, for repairs. A U.S. Navy assessment…
Ukrainian F-16s Are Now Flying Strike Missions with GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs
After initially flying only air defense missions, a photo of a Ukrainian F-16 armed with eight GBU-39 SDBs confirms that the Vipers are also being employed in the air-to-ground role.…
Baykar Signs Deal with Indonesia for TB3, Akinci Drones and Production Facility
Baykar struck a deal with Indonesia to provide 60 Bayraktar TB3 and nine Akinci UCAVs, in addition to a joint venture with Republikorp to build a drone factory in Indonesia.…
USMC AH-1Z Viper Fires New Missile in Long-Range Precision Fire Capability Test
The launch of the new LRPF weapon was conducted by way of a wireless application via a Marine Air-Ground Tablet (MAGTAB) in November 2024 at Yuma Proving Ground. NAVAIR (Naval…
NAWCAD Expands KC-130T Hercules’ Refueling Envelope with EA-18G Growler and CH-53K King Stallion
Following the adoption of the eight-bladed NP2000 propeller, the U.S. Navy launched an effort to regain the air refueling capability across its fleet and allow the C/KC-130T to refuel a…
Trump Offers India the F-35A Lightning II as it Faces the Su-57 Felon at Aero India 2025
In a surprise announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump offered India the opportunity to acquire the F-35 Lightning II. The offer coincided with the jet's first encounter with the Russian Su-57…
U.S. Navy Releases Image of Damage to USS Harry S. Truman After Collision at Sea
While an investigation is ongoing, the U.S. Navy has released a photo captured in the aftermath of the collision with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M, showing damage to an observation platform.…
USS Harry S. Truman Collides With Merchant Vessel Off Egypt
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman collided with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt, in the Mediterranean Sea. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), was involved…
Royal Air Force Protector RG1 Completes Further Flight Testing
Following the type’s first UK flight in November 2023, unmanned Protector RG1s, the UK designation for MQ-9B, are now conducting regular flights from their Lincolnshire base. Over the past week,…
B-52 Stratofortresses Begin Bomber Task Force 25-2 Deployment at RAF Fairford
Two U.S. Air Force B-52 strategic bombers from Minot Air Force Base touched down in the UK on Feb. 11, 2025 to kick off the Bomber Task Force 25-2 deployment.…
First Pictures of UK Developed R-73 Compatible Gravehawk Surface to Air Missile System for Ukraine
Utilising existing Ukrainian stockpiles of Soviet designed R-73 air to air missiles, the Gravehawk is a containerised surface to air missile (SAM) system designed and produced within a 12 month…
[Updated] EA-18G Growler Crashes In San Diego Bay
A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler crashed in San Diego Bay. According to the first reports, the crew members ejected safely. Reports have started circulating online of a U.S. Navy aircraft…
USAF’s 8th Fighter Wing F-16s Execute First Agile Combat Employment in South Korea
Beverly Pack 25-1 tested the Wolf Pack’s ability to deploy Airmen, equipment, and aircraft to a simulated forward operating base (FOB) at Gwangju Air Base from Kunsan Air Base. Simultaneously,…
Airbus Contracted to Build ‘Oberon’ ISR Satellite Pair for UK Ministry of Defence
A £127 million contract will see Airbus design and construct two synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites in the UK ready for launch in 2027. Using high resolution synthetic aperture radar…
Two Dozen F-22 Raptors Take Part In ‘Elephant Walk’ At Langley AFB
The Elephant Walk featured 24 F-22s and six T-38s of the 1st Fighter Wing. Aircraft belonging to the 1st Fighter Wing took part in a surge exercise at Langley Air…
China’s J-20 Stealth Fighter Spotted Flying In ‘Beast Mode’
A newly surfaced image shows the Chinese J-20 stealth fighter carrying eight external air-to-air missiles, a configuration commonly referred to as "beast mode". Let’s explain it once again: “Beast Mode”…
USAF Puts MH-139A Grey Wolf Through Nuclear Missile Base Guarding Drills in Initial Operational Tests
The rigorous testing and evaluation process saw the MH-139A helicopters responding to a simulated threat with a full tactical response force loadout and onboard weapons. The U.S. Air Force’s MH-139A…
‘Tornado 2 Tempest’ Aircraft Recycling Project Begins
Parts from former Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 aircraft have been ground down and converted into 3D printable material for use in the United Kingdom’s sixth generation Tempest manned fighter…
U.S. Approves Massive $7 Billion Arms Sale to Israel
Israel got the go-ahead to buy, among the others, over 2,100 GBU-39 SDBs and 3,000 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. The U.S. State Department has given the green light for two massive…
The “Black Bunny” Aircraft of the U.S. Navy’s VX-4
Painted in distinctive black schemes with a Playboy Bunny adorning the tail, mimicking an aircraft of the prominent enterprise, these aircraft were flown by the United States Navy for evaluation…
F-35 Completes First Dual External GBU-54 Laser JDAM Drop
An F-35C of VX-9 assigned to the United Operational Test Team at Edwards AFB performed the first dual drop of externally mounted GBU-54 LJDAM bombs, engaging a remote controlled High-Speed…
First German Navy P-8A Poseidon Unveiled
The first German P-8A Poseidon has received the complete German Navy livery and is expected to be delivered by August 2025, starting the replacement of the older P-3C Orion Maritime…
First MEWSIC Next Generation Electronic Warfare System for Royal Navy Ships Delivered
The Maritime Electronic Warfare System Integrated Capability (MEWSIC) will be integrated onto Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, Type 45 destroyers, and the two Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers. Maritime…
U.S. Navy Declares Initial Operational Capability for IRST Pods on F/A-18 Super Hornets
The IRST Block II enhances ‘situational awareness by supplementing air-to-air detection and track capabilities, and autonomously or in combination with other sensors, supports the guidance of beyond visual range missiles.’…
Iran’s Infamous F-313 ‘Stealth Jet’ Makes a Comeback As a Naval Drone
The questionable F-313 Qaher, presented in 2013 as "Iran's first stealth jet", reappears in drone form. On Feb. 1, 2013, Iran unveiled its so-called indigenous fighter jet, the Qaher 313. The…
Airbus Commences A321 Maritime Patrol ‘Flying Frigate’ Study for French Navy
After many years of special mission A320 proposals, a contract has been signed between Airbus and the French Defense Procurement Agency to assess an A321 based MPA to replace the…
Breaking: First Mirage 2000s Delivered to Ukraine
Less than a year after the transfer was announced, the French Defense Minister announced the delivery of the first Mirage 2000 aircraft to Ukraine, flown by Ukrainian pilots. The French…
Thunder in the Heavens: A Brief History of the Aircraft of the USAF Thunderbirds
Entertaining crowds since 1953, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds are one of the world’s best known aerial demonstrations teams, dazzling spectators in their familiar red, white, and blue aircraft.…
Philippines FA-50s and U.S. B-1B Lancers Fly in Joint Air Patrol over West Philippine Sea
U.S. and Philippines aircraft have been involved in a series of bilateral exercises, which this time saw FA-50 light fighters and B-1B bombers flying over the disputed Scarborough Shoal/Bajo de…
JASDF Reveals Stunning Kawasaki C-1 Commemorative Livery as the Type Nears Retirement
The JASDF, historically famous for the stunning liveries of its aircraft, has revealed a brand-new paintjob for the Kawasaki C-1 as it gets closer to retirement, scheduled for the end…
U.S. Air Force Expands Work on Sixth-Generation Fighter Engines
