Air Forces (Page 3)

Posted on Dec 31, 2024

Air

Signs Russian Fighter Jets Still At Syrian Base, Top Rebel Leader Pushes Back On Total Exit For Moscow Signs Russian Fighter Jets Still At Syrian Base, Top Rebel Leader Pushes Back On Total Exit For Moscow

Posted on Dec 30, 2024

Pictures have emerged of what looks to be the first known example of a new Chinese airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft based on the four-engine Y-20 cargo plane commonly referred to as the KJ-3000.

Air

China’s New Domestically Developed Y-20 Airborne Early Warning Jet Spotted China’s New Domestically Developed Y-20 Airborne Early Warning Jet Spotted

By Thomas Newdick and Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Dec 27, 2024

Air

China Stuns With Heavy Stealth Tactical Jet’s Sudden Appearance (Updated) China Stuns With Heavy Stealth Tactical Jet’s Sudden Appearance (Updated)

Updated on Dec 26, 2024

It appears that another new Chinese combat aircraft design has entered flight testing. Imagery of the previously unseen aircraft began to circulate on social media today, only a matter of hours after the first appearance of a remarkable diamond-shaped tailless combat aircraft design, thought to be a Chengdu product.

Air

Yes, China Just Flew Another Tailless Next-Generation Stealth Combat Aircraft Yes, China Just Flew Another Tailless Next-Generation Stealth Combat Aircraft

Posted on Dec 26, 2024

The U.S. Army says it is planning to award a sole-source contract to BAE Systems to produce a prototype self-propelled 155mm howitzer for use as a novel air defense system.

Land

Railgun Ammo-Firing 155mm Air Defense Cannon Set To Be Awarded To BAE Systems Railgun Ammo-Firing 155mm Air Defense Cannon Set To Be Awarded To BAE Systems

Posted on Dec 24, 2024

Recent satellite imagery of Belbek Air Base, near Sevastopol in Russian-occupied Crimea, shows new hardened aircraft shelters and additional construction to help shield aircraft from drone attacks and other indirect fire.

Air

Russia’s Belbek Air Base In Crimea Is Getting Hardened Aircraft Shelters Russia’s Belbek Air Base In Crimea Is Getting Hardened Aircraft Shelters

By Thomas Newdick, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Dec 20, 2024

A Spanish Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon participating in NATO exercise Ramstein Flag 24 flies over the west coast of Greece, Oct. 4, 2024. Over 130 fighter and enabler aircraft from Greece, Canada, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States are training side by side to improve tactics and foster more robust integration, demonstrating NATO’s resolve, commitment and ability to deter potential adversaries and defend the Alliance.

Air

Spanish Typhoon Buy Signals Upward Trend For Eurofighter Spanish Typhoon Buy Signals Upward Trend For Eurofighter

Posted on Dec 20, 2024

In the face of post-Cold War drawdowns, the U.S. Air Force pushed ahead with buying the famously expensive F-22 Raptor stealth fighter in part because of a perhaps unexpected reason: concerns about Syrian air defenses.

Air

Syria’s Air Defenses Helped Make The F-22A Raptor A Reality Syria’s Air Defenses Helped Make The F-22A Raptor A Reality

Posted on Dec 20, 2024

As the world’s only operator of the legendary F-14 Tomcat swing-wing fighter, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) has a unique airpower status. A recent airshow provided the chance for a very rare close-quarters look at the Cold War-era jet, which by now has very questionable capabilities and serviceability, while there are persistent reports that it could soon be replaced entirely by Russian-provided Su-35 Flanker multirole fighters.

Air

Iranian F-14 Tomcat Encounter At An Airshow Unlike Any Other Iranian F-14 Tomcat Encounter At An Airshow Unlike Any Other

By Thomas Newdick, Živojin Banković

Posted on Dec 19, 2024

The FAA has banned drone flights over 22 New Jersey power infrastructure sites.

