Air Forces (Page 12)

Latest in Air Forces

F-16 Belgium ukraine
Ukrainian Air Force

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 28, 2024

An F-35 Joint Strike Fighter crashed in Albuquerque New Mexico.
U.S. Air Force

F-35 Crashes In New Mexico (Updated)

By Howard Altman

Posted on May 28, 2024

How the A-10's Avenger cannon went from terrible to terrifying.
U.S. Air Force

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

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on May 28, 2024

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

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

By Thomas Newdick

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

By Howard Altman

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.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 24, 2024

B-2/B-21 comparison
U.S. Air Force

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

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on May 23, 2024

Su-34 launches new glide bombs
Russian Air Force

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

By Thomas Newdick

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 23, 2024

Everything We Learned About The Next Doomsday Planes For The Air Force
U.S. Air Force

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 23, 2024

B-21 raider first air-to-air image
U.S. Air Force

First Aerial View Of B-21 Raider Offers New Insights

By Tyler Rogoway

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. Air Force

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 21, 2024

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

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

By Thomas Newdick

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.
Russian Air Force

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

By Joseph Trevithick

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.
U.S. Air Force

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

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on May 15, 2024

Members of Congress are pushing to block the US Air Force from retiring more than half of its F-15E Strike Eagles.
U.S. Air Force

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 14, 2024

T-6 ejection seat mishap
U.S. Air Force

T-6 Pilot Dies In Ejection Seat Accident

By Oliver Parken

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.
Russian Air Force

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 14, 2024

Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works has released a new rendering of a stealth tanker concept amid uncertainty about the U.S. Air Force's future tanker plans.
U.S. Air Force

New Skunk Works Stealthy Tanker Concept Unveiled

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 13, 2024

A B-2 Spirit taxis at Whiteman Air Force Base
U.S. Air Force

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 10, 2024

After an extraordinary career spanning more than 80 years of service, and plenty of wartime missions, the South African Air Force (SAAF) is preparing to retire its last C-47 Dakotas. The decision is yet to be formally announced by the SAAF but looks set to confirm the fate of the service’s Dakotas, which have now been grounded for around two years.
Air Forces

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 10, 2024

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), which won the contract to build the U.S. Air Force’s highly specialized Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) aircraft last month, has acquired five Boeing 747-8s from Korean Air. The likelihood is that these will be converted as the successors to the Air Force’s aging 747-200-based E-4B Nightwatch ‘doomsday planes,’ although at this stage we still don’t know how many of the new SAOC aircraft will be fielded.
U.S. Air Force

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

By Thomas Newdick

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)
U.S. Air Force

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

By Oliver Parken

Posted on May 9, 2024

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

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

By Thomas Newdick

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.
U.S. Air Force

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.
U.S. Air Force

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 7, 2024

A US Air Force F-22 stealth fighter has suffered a mishap at an airport in Georgia today, May 6, 2024.
U.S. Air Force

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 6, 2024

JDAM-ER Winged Bombs With Seekers That Home In On GPS Jammers Headed To Ukraine
U.S. Air Force

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 4, 2024

Boeing Pitches F-15EX For Saudi Arabian Fighter Competition
Royal Saudi Air Force

Boeing Pitches F-15EX For Saudi Arabian Fighter Competition

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 3, 2024

Footage has been published, apparently for the first time, showing a Chinese H-6 bomber dropping one of the shadowy air-launched ballistic missiles known by the designation 2PZD-21. The missile is part of a growing armory of Chinese aero-ballistic missiles and is widely understood to be a ‘carrier-killer’ weapon designed to be used as part of the country’s anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy. However, many questions remain about the role of the weapon and its capabilities.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s H-6K Bomber Seen Firing Air-Launched Ballistic Missile For First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 1, 2024

A 49th Wing F-16 Viper takes off Jan. 19, 2022, at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Holloman is the Air Force’s premiere training base for F-16 Viper and MQ-9 Reaper aircrew. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Adrian Salazar)
U.S. Air Force

F-16 Crashes Near Holloman Air Force Base In New Mexico (Updated)

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Apr 30, 2024

F-35 has gotten its name from Poland.
Polish Air Force

Poland’s Future F-35s Have Been Officially Named “Husarz”

