Air(Page 20)

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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.
Ukrainian Air Force

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 25, 2024

A secretive stealthy drone being developed under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft (SHEPARD) Demonstration program has now been designated the XRQ-73.
Stealth

Shadowy XRQ-73 Hybrid-Electric Stealthy Flying Wing Drone Emerges

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 24, 2024

The Ka-29 Helix-B helicopter was downed during a massive, multi-domain, Ukrainian drone attack
Helicopters

Russian Navy Ka-29 Assault Helicopter Downed Amid Massive Ukrainian Drone Attack

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 21, 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.
Tu-22

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 21, 2024

AIM-120 being loaded into a NASAMS launcher
AIM-120 AMRAAM

U.S. Diverting Missiles From Foreign Customers To Ukraine Could Have Repercussions Beyond Air Defense

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jun 21, 2024

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighter has begun wearing some decidedly non-standard markings, very likely the most flamboyant we’ve seen on the Joint Strike Fighter so far. The upper fuselage and top surfaces of the wing the F-35B in question, operated by Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, “Bats,” is emblazoned with a stylized motif showing the night-flying mammal, and has recently been captured by photographers at its base, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan’s Yamaguchi prefecture.
F-35B

F-35B Dons Huge Bat Insignia On Its Back

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 20, 2024

MH-6s belonging to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment are now flying with a multi-tone blue camouflage scheme that looks intended primarily for use in maritime operations.
160th SOAR "Nightstalkers"

Blue Camouflage MH-6 Little Birds Point To Night Stalkers’ Pacific Pivot

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 20, 2024

Ukraine is ramping up its attacks on Russian ISR drones to reduce their situational awareness.
Unmanned

Ukraine Situation Report: Drone-On-Drone Aerial Engagements Ramp-Up

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 19, 2024

The US government has approved potential sales of Switchblade 300 and ALTIUS 600M loitering munitions to Taiwan.
Loitering Munitions

Sale Of Over 1,000 Kamikaze Drones To Taiwan Points To Grand “Hellscape” Counter-China Plans

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 19, 2024

Sweden has retired its long-serving SAAB 105 trainer.
Air Forces

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

By Thomas Newdick

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.
F-22

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 19, 2024

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

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

By Jamie Hunter

Posted on Jun 18, 2024

NH90 special forces helicopter has entered flight testing.
Helicopters

NH90 Special Operations Helicopter Begins Flight Testing

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 18, 2024

Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornets will be used to launch prototypes of the US Air Force's Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile.
F/A-18E/F

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 18, 2024

USAF B-52 in flight
B-52

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jun 18, 2024

German defense contractor Rheinmetall is pitching a containerized launcher for use with Hero family loitering munitions.
Unmanned

Shipping Container Launcher Packing 126 Kamikaze Drones Hits The Market

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jun 17, 2024

A pair of apparent mockups of the Chinese GJ-11 Sharp Sword uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV) have emerged at a site just over a mile from where the country is building the first of its new monster Type 076 amphibious assault ships.
Naval Aviation

Mockups Of China’s Sharp Sword Stealth Drone Appear Near New Supersized Amphibious Warship

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

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

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

By Tyler Rogoway

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.
Su-34

Ukraine Strikes Blow To Russian Su-34 Fullback Base

By Howard Altman

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

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

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

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

Anduril’s Fury
U.S. Air Force

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

Screencap from a Russian MOD video showing a Belarusian Su-25 Frogfoot
Su-25

Belarus Touts Su-25 Loaded With Simulated Nuclear Bombs But Won’t Show Them

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

Does The U.S. Need To Be Building Hardened Aircraft Shelters For Its Combat Aircraft?
Air

Does The U.S. Need To Be Building Hardened Aircraft Shelters For Its Combat Aircraft?

By Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 12, 2024

Artist rendering of NGI in flight.
Air

Showdown Brewing Over Ballistic Missile Interceptor Site On East Coast

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 11, 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.
Russian Air Force

Ukraine Situation Report: Russia Resumes Tactical Nuke Drills

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 11, 2024

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

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

By Jamie Hunter

Posted on Jun 11, 2024

U.S. Army Officer Confirms Russian A-50 Radar Jet Was Shot Down With Patriot Missile
A-50/A-100

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 10, 2024

The US Army's new Precision Strike Missile might provide the United States a ready path to acquiring an air-launched ballistic missile, a type of weapon that is seeing a renaissance around the world.
Air-Launched Ballistic Missiles

Army’s New PrSM Ballistic Missile Should Be Adapted Into An Air Launched Weapon

By Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick

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.
F-16

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 10, 2024

SU-57 satellite photo attack imagery
Su-57

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

By Howard Altman

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

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

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jun 9, 2024

CH-53K King Stallion arrives in Yuma to join VMX-1.
CH-53K

CH-53K King Stallion Has Arrived At MCAS Yuma To Join VMX-1 Testers

By James Deboer

Posted on Jun 7, 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.
F-4

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

By Thomas Newdick

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 6, 2024

A USN EA-18G took out an Mi-24 with an AARGM.
Mi-24

EA-18G Growler Killed A Houthi Mi-24 Hind With An AGM-88E Anti-Radiation Missile

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jun 6, 2024

Soviet-era An-22 landing
Il-76

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 6, 2024

The Oregon Air National Guard has received its first F-15EX Eagle II fighter, marking the first delivery of one of these jets to an operational unit.
F-15