Air

Drone Flights Banned Over New Jersey Energy Infrastructure Sites Drone Flights Banned Over New Jersey Energy Infrastructure Sites

Updated on Dec 19, 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted today that his country is still exploring its options for retaining a pair of bases in Syria that have uniquely strategic value following the fall of longtime ally Bashar Al Assad.

Putin Claims No Final Decision Yet On Russia’s Bases In Syria Despite Withdrawals Putin Claims No Final Decision Yet On Russia’s Bases In Syria Despite Withdrawals

Posted on Dec 19, 2024

Israeli has launched airstrikes on multiple targets in Yemen, including the capital of Sana’a, in response to an overnight missile launch from Yemen toward Israel. The Israeli raids come after an uptick in attacks against Israel by the Yemen-based Houthi militant group, including two in the past week.

Air

Israeli Air Force Strikes Yemen With Popeye And Rampage Standoff Missiles Israeli Air Force Strikes Yemen With Popeye And Rampage Standoff Missiles

Posted on Dec 19, 2024

Bill Kennedy, 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron transit alert, marshals a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Dover Air Force Base, Del., April 26, 2015. The aircraft is loaded with 69 members of the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue Team, their supplies and equipment, and six K-9s, to assist Nepal with rescue operations after the country was struck by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake.

Air

New Jersey Base Confirms Multiple Past Drone Incursions… By Contraband Smugglers New Jersey Base Confirms Multiple Past Drone Incursions… By Contraband Smugglers

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Posted on Dec 18, 2024

Air

China’s H-20 Stealth Bomber Unlikely To ‘Debut’ Until 2030s, According To U.S. Intel China’s H-20 Stealth Bomber Unlikely To ‘Debut’ Until 2030s, According To U.S. Intel

Posted on Dec 18, 2024

New satellite imagery shows the continued withdrawal of Russian forces from its Khmeimim Air Base in Syria. Russia is also massing units at its Tartus naval base in the country, which also points to plans for their impending departure.

Satellite Imagery Shows Ramp-Up In Russian Forces Massing At Bases In Syria For Withdrawal Satellite Imagery Shows Ramp-Up In Russian Forces Massing At Bases In Syria For Withdrawal

Posted on Dec 17, 2024

The Russian Khmeimim Air Base in Jabla in Latakia, Syria on December 15, 2024. With the Baath regime's collapse, Russia continued to transfer its troops from Damascus, Homs and other cities across Syria to the base.

Future Of Russia’s Bases In Syria Remains In Flux, Libya Possible Alternative Future Of Russia’s Bases In Syria Remains In Flux, Libya Possible Alternative

Posted on Dec 16, 2024

Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio is the latest U.S. military installation to report drone overflights.

Air

Drone Incursions Closed Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s Airspace Friday Night Drone Incursions Closed Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s Airspace Friday Night

Posted on Dec 15, 2024

A recently released video from the cockpit of a Ukrainian Air Force Su-27 Flanker provides an unprecedented close-quarters view of the fighter lobbing GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) toward a Russian target.

Air

Cockpit Video Of Ukrainian Su-27 Lobbing GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs Cockpit Video Of Ukrainian Su-27 Lobbing GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs

Posted on Dec 13, 2024

Air

Russian Forces Appear To Be Pulling Out Of Prized Syrian Air Base Russian Forces Appear To Be Pulling Out Of Prized Syrian Air Base

Posted on Dec 13, 2024

A U.S. C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft takes off from Ramstein Air Base. A conference on the Ukraine war was held at the U.S. air base.

Air

U.S. Air Force Confirms Drone Sightings Over Ramstein Air Base In Germany U.S. Air Force Confirms Drone Sightings Over Ramstein Air Base In Germany

Posted on Dec 13, 2024

Any plans the Air Force might have for new hardened aircraft shelters or other physical defenses at bases are prominently absent from a new infrastructure modernization strategy rolled out today.

