Air Forces (Page 10)

Posted on Jun 26, 2024

A USAF F-15EX Eagle II armed with 12 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.

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F-15EX Testers Are Now Preparing The Eagle II For Rapidly Adapting To New Missions

Posted on Jun 25, 2024

A propeller-driven Yak-52 primary training aircraft has appeared with an impressive collection of kill marks displayed on its fuselage; seemingly confirmation of its success having been impressed into service as a drone-killer. While we reported on a series of previous videos showing the use of Soviet-era Yak-52s to attack Russian drones, the latest evidence suggests that the unorthodox solution could be becoming a more important part of Ukraine’s multilayered air defenses.

Yak-52 Kill Marks Hint At Success In Ukraine’s Drone War

Posted on Jun 25, 2024

A claim has emerged that Russia has begun using 3,000-kilogram (6,600-pound) class FAB-3000 M54 bombs with pop-out wing kits against targets in Ukraine.

Is This Our First Look At Russia’s New Monster Glide Bomb Striking Ukraine?

Posted on Jun 21, 2024

Sweden has retired its long-serving SAAB 105 trainer.

Air Forces

Sweden’s Unique Little Saab 105 Jet Retired After 57 Years

Posted on Jun 19, 2024

A new report from the Government Accountability Office raises questions and concerns about the Air Force's push to retire 32 Block 20 F-22 Raptors.

Ditching Older F-22s Risks Creating Capability Gaps, New Costs

Posted on Jun 19, 2024

F-15EX has been put through its paces by testers in Eglin AFB to prepare it for service.

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How USAF Testers Are Working To Field The F-15EX Fast

Posted on Jun 18, 2024

Royal Australian Air Force

Australian F/A-18F Super Hornets To Test Launch U.S. Air Force’s Hypersonic Cruise Missiles

Posted on Jun 18, 2024

B-52s With New Rolls Royce Engines Won’t Fly Operational Missions Until 2033

Updated on Jun 18, 2024

B-52 Future Stratofortress: The Upgrades That Will Transform The B-52H Into The B-52J

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

These before and after satellite images from Planet labs shows that Russian Su-34 Fullbacks may have been damaged in a Ukrainian drone attack.

Ukraine Strikes Blow To Russian Su-34 Fullback Base

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

F-15EX arrives at the 142nd Wing in Portland.

Inside The First F-15EX Wing Commander’s Plans To Speed The Newest Eagle Into Service

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

Top Air Force Officer Doubles Down On Aerial Combat Drones With Short Life Spans

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

Russia said its troops had started the second stage of drills to practise the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons alongside Belarusian troops after what Moscow said were threats from western powers. The ministry said the drills were aimed at ensuring that the two countries’ military personnel and equipment were ready to protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ukraine Situation Report: Russia Resumes Tactical Nuke Drills

Posted on Jun 11, 2024

A USAF F-15EX takes off carrying 12 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.

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What It’s Like To Fly The F-15EX According To A Boeing Test Pilot

Posted on Jun 11, 2024

U.S. Army Officer Confirms Russian A-50 Radar Jet Was Shot Down With Patriot Missile

Posted on Jun 10, 2024

Ukraine’s battle-worn fleet of Su-25 Frogfoot ground-attack aircraft has run out of unguided munitions, a reflection of the huge number of sorties and prolific range of targets these jets are being tasked against. Meanwhile, the aircraft are now relying on Western-provided precision-guided weapons, a reflection of the demands of the war that are driving innovation in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This is among the revelations from a senior Ukrainian Air Force official, interviewed recently, which provide some fascinating insights into the air war with Russia.

Ukrainian Su-25 Frogfoots Now Using French Hammer Guided Bombs After Exhausting Rocket Stocks

Posted on Jun 10, 2024

Su-57 Felon Targeted In Ukraine Strike Seen In New Higher-Resolution Satellite Images

Posted on Jun 10, 2024

Both Ukrainian and Russian sources say an Su-57 Felon new-generation fighter was struck for the first time.

Su-57 Felon Struck Deep Inside Russia, Ukraine’s Spy Agency Claims (Updated)

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jun 9, 2024

South Korea, one of only four nations that still operated the classic F-4 Phantom, formally retired the Cold War-era fighter today. The decommissioning ceremony saw the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) provide an “honorable discharge” for its last Phantoms, which had helped defend the nation for 55 years. The event also saw the air force looking to the future, with involvement from the F-4’s successors, including the F-35A stealth fighter. Ultimately, the Phantom will also be superseded by the locally developed KF-21.

Republic of Korea Air Force

F-4 Phantom Vanishes Into Retirement After 55 Years Of South Korean Service

Updated on Jun 7, 2024

France has formally announced plans to transfer Mirage 2000-5 fighters to Ukraine and to try pilots to fly them.