By Oliver Parken

Updated on Apr 30, 2024

Yak52 engages orlan drone
Ukrainian Air Force

Ukraine May Now Be Using WWI-Style Air Combat Tactics Against Drones

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Posted on Apr 29, 2024

SAOC will replace the E-4B, now we have a better idea of what it will look like.
U.S. Air Force

E-4B Doomsday Plane Replacement Concept Art Has Some Interesting Features

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Apr 29, 2024

SNC has won the competition to deliver new Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) 'doomsday planes' to succeed the Air Force's E-4B Nightwatch jets.
U.S. Air Force

Job Of Building The Air Force’s Next Doomsday Planes Falls To Sierra Nevada Corp. (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Apr 28, 2024

General Atomics has now confirmed that its Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone design for the US Air Force is based on its XQ-67A.
U.S. Air Force

XQ-67 Confirmed To Be A Prototype For General Atomics’ Collaborative Combat Aircraft Design

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Apr 26, 2024

The Ukrainian Air Force is using iPads, or similar tablets in the cockpits of its Soviet-era jets to enable rapid integration of modern Western air-to-ground weapons — something that TWZ predicted back in 2022. This has been confirmed by Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Dr. William LaPlante. While many questions remain about the tablet and how it works, there’s now more footage showing it fitted in cockpits.
Ukrainian Air Force

Ukrainian Fighter Jets “Using iPads” To Control Western Weapons

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 25, 2024

Eglin UFO Case
U.S. Air Force

Eglin AFB Pilot Likely Saw A Lighting Balloon, Not A UFO Pentagon Concludes

By Howard Altman

Posted on Apr 25, 2024

The US Air Force has chosen Anduril and General Atomics to move ahead in Increment 1 of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone program.
U.S. Air Force

General Atomics, Anduril Move Ahead In Collaborative Combat Aircraft Drone Program (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Apr 24, 2024

Additional details about a breakthrough autonomous dogfight in September 2023 underscore significant challenges still to be addressed.
U.S. Air Force

Next Big Challenge For AI Dogfighting Is Keeping Track Of Enemies Up Close

By Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Apr 24, 2024

South Korean F-4E launches an AGM-142 'Pop-eye' missile
Republic of Korea Air Force

F-4 Phantoms Conduct Final Popeye Missile Firing Before South Korea Bids Them Farewell

By Oliver Parken

Updated on Apr 23, 2024

H-20_CONCEPT_ART_PLAAF
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s H-20 Stealth Bomber “Not Really” A Concern: U.S. Official

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 23, 2024

A picture has emerged purportedly showing a Chinese H-6 bomber carrying a large mystery payload underneath its fuselage.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Black Mystery Craft Spotted Slung Under Chinese H-6 Bomber

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Apr 23, 2024

Mystery missile in Iraq.
Israeli Air Force

Mystery Weapon Appears In Iraqi Field After Israeli Strike (Updated)

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Apr 20, 2024

Major Damage At Russian Airbase In Crimea After Ukrainian Attack
Russian Air Force

Major Damage At Russian Airbase In Crimea After Ukrainian Attack

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 19, 2024

Ukraine has claimed that it shot down a Russian Tu-22M3 Backfire-C bomber that crashed today in the Stavropol region in southern Russia. If that’s the case, it would be an unprecedented event, with Ukraine never having previously destroyed a Tu-22M3 — or any other Russian long-range bomber — in the air.
Russian Air Force

Russian Tu-22M3 Backfire Shot Down With S-200 Missile: Ukraine’s Spy Chief

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Posted on Apr 19, 2024

B-2 Spirit stealth bombers assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing taxi on the runway at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, April 15, 2024. Team Whiteman executed a mass fly-off of 12 B-2s to cap off the annual Spirit Vigilance exercise. Routine training ensures that Airmen are always ready to execute global strike operations… anytime, anywhere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hailey Farrell)
U.S. Air Force

Majority Of The B-2 Spirit Fleet Took To The Skies In A Mass Launch

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Apr 18, 2024

B-21 raider production still capped at 100 units as USAF looks at what could come next.
U.S. Air Force

Air Force Looking At Options Beyond The B-21 Raider Is Absolutely Necessary

By Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Apr 18, 2024

F-15EX
Israeli Air Force

F-15E Strike Eagle’s Defense Of Israel Bolsters The Case For F-15EX

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Apr 17, 2024

The US Air Force's unique X-62A test jet participating in a breakthrough dogfight last year while a fully autonomous mode against a crewed F-16.
U.S. Air Force