Air

Plans For New Hardened Aircraft Shelters Notably Absent From New USAF Base Modernization Strategy Plans For New Hardened Aircraft Shelters Notably Absent From New USAF Base Modernization Strategy

Posted on Dec 12, 2024

Hysteria about drones over New Jersey obscures the fact that there is a real national security concern.

Coast Guard Ship Stalked By Unidentified Aircraft, Iran Drone Mothership Claim Shot Down By DoD Coast Guard Ship Stalked By Unidentified Aircraft, Iran Drone Mothership Claim Shot Down By DoD

Posted on Dec 12, 2024

A U2 Dragon Lady Pilot is integrated into his spacesuit for a flight to the Edge of Space. This photoshoot was done by Blair Bunting, a commercial photographer from Phoenix, AZ.

Air

Dressing For Success At 70,000-Feet Aboard The U-2 Dragon Lady Dressing For Success At 70,000-Feet Aboard The U-2 Dragon Lady

Posted on Dec 11, 2024

he U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy could soon be tasked with exploring whether extending the range of existing AIM-120 and AIM-9 air-to-air missiles is one path to help right-size stocks of those weapons.

Air

Extended Range AIM-120s, AIM-9s Eyed To Meet Future Air-to-Air Missile Demands Extended Range AIM-120s, AIM-9s Eyed To Meet Future Air-to-Air Missile Demands

Posted on Dec 11, 2024

Imagery has appeared showing Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 Felon new-generation fighter fitted with a new type of thrust-vectoring engine nozzle. The radical-looking design is intended to improve the low-observable features of the Felon, although the future of the new engine nozzle is far from certain.

Air

Su-57 Felon’s Two-Dimensional Thrust-Vectoring Engine Nozzle Breaks Cover Su-57 Felon’s Two-Dimensional Thrust-Vectoring Engine Nozzle Breaks Cover

Posted on Dec 10, 2024

North Korea is set to receive MiG-29 Fulcrum and Su-27 Flanker fighter aircraft from Russia in return for Pyongyang having sent thousands of troops to fight in Moscow’s war in Ukraine. This is the assessment of the commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), after much speculation about the nature of the support that might be headed to North Korea to reward that country for its growing military backing of Russia. The prospect of fighter aircraft being transferred by Russia is something that TWZ has discussed in the past.

Air

Russia Giving North Korea MiG-29s And Su-27s Isn’t That Straightforward Russia Giving North Korea MiG-29s And Su-27s Isn’t That Straightforward

Posted on Dec 10, 2024

What will happen to highly strategic Russian air and naval bases in Syria is now very much now an open question following the downfall of long-time strongman Bashar Al Assad and his flight to Moscow.

Fate Of Russia’s Prized Syria Bases: What We Know Fate Of Russia’s Prized Syria Bases: What We Know

Posted on Dec 10, 2024

The United Kingdom has taken an important step toward its Tempest next-generation fighter, with the start of a trials campaign for the Flight Test Aircraft (FTA), nicknamed Excalibur, which will serve as a flying laboratory for the new combat aircraft. Based on a Boeing 757 airliner, the FTA joins a growing band of dedicated trials aircraft that are being used to prove out technologies for current and future-generation fighter programs, also in the United States and China.

Air

UK’s 757-Based ‘Excalibur’ Avionics Testbed For Tempest Future Fighter Emerges UK’s 757-Based ‘Excalibur’ Avionics Testbed For Tempest Future Fighter Emerges

Posted on Dec 9, 2024

Air

Former Trump Acting SECDEF Talks About The Future Of Big Ticket Defense Programs Former Trump Acting SECDEF Talks About The Future Of Big Ticket Defense Programs

Posted on Dec 6, 2024

Gen. Bussiere said the number and speed of delivery of the B-21 is a “valid discussion” to have “based on the age of the B-1 and B-2” and the advancing strategic capabilities of Russia and China.

