Air Forces (Page 4)

Posted on Oct 30, 2024

The commander of NORAD and NORTHCOM talked about the Langley Air Force Base drone incursion and what the military could do about it.

Air

Here’s What NORAD’s Commander Just Told Us About The Langley AFB Drone Incursions Here’s What NORAD’s Commander Just Told Us About The Langley AFB Drone Incursions

Posted on Oct 30, 2024

A Russian-made, S-300 missile system drives in front of the officials' stand during a military parade marking the annual Iranian National Army Day in Tehran, on April 18, 2019. - Iran's President Hassan Rouhani called on Middle East states on April 18 to "drive back Zionism", in an Army Day tirade against the Islamic republic's archfoe Israel. Speaking flanked by top general as troops paraded in a show of might, Rouhani also sought to reassure the region that the weaponry on display was for defensive purposes and not a threat.

Israeli Strikes Knocked Out All Of Iran’s S-300 Air Defense Systems: Officials Israeli Strikes Knocked Out All Of Iran’s S-300 Air Defense Systems: Officials

Posted on Oct 28, 2024

Israel’s Reprisal Strike Carefully Calculated, Unclear If Jets Ever Flew Over Iran Israel’s Reprisal Strike Carefully Calculated, Unclear If Jets Ever Flew Over Iran

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Oct 26, 2024

Air

B-21 Taking On Some Of NGAD Fighter’s Missions On The Table Air Force Says B-21 Taking On Some Of NGAD Fighter’s Missions On The Table Air Force Says

Posted on Oct 26, 2024

A TAURUS (Target Adaptive Unitary and dispensor Robotic Ubiquity System) KEPD 350 air-launched cruise missile, is on display during the press presentation at the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Schoenefeld, near Berlin, on June 3, 2024. The Aerospace Exhibition on aerospace industry, including aviation, space and defence, takes place at Schoenefeld Airport near Berlin and runs from June 5 to 9, 2024.

Air

Germany Plans To Buy Advanced New Taurus Cruise Missiles: Report Germany Plans To Buy Advanced New Taurus Cruise Missiles: Report

Posted on Oct 25, 2024

The expected size of the U.S. Air Force's B-21 Raider fleet could change as part of an ongoing force structure review, according to the bomber's manufacturer Northrop Grumman.

Air

B-21 Raider Fleet Size Under Review B-21 Raider Fleet Size Under Review

Posted on Oct 24, 2024

Poland has taken the next step in the modernization of its air force, with U.S. approval given for a major upgrade of its fleet of F-16 fighters. The program will bring the jets to the F-16V standard and also suggests new weapons may be introduced, too. The Viper Midlife Upgrade is announced as Poland awaits F-35 stealth fighters and considers buying F-15EX multirole fighters, while making significant investments in its armed forces across the board, to meet the threat from Russia.

Air

Poland’s F-16s Cleared For Major Upgrades Poland’s F-16s Cleared For Major Upgrades

Posted on Oct 24, 2024

French Mirage 2000s Destined For Ukraine Will Fly With Storm Shadow, MICA Missiles French Mirage 2000s Destined For Ukraine Will Fly With Storm Shadow, MICA Missiles

Posted on Oct 23, 2024

The existence of a top-secret Israeli drone, referred to as RA-01 and used for covert missions, has emerged from an unauthorized disclosure of U.S. intelligence documents which have now been posted all over social media.

Air

The Existence Of Israel’s Secret Stealth Drone Should Come As No Surprise The Existence Of Israel’s Secret Stealth Drone Should Come As No Surprise

Posted on Oct 22, 2024

A B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing, 13th Bomb Squadron Whiteman Air Force Base, Miss., prepares to be refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 434th Air Refueling Wing at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind. during a nighttime aerial refueling mission.