French Air Force

Mirage 2000 Fighters To Be Sent To Ukraine From France

Posted on Jun 6, 2024

Russia’s An-22, The Biggest Turboprop Plane Ever Flown, Heads For Retirement

Posted on Jun 6, 2024

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) today officially unveiled an air-launched version of its LORA (Long Range Artillery), a short-range ballistic missile originally developed for ground launch. The new weapon joins an expanding armory of ballistic missile designs adapted for air launch, including the Israel Military Industries (IMI) Rampage, also based on a long-range artillery munition.

Israeli Air Force

Air LORA, Israel’s Biggest Air-Launched Ballistic Missile, Emerges From The Shadows

Posted on Jun 6, 2024

The Airbus Wingman concept aircraft, which broke cover earlier this week, was formally unveiled at the ILA Berlin aerospace show today. More details have now also come to light about the program, which Airbus leadership says should provide a unit cost that’s equivalent to one third that of a modern crewed fighter.

Luftwaffe

The Airbus Wingman Stealth Drone: What We Learned In Berlin

Posted on Jun 5, 2024

Congress is moving to block the Air Force from retiring or preparing to retire any U-2 spy planes in the next fiscal year.

U-2 Retirement Reprieve Emerges In Proposed Defense Spending Bill

Posted on Jun 4, 2024

A USAF Boeing F-15EX flies at low level in Nevada.

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How 50 Years Of Eagle Experience Has Shaped The Advanced F-15

Posted on Jun 4, 2024

‘Cheap’ Long-Range Cruise Missile Designs To Be Tested By Air Force

Posted on Jun 3, 2024

USAF F-35s Are Officially Getting Joint Strike Cruise Missiles That Fit In Their Bays

Posted on Jun 1, 2024

Testing at the Upside-Down Air Force, RADC

The Fascinating Story Of The USAF’s “Upside-Down Air Force”

People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Posted on May 31, 2024

Progressively clearer photos of one of Shenyang’s prototype fighters seems to reveal key features different to those found on the carrier-based J-35, as well as on the earlier FC-31 prototypes. This raises questions about China’s own plans for a potential land-based variant, as well as future export plans, with Pakistan known to have made official plans to acquire a version of the jet.

Land-Based Variant Of China’s J-35 Naval Stealth Fighter Makes Sense

Posted on May 31, 2024

Royal Netherlands Air Force

Dutch F-35s Take On A Full Nuclear Role

Posted on May 31, 2024

Officials at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina are looking into the possibility of erecting physical barriers to protect F-15E Strike Eagles there from drones.

Enclosures To Defend F-15Es From Drone Attacks Eyed At Seymour Johnson AFB

Posted on May 30, 2024

Israeli Air Force

The Case For Arming Drone-Hunting Fighters With Iron Dome’s Tamir Missile

Posted on May 30, 2024

Experimental Alpha Draco hypersonic boost-glide vehicle preparing for launch, 1959.

Alpha Draco Paved The Way In The Late 1950s For Future Hypersonic Boost-Glide Vehicles

Posted on May 29, 2024

In a major new development for the Ukrainian military, Sweden is to donate it Saab 340 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft equipped with Erieye radar. The aircraft is being provided as part of Sweden’s biggest military aid package for Ukraine so far and they will bring an entirely new capability for the Ukrainian Air Force, providing much enhanced air and sea surveillance and working together with its forthcoming F-16 fighters.

Ukraine Getting Swedish Airborne Early Warning Radar Planes Is A Big Deal

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on May 29, 2024

Ukraine Situation Report: First Of 30 Belgian F-16s To Be Delivered “This Year”

Posted on May 28, 2024

An F-35 Joint Strike Fighter crashed in Albuquerque New Mexico.

F-35 Crashes In New Mexico (Updated)

Posted on May 28, 2024

How The A-10’s Avenger Cannon Went From Terrible To Terrifying

Updated on May 28, 2024

Black Flag 24-1, out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, run by the Air Force’s 53rd Wing.

Massive China-Focused Black Flag Test Exercise Flies Deep Into The Virtual Realm

Posted on May 28, 2024

Taiwan under threat during second day of Chinese drills.

Air Forces

China Stages Mock Strikes On Taiwan In Day 2 Of “Punishment” Exercise

People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Posted on May 24, 2024

Nearly 50 warplanes, along with ships and assets ashore, took part in the first day of what Chinese authorities have dubbed "punishment" drills encircling Taiwan following the inauguration of the island's latest President.

