Fighters

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Su-35 shot down Ukraine

Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv Claims Six Russian Jets Downed In Three Days Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv Claims Six Russian Jets Downed In Three Days

By Thomas Newdick

Feb 19 4:05 PM EST

Kh-69 standoff missile, Russia.

Russia Now Using Kh-69 Cruise Missiles In Ukraine: Reports Russia Now Using Kh-69 Cruise Missiles In Ukraine: Reports

By Thomas Newdick

Feb 16 6:58 PM EST

“I Would Love To Have More F-15EXs,” Air Guard Boss Says “I Would Love To Have More F-15EXs,” Air Guard Boss Says

By Tyler Rogoway, Howard Altman

Feb 13 8:01 PM EST

China carrier J-35

Mockup Of China’s Stealthy J-35 Fighter Appears On Unexpected Aircraft Carrier Mockup Of China’s Stealthy J-35 Fighter Appears On Unexpected Aircraft Carrier

By Thomas Newdick

Feb 13 6:18 PM EST

The US Navy and Air Force have both recently laid out requirements for new compact cruise missiles, including an anti-ship type that could be carried internally on certain F-35 variants.

Mini Anti-Ship Cruise Missile That Fits Inside An F-35 Is On The Navy’s Wish List Mini Anti-Ship Cruise Missile That Fits Inside An F-35 Is On The Navy’s Wish List

By Joseph Trevithick

Feb 7 6:44 PM EST

F-16 for Ukraine will be getting a long-range cruise missile, according to the country's Air Force chief.

Ukraine Says It’s Getting Long-Range Strike Missiles With Its F-16s Ukraine Says It’s Getting Long-Range Strike Missiles With Its F-16s

By Thomas Newdick

Feb 5 6:10 PM EST

F-35s Back On The Table For Turkey F-35s Back On The Table For Turkey

By Thomas Newdick

Jan 30 11:42 AM EST

Capt. Andrew “Dojo” Olson, F-35 Heritage Flight Team pilot and commander performs a vertical climb in an F-35A Lightning II during the Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show Oct. 14, 2018, in Fort Worth, Texas. The F-35A Lightning II’s F-135 single-engine contains 43,000 pounds of thrust. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexander Cook)

Czech Republic Officially Joins The F-35 Fighter Program Czech Republic Officially Joins The F-35 Fighter Program

By Oliver Parken

Jan 29 2:54 PM EST

F-16 sale to turkey

Turkish F-16 Deal Now Being Fast-Tracked By Biden Admin Turkish F-16 Deal Now Being Fast-Tracked By Biden Admin

By Thomas Newdick

Jan 25 2:14 PM EST

F-15 retirement Kingsley Field

The Last USAF F-15C/D Eagle Instructor Pilots Are Now In Training The Last USAF F-15C/D Eagle Instructor Pilots Are Now In Training

By Thomas Newdick

Jan 24 3:17 PM EST

Flying The Block 70 F-16 ‘Ultimate’ Viper According To Its Test Pilot Flying The Block 70 F-16 ‘Ultimate’ Viper According To Its Test Pilot

By Jamie Hunter

Jan 24 1:39 PM EST

F-35 SPEAR METEOR

F-35 To Get Meteor, SPEAR 3 Missiles “By End Of Decade” F-35 To Get Meteor, SPEAR 3 Missiles “By End Of Decade”

By Thomas Newdick

Jan 22 12:57 PM EST

Super Hornets from the aircraft carrier Dwight David Eisenhower struck Houthi missile installations today.

Red Sea Ship Attacks Continue After Super Hornets Strike Missiles Red Sea Ship Attacks Continue After Super Hornets Strike Missiles

By Howard Altman

Jan 18 9:29 PM EST

As part of a £2.35 billion investment into upgrading Typhoon, a European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mark 2 Radar developed by Leonardo UK features a unique multi-functional array (MFA) which will allow Typhoon to simultaneously detect, identify, and track multiple targets in the air and on the ground plus perform electronic warfare tasks.