Air

Questions Linger Over Australia’s Role In B-2 Spirit Strikes On Yemen Questions Linger Over Australia’s Role In B-2 Spirit Strikes On Yemen

Posted on Oct 18, 2024

The secretive Phoenix Ghost kamikaze drone developed by the U.S. Air Force to support Ukraine in its ongoing fight against Russia, has finally emerged from the shadows.

Air

Secretive Phoenix Ghost Kamikaze Drones Rushed To Ukraine Finally Come Out Of The Shadows Secretive Phoenix Ghost Kamikaze Drones Rushed To Ukraine Finally Come Out Of The Shadows

By Thomas Newdick, Rachel S. Cohen, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Oct 17, 2024

Air

B-2 Spirits Just Sent A Very Ominous Message To Iran B-2 Spirits Just Sent A Very Ominous Message To Iran

Updated on Oct 17, 2024

The US Air Force's Chief Scientist reportedly described the AGM-183A missile as the service's "most mature" hypersonic weapon, prompting new questions about whether that program's future.

Air

ARRW Hypersonic Missile Program Gets New Funding Despite Signs Of Cancellation ARRW Hypersonic Missile Program Gets New Funding Despite Signs Of Cancellation

Posted on Oct 10, 2024

Air

Orphaned A-29 Super Tucano Attack Planes Join USAF Test Pilot School Fleet Orphaned A-29 Super Tucano Attack Planes Join USAF Test Pilot School Fleet

By Thomas Newdick, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Oct 9, 2024

U.S. Air Force officials at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia are looking at installing anti-drone nets to help protect F-22 Raptor stealth fighters on the flightline.

Air

Protective Nets To Shield F-22s Eyed For Airbase Swarmed By Mystery Drones Protective Nets To Shield F-22s Eyed For Airbase Swarmed By Mystery Drones

Updated on Oct 9, 2024

Aerial photo taken of MacDill Air Force Base on January 29, 2021. MacDill AFB includes 28 associate units from all brances of service to include U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and the 927th Air Refueling Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany Emery)

Air

Hurricane Milton Could Be Sum Of All Weather Fears For MacDill Air Force Base Hurricane Milton Could Be Sum Of All Weather Fears For MacDill Air Force Base

Posted on Oct 9, 2024

France has unveiled plans to develop a new uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV) that will complement the forthcoming Rafale F5 crewed fighter, as part of a new-look French Air and Space Force. The industrial side of the drone program will be headed up by Dassault Aviation, drawing upon its previous nEUROn UCAV demonstrator, which has already been used in trials with crewed combat aircraft.

Air

Stealthy Uncrewed Combat Air Vehicle To Work Alongside Future French Rafale Fighters Stealthy Uncrewed Combat Air Vehicle To Work Alongside Future French Rafale Fighters

Posted on Oct 8, 2024

A French Mirage 2000 prepares to receive fuel from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules assigned to the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR 252) over Djibouti Dec. 14, 2022. The refueling unit is deployed from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, and supports the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa by providing aerial refueling, airdrop and rescue capabilities to the area of operations.

Air

France Confirms Upgraded Mirage 2000s Heading To Ukraine In Early 2025 France Confirms Upgraded Mirage 2000s Heading To Ukraine In Early 2025

Posted on Oct 8, 2024

KOSTYANTYNIVKA, UKRAINE - OCTOBER 5: Ukrainian servicemen examine the wreckage of a downed Russian aircraft, likely a Sukhoi S-70 "stealth" heavy unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), which crashed in a residential area, setting a house on fire on October 5, 2024 in Kostyantynivka, Ukraine.

Air

Russia’s S-70 Hunter Drone Was Armed When Shot Down By Friendly Fighter Over Ukraine Russia’s S-70 Hunter Drone Was Armed When Shot Down By Friendly Fighter Over Ukraine

Posted on Oct 7, 2024

Israel marks the first anniversary of Hamas' infamous terrorist attacks last year, which touched off what the country's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has now described as a "war of resurrection."

