Air Forces (Page 10)

Latest in Air Forces

The U.S. Air Force's still evolving requirements for a next-generation aerial refueling 'system of systems' will directly impact the service's reassessment of plans for a new sixth-generation stealth 'fighter.' The Next-Generation Air-Refueling System (NGAS) effort will also inform work on a second tranche of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones.
U.S. Air Force

Future Stealth Tanker Plans Tied To NGAD 6th Generation Fighter’s Fate

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 16, 2024

MQ-9 showcases capabilities to Joint Force during first-time Valiant Shield participation.
U.S. Air Force

MQ-9 Reapers Gathered In Florida, Simulated Fighting Over South China Sea

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 13, 2024

Israel raid
Israeli Air Force

Israeli Commando Raid In Syria Sends A Message To Iran That Its Underground Bases Are Not Untouchable

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Sep 13, 2024

The Piasecki Aircraft Corporation's Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System Demonstration Vehicle (ARES-DV), a vertical takeoff and landing capable tilt-rotor drone designed to carry interchangeable payload modules, has left the ground for the first time.
U.S. Air Force

Tilt-Ducted Fan ARES Drone Designed To Carry Modular Payloads Has Finally Lifted Off

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 10, 2024

We have just gotten our clearest view so far of a Chinese J-20 stealth fighter powered by the definitive WS-15 domestically produced engines. While the appearance of the photo at this point raises a number of questions, it’s meanwhile clear that the significant shortcoming of the J-20 — its powerplant — appears to have now been addressed.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Our Best Look Yet At China’s J-20A Fighter With WS-15 Engines 

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 9, 2024

JAS39C Gripen Ukraine
Ukrainian Air Force

Sweden’s JAS-39 Gripen Fighters Still On The Table For Ukraine

By Howard Altman

Posted on Sep 9, 2024

F-16 belonging to VFC-13, flying over Carson Valley, NV.
Hellenic Air Force

Navy Tried To Buy Greek F-16s To Turn Them Into Adversaries

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 6, 2024

A video has emerged showing a Ukrainian Su-24M Fencer swing-wing combat jet carrying what is said to be new air-launched guided munition.
Ukrainian Air Force

Mystery Munition Appears Under Ukrainian Su-24 Fencer Attack Jet’s Wing

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 6, 2024

Satellite imagery and videos offer new evidence of a surge in the development of the stealthy flying-wing uncrewed combat air vehicles in China, especially with regard to the GJ-11 Sharp Sword.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Chinese Flying Wing UCAV Testing Accelerating Based On Satellite Imagery, Videos

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 5, 2024

The U.S. Air Force is re-examining the very core of its requirements for a new sixth-generation stealth combat jet as part of its ongoing review of that element of the larger Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative.
U.S. Air Force

Air Force “Starting At The Beginning” With NGAD 6th Gen Fighter Requirements Review

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 4, 2024

Above All Else JASSM Would Give Ukraine A Steady Supply Of Cruise Missiles
Ukrainian Air Force

Above All Else JASSM Would Give Ukraine A Steady Supply Of Cruise Missiles

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Sep 3, 2024

The U.S. Air Force recently awarded contracts to two companies for work on SHARK 'buddy store' podded aerial refueling systems able to work with aircraft that use the boom method to get gas in flight.
U.S. Air Force

Aerial Refueling Boom Pods That Could Go On F-15s In The Works

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 3, 2024

Ukraine is advancing slowly eastward to a key town in Russia's Kursk Oblast
Air Forces

Ukraine Pushing Slowly West In Russia Towards Key Kursk City

By Howard Altman

Posted on Aug 31, 2024

AC-130
U.S. Air Force

The Future Of The AC-130 Gunship: Evolve Or Die

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Aug 31, 2024

Alternatively known as the Y-9LG, the Y-8GX-12 is another ECM version based on the Y-8 Category III Platform. It was first identified in satellite imagery in late 2017. Surprisingly, considering its assumed role, the Y-8GX-12 has a ‘balance beam’ radar antenna above its fuselage, as found on the KJ-200 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. It is believed, however, that the radar aboard the Y-8GX-12 is instead used for long-range jamming, using its powerful electronically scanned radar beams to suppress enemy radar signals.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Our Best Look Yet At China’s New Standoff Electronic Warfare Plane