British Eurofighter Finally Gets Advanced Swashplate AESA Radar British Eurofighter Finally Gets Advanced Swashplate AESA Radar

By Thomas Newdick

Jan 17 3:00 PM EST

A U.S. fighter shot down a Houthi anti-ship cruise missile heading to the USS Laboon.

American Fighter Downs Houthi Missile Heading Toward USS Laboon American Fighter Downs Houthi Missile Heading Toward USS Laboon

By Howard Altman

Jan 14 9:33 PM EST

Rare look at the upgraded cockpit in an Israeli F-15A.

F-15A ‘Baz’ Upgraded Cockpit Seen In Rare Israeli Air Force Photo (Updated) F-15A ‘Baz’ Upgraded Cockpit Seen In Rare Israeli Air Force Photo (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Jan 11 1:04 PM EST

Lockheed Martin has built the 1,000th F-35, but delays with a key upgrade program mean it is parked away awaiting delivery.

The 1,000th F-35 Has Been Built The 1,000th F-35 Has Been Built

By Tyler Rogoway

Jan 10 1:28 PM EST

Pakistan is looking to buy FC-31 stealth fighters

China’s FC-31 Stealth Fighter Officially Being Sought By Pakistan China’s FC-31 Stealth Fighter Officially Being Sought By Pakistan

By Thomas Newdick

Jan 5 5:09 PM EST

A Su-34 Fullback fighter-bomber apparently destroyed last night by a Ukrainian special forces team, as it sat on its airbase.

Su-34 Fullback Torched During Raid Deep In Russia Su-34 Fullback Torched During Raid Deep In Russia

By Thomas Newdick

Jan 4 12:52 PM EST

F-35 Lightning fighter jets have conducted their first night flying trials off the United Kingdom’s largest warship, HMS Queen Elizabeth. The aircraft carrier, which first landed F-35 Lightning jets on board last week, is currently conducting flight testing off the east coast of the United States. Pictures show how the night time trials, which up until now have only been tested in simulators or on the ground, were carried out using state-of-the-art night-vision technology, with the pilots and aircraft handlers successfully guiding the supersonic fighter jets onto the flight deck. Some trials were also carried out without night vision technology to ensure the jets’ capability in any eventuality.

No, The F-35B Does Not Use Afterburner In Vertical Landing Mode No, The F-35B Does Not Use Afterburner In Vertical Landing Mode

By Thomas Newdick

Dec 28 1:31 PM EST

Super Hornets from the aircraft carrier Dwight David Eisenhower struck Houthi missile installations today.

Super Hornets Score Aerial Kills Over Red Sea Super Hornets Score Aerial Kills Over Red Sea

By Tyler Rogoway

Dec 26 6:06 PM EST

Ukrainian forces claim to have shot down a trio of Russian Su-34 Fullback combat jets, another sign of evolving air defense tactics.

Ukraine Says It Shot Down Three Russian Su-34 Fullbacks Ukraine Says It Shot Down Three Russian Su-34 Fullbacks

By Joseph Trevithick

Dec 22 12:45 PM EST

Boeing says it has delivered the second pair of F-15EX Eagle II fighters to the U.S. Air Force after a year of delays.

Second Pair Of F-15EX Eagle II Fighters Just Delivered To USAF Second Pair Of F-15EX Eagle II Fighters Just Delivered To USAF

By Joseph Trevithick

Dec 20 7:38 PM EST

F-15EX To Be Based At Kadena Air Base In Japan: Report

F-15EX To Be Based At Kadena Air Base In Japan: Report F-15EX To Be Based At Kadena Air Base In Japan: Report

By Thomas Newdick

Dec 18 5:03 PM EST

The U.S. can learn lessons from Israel operates its F-35I fleet.