Air

B-21 Raider Numbers Could Be Boosted With Existing Production Capacity B-21 Raider Numbers Could Be Boosted With Existing Production Capacity

Posted on Dec 6, 2024

Air

Future Of NGAD Fighter Punted To Trump Administration Future Of NGAD Fighter Punted To Trump Administration

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Dec 5, 2024

The Pentagon says more tests are required to verify that the 25mm automatic cannon mounted internally on the F-35A variant of the Joint Strike Fighter is indeed now an effective weapon.

Air

F-35A’s 25mm Gun Still Needs Tests To Verify It Works F-35A’s 25mm Gun Still Needs Tests To Verify It Works

Posted on Dec 4, 2024

Air

Russia’s Prized Bases Along The Mediterranean In Syria Could Be At Risk Russia’s Prized Bases Along The Mediterranean In Syria Could Be At Risk

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Dec 3, 2024

Russian and Syrian airstrikes are slowing the advance by anti-government rebels.

Airstrikes Slow Advance Of Anti-Assad Forces In Syria Airstrikes Slow Advance Of Anti-Assad Forces In Syria

Posted on Dec 2, 2024

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Viper fighter has conducted the first release of a test version of the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) missile.

Air

Stand-In Attack Missile Released From Fighter For First Time In USAF Test Stand-In Attack Missile Released From Fighter For First Time In USAF Test

Posted on Dec 2, 2024

Mystery drones have flown over USAF bases in the UK for an eighth day.

Air

Drone Incursions Over USAF Bases In UK Enter Second Week Drone Incursions Over USAF Bases In UK Enter Second Week

Updated on Nov 27, 2024

The Royal Australian Air Force, or RAAF has experimented with a new rapidly laid temporary surface, making it easier to conduct expeditionary aircraft operations, something that is of increasing relevance across the Indo-Pacific region. The trial, which used a temporary surface known as Dura-Base, involved an RAAF F-35A stealth fighter at RAAF Base Tindal, in Australia’s Northern Territory.

Air

Australian F-35 Tests Expeditionary Base Concept Australian F-35 Tests Expeditionary Base Concept

Posted on Nov 27, 2024

SUMY, UKRAINE - NOVEMBER 26: A destroyed car stands in a parking lot after a Russian missile attack on November 26, 2024 in Sumy, Ukraine. According to the acting mayor of Sumy, Artem Kobzar, the Russian army attacked the city with a missile. As a result of the strike, a residential multi-storey building was damaged and a parking lot was destroyed.

Air

Russia Launched The Largest Drone Attack On Ukraine Of The War Russia Launched The Largest Drone Attack On Ukraine Of The War

Posted on Nov 26, 2024

Still unidentified drones continue to be spotted around air bases in the United Kingdom that host American forces.

Air

British Troops Reinforce USAF Airbases Amid Mysterious Drone Incursions: Reports (Updated) British Troops Reinforce USAF Airbases Amid Mysterious Drone Incursions: Reports (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman

Posted on Nov 26, 2024

Mystery drones have appeared once again near US bases in the UK.

Mysterious Drones Have Descended Again On U.S. Air Bases In The United Kingdom (Updated) Mysterious Drones Have Descended Again On U.S. Air Bases In The United Kingdom (Updated)

By Tyler Rogoway, Howard Altman

Updated on Nov 25, 2024

An unspecified number of drones were spotted over RAF Lakenheath in England

Air

Multiple Drone Incursions Just Occurred Over USAF Fighter Base In England Multiple Drone Incursions Just Occurred Over USAF Fighter Base In England

Updated on Nov 22, 2024

Ukraine claims Russia fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at the city of Dmipro.

Russia’s Unprecedented Ballistic Missile Attack On Ukraine: What We Know Russia’s Unprecedented Ballistic Missile Attack On Ukraine: What We Know

By Howard Altman, Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 21, 2024

Pictured is an RAF Chinook (27(R) Squadron) flying in formation with a Puma (230 Squadron) over RAF Cosford. After a 3-year Covid-enforced break, the RAF Cosford Air Show will take place on 12 June 2022. The last RAF-organised air show, it attracts 50,000 people to the airfield and incorporates a flying display, static aircraft displays, STEM displays and vintage villages. The highlights of the flying will be the RAF Red Arrows, BBMF, Typhoon display team, Belgian F16 and French Rafale. The RAF F35B displayed at the air show for the first time.