AI Is Now Dogfighting With Fighter Pilots In The Air

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Apr 17, 2024

Newly-painted Kazakhstan Air Force A400M pre-delivery
Air Forces

Paint Job On Kazakhstan’s New A400M Looks Like A ‘Soviet’ Plane In A Bond Film

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Apr 15, 2024

Recently released pictures of a Bahraini Block 70 F-16D Viper undergoing testing in the United States show what one of these jets might look like one an actual combat mission.
U.S. Air Force

Our First Look At An Armed-Up Block 70 F-16 Viper

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Apr 12, 2024

Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new hypersonic missile, the Mako, which it is pitching to the U.S. Navy and Air Force and which it says will potentially also be able to arm submarines and surface warships. The weapon, which was originally developed for the Air Force’s Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) program reflects growing interest in more affordable hypersonic strike weapons, smaller than cruise missiles but offering standoff range and very rapid response.
U.S. Air Force

The Lowdown On Lockheed’s Newly Revealed Mako Hypersonic Missile

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 11, 2024

B-1B Lancer aircraft nicknamed “Lancelot,” touches down at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Feb. 8, 2024. “Lancelot” is being regenerated to the active bomber fleet after previously being retired to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. Photo was redacted for security purposes.
U.S. Air Force

B-1B ‘Lancelot’ Is Being Resurrected For Active Service

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 8, 2024

No Major Damage Seen At Russian Air Base After Drone Attack
Russian Air Force

No Major Damage Seen At Russian Air Base After Drone Attack

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Apr 6, 2024

Naha Air Base temporarily moves its F-15s in light of a tsunami warning
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Japan’s Tsunami-Fleeing F-15s Took To The Road

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Apr 5, 2024

F-16s from Eielson AFB now 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron.
U.S. Air Force

F-16 Aggressor Squadron In Alaska Becomes Unique Air Defense Unit

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Apr 4, 2024

The long-running question of whether Israel will finally buy a new batch of F-15 Eagle multirole fighters looks like it might be answered sooner rather than later. The latest reports out of Washington indicate that the Biden administration is now considering whether or not to move ahead with a deal, which would likely involve as many as 50 examples of the F-15IA — an Israel-specific variant of the F-15EX.
Israeli Air Force

F-15 Sale To Israel Reportedly Ready To Close, Will Gaza Change That?

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 3, 2024

A US-made F-16 fighter lands on the run way at the eastern Hualien air force base on January 23, 2013. The Taiwan air force demonstrated their combat skills at the Hualien air base during an annual training before the coming lunar new year.
Republic Of China Air Force (Taiwan)

Multiple Taiwanese F-16s Damaged In Powerful Earthquake

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 3, 2024

The USAF wants $1.5B in spare parts it doesn't have in its budget.
U.S. Air Force

Hundreds Of Air Force Aircraft Risk Grounding Without Extra $1.5B Spare Parts Infusion

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Mar 28, 2024

India’s homegrown Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) has had a tortuous development path, but investment in the program is starting to show dividends, with the first flight of the Tejas Mk 1A, a much-improved version of the jet. The Tejas Mk 1A is set to be built in considerably greater numbers than the initial Mk 1 version and, more importantly, brings a host of advanced new features.
Indian Air Force

Much Is Riding On India’s Upgraded Tejas Light Fighter After Its First Flight

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Mar 28, 2024

Boeing has announced plans to establish a new production facility for the MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone in Australia.
Royal Australian Air Force

Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat Getting Facility To Ramp-Up Production In Australia

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Mar 28, 2024

Cold War-era Ladoga APV pictured by a FPV drone
Russian Air Force

Ultra-Rare Russian Armored VIP Escape Vehicle Spotted In Ukraine

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Mar 28, 2024

Danish Air Force F-16 takes off in Monte Real Air Force Base during Real Thaw 2018 exercise on February 06, 2018 in Monte Real, Portugal. Real Thaw 2018 (RT18) is a Portuguese Air Force led live-fly exercise to evaluate and certify their operational capability being conducted at Monte Real Air Force from January 29 to February 09. The tenth edition of RT18 features 35 aircraft and 1500 personnel from the Portuguese Air Force, Army and Navy and military forces from Denmark, France, Netherlands, Spain, the United States of America and NATO.
Air Forces

F-16 Looks Like The Endgame To Argentina’s Epic Fighter Saga

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Mar 27, 2024