Israel’s F-35I Combat Experience Is Providing Lessons For Future Pacific Fight Israel’s F-35I Combat Experience Is Providing Lessons For Future Pacific Fight

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Dec 13 6:47 PM EST

A picture has emerged offering a rare glimpse of ongoing work to field new B61-12 nuclear bombs in Europe.

First Picture Of B61-12 Nuclear Bomb Trainer On An F-16 In Europe Surfaces First Picture Of B61-12 Nuclear Bomb Trainer On An F-16 In Europe Surfaces

By Joseph Trevithick

Dec 13 2:43 PM EST

X-32 National Museum Of The United States Air Force

X-32’s Makeover: Before And After X-32’s Makeover: Before And After

By Tyler Rogoway

Dec 11 4:00 PM EST

Royal Navy Activates First F-35B Unit, Big Decisions On Type’s Future Loom

Royal Navy Activates First F-35B Unit, Big Decisions On Type’s Future Loom Royal Navy Activates First F-35B Unit, Big Decisions On Type’s Future Loom

By Thomas Newdick

Dec 8 1:44 PM EST

SU-35s escort putin on his way to the middle east.

Putin Flies To UAE With Su-35 Fighter Escorts (Updated) Putin Flies To UAE With Su-35 Fighter Escorts (Updated)

By Tyler Rogoway

Dec 6 7:25 PM EST

An Israeli Air Force F-16 launches the IMI Systems Rampage standoff missile.

Indian Navy MiG-29s Get Israeli Rampage Standoff Weapon Indian Navy MiG-29s Get Israeli Rampage Standoff Weapon

By Thomas Newdick

Dec 6 3:22 PM EST

Originally, the ROCAF also expected to receive 144 F-16Vs, produced as conversions of its existing F-16A/B jets, but this number has since been reduced to 141 through attrition in its existing Viper fleet.

Taiwan’s Final Upgraded F-16V Completes Test Flights Taiwan’s Final Upgraded F-16V Completes Test Flights

By Thomas Newdick

Dec 6 12:34 PM EST

F-35C lands aboard the carrier with mirror coating on its tails.

F-35C With Mirror-Like Coating Photographed Aboard Carrier F-35C With Mirror-Like Coating Photographed Aboard Carrier

By Tyler Rogoway

Dec 2 12:23 PM EST

The F-35 Joint Program Office is oversee a project to create a single operational "Franken-bird" from two seriously damaged F-35A Joint Strike Fighters.

F-35 “Franken-Bird” Being Made From Two Badly Damaged Jets F-35 “Franken-Bird” Being Made From Two Badly Damaged Jets

By Joseph Trevithick

Dec 1 5:44 PM EST

The German Air Force is now formally on track to get 15 Typhoon EK electronic warfare jets.

Electronic Warfare Typhoon EK Fighter To Join German Air Force Electronic Warfare Typhoon EK Fighter To Join German Air Force

By Joseph Trevithick

Nov 30 3:34 PM EST

Belgium Joins European Next-Generation Fighter Program Belgium Joins European Next-Generation Fighter Program

By Thomas Newdick

Nov 28 12:43 PM EST

Lockheed manned tailless fighter design

Skunk Works Teases Tailless NGAD Fighter Design In New Ad Skunk Works Teases Tailless NGAD Fighter Design In New Ad

By Tyler Rogoway

Nov 20 4:58 PM EST

Qatar's F-15QA has been showing off like no variant of the F-15 before it at the Dubai Airshow this week.

F-15QA Flies Demo Unlike Any We’ve Seen From An Eagle Before F-15QA Flies Demo Unlike Any We’ve Seen From An Eagle Before

By Joseph Trevithick

Nov 15 6:07 PM EST

A commercial KDC‐10 tanker aircraft refuels a U.S. Air Force F‐16 Fighting Falcon from the 51st Fighter Wing, enroute Commando Sling 23 at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, November 6, 2023.