British Defense Cuts Hit All Three Services Hard British Defense Cuts Hit All Three Services Hard

Posted on Nov 20, 2024

A unit charged with exploring how the U.S. Air Force will utilize its future Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) is now set to get actual examples of the first tranche of those drones to experiment with.

Air

Extra Collaborative Combat Aircraft Purchases To Give USAF Test Unit A Boost Extra Collaborative Combat Aircraft Purchases To Give USAF Test Unit A Boost

Posted on Nov 19, 2024

A Turkish Air Force F-4E Phantom II, adorned with a striking Turkish flag livery, soars in a low-altitude maneuver over Eskisehir to commemorate 50 years of service in the Turkish Air Force in Eskisehir, Turkiye on November 16, 2024.

Air

F-4 Phantoms Tear Through Turkey To Mark 50 Years Of Service F-4 Phantoms Tear Through Turkey To Mark 50 Years Of Service

Posted on Nov 18, 2024

SPEAR 3 air-to-surface mini cruise missile.

Air

UK’s New SPEAR 3 Mini Cruise Missile Succeeds In First End-To-End Test UK’s New SPEAR 3 Mini Cruise Missile Succeeds In First End-To-End Test

Posted on Nov 18, 2024

Flight testing of the U.S. Air Force's Stand-In Attack Weapon (SiAW) missile is now set to begin following the delivery of an initial test article.

Air

First Stand-In Attack Missile Delivered To USAF First Stand-In Attack Missile Delivered To USAF

Posted on Nov 18, 2024

Air

F-15E Pilot Recounts Having To Switch To Guns After Missiles Ran Dry During Iranian Drone Barrage F-15E Pilot Recounts Having To Switch To Guns After Missiles Ran Dry During Iranian Drone Barrage

Posted on Nov 15, 2024

The search for clues after a U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper fighter brought down a still-unidentified object over Lake Huron In February 2023 did result in the recovery of debris it has been disclosed. However, it remains unclear whether or not the wreckage was from that shootdown.

Air

Details About Search For Mystery Object Shot Down Over Lake Huron Disclosed Details About Search For Mystery Object Shot Down Over Lake Huron Disclosed

Posted on Nov 15, 2024

The U.S. Air Force is accelerating work on low-cost air vehicles that could evolve into relatively cheap cruise missiles, and plans to scale up production of selected designs, with the help of the Pentagon's Replicator initiative.

Air

‘Cheap’ Cruise Missile Program To Speed Up With Replicator Initiative Help ‘Cheap’ Cruise Missile Program To Speed Up With Replicator Initiative Help

Posted on Nov 15, 2024

The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) Gray Eagle STOL drone has undertaken its first experimental operations from a warship, taking off from the deck of the South Korean amphibious assault ship Dokdo. Gray Eagle STOL — which we have discussed in depth in the past — incorporates technology first demonstrated on the company’s Mojave, which was specifically developed with the ability to perform short takeoffs and landings, including from rough fields, with minimal support. The latest development adds to the aviation-capable warships that the wider family of Q-1 lineage drones have now operated from.

Air

Gray Eagle STOL Drone Flies From South Korean Amphibious Assault Ship Gray Eagle STOL Drone Flies From South Korean Amphibious Assault Ship

Posted on Nov 13, 2024

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

Air

Ukraine Will Have Received 600 French Hammer Bombs By End Of Year Ukraine Will Have Received 600 French Hammer Bombs By End Of Year

Posted on Nov 13, 2024

Air

KC-135 Tanker With Artificial Intelligence Copilot Set To Fly Next Year KC-135 Tanker With Artificial Intelligence Copilot Set To Fly Next Year

Posted on Nov 12, 2024

Visitors view a model of the aviation industry J-35A stealth fighter jet at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Expo in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, China, on November 10, 2024.