The F-15EX Eagle II Has Arrived In Portland

By Joseph Trevithick

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.
Air-Launched Ballistic Missiles

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 6, 2024

The US Navy's P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol planes are one step closer to getting new self-protection pods with towed decoys and other electronic warfare capabilities.
P-8

Towed Decoy Pods Will Protect P-8 Poseidons From Radar-Guided Threats

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 6, 2024

The Navy has been eying the possibility of arming its ships and submarines, as well as aircraft, with a new air-breathing hypersonic anti-ship cruise missile.
Air-launched hypersonic cruise missiles

Navy’s HALO Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile Planned For Ships, Submarines, As Well As Jets

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 5, 2024

German contractor Diehl Defense has unveiled a new “remote carrier” — a long-range effector that can be launched from aircraft, as well as from land and sea platforms. The missile-like store, known as FEANIX, which stands for Future Effector — Adaptable, Networked, Intelligent, eXpendable, is being pitched as an adjunct to the pan-European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) next-generation air combat program, as well as for the in-service Eurofighter Typhoon.
Typhoon

FEANIX ‘Remote Carrier’ Aims To Be The Ultra-Adaptable Missile Of The Future

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 5, 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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 5, 2024

DONETSK OBLAST, UKRAINE - MAY 1: A drone operator, a Ukrainian soldier of the 56th Motorized Brigade with the call sign "Indianets", prepares a combat FPV drone in the Bakhmut area on May 1, 2024 in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. Ukrainian drones operators of the 56th Motorized Brigade are using combat FPV drones to destroy enemy targets and conduct round-the-clock reconnaissance in the Bakhmut area. (Photo by Yevhenii Vasyliev/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
Unmanned

Competition To Supply Ukraine With FPV Drones Gets Underway

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Jun 4, 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

U-2 Retirement Reprieve Emerges In Proposed Defense Spending Bill

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 4, 2024

South Korea will resume military drills near the border in the wake of Kim Jong-un's poop balloon incursion.

South Korea To End Long Pause In Drills Near DMZ After Poop Balloon Incursions

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 4, 2024

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

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

By Jamie Hunter

Posted on Jun 4, 2024

Photos have emerged showing a U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet carrying what appears to be an air-launched version of the RIM-174 SM-6 missile, a weapon that can counter aerial threats at long ranges, as well as ground and surface targets.
F/A-18E/F

Super Hornet Armed With SM-6 Missile Spotted Over California

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 4, 2024

European aviation consortium Airbus has unveiled a new stealthy fighter-sized loyal wingman-type drone concept
Stealth

Stealthy Fighter-Like Wingman Drone Concept Unveiled By Airbus (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick, Oliver Parken

Posted on Jun 4, 2024

The Defense Innovation Unit and the US Air Force have picked four different companies design, build, and flight test new low-cost cruise missile concepts.
U.S. Air Force

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 3, 2024

The US Air Force has awarded its first contract for the purchase of production Joint Strike Missiles which are set to give its F-35A Joint Strike Fighters a new and capable stand-off strike option against targets on land and at sea.
F-35

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 1, 2024

Testing at the Upside-Down Air Force, RADC
Airborne Radar

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

By Oliver Parken

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.
J-31

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 31, 2024

A U.S. B-2A Spirit bomber assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing and a Royal Netherlands air force F-35A conduct aerial operations in support of Bomber Task Force Europe 20-2 over the North Sea March 18, 2020. Bomber missions provide opportunities to train and work with NATO allies and theater partners in combined and joint operations and exercises.
F-35A

Dutch F-35s Take On A Full Nuclear Role

By Thomas Newdick

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.
F-15

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 30, 2024

Tamir air-o-air variant
Israeli Air Force

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

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on May 30, 2024

Martin baker 75 years of ejections
Military Aviation History

Martin-Baker Ejection Seat Made Its First Of 7,722 Saves 75 Years Ago Today

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on May 30, 2024

New video purports to show the first Russian FPV drone attack on a Ukrainian sea drone.
Unmanned

Russian FPV Drone Seen Attacking Ukrainian Uncrewed Surface Vessel For The First Time

By Howard Altman

Posted on May 30, 2024

North Korea sent hundreds of balloons, many filled with manure, into South Korea.

Poop-Filled North Korean Balloons Descend On The South Stoking Fears Of Deadlier Payloads

By Howard Altman

Posted on May 29, 2024

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

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

By Oliver Parken

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.
Airborne Radar

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

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on May 29, 2024

F-16 Belgium ukraine
F-16

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.
F-35B

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.
A-10

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.
Air Combat Exercises

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 28, 2024