Private Aerial Refueling Tankers Are Now Gassing Up USAF Fighters Private Aerial Refueling Tankers Are Now Gassing Up USAF Fighters

By Oliver Parken

Nov 14 7:45 PM EST

Official rendering of F-35 carrying two external LRASM missiles.

Navy Looks To Arm F-35 With Four New Missiles, Including Hellfire Navy Looks To Arm F-35 With Four New Missiles, Including Hellfire

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Nov 14 6:58 PM EST

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall has offered new details about his service's plans for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.

CCA Loyal Wingmen Drones To Cost Quarter To Third Of An F-35 CCA Loyal Wingmen Drones To Cost Quarter To Third Of An F-35

By Joseph Trevithick

Nov 13 8:39 PM EST

F-35 drops B61-12 during a test at Edwards AFB

Dutch F-35s Gain Nuclear Strike Mission “Initial Certification” Dutch F-35s Gain Nuclear Strike Mission “Initial Certification”

By Thomas Newdick

Nov 10 3:32 PM EST

Five Dutch F-16s are on their way to Romania. Romanian and Ukrainian pilots are being trained there.

Ukraine Situation Report: Dutch F-16s For Ukrainian Training Arrive In Romania Ukraine Situation Report: Dutch F-16s For Ukrainian Training Arrive In Romania

By Thomas Newdick

Nov 7 6:17 PM EST

A F-5 Fighter takes off during an annual drill at an air base in Taitung City, southeast Taiwan on January 30, 2018. Taiwanese troops staged live-fire exercises January 30 to simulate fending off an attempted invasion, as the island's main threat China steps up pressure on President Tsai Ing-Wen.

Taiwan Is Finally Saying Goodbye To Its F-5 Tiger II Fighters Taiwan Is Finally Saying Goodbye To Its F-5 Tiger II Fighters

By Thomas Newdick

Nov 7 3:41 PM EST

A solo student plugged in to the tanker. Note how large the solid steel basket is, and how close it is to the delicate fighter

F-5 Pilot’s Early Struggles Aerial Refueling The Underpowered Jet F-5 Pilot’s Early Struggles Aerial Refueling The Underpowered Jet

By Dan McWilliams

Nov 6 3:03 PM EST

F-15J intake maneuvering demonstration

F-15’s Tilting Air Intakes Showcased In Awesome Video F-15’s Tilting Air Intakes Showcased In Awesome Video

By Oliver Parken

Nov 4 2:43 PM EDT

Israel F-35 shoots down Houthi cruise missile

Israel Scores F-35’s First Cruise Missile Kill Israel Scores F-35’s First Cruise Missile Kill

By Thomas Newdick

Nov 2 1:31 PM EDT

A heavily redacted copy of the final report on a controversial flyoff between the A-10 Warthog and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has finally been released.

A-10 Vs F-35 Close Air Support Flyoff Report Finally Emerges A-10 Vs F-35 Close Air Support Flyoff Report Finally Emerges

By Joseph Trevithick

Nov 1 1:42 PM EDT

The US has struck Iran-linked sites in Syria in retaliation for a spate of attacks aimed at U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria in recent weeks.

U.S. Strikes Back At Iranian-Linked Bases In Syria (Updated) U.S. Strikes Back At Iranian-Linked Bases In Syria (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Oct 26 11:10 PM EDT

An Su-27UB Flanker-C sits in the hangar of the Cold War Gallery, National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Su-27 Absolutely Dwarfs All Jets Around It At Its New Home Su-27 Absolutely Dwarfs All Jets Around It At Its New Home

By Oliver Parken

Oct 26 6:32 PM EDT

Capt. Bob Peel, left, and Lt. Col. Tony Adamo, right, F-16 instructor pilots from the 162nd Fighter Wing, fly over the Grand Canyon while supporting Operation Noble Eagle’s air sovereignty alert mission.

Ukraine Situation Report: Ukrainian Pilots Have Begun F-16 Training In U.S. Ukraine Situation Report: Ukrainian Pilots Have Begun F-16 Training In U.S.