China’s “Punishment” Drills Around Taiwan: Day One

Posted on May 24, 2024

B-21, B-2 Comparison Image Shows Just How Weird The Raider’s Windows Really Are

Posted on May 23, 2024

Russia’s Small Diameter Bomb-Like Weapon Seen In Action For The First Time

Posted on May 23, 2024

Exercise TARTAN SPIRIT has tested, trained and integrated critical capabilities to ensure they are ready for any operational missions. From scenario driven training to Tactical Landing Zones, this Exercise takes personnel from RAF Brize Norton, the RAF’s largest station and home to the UK’s Air Mobility Force, Prestwick Airport is the Deployable Operating Base and West Freugh the Forward Operating base. II Squadron RAF Regiment deployed alongside the Air Mobility Force to further strengthen their tactics, training and techniques alongside various aircraft. These skills are essential for ensuring RAF aircraft can operate safely across the globe. By training together we continue to provide integrated and scaleable Air Force Protection capability whilst preparing all RAF personnel for the rigours of operations, providing them with critical skills to survive, operate and maintain their operational edge.

Royal Air Force

Confessions Of A C-130 Hercules Pilot

Posted on May 23, 2024

Everything We Learned About The Next Doomsday Planes For The Air Force

Posted on May 23, 2024

First Aerial View Of B-21 Raider Offers New Insights

Posted on May 22, 2024

The quiet closing out of the Air Force's SHiELD program and issues the Army has been having with is laser-armed DE M-SHORAD variants of the 8x8 Stryker reflect broader hurdles facing directed energy weapons of this type.

U.S. Military Laser Weapon Programs Are Facing A Reality Check

Posted on May 21, 2024

ADM-160 MALD seen on MIG-29 in Ukraine for the first time.

ADM-160 Miniature Air Launched Decoy Spotted On Ukrainian MiG-29

Posted on May 21, 2024

The War Zone has now obtained additional high-resolution imagery better showing the extent of the destruction at Russia's Belbek Air Base from recent Ukrainian strikes.

MiG-31 Foxhounds Confirmed Destroyed In New Imagery Of Belbek Air Base

Posted on May 17, 2024

The Viper Demo team has painted their jet in the YF-16's scheme to commemorate the type's 50th anniversary.

Viper Demo Team Secretly Painted Jet In YF-16 Scheme To Celebrate Type’s 50th Anniversary

Posted on May 15, 2024

Move To Block F-15E Strike Eagle Cuts Being Made In Congress

Posted on May 14, 2024

T-6 Pilot Dies In Ejection Seat Accident

Posted on May 14, 2024

Recent imagery provides our best views so far of Russia’s modern Kh-38M air-to-ground missile, apparently employed in the war in Ukraine. Previously, various videos had been released showing airstrikes that purportedly involved Kh-38Ms, but new photos show, in some detail, the missile carried under the wing of Su-34 Fullback strike fighters, seemingly taking part in combat sorties.

Our Best Look At Russia’s Kh-38 Missile Now Being Used In Ukraine

Posted on May 14, 2024

New Skunk Works Stealthy Tanker Concept Unveiled

Posted on May 13, 2024

A B-2 Spirit taxis at Whiteman Air Force Base

Damaged B-2 Won’t Be Repaired, Fleet To Shrink To 19 Jets (Updated)

Posted on May 10, 2024

Air Forces

South Africa’s C-47 Dakotas Set For Retirement After 80 Years Of Service

Posted on May 10, 2024

Former Korean Air 747s Slated To Become USAF Doomsday Planes (Updated)

Posted on May 9, 2024

STRAIT OF SAN JUAN DE FUCA, Wash. (May 6, 2024) The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) transits the Strait of San Juan de Fuca escorted by U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft and U.S. Coast Guard screening escort vessels. Joint operations, such as this one which involved the Air Force, Coast Guard, and Navy, ensure the U.S. military is ready to meet its security commitments at home and abroad including commitments to our allies and partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gwendelyn Ohrazda/Released)

A-10 Warthogs Escorting A Ballistic Missile Submarine Is Certainly Different

Posted on May 9, 2024

KH-101s are now being fired at Ukraine with two warheads onboard.

Russia Now Firing Kh-101 Cruise Missiles Modified With Two Warheads At Ukraine

Posted on May 8, 2024

Unmanned Long-Endurance Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft crew chiefs, assigned within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, prep an ULTRA aircraft for taxi across the flightline before an early morning takeoff at an undisclosed location, May 7, 2024. ULTRA is an unmanned aerial system capable of flight times up to 80 hours, providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities to combatant commanders, with a smaller operational footprint than other UAS in its class.

Air Force’s ULTRA Long-Endurance Glider-Like Drone Is Now Operating In The Middle East

By Joseph Trevithick, Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 8, 2024

The Air Force new 5,000-pound-class GBU-72/B bunker buster bomb could be a future addition to the B-2 bomber's arsenal.

B-2 Spirits Could Get New 5,000-Pound Bunker Busters

Posted on May 7, 2024

F-22 Raptor Ends Up On Its Side During Air Guard Exercise (Updated)

Posted on May 6, 2024

JDAM-ER Winged Bombs With Seekers That Home In On GPS Jammers Headed To Ukraine