Air Forces(Page 4)

Explore Air Forces

Latest in Air Forces

The Ukrainian Air Force has, apparently for the first time, published a video showing in detail its U.S.-made HAWK surface-to-air missile system. As we have discussed in the past, the missile provides a useful boost to Ukraine’s middle-tier air and missile defense capacity and, according to the Ukrainian Air Force, has scored some notable ‘kills.’

First Inside Look At Ukraine’s HAWK Air Defense Systems

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Jul 8, 2024
The first weapon-ready plutonium pit for the future W81-! nuclear warhead has been produced.

Problem Plagued Sentinel ICBM Program Will Press Ahead Despite Nearly Doubling In Cost

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Jul 8, 2024
The Pentagon has made a new announcement about the first forward-deployments of Air Force F-35As and F-15EXs to Japan, as well as changes to the Marine Corps' F-35B force in that country.

USAF F-35As To Be Based In Japan Replacing Wild Weasel F-16s

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Jul 3, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Jul 1, 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.

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

By Eric Tegler, Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Jun 29, 2024
Pacific Defender 24 will see European AirPower head to the Pacific.

European Air Power Teams Up For Pacific Mega Deployment

By Thomas Newdick
Posted 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
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.

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

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Jun 25, 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.

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

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Jun 21, 2024
Sweden has retired its long-serving SAAB 105 trainer.

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.

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
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.

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

By Joseph Trevithick
Updated on Jun 18, 2024
B-52 Future Stratofortress: The Upgrades That Will Transform The B-52H Into The B-52J

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.

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.

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

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

By Joseph Trevithick
Updated on Jun 14, 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.

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

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

By Thomas Newdick
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.

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

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Jun 9, 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 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.

Mirage 2000 Fighters To Be Sent To Ukraine From France

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Jun 6, 2024
Soviet-era An-22 landing

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

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

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Jun 6, 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.

The Airbus Wingman Stealth Drone: What We Learned In Berlin

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Jun 5, 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 Retirement Reprieve Emerges In Proposed Defense Spending Bill

By Joseph Trevithick
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
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.

‘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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

By Tyler Rogoway
Posted on May 30, 2024
Experimental Alpha Draco hypersonic boost-glide vehicle preparing for launch, 1959.

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.

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

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-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.

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.

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.

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.

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

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on May 24, 2024
B-2/B-21 comparison

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

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.

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

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

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on May 10, 2024