The USAF increased the funding for the development of advanced engines earmarked for sixth-generation fighters, with new contracts awarded to both General Electric Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney as part…
Viper Shield EW Suite Flies on F-16 for the First Time
The first flight of the new AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper All-Digital Shield Electronic Warfare suite was performed on an F-16C Block 70 of the Royal Bahraini Air Force at Edwards Air Force…
Lockheed Martin Delivers Bulgaria its First F-16 Block 70
The first two F-16 Block 70s now officially delivered are expected to arrive in Bulgaria between late March to early April 2025. The delivery of the first batch will be…
‘Franken-Lightning’ Built From Two Damaged F-35s Returns to Operational Fleet
After a lengthy restoration started with a feasibility study in 2020, the F-35 AF-5269 was sent to Lockheed Martin for final certifications before returning operational with the 4th Fighter Squadron…
U.S. F-16 Fighters Shot Down Drones with Laser-Guided Rockets in Combat
The U.S. Air Force confirmed that F-16 fightes used Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System 70mm guided rockets in the air-to-air role in combat to shoot down Houthi drones. The U.S.…
Ukraine Is Now Using New 1,000 lb JDAM-ER Bombs
Ukraine employed since 2023 the 500 lb JDAM-ER, whose existence was well documented, while the new 1,000 lb bomb might have been specifically produced for the Ukrainian Air Force.Two years…
Moroccan AH-64E Apache Guardians’ Delivery is Reportedly Imminent
Three AH-64Es in the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s livery were spotted flying in the United States as Morocco prepares for the delivery of the type, which would be the country’s…
U.S. Approves Standard Missile-6 Sale for Japan’s Aegis Destroyers
While Japan is in the process of massively up-gunning itself with other U.S. weapons, the SM-6 represents a specific strategic capability against ballistic missile threats. The U.S. State Department has…
XQ-67 Will Get New Capabilities with Demon Ape Program
With Demon Ape, General Atomics’ XQ-67A drone will leverage its modular architecture to provide testing for the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has been…
Airbus, Navantia to Explore SIRTAP UAV’s Flight Operations from Spanish Juan Carlos I Carrier
The integration of SIRTAP of the Juan Carlos I will focus on command and control, combat system integration and navigation support, including take-off and landing operations. European defense and aerospace…
Northrop Grumman Receives Second B-21 Raider LRIP Contract
Details about the new B-21 Low-Rate Initial Production contract have not been released, however Northrop Grumman said it had preliminary talks with the U.S. Air Force regarding a possible increase…
Sikorsky Conducts First Ground Test of GE’s T901 Engines on UH-60 Black Hawk
The GE T901 engine was developed as part of the Improved Turbine Engine Program to replace the T700 engines used by U.S. Army’s UH-60s and the AH-64s, and was also…
Leonardo’s C-27J Firefighter, A Multi-Mission Aircraft Which Can Complement Canadairs
Equipped with the MAFFS II system, Leonardo’s C-27J Spartan NG emerges as a versatile multi-mission platform which can deliver precision water/fire retardant drops while complementing the trusted Canadair CL-415. In…
U.S. Air Force Deploys F-16 Jets to Greenland In Arctic Readiness Exercise
NORAD sent two F-16s from Alaska to Greenland to reinforce posture in the Arctic. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump's interest in buying Greenland is "not…
Retired Israeli Patriot Missile Stocks Transferred to Ukraine
Around 90 MIM-104E PAC-2 Patriot missiles are included in a U.S.-facilitated transfer approved in September 2024, according to media reports published on Jan. 28, 2025. Axios reporter Barak Ravid revealed…
Everything We Know about the Airliner and Black Hawk who Collided On Approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Multiple fatalities have been reported after a horrific incident involving American Airlines flight 5342 and a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter over Washington D.C., with first responders still at…
Royal Air Force Reconnaissance Aircraft Deploy for Baltic Surveillance Mission
The RAF is providing RC-135 Rivet Joint and P-8 Poseidon MRA1 aircraft from the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) Force to assist NATO operation Baltic Sentry. On Jan.…
U.S. Navy Will Fly MQ-25 Stingray in 2025, Integrate it on Aircraft Carriers in 2026
Vice Adm. Daniel Cheever, commander of Naval Air Forces, is confident the Navy will fly its MQ-25s this year and integrate them aboard aircraft carriers as part of manned-unmanned teaming…
Video Shows F-35A Crashing In Alaska
The F-35A crashed at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The pilot successfully ejected. On Jan. 28, 2025, a U.S. Air Force F-35A crashed within the fence line of Eielson Air…
Boom’s XB-1 Demonstrator Achieves Supersonic Flight
Less than a year from the maiden flight, the first civil supersonic jet made by a private company aims to demonstrate technologies to pave the way for the return of…
U.S. Air Force’s A-10 Warthogs Participate in Last “Buddy Squadron” Exercise with ROKAF Before Retiring
Buddy Squadron is a traditional joint training event of U.S. and South Korean air forces, which dates back to the 1990s. The 25-4 iteration of the exercise is the last…
Boeing Receives 737 Fuselage for U.S. Air Force’s E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C Prototype
The company has now started the assembly of the first Boeing 737 airframe which will later receive the mission equipment to become the Rapid Prototype for the U.S. Air Force’s…
Australia’s Future MC-55A Peregrine Aircraft are Now Sporting RAAF Markings During New Tests
The MC-55A Peregrine is part of Australia’s effort to strengthen ISR and EW capabilities with airborne electronic attack and SIGINT capabilities integrated on a Gulfstream G550 airframe. The RAAF’s (Royal…
RSAF F-16D+ Seen with Python-5 Missile for the First Time
After years of rumors about Singapore’s F-16 being equipped with the Israel-made missile, a RSAF F-16D+ was seen for the first time armed with Rafael’s Python-5 AAMs. A F-16D+ attached…
Finnish F/A-18 Hornets Arrive at Keflavik for First Icelandic Air Policing Deployment
Four Hornets touched down in Iceland on Jan. 24, 2025 for a three week detachment. It is the first time Finland has contributed to the Icelandic Air Policing mission since…
First Public Glimpse Of The ‘Franken-Lightning’ Built From Two Damaged F-35s
They combined the cockpit from an F-35, which experienced an engine failure on the runway, with the aft fuselage from another F-35, which suffered a nose gear failure. On Jan.…
Final Production MC-130J Delivered to Kirtland AFB
The 58th Special Operations Wing is now home to both the first and the final MC-130Js. On Jan. 14, 2025, the United States Air Force Special Operations Command’s 58th Special…
The Wings of Angels: A Brief History the Aircraft of the Blue Angels
The United States Navy Blue Angels Aerobatic Flight Demonstration Team has been thrilling audiences since 1946, pushing the fighter aircraft they fly to the limits of machine and man. In…
Windracers Reveal Next Generation ULTRA MK2 Logistics UAV
The British company’s existing ULTRA aircraft has been tested by a number of government and private services, alongside performing frontline ISR operations for Ukraine. Windracers have made a growing name…
Video Shows First Flight of South Korean Marine Attack Helicopter
Korea Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) new Marine Attack Helicopter, a derivative of the Super Puma inspired MUH-1 Marineon, performed its maiden flight in December 2024. Thanks to a video posted on…
Ellsworth’s B-1B Lancers Complete Relocation to Grand Forks AFB
Ellsworth will continue to support AFGSC tasking out of Grand Forks AFB during the roughly 10-month relocation to allow for runway construction, following which the bombers and Airmen will return…
