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Air (Page 27)

Latest in Air

In a bizarre turn of events, Chinese-made Wing Loong drones, apparently headed to Libya, have been seized by Italian authorities off the coast of southern Italy. The disassembled drones were in crates that were marked as containing parts for wind turbines, in what seems to have been an effort to evade a United Nations arms embargo imposed on Libya.
Unmanned

Chinese Wing Loong Drones Disguised As Wind Turbines Seized By Italy

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 3, 2024

The air-launched version of the hugely versatile SM-6 missile, also known as the RIM-174, has appeared on U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters at the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, the world’s largest international maritime exercise. We now also know the missiles are designated AIM-74B, indicating an air-to-air missile, although, as we have discussed in the past, the weapon also has the potential to strike high-priority ground targets, such as air defense sites, and warships, acting as a quasi-ballistic missile.
F/A-18E/F

AIM-174 Super Hornet-Launched Variant Of SM-6 Missile Breaks Cover In Hawaii (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jul 3, 2024

Kratos has developed a new launch trolley that allows its XQ-58 drones to take off from traditional runways.
XQ-58

XQ-58 Valkyrie Can Now Take Off From Runways Thanks To New Launch Trolly System

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 3, 2024

MQ-9 with new electronic warfare pod
Q-9

New Electronic Warfare Pod Turns Marine MQ-9 Reaper Into “A Black Hole”

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jul 3, 2024

Russia has unveiled a counter-drone interceptor, a single-use drone with an explosive warhead that’s expressly designed to bring down the kinds of Ukrainian uncrewed aerial vehicles that have taken a steady toll of Russian troops and equipment on the battlefield. The Vogan-9SP counter-drone interceptor was developed by Russia’s Red Line company, seemingly a new entrant in the field.
Unmanned

Russia Jumps Into Purpose-Built Drone-Hunting Drone Weapons Space

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 2, 2024

The US Army has put out a new request for information for compact sensors for use on high-altitude balloons underscoring its broader vision for using those capabilities in the future.
Airborne Radar

Army’s High-Flying Balloon Surveillance Vision Grows With Call For New Radars, Other Sensors

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 2, 2024

Israeli AH-64 helicopter gunship pilots have provided an extensive account of their operations during the surprise attack on the country by Hamas militants last October 7. Their accounts — provided to the Israeli media — give a rare insight into the Israeli Air Force’s immediate response to the first invasion of Israeli territory since 1948.
AH-64

Israeli AH-64 Apache Commanders Describe Brutal Reality Of October 7 Missions

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 2, 2024

The US Air Force is taking a second look at the crewed sixth-generation stealth combat jet it is developing under the Next Generation Air Dominance initiative to see where costs could be cut, even at the cost of losing certain capabilities.
Loyal Wingman

Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter’s Future Increasingly Uncertain

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 2, 2024

Billionaire Jared Isaacman Is going to fly a Tornado F2A.
MiG-29

Tornado F2 Set To Become Most Advanced Flying Fighter In A Private Individual’s Hands

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 1, 2024

Anduril and General Atomics have shared new details about progress and challenges, including on production and autonomy issues, as part of the Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
Loyal Wingman

Construction Of First Collaborative Combat Aircraft Drone Has Begun At General Atomics

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 1, 2024

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle from Royal Air Force Lakenheath's 494th Fighter Squadron returns to formation after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Fairchild Air Force Base's 92nd Aerial Refueling Squadron, over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 2, 2024. The U.S. Air Force is globally postured to protect and defend freedom of coalition allies and regional partners within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to maintain peace and stability across the region.
F-15

Flying The F-15E Strike Eagle In Air-To-Air Combat, From Dogfighting To Drone Hunting

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 1, 2024

Piggyback bomber at a Nazi airfield In WWII.
Air-To-Ground

Recalling The Nazis’ Bizarre Piggyback Bombers 80 Years After They Went To War

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 30, 2024

The US Air Force's Air Mobility Command has outlined a critical need to give its fleets new counter-drone defenses they can use wherever they go.
Air Force One

Built-In Counter-Drone Defenses Sought For Air Force Transports, Tankers

By Eric Tegler, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 29, 2024

The US Army's elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment has been testing Arctic and desert camouflage options on top of a now well-known multi-tone blue scheme.
160th SOAR "Nightstalkers"

160th SOAR Night Stalkers Testing Arctic, Desert Vinyl Camo Wraps As Global Missions Evolve

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 28, 2024

A video has emerged showing a Ukrainian MiG-29 toss-bombing a munition, a critical tactic that helps limit the exposure of the launching platform to enemy defenses.
MiG-29

Watch A Ukrainian MiG-29 Toss A Bomb Across The Front Lines

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 28, 2024

AI reading side numbers on carrier jets.
Naval Aviation

Using AI To Read Aircraft Identification Numbers On Navy Carrier Decks In Testing

By Eric Tegler

Posted on Jun 26, 2024

Pacific Defender 24 will see European AirPower head to the Pacific.
Air Combat Exercises

European Air Power Teams Up For Pacific Mega Deployment

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 26, 2024

Leonardo's AW609 tiltrotor has completed a series of shipboard trials aboard the Italian carrier ITS Cavour, a major milestone in the aircraft's development.
Future Vertical Lift

AW609 Tiltrotor Has Flown From Italy’s Aircraft Carrier Cavour

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 26, 2024

Congress is pressing ahead with legislation that would compel the Air Force to restore nuclear capability to its entire fleet of B-52 bombers after the likely sunset of an armed control deal with Russia.
B-52

What It Will Take To Make The Entire B-52 Fleet Nuclear-Capable

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jun 26, 2024

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

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

By Jamie Hunter

Posted on Jun 25, 2024

The Ohio class nuclear ballistic missile submarine USS Tennessee, the Ticonderoga class cruiser USS Normandy, an E-6B Mercury 'doomsday plane,' and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft recently took part in an unusual show of force in the Norwegian Sea.
P-8

U.S. Ballistic Missile Submarine, ‘Doomsday Plane’ Take Part In Rare Show Of Force Off Norway

By Joseph Trevithick

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.
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