By Thomas Newdick

Oct 25 6:21 PM EDT

Plan view of Swedish Gripen E with modified wing splinter camouflage

Here’s Why Saab’s Gripen E Fighter’s Wing Suddenly Grew In Size Here’s Why Saab’s Gripen E Fighter’s Wing Suddenly Grew In Size

By Thomas Newdick

Oct 24 1:30 PM EDT

F-14 shot down and F-4 over the med

The Bizarre Story Of How A Navy F-14 Shot Down An Air Force F-4 The Bizarre Story Of How A Navy F-14 Shot Down An Air Force F-4

By Oliver Parken

Oct 23 7:02 PM EDT

F-5 light fighters fly in formation

The Intriguing Story Of How Yemen Got F-5E Tiger II Fighters The Intriguing Story Of How Yemen Got F-5E Tiger II Fighters

By Oliver Parken

Oct 18 6:16 PM EDT

Countermeasures released by an F-22 Raptor

This May Be The Best F-22 Raptor Demo Shot Ever This May Be The Best F-22 Raptor Demo Shot Ever

By Tyler Rogoway, Oliver Parken

Oct 10 7:53 PM EDT

Scott "Intake" Kartvedt

We Go In-Depth With The Navy’s First F-35 Squadron Commander We Go In-Depth With The Navy’s First F-35 Squadron Commander

By Tyler Rogoway

Oct 10 2:45 PM EDT

INDIAN AIR FORCE MiG-21

It’s The Beginning Of The End For India’s MiG-21 Bison It’s The Beginning Of The End For India’s MiG-21 Bison

By Thomas Newdick

Oct 9 3:41 PM EDT

The Rock F/A-18 Alcatraz

Blue Angels Maneuver Filmed From Alcatraz Looks Straight Out Of ‘The Rock’ Blue Angels Maneuver Filmed From Alcatraz Looks Straight Out Of ‘The Rock’

By Joseph Trevithick

Oct 6 6:53 PM EDT

F-16 Syria Turkey

U.S. F-16 Shoots Down Turkish Drone Over Syria (Updated) U.S. F-16 Shoots Down Turkish Drone Over Syria (Updated)

By Howard Altman

Oct 5 1:52 PM EDT

Navy F-16 Recovered After Running Off Runway Navy F-16 Recovered After Running Off Runway

By Thomas Newdick

Oct 4 12:27 PM EDT

F35 flare release

Moment Flare Released From F-35 Captured In Remarkable Photo Moment Flare Released From F-35 Captured In Remarkable Photo

By Thomas Newdick

Oct 3 3:02 PM EDT

Speculation Over Possible New J-35 Variant For China’s Air Force Speculation Over Possible New J-35 Variant For China’s Air Force

By Thomas Newdick

Sep 29 2:35 PM EDT

Ukrainian pilots are spending their down time training on F-16 virtual reality simulators.

Ukraine Situation Report: Pilots Train On Commercial F-16 Simulators At Home Bases Ukraine Situation Report: Pilots Train On Commercial F-16 Simulators At Home Bases

By Howard Altman

Sep 27 6:22 PM EDT

A group of airmen at Aviano Air Base in Italy are pitching an idea for a folding boarding ladder that F-16 pilots can stow in the map case in the jet's cockpit.

Airmen Design F-16 Boarding Ladder That Fits Inside Cockpit Airmen Design F-16 Boarding Ladder That Fits Inside Cockpit

By Joseph Trevithick

Sep 27 4:35 PM EDT

The National Museum of the U.S. AIr Force's latest acquisition, an Su-27UB Flanker-C, has a curious history.

Su-27 That Mysteriously Vanished After Private Sale Resurfaces Su-27 That Mysteriously Vanished After Private Sale Resurfaces

By Joseph Trevithick

Sep 26 10:20 PM EDT