Philippines to Double its FA-50 and A-29B Super Tucanos Fleets
The Philippines currently operates 12 FA-50PHs and six A-29B Super Tucanos, which will be doubled with the new acquisitions amid continuing tensions in the West Philippines Sea. The Philippines is…
U.S. Air Force C-17s Might Soon Fly with Drag-Reducing Microvanes, Saving $14 Million in Fuel Costs Annually
Six aircraft have been modified for a six-month evaluation before the microvanes, small 3D-printed devices similar to thin blades, are installed across the USAF’s C-17 fleet. Small, simple and 3D-printed…
VH-3D and Joint Base Andrews Once Again Play Key Roles in U.S. Presidential Inauguration
Joint Base Andrews and the VH-3D Sea King: behind-the-scenes of American history. As everybody knows by now, the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States…
RAF Typhoon Lands Without Canopy After Suspected Bird Strike
The pilot of a Royal Air Force Typhoon has landed safely after an unusual incident saw the jet’s canopy jettisoned over the North Sea before an emergency landing at RAF…
Airbus Delivers First Two New H225M Caracal Helicopters to French Air Force
The two H225Ms are the first of eight helicopters ordered in 2021 and will replace Pumas currently in service with French detachments in French Guiana, Djibouti and New Caledonia. Airbus…
USAF Begins First Bomber Task Force Mission of 2025 with B-1B Lancers in Guam
The BTF 25-1 deployment is in support of Pacific Air Forces’ training efforts with Allies, partners and joint forces as part of the strategic deterrence missions to “reinforce the rules-based…
Lockheed Martin Will Integrate Next-Generation Infrared Defensive Sensors on F-22 Raptor
The F-22 will receive an embedded set of TacIRST sensors as part of the Infrared Defensive System to enhance aircraft survivability and lethality. Lockheed Martin announced on Jan. 22, 2025,…
Airbus A320 ATRA Performs Maiden Flight After E-Scan AESA Radar Modification
The Advanced Technology Research Aircraft is equipped with the nose of a Eurofighter to test the new E-Scan Mk1 AESA radar, also known as European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk1.…
U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter Shoots Down Houthi Drone for the First Time
The U.S. Navy’s premier anti-submarine (ASW) and anti-surface (ASuW) helicopter, the MH-60R Seahawk, has shot down its first drone, marking a new milestone for the service. During an address on…
Turkey’s Bayraktar TB3 UCAV Conducts First Test with MAM-T Laser Guided Bombs
This was the first flight test of munitions on the TB3, which so far flew unarmed, and saw inert MAM-T guided weapons guided on target by the UCAV's ASELFLIR-500 electro-optical…
Saab to Provide Secure Communications for MQ-28 Ghost Bat
The production of the first MQ-28 Block 2 aircraft progresses ahead of the first flight later this year, while testing of the Block 1 continues both in Australia, at the…
Targeting Pod Falls From RAF Typhoon Into Yorkshire Field
An apparent Litening targeting pod and its pylon became detached from an RAF Eurofighter Typhoon during a training sortie over East Yorkshire in Northern England. The pod and its pylon…
AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles Fielded Onboard U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ships for C-UAS Defense
The U.S. Navy rapidly added new C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aerial System) capabilities to the Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ships in the form of Longbow Hellfire missiles. The U.S. Navy has introduced a…
Lockheed Martin and Royal Norwegian Air Force Certify F-35 Fleet for Sustainable Fuel Use
The milestone “signal(s) progress toward reducing emissions while maintaining mission readiness,” according to Lockheed Martin. On Jan. 14, 2025, the Royal Norwegian Air Force conducted a test flight of an…
Dutch AH-64 Apaches, NH90s, CH-47 Chinooks and AS532 Cougars to Receive New Secure Communications Suites
The Dutch MoD said that, presently, various helicopter platforms cannot exchange important information with other aircraft or ground units, constraining mission planning and exposing crews to undesirable situations with not…
French Navy Atlantique 2s Make Rare Visit to Indonesia as Charles de Gaulle CSG Participates in Host of Indo-Pacific Exercises
The two Atlantique 2s will take part in the La Perouse 2025 exercise in the Indonesian archipelago together with the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and its Carrier Strike Group,…
General Atomics Unveils Drone Launch Systems for Naval Vessels
The new Electric Launch System for Unmanned Aircraft allows UAS operations on a variety of vessels, including aircraft carriers, destroyers and expeditionary sea bases. General Atomics has unveiled a new…
UK Ministry of Defence Faces Questions Over Future of Red Arrows Hawk T1s
In the latest of a series of questions about the ageing Hawk T1 fleet, Minister of State Maria Eagle confirmed the aerobatic team’s aircraft are expected to remain in service…
French Atlantique 2 Maritime Patrol Aircraft Locked by Russian S-400, Says Minister of Armed Forces
The incident happened this week during a night flight over the Baltic Sea while the aircraft was patrolling international waters as part of NATO’s new “Baltic Sentry” mission. A French…
Thailand to Evaluate Gripen in Highway Operations as MoD Backs Decision to Purchase Gripen E/F
The RTAF is set to evaluate the service’s Saab Gripens’ ability to operate from makeshift runways and highways in February. This announcement comes days after the Government backed the service’s…
First Operational EPAWSS-Equipped F-15E Strike Eagles Delivered to RAF Lakenheath
Two USAF F-15E Strike Eagles returned to the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, UK, after upgrades in the USA, which included the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System self-protection…
The Promising Beginning and Sudden End of the BAC TSR.2
First flying in September 1964, the TSR.2 was designed as a tactical strike and reconnaissance aircraft capable of speeds up to Mach 2, and was one of the most technologically…
U.S. Approves Japan’s Purchase of More AGM-158 JASSMs in $39 Million Deal
After the acquisition of 50 AGM-158B JASSM-ER missiles last year, Japan has now been granted the approval for 16 additional AGM-158s, reinforcing the JASDF’s long-range stand-off strike capabilities of the…
Denmark Repatriates Three More F-35s as it Plans to Reinforce Greenland
Denmark plans to replace the F-16MLUs with F-35s to meet its needs for national QRA and NATO’s Air Policing missions, but is also looking to support F-35 operations from Kangerlussuaq…
Shenyang J-16
The Shenyang J-16 Qianlong (Chinese for hidden dragon) is a Chinese all-weather 4+/4,5 generation supersonic twin-seat, twin-engine, multirole fighter based on the Russian Su-27 fighter and built by Shenyang Aircraft…
U.S. Navy’s Names Next Two Aircraft Carriers After Bill Clinton and George W. Bush
The White House announced that the Navy chose to name the fifth and sixth Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers as USS William J. Clinton (CVN-82) and USS George W. Bush…
USAF T-7A Red Hawk Production Phase Pushed Back to 2026
An adjusted process for the U.S. Air Force’s acquisition of the Boeing T-7A Red Hawk trainer has been announced, with the decision on commencing production delayed by one year. A…
Delivering GCAP by 2035 Is Not Easy as it Needs to Break the Mold and Avoid Mistakes, Says UK Report
The UK’s House of Commons committee's GCAP report admits that 2035 is an ambitious target date and, even if progress has been positive, the program needs to avoid mistakes and…
ANG A-10s Stuck for Two Months at NAS Sigonella Waiting for Repairs
Six A-10C jets of the U.S. Air National Guard have been stuck in Italy since November 2024, waiting for spare parts before the transoceanic flight that will take them back…
First Two Canadian MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS are in Production