Israel Expands Ground Operation In Lebanon As World Braces For Retaliation Against Iran Israel Expands Ground Operation In Lebanon As World Braces For Retaliation Against Iran

Posted on Oct 7, 2024

S-70 Hunter Drone shot down over Ukraine by SU-57

Air

Why Did Russia Just Shoot Down Its Own Fighter-Sized S-70 Hunter Drone Over Ukraine? Why Did Russia Just Shoot Down Its Own Fighter-Sized S-70 Hunter Drone Over Ukraine?

Posted on Oct 5, 2024

Iranian attack on Israeli airbase shows some damage but nothing widespread

Air

Clearer Picture Of Damage To Israeli Airbase From Iranian Ballistic Missiles Emerges Clearer Picture Of Damage To Israeli Airbase From Iranian Ballistic Missiles Emerges

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Oct 4, 2024

Air

Watch Turkey’s ‘Solo Turk’ F-16 Demo Jet’s Close Call During A Recent Airshow Watch Turkey’s ‘Solo Turk’ F-16 Demo Jet’s Close Call During A Recent Airshow

Posted on Oct 4, 2024

Popping China's Anti-access bubble with the AIM-174

Air

How The Navy’s New Very Long-Range AIM-174 Missile Could Pierce China’s Anti-Access Bubble
18:41
How The Navy’s New Very Long-Range AIM-174 Missile Could Pierce China’s Anti-Access Bubble

Posted on Oct 3, 2024

Israel apparently conducted strikes on the Syrian coast this morning, with explosions reported in the vicinity of the Russian-operated Khmeimim Air Base, near the city of Latakia. At this stage, it’s unclear if the Russian airbase was actually hit, deliberately or otherwise. Either way, however the attacks represent a notable escalation in terms of Israel’s willingness to prosecute targets close to Russian interests in Syria.

Claims Swirl Around Israeli Strikes Very Near Russia’s Air Base In Syria Claims Swirl Around Israeli Strikes Very Near Russia’s Air Base In Syria

Posted on Oct 3, 2024

An Air Force B-52H Stratofortress was recently spotted rocking day-glo orange highlights.

Air

B-52 Emerges In Striking Retro Orange Paint Scheme B-52 Emerges In Striking Retro Orange Paint Scheme

Updated on Oct 1, 2024

Israel’s “limited” ground campaign in Lebanon has entered its second day, now named Operation Northern Arrows. The area around the border in southern Lebanon has been subject to heavy artillery shelling, while the Israeli Air Force (IAF) has again struck targets in Beirut, the Lebanese capital.

Israel Waits For Possible Iranian Strikes As Commando Raids Into Lebanon Continue Israel Waits For Possible Iranian Strikes As Commando Raids Into Lebanon Continue

Posted on Oct 1, 2024

Air

Israeli 707 Tanker’s Secretive Remote Vision System Revealed In Long-Range Yemen Raid Israeli 707 Tanker’s Secretive Remote Vision System Revealed In Long-Range Yemen Raid

Updated on Sep 30, 2024

Air

Russian Su-35 Shown ‘Headbutting’ American F-16 At Very Close Range Off Alaska Russian Su-35 Shown ‘Headbutting’ American F-16 At Very Close Range Off Alaska

Posted on Sep 30, 2024

Israel Executes Massive Bunker Buster Strike On Hezbollah Command Headquarters In Beirut (Updated) Israel Executes Massive Bunker Buster Strike On Hezbollah Command Headquarters In Beirut (Updated)

Updated on Sep 27, 2024

After almost 45 years of service, including multiple combat deployments, the F-16 was formally retired today by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). At the same time, the service announced that the F-35A had attained full operational capability, with the stealth fighter now responsible for the full spectrum of missions previously handled by the Viper, including nuclear strike.