Air

New Version Of Chinese PL-15 Air-To-Air Missile Tailored For Stealth Fighters Revealed New Version Of Chinese PL-15 Air-To-Air Missile Tailored For Stealth Fighters Revealed

Posted on Nov 11, 2024

In major policy shift, Biden administration is allowing U.S. contractors to work in Ukraine fixing and maintaining donated weapons.

Air

U.S. Contractors Will Be Allowed To Fix F-16s, Patriots In Ukraine: Report U.S. Contractors Will Be Allowed To Fix F-16s, Patriots In Ukraine: Report

Posted on Nov 8, 2024

China’s mysterious CH-7 stealthy flying-wing drone seems to have reappeared, although with a notably different look to it and a very impressive size.

Air

China’s Stealth CH-7 Long-Endurance Drone Emerges China’s Stealth CH-7 Long-Endurance Drone Emerges

Posted on Nov 8, 2024

Israel will buy 25 F-15IA fighters, marking the first new Eagles that the country has acquired since November 1995, when it ordered F-15I Ra’am jets. This summer, Israel had been given U.S. approval to by as many as 50 F-15IAs, as well as upgrade its F-15Is. Whether more F-15s or upgrades are added, the current wars in the Middle East mean that further acquisitions of combat aircraft are likely.

Air

Israel Executes Long Awaited Buy Of F-15IA Advanced Eagle Fighters Israel Executes Long Awaited Buy Of F-15IA Advanced Eagle Fighters

Posted on Nov 7, 2024

Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works advanced projects division has put forward a new vision for a stealthy pilot-optional aerial refueling tanker.

Air

Skunk Works’ Latest Stealthy Tanker Concept Revealed Skunk Works’ Latest Stealthy Tanker Concept Revealed

Posted on Nov 7, 2024

A new large jet-powered Chinese armed drone said to have a 10-ton maximum takeoff weight, or a mockup thereof, has emerged, and the design looks to be at least configurable to be a swarm mothership.

Air

New Heavyweight Chinese Jet Drone Looks To Be A Swarm Mothership New Heavyweight Chinese Jet Drone Looks To Be A Swarm Mothership

Posted on Nov 6, 2024

The future outlook for the U.S. Air Force's top modernization efforts is even more uncertain after the service's civilian boss openly questioned the affordability of buying any combination of new stealth 'fighters,' advanced aerial refueling tankers, and highly autonomous drones.

Air

Crisis Brewing Over Air Force’s Future Air Dominance Plans Which It Cannot Afford Crisis Brewing Over Air Force’s Future Air Dominance Plans Which It Cannot Afford

Posted on Nov 6, 2024

Air

China’s J-35A Stealth Fighter Officially Breaks Cover China’s J-35A Stealth Fighter Officially Breaks Cover

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Nov 5, 2024

The arrival of two Su-57 Felon prototypes for the upcoming Airshow China has provided a good look at details of the next-generation fighter, although the most interesting has been a first up-close view of its small wing-root weapons bays. At TWZ we have previous examined this feature as well as the air-to-air missiles that are understood to be accommodated in the bays. While long known about, the weapons bays had long remained something of a mystery.

Air

We Finally Get A Clear Look At The Su-57 Felon’s Side Weapons Bays We Finally Get A Clear Look At The Su-57 Felon’s Side Weapons Bays

Posted on Nov 5, 2024

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has released a rare picture of an F-16I fighter armed with four Rampage missiles, an adaptation of a ground-launched precision-guided artillery rocket.

Air

Israeli F-16I Shown Loaded-Up With Four Rampage Stand-Off Missiles (Updated) Israeli F-16I Shown Loaded-Up With Four Rampage Stand-Off Missiles (Updated)