Canada acquired 11 MQ-9Bs and six ground control stations, with the first deliveries expected by 2028. While the aircraft will be based at 14 Wing Greenwood and 19 Wing Comox,…
New UK National Drone Hub Facility to be Constructed at Predannack Airfield
An expansion of unmanned operations is underway at the Royal Navy airfield, which could soon be used by General Atomics MQ-9 and Leonardo AW09 (Proteus) type aircraft. Located in the…
Turkey’s ANKA III UCAV Drops TOLUN Guided Bomb from Internal Bays for the First Time
The internal launch, the first ever by a Turkish aircraft, demonstrated the ANKA III’s ‘ability to perform stealth strikes by maintaining a low Radar Cross Section (RCS) until the strike…
French Army Tests FPV Drone Controlled from Gazelle Light Attack Helicopter
The goal of the experimentation with FPV drones is to ‘accelerate cooperation between nano drones and Army Light Aviation aircraft,’ developing the employment doctrine for the Air-Launched Devices concept. The…
Finnish Air Force to Participate in Icelandic Air Policing for the First Time
The Finnish Air Force will secure NATO skies by deploying four F/A-18 Hornets to Keflavik Air Base for the next rotation of the Icelandic Air Policing mission in February 2025.…
Delivery of the First F-35Bs to Japan Delayed
The planned delivery of the first six F-35B Lightning II fighters for Japan in FY2024 has now been pushed back to sometime during FY2025, Japan’s Defense Minister announced. The delivery…
‘The Chinese Military is the Largest and Most Modern It’s Ever Been,’ Edwards AFB Commander Warns
By 2027, in areas west of the international dateline where U.S. assets are deployed, China will outnumber U.S. forces about 12 to 1 in modern fighter jets (including 5 to…
A Rare Look Inside Israel’s Secretive KC-707 Re’em Tanker
Footage from inside an Israeli Air Force KC-707 Re’em tanker aircraft was recently published on the official IDF Instagram page, providing a rare tour of the aircraft. The IDF (Israeli…
Kratos Signs $1.5 Billion Deal for DoD Low-Cost Hypersonic Testbed
American Defense firm Kratos has signed a $1.5 billion contract, its largest ever, with the Department of Defense for a low-cost hypersonic testbed and related services, including subscale, full-scale and…
MAFFS-Equipped C-130s Join the Fight Against Raging Los Angeles Fires
The Modular Aerial Fire Fighting Systems program was instituted in 1971 as a collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Defense. The MAFFS system can be installed…
Some of the Old, Some of the New: Boeing’s P-26 “Peashooter”
The first all-metal low-wing monoplane pursuit aircraft of the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) was a pioneering but also transitional aircraft, and, along with serving stateside, saw service in…
F-15E and F-15EX Set to Be Armed with AGM-158C LRASM
NAVAIR is working to integrate the AGM-158C-1 LRASM (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile) on the U.S. Air Force’s F-15E Strike Eagles and F-15EX Eagle IIs, providing them with yet another tool…
U.S. Completes Upgrade of B61-12 Nuclear Weapons and Prepares Production of B61-13 Warheads
The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration has announced the completion of the upgrade program of the new B61-12 nuclear weapons, and the impending start of manufacturing for the B61-13 variant.…
Further Detail Emerges On Leonardo’s Proteus Rotary Wing UAS Demonstrator
Scheduled to fly in mid 2025, Leonardo has unveiled an updated design of its Proteus rotary wing uncrewed aerial system demonstrator for the UK Ministry of Defence. Proteus is the…
U.S. Navy Officially Adopts ‘Murder Hornet’ Moniker for F/A-18E/F Equipped with Nine Air-to-Air Missiles
Super Hornets, which have been armed with five AIM-120s and four AIM-9Xs since April 2024, were recently referred to as "Murder Hornets" in a year-in-review factsheet published by the U.S.…
Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band Achieves Initial Operational Capability
The achievement of the IOC follows the first combat deployment of NGJ-MB with VAQ-133’s EA-18Gs embarked aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has disclosed on…
F-15’s Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System Moves to Full Rate Production
The AN/ALQ-250 EPAWSS achieved the Initial Operational Capability in early 2024 and is currently being fielded on the new F-15EX Eagle II and retrofitted on the F-15E Strike Eagle. The…
Saudi Arabia Reportedly Eyeing Purchase of 100 TAI Kaan Fighters from Turkey
According to unconfirmed Turkish reports, Saudi Arabia has discussed a possible purchase of over 100 advanced Kaan fighters, as the Middle Eastern country seeks to bolster its military capabilities. Turkish…
U.S. E-11A ‘Flying Gateway’ Takes Part In Counter-Drone And Integrated Missile Defense Exercise In Middle East
U.S. Air Force E-11A aircraft equipped with the BACN (Battlefield Airborne Communications Node) payload took part in a C-UAS and IAMD exercise in the Arabian Peninsula. Airmen from the 378th…
U.S. Air Force Tests “Pathfinder” Subscale Model of Blended-Wing Body Jet
JetZero is working on the subscale BWB aircraft demonstrator, named “Pathfinder,” while Northrop Grumman’s Scaled Composites division is fabricating the full-size airplane and has already produced test articles of components.…
Turkey’s New Hürkuş-II Primary Flight Trainer Takes to the Skies
The Hürkuş-II will replace the TAF’s current Hürkuş-B trainers, with the first 15 aircraft expected to be delivered this year and the remaining 40 being handed over by 2027. The…
Philippines Air Force Retires OV-10 Bronco and AH-1S Cobra After Long Service in Counter-Insurgency Operations
While the Cobras served in the PAF for a short period of just five years, the Broncos were used in the Philippines for over three decades. The Philippine Air Force’s…
Israel Reveals Daring Raid on Iranian Missile Factory Deep Inside Syria
On Sept. 8, 2024, months before the final collapse of the Assad regime, elite Israeli Air Force units assaulted an Iranian facility in Syrian territory, over 124 miles from Israel,…
U.S. Approves Massive Foreign Military Sale of 1,200 AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM Missiles to Japan
The State Department has approved the possible FMS, worth a staggering $3.64 billion, which will provide the Japan Air Self Defense Force with up to 1,200 AMRAAMs to be used…
Ukrainian Pilots Reportedly Completed Training on Mirage 2000-5F
Ukraine is expected to receive a first batch of three Mirage 2000-5F fighters in the first quarter of 2025, with France also providing six-month training courses for both pilots and…
Royal New Zealand Air Force Wants 737s or A321s to Replace Aging Boeing 757s
The Royal New Zealand Air Force has begun a tender process for the replacement of its two Boeing 757 aircraft, naming Boeing 737 MAX 8s or Airbus A321s as their…
Jared Isaacman’s Tornado F2’s Assembly Progresses, as Jet Awaits Certification and First Flight
The former Royal Air Force Tornado F2, acquired by the future NASA chief, is the specially equipped TIARA (Tornado Integrated Avionics Research Aircraft), used as a testbed for various avionics…
Boeing’s B-47 Stratojet Goes Cold War Spying: The story of the RB-47
Originally designed as a medium bomber, the B-47 also had a lesser known and more secretive role in the Cold War, serving in a reconnaissance role as the RB-47 to…
Top Aces Continues to Support Royal Canadian Air Force’s Training with Upgraded A-4 Skyhawks
The Skyhawks supporting the RCAF have been upgraded by Top Aces to the A-4 Advanced Aggressor Fighter configuration, which includes advanced capabilities and an arctic splinter camo to replicate near-peer…
Ukrainian Su-25 Seen Armed with AASM Hammer Bombs in Video for the First Time
The Ukrainian Su-25s started using the French-made AASM Hammer guided bombs in June 2024, as the stocks of Soviet-made unguided munitions were depleted and Western ones started dwindling. A new…
China Launches ‘40,000 Ton’ Catapult-Equipped Amphibious Assault Ship Sichuan in a Bid to Rival the U.S.