Air

The Last Viper Commander: Dutch Squadron Boss On Today’s Retirement Of The F-16 The Last Viper Commander: Dutch Squadron Boss On Today’s Retirement Of The F-16

Updated on Sep 27, 2024

KC-10 Extender tail #86-0036 performs its final mission as it heads of to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., following a July 13 ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., that marked the first retirement of 59 Extenders intended for eventual replacement by the KC-46A Pegasus. A total of three KC-10s from the Air Force’s Backup-Aircraft Inventory were congressionally approved for retirement during Fiscal Year 2020. As KC-10s are retired, the 309th AMARG will continue to support the remaining Extenders with spare parts as they are flown for several years while the KC-46A Pegasus is integrated into Air Mobility Command’s Total Force tanker enterprise. For nearly four decades, the KC-10 has helped secure global reach for America, providing in- flight refueling to U.S. and coalition aircraft, from Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm to Operation Inherent Resolve. The KC- 10 is flown from JBMDL by both the 305th AMW and its associate Air Force Reserve unit, the 514th AMW.

Air

Final KC-10 Extender Tanker Flies Into Retirement Final KC-10 Extender Tanker Flies Into Retirement

Posted on Sep 26, 2024

The U.S. Marine Corps says it has demonstrated new capabilities for operating future drones with high degrees of autonomy in expeditionary operations with another test flight of one of its stealthy XQ-58 Valkyries.

Air

Third Marine XQ-58 Valkyrie Flight Test Uses Link 16 For Control Third Marine XQ-58 Valkyrie Flight Test Uses Link 16 For Control

Posted on Sep 26, 2024

Canadian authorities have released an image of an unidentified object that was shot down over the country's Yukon Territory by a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor stealth fighter in February 2023.

Air

First Look At Mystery Object Shot Down Over Canada By F-22 Raptor Last Year First Look At Mystery Object Shot Down Over Canada By F-22 Raptor Last Year

Posted on Sep 25, 2024

Air

What Would A Far Cheaper Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter Actually Look Like? What Would A Far Cheaper Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter Actually Look Like?

Posted on Sep 24, 2024

The U.S. Air Force is interested in adding an active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radar to its X-62A test jet. The radar is part of larger plans to acquire a new modular sensor suite for the uniquely modified F-16 specifically to help expand its ability to support advanced autonomy developments.

Air

New Radar Sought To Help X-62A Test Jet Take Next Leap In Autonomy Testing New Radar Sought To Help X-62A Test Jet Take Next Leap In Autonomy Testing

Posted on Sep 24, 2024

Plans to slash F-16 aggressors at Nellis Air Force Base highlight broader questions about the future of the Air Force Viper fleets.

Air

Aggressor F-16 Fleet Set To Be Slashed By Air Force Aggressor F-16 Fleet Set To Be Slashed By Air Force

Posted on Sep 23, 2024

Hezbollah Converted Soviet Tu-143 Jet Recon Drone Into Cruise Missile Says IDF, Just Like Ukraine Hezbollah Converted Soviet Tu-143 Jet Recon Drone Into Cruise Missile Says IDF, Just Like Ukraine

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Sep 23, 2024

Air

AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon To Equip Ukraine’s F-16s: Report AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon To Equip Ukraine’s F-16s: Report

Posted on Sep 21, 2024

Collins Aerospace has put forward a vision for what a high-end air combat engagement between the U.S. and Chinese armed forces, with the American side employing crewed fighters and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone wingmen, could look like in the future.

Air

What American Fighters And Their Drone Wingmen Fighting Chinese Jets Might Look Like What American Fighters And Their Drone Wingmen Fighting Chinese Jets Might Look Like

Posted on Sep 20, 2024

An Israeli F-16I fighter jet taking off at an unidentified location.

Israeli Airstrikes In Lebanon Intensify Israeli Airstrikes In Lebanon Intensify

Posted on Sep 20, 2024

Air

How EA-18G Growler’s Next Generation Jammer Actually Works And The Future Of Offensive Electronic Warfare How EA-18G Growler’s Next Generation Jammer Actually Works And The Future Of Offensive Electronic Warfare

Updated on Sep 20, 2024

The U.S. Air Force says the once-secretive Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) drone program has been fully folded into the service's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) effort. General Atomics has already disclosed that its current CCA design is derived from the XQ-67 drone it developed for OBSS.