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 30, 2024

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky fired his Air Force commander days after a fatal F-16 crash.
Ukrainian Air Force

Zelensky Fires Air Force Commander As Claims Swirl Around Fatal F-16 Loss

By Howard Altman

Posted on Aug 30, 2024

Ukraine lost its third F-16 Viper, however the pilot survived.
Ukrainian Air Force

Ukrainian Pilot Killed In First F-16 Loss

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 29, 2024

Poland’s first F-35A stealth fighter — locally named Husarz, or hussar — was officially rolled out today in a glitzy ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas plant.
Polish Air Force

Poland’s First F-35A “Hussar” Stealth Fighter Rolled Out

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 28, 2024

Thailand looks to have provided the Saab Gripen E/F program with a major vote of confidence, with reports that its air force has selected the Swedish-made jet as its next fighter. While the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) already operates earlier Gripen C/D aircraft, the Gripen E/F brings with it significant advances in capability, the extent of which make it almost an entirely new aircraft compared to its predecessor.
Air Forces

Thailand Chooses Gripen E/F As Its New Fighter

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 27, 2024

Not for the first time, the commitment of the United Kingdom to the F-35B Lightning stealth fighter is under scrutiny, amid reports that the new government could make cuts to it as it grapples with financial woes. With the British government seemingly committed to the next-generation Tempest fighter, the ability to pay for two separate advanced combat aircraft programs is being questioned, while continued problems integrating new weapons on the F-35B also pose a threat to its long-term security.
Royal Air Force

United Kingdom’s F-35B Fleet Plans Under Threat As Defense Cuts Loom

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 27, 2024

Before the Ukrainian Air Force received its first batch of F-16 Viper fighters, the U.S. Air Force helped optimize electronic warfare (EW) systems on those jets against Russian threats.
U.S. Air Force

Electronic Warfare Systems On Ukraine’s F-16s Getting Specially Tuned To Russian Threats By USAF

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 27, 2024

The security alert at Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany last week, which you can read more about here, was due to fears of a possible Russian drone attack, according to multiple German media reports. The latest development comes amid growing fears of Russian-inspired aggression against Germany, including drones, but also various other ‘hybrid warfare’ tactics. As the main operating base for NATO’s fleet of E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), the base plays a critical role for the alliance — including around Ukraine.
Luftwaffe

Fears Of Russian-Inspired Drone Attack Led To German Air Base Alert: Reports

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 26, 2024

Japan reports that a Chinese Y-9Z surveillance aircraft violated its airspace in what it says is the first time such an incident has taken place.
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Chinese Electronic Intelligence Plane Makes Unprecedented Incursion Into Japanese Airspace

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 26, 2024

412th Test Wing photographers Christian Turner, Todd Schannuth, and Richard Gonzales on the ramp with their F-16D chase jet.
U.S. Air Force

The Flight Test Photographers Of Edwards Air Force Base

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Aug 26, 2024

Sabotage at norwegian airbase
Norwegian Air Force

Sabotage Confirmed At Norwegian Air Base

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Aug 23, 2024

KC-46 and F-15E had an incident resulting in the loss of the tanker's boom
U.S. Air Force

Audio Reveals Details Of KC-46 And F-15E Refueling Incident That Broke The Tanker’s Boom Off

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 23, 2024

Images taken after a Ukrainian drone strike on an airbase deep inside Russia Russia shows several combat aircraft were damaged.
Russian Air Force

Russian Jets Damaged In Ukrainian Long-Range Drone Attack On Air Base

By Howard Altman

Posted on Aug 23, 2024

A Czech company has unveiled an inflatable decoy of the F-16 fighter, notably wearing Ukrainian Air Force markings. The inflatable fighter, from a firm that is already known to be providing Kyiv with decoys of other items of military equipment, appears only a matter of weeks after it was confirmed that the first real F-16s had arrived in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Air Force