The Chinese naval build up continues with the launch of Sichuan amphibious assault ship, the lead ship of the Type 076 class, displacing 40,000 tons and equipped with an electromagnetic…
Ukrainian Surface Drone Equipped with R-73 Air-to-Air Missiles Shot Down Russian Mi-8 Helicopter
Ukraine’s Military Intelligence equipped a Magura V5 Unmanned Surface Vessel with R-73 air-to-air missiles and says it scored a kill against a Russian Mi-8 helicopter, with another helicopter damaged. On…
Exclusive: Interviews With Senior Leaders from MCAS Iwakuni, Home of the Indo-Pacific’s Largest Concentration of Combat Airpower
We recently visited Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, in Japan, to witness an ordinary day of operations at the base. It became immediately evident that MCAS Iwakuni is anything but…
Irish Air Corps Orders Four Airbus H145M Helicopters
A €91.7 million contract to replace Ireland’s existing EC135 fleet was awarded to Airbus Helicopters, with deliveries to commence in 2027. Ireland’s EC135s have been in service since 2003, with…
U.S. Air Force Flies Final Active Duty HH-60G Mission at Aviano Air Base as First HH-60W Arrives
The only USAF base in Europe and Africa with CSAR helicopters, Aviano is the last active duty base to transition from the legacy HH-60G Pave Hawk to the recently delivered…
Lockheed Martin Awarded ‘Undefinitized’ Contract for 145 F-35s Worth $11 Billion
The contract comes after Lockheed Martin said in October that it was internally funding the F-35 production line while negotiations for Lots 18 and 19, which had been ongoing since…
Let’s Examine the Pilots’ Accounts Emerged After the Friendly Fire Incident Involving the F/A-18 Over the Red Sea
Unconfirmed accounts from two pilots, including the one shot down, described how the F/A-18F was engaged while recovering on the USS Truman and another missile was launched at a second…
The North American F-82 Twin Mustang: A Forgotten Fighter of the Forgotten War
Originally intended for long-range heavy bomber escort missions over Japan during World War Two, the F-82 arrived in service too late but did see action in the next war in…
First Visuals of China’s WZ-9 Divine Eagle AEW Drone Surface Online
The unusual design integrates radar arrays in its booms, as well as satellite communication, which would allow the PLA to create a networked mesh of manned and unmanned AEW assets,…
Austria Announces Acquisition of M-346FA
The Austrian MoD is currently negotiating the procurement contract with the Italian government, with the 12 aircraft being eyed for both training and air defense roles. Austria has decided to…
Eurofighter Partners Sign LTE Contract to Keep Typhoon Effective into the 2060s
The Eurofighter program hit a new milestone on its journey to develop a mid-life upgrade for the Typhoon, as the participant nations signed the contract for part one of the…
Maryland ANG’s 175th Wing to Receive D.C. ANG’s F-16s in Funding Deal Involving the Washington Commanders
Initially slated to lose their A-10s for a cyber mission, the Maryland ANG may now be shifting course. The A-10C Thunderbolt II, the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and the Washington…
U.S. Air Force Review Seemingly Backs Manned NGAD Sixth-Generation Fighter – Reports
The review examined whether it would be financially and technically feasible to continue the NGAD program as originally planned, with multiple alternatives such as disaggregated capabilities distributed across multiple assets.…
Baykar Bid Wins Competition to Acquire Italian Manufacturer Piaggio
Turkish manufacturer Baykar, which has risen to fame for its military UAVs, is set to purchase Piaggio Aerospace, which has been under administration since 2018, for an undisclosed sum. Piaggio…
First Photos of Chinese KJ-3000 AEW Aircraft in Flight Emerge Online
XAC (Xi’an Aircraft Corporation) has not fallen behind CAC and SAC exposing new aircraft this year, and has now flown its Y-20B-based KJ-3000 Airborne Early Warning aircraft. Right on the…
U.S. Air Force Reopens Next-Generation Ejection Seat Program for the F-16
The change of the single source contract awarded to Collins Aerospace for its ACES 5 seat could potentially open the NGES competition to other companies like Martin-Baker, which would pitch…
Second New Chinese Stealth Jet Emerges in the Same Day
After the new supposed regional bomber developed by Chengdu was sighted during its first flight, another design developed by Shenyang has now emerged. Few hours after the first images of…
Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 Hit By Russian SAM, Azeri Authorities Claim
The investigation on the crash of the Embraer E190 while attempting an emergency landing is still ongoing, however reports of a possible involvement of Russian air defenses are quickly spreading…
Possible First Flight of China’s Sixth-Generation Aircraft
CAC’s new aircraft has broken cover, with a twin-seat J-20S flying as its chase aircraft, although observers are still debating whether this is the rumored sixth-generation fighter aircraft or the…
Additional Su-34 Fullbacks, Su-57 Felons Delivered to Russian Air Force as Year Draws to a Close
UAC has delivered six batches of Su-34s and three of Su-57 during 2024, with a total of at least 12 Fullbacks and five Felons. While the Su-34s are the upgraded…
Panavia Tornado
The Panavia Tornado is a multinational European supersonic twin-engined multirole combat aircraft that employs distinctive variable-sweep wings and entered service at the height of the Cold War, during the late…
V-22 Osprey Returns to Flight with New Restrictions After Latest Grounding
The V-22s have been grounded for two weeks following a recent incident, however they are now returning to fly again after the inspection of the Proprotor Gearboxes. The U.S. Air…
Japan Selects T-6 Texan II as New Basic Trainer for the JASDF
The T-6 Texan II, reportedly in a customized T-6JP variant, will be used by the JASDF as its new primary trainer to replace the license-built T-34 derivatives employed so far.…
RNLAF F-35As Escort WW2 Veteran Douglas DC-3 Before New Life at Aviodrome Museum
The aircraft, which flew sightseeing tours for tourists with DDA Classic Airlines and was previously part of the D-Day paradrop and Operation Market Garden, was saved from retirement by the…
Italy Orders New Batch Of Up To 24 Eurofighter Typhoons
Fresh on the heels of Spain’s order for 25 new Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, Italy has now signed a contract for 24 jets to replace earlier Tranche 1 airframes. The long…
35 Years Later, Retired AC-130H Spectre Crews Recount the Action from 1989’s ‘Operation Just Cause’ in Panama
The crew provided Close Air Support and precision fire power to the U.S. land forces on the ground in Panama. The attack also involved a series of precision strikes by…
BAE Systems Tests Unique ‘Tilt Body’ STRIX VTOL UAS in Australia
STRIX draws on proven technologies used in the MQ-28A Ghost Bat loyal wingman, another all-Australian system developed for the RAAF, and moved from concept to full-scale flight in under two…