Air

Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program ‘Ingesting’ Modular Chassis Concept Pioneered By XQ-67 Drone Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program ‘Ingesting’ Modular Chassis Concept Pioneered By XQ-67 Drone

Updated on Sep 20, 2024

The U.S. Air Force's top special operations officer says AC-130J Ghostriders will continue being armed with 105mm howitzers for the foreseeable future despite the gunships evolving to as focus shifts to preparing for high-end fights.

Air

AC-130J Ghostrider Gunships Will Keep Their 105mm Howitzers, For Now AC-130J Ghostrider Gunships Will Keep Their 105mm Howitzers, For Now

Posted on Sep 19, 2024

The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman have expanded testing of the B-21 thanks to two ground test articles, which are being used to evaluate the bomber's core construction and the time it takes before certain parts break. The tempo of flight testing of the initial pre-production Raider is also growing, with the jet now sometimes taking to the skies twice a week.

Air

B-21 Ground Test Airframes Join Flying Pre-Production Raider B-21 Ground Test Airframes Join Flying Pre-Production Raider

Posted on Sep 19, 2024

The U.S. Air Force has released new video footage of its first pre-production B-21 Raider stealth bomber undergoing flight testing.

Air

New Look At B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Flight Testing Released New Look At B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Flight Testing Released

Posted on Sep 18, 2024

The U.S. Air Force is pushing ahead with experimentation that could lead to the transformation of KC-135 tankers into optionally crewed aircraft, as well as the development of other autonomous aerial refueling capabilities. U.S. military interest in autonomous airlifters, an area where China has been notably surging forward in the past few years, is also growing.

Air

Work Toward KC-135 Tankers That Fly Themselves, Uncrewed Cargo Aircraft Pressing Ahead Work Toward KC-135 Tankers That Fly Themselves, Uncrewed Cargo Aircraft Pressing Ahead

Posted on Sep 18, 2024

The U.S. Air Force has no plans to acquire stealthy uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV) capable of operating with very high degrees of autonomy independently of crewed aircraft, at least in the near term publicly, despite surging Chinese developments in this domain.

Air

No Flying Wing UCAVs Being Developed By U.S. Air Force While China Surges Ahead No Flying Wing UCAVs Being Developed By U.S. Air Force While China Surges Ahead

Posted on Sep 17, 2024

The U.S. Air Force's still evolving requirements for a next-generation aerial refueling 'system of systems' will directly impact the service's reassessment of plans for a new sixth-generation stealth 'fighter.' The Next-Generation Air-Refueling System (NGAS) effort will also inform work on a second tranche of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones.

Air

Future Stealth Tanker Plans Tied To NGAD 6th Generation Fighter’s Fate Future Stealth Tanker Plans Tied To NGAD 6th Generation Fighter’s Fate

Posted on Sep 16, 2024

MQ-9 showcases capabilities to Joint Force during first-time Valiant Shield participation.

Air

MQ-9 Reapers Gathered In Florida, Simulated Fighting Over South China Sea MQ-9 Reapers Gathered In Florida, Simulated Fighting Over South China Sea

Posted on Sep 13, 2024

Israeli Commando Raid In Syria Sends A Message To Iran That Its Underground Bases Are Not Untouchable Israeli Commando Raid In Syria Sends A Message To Iran That Its Underground Bases Are Not Untouchable

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Sep 13, 2024

The Piasecki Aircraft Corporation's Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System Demonstration Vehicle (ARES-DV), a vertical takeoff and landing capable tilt-rotor drone designed to carry interchangeable payload modules, has left the ground for the first time.