Inflatable Ukrainian F-16 Decoy Emerges At Defense Show

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 22, 2024

A notional light fighter concept has been presented by the U.S. Air Force’s senior uniformed officer, providing a thought-provoking insight on one direction that the service’s future combat fleet could take. The concept emerges as Air Force officials are increasingly questioning the requirements for the crewed sixth-generation stealth combat jet being developed as part of its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative.
U.S. Air Force

Air Force Floats Light Stealth Fighter Concept As Its Heavy Fighter Program May Be In Jeopardy

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 20, 2024

A drone scare around the U.S. Air Force's Plant 42 in California, a major hub for advanced aerospace development work, including highly classified military programs, has led to revelations about a real wave of mysterious drone incursions in recent months.
U.S. Air Force

Palmdale UFO Scare Leads To Revelations About Mystery Drone Incursions Over Secretive Plant 42

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman

Posted on Aug 20, 2024

Next summer, U.S. Air Force units will deploy from bases in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and elsewhere across the United States to forward locations in the Western Pacific as part of a massive new air combat exercise.
U.S. Air Force

Air Force Units Will Flood The Western Pacific In Huge New Airpower Exercise Next Summer

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 19, 2024

A Cessna Model 208B Grand Caravan converted into a cargo drone was among the participants in a recently concluded U.S. Air Force-led large force air combat exercise focused on preparing for a potential future conflict with China.
U.S. Air Force

Cessna Caravan Turned Into Cargo Drone Tested At China-Focused Airpower Exercise

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 16, 2024

An F-16 Fighting Falcon piloted by Lt. Col. Mike May from the 85th Test and Evaluation squadron sits on the ramp at Eglin Air Force Base on October 2, 2019 with a JASSM-ER. The 85th TES released the extended range missile as part of an operational test sortie.
Ukrainian Air Force

JASSM Stealth Cruise Missiles Now On The Table For Ukraine: Report

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 15, 2024

The Ukrainian Air Force has released a video offering the best look to date of one of the country's MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters employing French-made AASM-250 Hammer precision-guided bombs.
Ukrainian Air Force

Best Look Yet At Ukrainian MiG-29 Releasing Hammer Rocket-Assisted Bombs

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 15, 2024

Half a century ago today, the first prototype of the Panavia Tornado prototype, aircraft P-01, was recorded at Manching in West Germany, with test pilots Paul Millet from British Aerospace and Nils Meister of Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) at the controls.
Royal Air Force

Panavia Tornado Swing-Wing Combat Jet’s Ten Most Unusual Variants

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 14, 2024

Air National Guard F-16 Viper fighters pretending to be enemy cruise missiles together with tiny JSX-2 microjets mimicking cruise missiles and drones replicated complex threat scenarios during a recent large-scale exercise.
U.S. Air Force

F-16s Team With JSX-2 Microjets To Replicate Complex Cruise Missile And Drone Attacks

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 14, 2024

A new Russian design for a ‘loyal wingman’-type supersonic drone has been unveiled, marking the country’s latest foray into unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs). Interestingly, the Kronshtadt company that designed the Grom (meaning Thunder) previously displayed another UCAV under the same name. The new version of the Grom is very different, however, stressing performance and simplicity over low-observable features and other advanced technologies.
Russian Air Force

Russia’s Aspirational Grom Combat Drone’s Design Totally Changes, Ditches Stealth For Speed

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 14, 2024

F-15IA sale approved by state department.
Israeli Air Force

Israel Officially Cleared To Buy 50 New F-15IAs, Upgrade 25 F-15Is

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Aug 13, 2024

Chinese drone maker Tengden says it has conducted the first flight of a new cargo drone with a multi-metric-ton cargo capacity.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Chinese Cargo Drone Capable Of Carrying Two Tons Has Flown