U.S. A-10s Integrate with Philippine A-29B Super Tucanos in Dynamic Force Employment, CAS Exercise
The exercise enhanced the integration and improved Tactics Techniques and Procedures between the Philippine Air Force and the U.S. Air Force, practicing high-intensity and hub-and-spoke operations as part of the…
U.S. and Japanese Air Forces Hold Bilateral Exercise Over Sea of Japan with B-52, F-15Js, F-35As and F-22s
The bilateral exercise, which included formation flight and Defensive Counter Air training, was held following “intensified activities concerning Japan’s national security,” possibly referring to the recent Russian and Chinese bomber…
Airbus Unveils A320 Flying Testbed with New Nose for ECRS Mk.1 Radar Testing
The nose section was specifically designed and manufactured by a team of Airbus Defence and Space engineers to install the ECRS Mk.1 AESA radar on the A320 D-ATRA flying testbed.…
[Updated] U.S. Super Hornet Shot Down in Friendly Fire Over Red Sea
Aircrew members ejected safely and were rescued after a U.S. Navy F/A-18F from the USS Truman was shot down in a friendly fire incident. On Dec. 22, 2024, an F/A-18F…
U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptors Return From Rapid Deployment to the Middle East
The "Dicemen" of the 90th FS (Fighter Squadron) have returned to JBER (Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson) from a Rapid Deployment to the Middle East. Airmen from the 3rd Wing and 477th…
USMC CH-53E Burns at Camp Pendleton After Conducting Emergency Landing
A CH-53E Super Stallion, assigned to the Wolfpacks of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducted an emergency landing at Camp Pendleton, San…
Spain Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Turkey to Procure Hurjet
Few months after the evaluation in Spain, the Turkish Hurjet trainer has been selected to replace the Spanish Air Force’s aging fleet of SF-5M jet trainers. During an official ceremony…
U.S. Air Force Releases Photos Of WC-135 ‘Nuke Sniffer’ Deployment to Middle East
The WC-135R Constant Phoenix was deployed to the Middle East for atmospheric testing, and, in a rare move, the U.S. Air Force publicly acknowledged the mission. Photos released by U.S.…
Lockheed Martin Has Delivered The 100th F-35C
Lockheed Martin announced the recent delivery of the 100th F-35C Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jet, marking a new milestone for the program after the delivery of the 1000th F-35 earlier…
Spain Orders 25 Additional Eurofighter Jets
The order will bring the Spanish Air Force Eurofighter fleet to 115 aircraft. The Spanish government has finalized a deal with the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA), based…
Nicknames, Nose Art, and Bomb Markings of the Final 492nd FS F-15Es Returning from the Middle East
Let's have a look at the markings sported by the final six F-15E Strike Eagles of the 492nd Fighter Squadron, which have just returned from their deployment to the Middle…
RAF Typhoons Visit Turkey’s Mürted Air Base as Ankara Pushes to Acquire the Fighters
The RAF Typhoons, which were returning from the Advanced Tactical Leadership Course in the UAE, made a stop in Turkey for a ‘detailed inspection’ in the presence of top Turkish…
The Last U.S. Air Force F-15C Prepares to Leave Kadena
Two years after the first Eagles returned to the United States, the last F-15C is now ready to leave Kadena Air Base in Japan, where the type was stationed since…
Northrop Grumman Selected to Develop TACAMO System for the E-130J
The U.S. Navy announced it awarded the contract to Northrop Grumman to conduct mission-systems integration for the E-130J that will replace the E-6B in the TACAMO mission. Northrop Grumman has…
PLAN’s Naval Aviation University Performs J-15 Flight Training on Simulated Carrier Deck
Recently released images show J-15s of one of the brigades attached to the Naval Aviation University practicing launch and recovery operations at an unspecified coastal base where a flight deck…
Ukrainian Commander Claims to Have Operational Laser Anti-Aircraft Weapon
Named Tryzub after the golden trident used as a national symbol of Ukraine, Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi states that the new weapon has a range of over two kilometers. Colonel Vadym…
2024 Fundamental for GCAP, Working to Make 2035 Goal a Reality, Says Leonardo
The three nations made important steps forward this year, establishing equal work sharing, locations and coordination of the different areas of GCAP, with the objective of cutting in half timeline…
492nd FS F-15E Strike Eagles Return From Middle East With New Nose Arts And Bomb Markings
The first six of a dozen U.S. Air Force F-15Es have returned to their homebase at RAF Lakenheath, once again sporting unique nicknames and some interesting markings. On Dec. 17,…
NATO Fighters Intercept Two Russian Tu-22M3 ‘Backfires’ Carrying Long-Range Supersonic Cruise Missiles
Finnish, Swedish, and Dutch fighter aircraft were scrambled on Tuesday Dec. 17, 2024 to identify and monitor Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea, which turned out to be carrying inert…
Boeing Awarded Contract To Support the F-15 Japan Super Interceptor Program
The $451 million contract will support the upgrade of 68 JASDF F-15Js as part of the Japan Super Interceptor program, introducing some capabilities currently being fielded on the U.S. Air…
Argentina Receives First Ex-Danish F-16B, Flown Disassembled in KC-130H
Argentina and Denmark sealed a $300 million contract in April for 24 second-hand F-16 jets. The Fuerza Aérea Argentina has been without a supersonic fighter since 2015, following the retirement…
VAQ-133 EA-18Gs Become First In The Navy To Tactically Employ the Next Generation Jammer
The VAQ-133 “Wizards” have completed the first ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer Deployment. On Dec. 14, 2024, Electronic Attack Squadron 133 (VAQ-133), assigned to Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW) 9, returned…
BAE Systems Awarded Contract for Eurofighter’s Striker II Helmet Mounted Display
The Eurofighter Consortium has awarded BAE Systems a contract worth £133 million to further develop its Striker II Helmet Mounted Display (HMD). BAE Systems announced on Dec. 11, 2024, that…
Final Boeing T-7A Red Hawk Engineering Manufacturing Development Jet Flies for the First Time
The fifth and final EMD aircraft will now join the test fleet assigned to the T-7 Integrated Test Force and continue to validate the Red Hawk’s capabilities ahead of the…
UK, Italy and Japan Reach Landmark Agreement for GCAP Program
BAE Systems, Leonardo and JAIEC reached an agreement to form a new company under a business joint venture for the GCAP, building on the trilateral cooperation started in 2022. The…
The ‘Flying Flapjack’ that Never Flew: The Story of the Vought XF5U
Conceived as revolutionary and advanced naval fighter, its design fueled by the rapid advancement in aviation technology at the time, the Vought XF5U project promised a highly efficient and tough…