Air

Tilt-Ducted Fan ARES Drone Designed To Carry Modular Payloads Has Finally Lifted Off Tilt-Ducted Fan ARES Drone Designed To Carry Modular Payloads Has Finally Lifted Off

Posted on Sep 10, 2024

We have just gotten our clearest view so far of a Chinese J-20 stealth fighter powered by the definitive WS-15 domestically produced engines. While the appearance of the photo at this point raises a number of questions, it’s meanwhile clear that the significant shortcoming of the J-20 — its powerplant — appears to have now been addressed.

Air

Our Best Look Yet At China’s J-20A Fighter With WS-15 Engines Our Best Look Yet At China’s J-20A Fighter With WS-15 Engines

Posted on Sep 9, 2024

Air

Sweden’s JAS-39 Gripen Fighters Still On The Table For Ukraine Sweden’s JAS-39 Gripen Fighters Still On The Table For Ukraine

Posted on Sep 9, 2024

F-16 belonging to VFC-13, flying over Carson Valley, NV.

Air

Navy Tried To Buy Greek F-16s To Turn Them Into Adversaries Navy Tried To Buy Greek F-16s To Turn Them Into Adversaries

Posted on Sep 6, 2024

A video has emerged showing a Ukrainian Su-24M Fencer swing-wing combat jet carrying what is said to be new air-launched guided munition.

Air

Mystery Munition Appears Under Ukrainian Su-24 Fencer Attack Jet’s Wing Mystery Munition Appears Under Ukrainian Su-24 Fencer Attack Jet’s Wing

Posted on Sep 6, 2024

Satellite imagery and videos offer new evidence of a surge in the development of the stealthy flying-wing uncrewed combat air vehicles in China, especially with regard to the GJ-11 Sharp Sword.

Air

Chinese Flying Wing UCAV Testing Accelerating Based On Satellite Imagery, Videos Chinese Flying Wing UCAV Testing Accelerating Based On Satellite Imagery, Videos

Posted on Sep 5, 2024

The U.S. Air Force is re-examining the very core of its requirements for a new sixth-generation stealth combat jet as part of its ongoing review of that element of the larger Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative.

Air

Air Force “Starting At The Beginning” With NGAD 6th Gen Fighter Requirements Review Air Force “Starting At The Beginning” With NGAD 6th Gen Fighter Requirements Review

Posted on Sep 4, 2024

Air

Above All Else JASSM Would Give Ukraine A Steady Supply Of Cruise Missiles Above All Else JASSM Would Give Ukraine A Steady Supply Of Cruise Missiles

Posted on Sep 3, 2024

The U.S. Air Force recently awarded contracts to two companies for work on SHARK 'buddy store' podded aerial refueling systems able to work with aircraft that use the boom method to get gas in flight.

Air

Aerial Refueling Boom Pods That Could Go On F-15s In The Works Aerial Refueling Boom Pods That Could Go On F-15s In The Works

Posted on Sep 3, 2024

Ukraine is advancing slowly eastward to a key town in Russia's Kursk Oblast

Ukraine Pushing Slowly West In Russia Towards Key Kursk City Ukraine Pushing Slowly West In Russia Towards Key Kursk City

Posted on Aug 31, 2024

Air

The Future Of The AC-130 Gunship: Evolve Or Die The Future Of The AC-130 Gunship: Evolve Or Die

Updated on Aug 31, 2024

Alternatively known as the Y-9LG, the Y-8GX-12 is another ECM version based on the Y-8 Category III Platform. It was first identified in satellite imagery in late 2017. Surprisingly, considering its assumed role, the Y-8GX-12 has a ‘balance beam’ radar antenna above its fuselage, as found on the KJ-200 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. It is believed, however, that the radar aboard the Y-8GX-12 is instead used for long-range jamming, using its powerful electronically scanned radar beams to suppress enemy radar signals.

Air

Our Best Look Yet At China’s New Standoff Electronic Warfare Plane Our Best Look Yet At China’s New Standoff Electronic Warfare Plane