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 12, 2024

Model 407 optionally manned drone Northrop grumman
U.S. Air Force

Northrop’s Stealthy Loyal Wingman Drone Breaks Cover And It Has A Cockpit

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Aug 9, 2024

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 92nd Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, fly alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron over the western United States during Exercise Bamboo Eagle 24-3, Aug. 5, 2024. Through employment of the KC-135 aircraft, the 91st ARS extends U.S. global power and global reach by planning and executing aerial refueling missions for U.S. and allied combat and support aircraft. During Bamboo Eagle, Air Mobility Command assets will support warfighters implementing all-domain combat-power generation from disaggregated basing locations throughout the western part of the U.S., along with distributed command and control, agile logistics, and tactical air-to-air refueling. Bamboo Eagle provides participating units opportunities to reoptimizing for Great Power competition and to focus on mission readiness by to deliver cross-functional and lethal combat capabilities with the speed and agility required to meet pacing challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook)
U.S. Air Force

Massive China-Focused Air Combat Exercise Underway Off California Coast

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 9, 2024

Ukraine's F-16s arrived with self protection pods
Ukrainian Air Force

F-16s Delivered To Ukraine With Advanced Countermeasure Pods For Self-Protection

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Aug 8, 2024

France will have sent Ukraine 600 Hammer bombs by the end of the year.
Ukrainian Air Force

Ukrainian MiG-29’s Special Pylon For Hammer Rocket-Boosted Bombs Emerges

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 8, 2024

Defense technology contractor Anduril has announced plans to build a novel “hyperscale” production facility that will be able to churn out significant numbers of different military products, including uncrewed combat aircraft and autonomous underwater vehicles. The project closely aligns with the Pentagon’s aim of securing the ability to manufacture at scale, to meet future demands, especially for uncrewed systems that would be critical in potential peer-state conflicts.
U.S. Air Force

“Hyperscale” Weapons Factory Vision Outlined By Anduril

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 8, 2024

Ukrainian drone operators are increasingly taking the fight to the Russian helicopters operating over and around the battlefield, by launching direct attacks with first-person view (FPV) drones. While there has been one previous report of a Russian rotorcraft successfully being attacked by a drone and several videos showing near-misses, the increasing quantity of such incidents indicates that this is now becoming a more established practice.
Russian Air Force

Russian Mi-28 Havoc Attack Helicopter Engaged In Mid-Air By Ukrainian Drone

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 7, 2024

A brief video clip of a U.S. Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye linking up with an Air Force HC-130J tanker somewhere over in the Middle East calls attention to how this aircraft has become even more of a force multiplier with the added ability to refuel in flight.
U.S. Air Force

E-2D Refueling From HC-130 Over Middle East Highlights The Hawkeye’s Potential

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 7, 2024

An already massive hangar in northwestern China is now even bigger after receiving a 300-foot-long extension.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s Gigantic Secretive Blimp Hangar Has Gotten Even Larger

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 6, 2024

Photos have emerged showing the extent of the destruction at Morozovsk Air Base, in Russia’s Rostov region, after it was struck by Ukrainian forces at the weekend.
Russian Air Force

Aftermath Of Ukrainian Attack On Russian Su-34 Fullback Base Emerges (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 6, 2024

A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron conducts flight tests on the Load Adaptable Modular pylon in the skies over California, Feb. 15.
U.S. Air Force

B-1B Tests New Pylon That Could Drastically Increase Its Weapons Carriage Capabilities

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 6, 2024

The US Air Force says an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship has operated from a highway for the first time as part of the service's larger push to reduce its dependence on traditional runways. This is also comes amid questions about the future of the gunships in future high-end fights.
U.S. Air Force

AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship Has Operated From A Highway For The First Time

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 5, 2024

A remarkable video has emerged, taken by a Russian fighter pilot after ejecting from his Flanker series jet, during the conflict in Ukraine. The footage joins a growing collection of air combat incidents captured on camera, by pilots on both sides involved in the war. Although it’s unclear exactly when or where the incident took place, it’s another reminder of the high-intensity air campaign being fought in and around Ukraine and the frequent life-or-death situations that the pilots involved face on a daily basis.
Russian Air Force

Russian Pilot Films His Flanker Falling Away After Ejecting During Combat Mission

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 5, 2024

F-16s for Ukraine arrive with weapons
Ukrainian Air Force

F-16 Officially In Ukrainian Service, Self Protection Pods Included

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Aug 4, 2024

F-16 Iran Middle East
U.S. Air Force

More U.S. Combat Aircraft Heading To Middle East Ahead Of Expected Iranian Attack On Israel (Updated)