VMFA-314 F-35Cs Return From Combat With Some Interesting Bomb Markings
The bomb markings on the F-35Cs seem to suggest the “Black Knights” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 carried out their strikes on Houthi using the JSOW glide bombs…
New F130 Engine For Upgraded B-52J Completes Critical Design Review
Rolls-Royce has announced that its new F130 engine has successfully passed the Critical Design Review (CDR) phase, progressing toward production. Rolls-Royce has successfully completed F130 engine Critical Design Review (CDR),…
Russian Forces Leave Bases in Syria Eyeing Expansion in Libya
Following the quick downfall of Syria’s Assad regime, Moscow, which had a fairly large military presence in Syria, has been reevaluating the strategy in the Middle East. According to a…
U.S. Army and U.S. Navy Hypersonic Missile Tested in Second Live-Fire; First with Transporter-Erector Launcher
The U.S. Army and U.S. Navy are jointly pursuing the weapon, which includes the C-HGB (Common-Hypersonic Glide Body). The C-HGB consists of the weapon’s warhead, guidance system, cabling, and thermal…
Final Trafalgar Class Submarine HMS Triumph Returns Home for Decommissioning
HMS Triumph (S93) sailed into HMNB Devonport flying a decommissioning pennant on the afternoon of Dec. 12, 2024, marking an end to its 33 years of service in the Royal…
Interesting Photos of a Canadian CC-177 Globemaster III Transporting Great War Fighters in 2017
100 years after the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a Canadian CC-177 transported seven World War One fighters to France. April, 1917. The Great War is in full swing and the…
Kratos’ Thanatos UCAV Has Flown for the First Time
A year after it was first unveiled, Kratos announced it flew the highly secretive Thanatos UCAV (Uncrewed Combat Air Vehicle) for the first time in the last few months. Kratos…
New VMFA-251 Thunderbolts F-35C CAG-Bird Breaks Cover
Take a look at the specially painted aircraft of VMFA-251, the first East Coast operational unit of the U.S. Marine Corps to receive the F-35C. On Sept. 17, 2024, the…
Standard Missile-3 Intercepts Target in First Live Ballistic Missile Defense Test from Guam
The Ballistic Missile Defense, the first ever from Guam, saw the first use of the AN/TPY-6 radar and the tilting Vertical Launching System. The Missile Defense Agency has been preparing…
U.S. Air Force E-4B Doomsday Planes Replacement Program Progresses
The first B-747-8i to be converted into an E-4C was relocated to Wichita last month for the next phase of work. As we have already reported, 0n Apr. 26, 2024,…
Leonardo’s Miysis DIRCM and MAIR Threat Warning System Selected for a Government VIP Aircraft
Miysis and MAIR will equip an Airbus A330 selected by an undisclosed government operator to be used as VIP aircraft. Leonardo has announced that its defensive systems have been chosen…
First Image of Iran’s Yak-130 with R-73 Air-to-Air Missile Emerges
The Yak-130 is now not only the most modern trainer, but the most current jet in the IRIAF inventory. Reports and observers say it could help in training Iranian pilots…
Japan Unveils First Images of Upgraded Type-12 Anti-Ship Missile During Tests
The new Type-12 SSM has ‘improved capability’ to be launched from both ground launchers and ships, and offers a stand-off defense capability to prevent and eliminate invading forces at an…
Mildenhall’s 352nd Special Operations Wing Takes Delivery of C-146A Wolfhound
On Dec. 4, 2024, C-146A Wolfhound 10-3077 arrived at RAF Mildenhall to begin a new permanently deployed presence in the European theatre. It will join MC-130J Commando II and CV-22B…
First E-2D Advanced Hawkeye for France Now Under Construction
Northrop Grumman started the production of the first of three E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AEW aircraft destined to the French Marine Nationale. Northrop Grumman has announced the start of production of…
Chinese Fujian Aircraft Carrier Returns from Fifth Sea Trials
China’s new Type 003 supercarrier returned last week from its fifth sea trial, which might have also included flight activity as shown by tire marks on the deck and patches…
Russian Su-57 Spotted With Flat 2D Thrust Vectoring Nozzle
The new stealthy nozzle has been installed on the left engine of the T-50-2 prototype, the same used to test the new AL-51F engine. A Russian Su-57 fighter has been…
Dutch F-35As Intercept Russian Aircraft During First Baltic Air Policing Mission in Estonia
The RNLAF’s F-35As, deployed to Estonia after the renovation works at Ämari Airbase, have completed their first QRA missions in support of NATO Baltic Air Policing, intercepting a Russian An-72,…
Recap: Israel Strikes Syria Amid Uncertainty Following the Fall of Assad’s Regime
The IDF struck key installations in Syria, following the fall of the Assad regime, to prevent advanced weapons from falling into the hands of those hostile to Israel. Following the…
Tyndall AFB F-35 Pilots Train with New CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) Gear
"Prepping for the worst, hoping for the best": CBRN gear is essential in ensuring the protection and readiness of the personnel operating the aircraft against any threats that adversaries may…
Russia Will Send Su-27 and MiG-29 Fighters to North Korea, According to U.S. Navy Admiral
While North Korean soldiers join Russia’s war against Ukraine, an apparent reciprocal deal to supply the reclusive regime with more fighter aircraft has been revealed by the U.S. INDOPACOM Commander.…
GCAP Testbed Boeing 757 ‘Excalibur’ Completes First Modification Phase
After recent flights showing off new fuselage-mounted sensor housings, Leonardo has announced that the first modification and flight testing phase for the GCAP testbed aircraft, named Excalibur, is now complete.…
Pentagon Pauses Once Again V-22 Osprey Flight Operations
The U.S. Air Force and Navy adhered to the operational pause called by NAVAIR after a precautionary landing in November caused by an engine failure. Flight operations of the V-22…
U.S. Air Force Postpones NGAD Final Decisions to Next Administration
The review was initially expected to conclude by the end of 2024, however the Air Force has now opted to defer the final decision to the new administration, and thus…
First Belgian Air Force F-35A Lightning II Arrives at Luke Air Force Base
Initially expected to be delivered in 2023, Belgium’s first F-35A is now at Luke AFB, marking the start of the training and the beginning of a new era for the…
U.S. Air Force Strikes Dozens of ISIS Camps in Syria After Fall of Damascus
The wave of strikes against 75 targets by B-52s, F-15Es and A-10Cs is meant to prevent the terrorist group from exploiting the current situation in Syria. After Syrian rebels quickly…
U.S. Air Force Might Need To Reassess Bomber Force Size
While the service is gearing up to introduce the new B-21 and retire the B-1B and B-2A, the demand for the bombers is increasing with the mutated geopolitical situation. In…
KC-135 Crews Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross for Supporting F-15Es During Iranian Attack on Israel
The KC-135 Stratotankers of the 134th Air Refueling Wing supported the F-15E Strike Eagles that helped defend Israel last April. On Dec. 7, 2024, at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard…
Italian Navy Commissions New Landing Helicopter Dock Trieste
Trieste is the largest combat vessel delivered to the Italian Navy since World War II. On Dec. 7, 2024, the Italian Navy commissioned its new Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Trieste,…
Check Out These Stunning Images of the Recently Restored Iconic Presidential CH-46F Sea Knight
The CH-46F has been restored and flown to its new home at the National US Armed Forces Museum (NUSAFM).On Dec. 3, 2024, the freshly repainted CH-46F, now registered as N7682F,…
The IA-58 Pucará: The Forgotten Flying Fortress of Argentina
Designed and built as a counter-insurgency aircraft, the IA-58 Pucará, being rugged and dependable and able to fly from short rudimentary airstrips, found itself on the front lines of the…
Raytheon Awarded NGJ-MB Pod Production Contract
Raytheon has won a $590M contract for the production of Next-Generation Jammer - Mid Band pods to equip U.S. Navy’s and Royal Australian Air Force’s EA-18G Growler fleets. Raytheon, a…
‘FLRAA Will Dramatically Increase The Reach Of Army Air Assault’ U.S. Army Says
The U.S. Army believes the new FLRAA aircraft is going to be a game-changer for modern warfare: "Twice as Far, Twice as Fast". Two years ago, on Dec. 5, 2022,…
Eurofighter Typhoon Flies with E-Scan Radar for the First Time
A Spanish Eurofighter conducted the first test flight with the E-Scan radar system which will replace the older mechanically scanned Captor-M in the Spanish and German fleets. The Spanish Air…
United Kingdom Becomes Northrop Grumman’s CIRCM First Export Customer
The Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) system will be installed on the 14 new extended-range Chinooks which will replace the Royal Air Force’s 14 oldest Chinooks. Northrop Grumman has been awarded…
Bell Releases First Image of X-Plane Model Used in Wind Tunnel Testing for DARPA SPRINT Program
The wind tunnel testing was carried out to validate the company's Stop/Fold Jet Transition capability. Bell has completed wind tunnel testing of its X-plane model at the National Institute for…
Canada and Switzerland Suspend F/A-18 Demo Teams
The CF-18 Hornet Demonstration Team and the F/A-18 Swiss Hornet Solo Display will not fly for the 2025 airshow season to focus resources on modernization and training. The Royal Canadian…
Royal Norwegian Air Force Releases Rare IR Images of B-52 Flying Over the Norwegian Sea
The U.S. B-52s took part in a tri-national live fire exercise with British and Norwegian forces in Norway focused on multidomain find, fix, track, and target tactics. The Royal Norwegian…
Greece Will Not Buy Additional Dassault Rafales
In a wide-ranging interview, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsosakis said the current fleet of 24 Rafales is ‘sufficient’ for now, reversing earlier plans to acquire up to 12 more newly…
Twelve Former RAF C-130J Hercules Reportedly Acquired by Turkey
Following earlier rumors, Turkey has reportedly purchased twelve C-130J Hercules transport aircraft which have been in storage since their retirement from Royal Air Force service.The C-130J Hercules was retired from…
The U.S. Air Force Temporarily Moves 17 B-1B Bombers to Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota
Seventeen aircraft and 800 people will relocate to Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, while Ellsworth Air Force Base, in South Dakota, is readied for the arrival of…
Russian Warship Reportedly Fired ‘Signal Ammunition’ at German Military Helicopter Over Baltic
Limited details are presently available regarding the incident, which was apparently revealed by the German Foreign Minister at a NATO Meeting in Brussels. Speaking on the fringes of the NATO…
Misawa F-16s to be Replaced by F-35A Jets Starting in 2026
F-16C Wild Weasels of the 35th Fighter Wing, based at Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture, will be replaced by F-35As as part of the U.S. Air Force's modernizations efforts…
80 Years Ago: A Record-Breaking PBY Catalina Rescue Operation
When the USS Cooper (DD-695) was hit by Japanese torpedoes in the Battle of Leyte, a famed PBY “Black Cat” was up to the task. December 3, 1944 - the…
Videos Surface of U.S. A-10s Flying Over Deir Al Zor Amid Syrian Army Clashes with SDF Forces
Clips featuring U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthogs are circulating online, allegedly confirming their rumored involvement in Syria. The situation in Syria is quite dynamic. As you already know by now,…
HMS Prince of Wales Assumes Role as UK Flagship During Liverpool Port Visit
Aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has assumed the title of Royal Navy flagship during a visit to Liverpool, where the ship will open to the public.The 65,000 tons warship,…
U.S. Air Force Performs First Drop Test of SiAW Missile
The inert SiAW missile was released from an F-16C over the Gulf of Mexico in early November, well before its delivery was announced. The U.S. Air Force has just announced…
Surge of Russian Special Mission Aircraft Leave Moscow After Ukraine Is Allowed to Use Long-Range Weapons Against Russia
An unusual mass departure of VIP and special mission aircraft was spotted from Moscow in the immediate aftermath of Ukraine receiving permission to use ATACMS and Storm Shadow in Russia.…
Exclusive: First Polish Air Force F-35A Husarz Makes Maiden Flight
First flight of the Polish F-35A at NAS JRB Fort Worth in Texas. The Polish F-35A “Husarz” AZ-02 c/n 3502, successfully completed its first test flight from Lockheed Martin Facility at…
From Hornets to F-35: Finnish Air Force Commander Charts Finland’s Defense Evolution
The Commander of the Finnish Air Force, provides some interesting insights into the progress of the F-35 program and outlines the goals for its upcoming integration. In an article recently…
Thales TALIOS Targeting Pod Receives AI Upgrade
Armée de l'Air et de l’Espace Rafales will begin to be equipped with AI-enhanced TALIOS targeting pods starting in 2026. Thales is working to integrate AI (Artificial Intelligence) into the…
VMUT-2 Performs First MQ-9A Reaper Flight at MCAS Cherry Point
Marines on the East Coast will soon have their own MQ-9A Reaper training unit, which will train pilots and sensor operators from spring 2025. An MQ-9A Reaper from the VMUT-2…
Su-27LL-PS: The Experimental Thrust Vectoring Platform of the Su-27
As an experimental Su-27 variant, the Su-27LL-PS tested advanced 2D thrust vectoring for enhanced maneuverability, providing critical insights into supermaneuverable flight dynamics, material innovation and jet nozzle engineering.The Su-27LL-PS was…
Brazil to Upgrade A-29 Super Tucanos to Network with Saab Gripen Over Data Link
The networking with the Gripen gives the Super Tucano accurate airborne threat movements thanks to the Swedish jet’s advanced radar. The Brazilian Air Force uses its Super Tucanos to combat…