By Howard Altman

Posted on Aug 2, 2024

The entire fleet of U.S. V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft has been temporarily grounded after a mishap involving an AFSOC CV-22 last month at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico.
U.S. Air Force

CV-22 Osprey Crash In Japan Was Caused By Gearbox Failure

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Posted on Aug 1, 2024

Ukraine F-16s
Ukrainian Air Force

F-16s Arrive In Ukraine: Report

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Aug 1, 2024

The US Air Force's top officer in Europe has highlighted how kamikaze drones present threats, as well as opportunities, especially for smaller friendly countries that might not be able to afford higher-end capabilities.
U.S. Air Force

Long-Range Kamikaze Drones Offer ‘Cheap’ Strike Opportunities For U.S., Allies: USAF General

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 31, 2024

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall has shed some more light on the status of the new sixth-generation stealth combat jet under development as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. “We’re taking a pause,” Kendall said this morning, before reiterating that while fighter at the heart of the wider NGAD initiative will have a human pilot to start with, an optionally crewed version might be developed too.
U.S. Air Force

Air Force Secretary ‘Absolutely Confident’ 6th Gen Crewed Fighter Will Move Forward (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 30, 2024

Ukrainians F-16s will immediately be able to get more out of stocks Western munitions that have already been deliverd, as well as other benefits.
U.S. Air Force

F-16s Will Let Ukraine Get More Out Of Western Munitions: USAF’s Top Officer In Europe

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 30, 2024

New Russian drone in use in Ukraine.
Russian Air Force

New Russian Long-Range Drone Appears In Ukraine

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 30, 2024

The US Air Force says a program to explore low cost 'air vehicle' concepts that could be turned into cruise missiles or used for other purposes is as much about shaking up industrial base and supply chain status quos.
U.S. Air Force

Shaking Up U.S. Industrial Base Key To ‘Cheap’ Cruise Missile Program

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 29, 2024

Three German Eurofighter EF2000s have completed a record-breaking endurance flight for the multirole fighter. Remaining in the air for a total of 10 hours 31 minutes, the trio of combat aircraft flew from Japan to Hawaii today, supported by aerial refueling tankers that included KC-135 Stratotankers operated by private aerospace firm Metrea, a contractor-owned and operated aerial refueling business that recently acquired of 14 KC-135s from the French Air and Space Force.
Luftwaffe

German Eurofighters Make Record-Breaking Flight With Help From Private Aerial Refueling Company

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 27, 2024

A new picture offering the best look to date at a Ukrainian MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter armed with GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs has disclosed the use of a special pylon with a mysterious feature in front.
Ukrainian Air Force

First Look At Mystery Weapon Pylon Ukrainian MiG-29s Use To Carry Small Diameter Bombs

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 26, 2024

The U.S. Air Force is planning to retire its remaining RQ-4 Global Hawk high-altitude, long-endurance drones by the end of the 2027 Fiscal Year. The service says it has become clear that the RQ-4s would be overly vulnerable in any future conflict against a peer or near-peer adversary, but it’s not clear what aircraft (or other assets) might fill the resulting capability gap. This only adds to the growing evidence that a top-secret, high-flying, stealth spy drone, commonly referred to as the RQ-180, or variants or derivatives thereof, is getting close to entering service, if it isn’t already being employed operationally on some level.
U.S. Air Force

Air Force Chief Hints At Existence Of Clandestine Spy Aircraft

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jul 26, 2024

Greece has made good on its promise to buy F-35 stealth fighters, confirming today that it will buy an initial batch of 20 of the aircraft at a cost of around $3.5 billion. The decision is an important step in the modernization of the Hellenic Air Force, which has recently inducted other new combat aircraft types, while plans to retire older jets have also been unveiled. The move also has a particular resonance in terms of Greece’s tense relations with regional rival Turkey, which was booted out of the F-35 program, after buying Russian-made S-400 air defense systems.
Hellenic Air Force

Greece Buying F-35s Widens Qualitative Gap With Turkey

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 26, 2024