Air Forces (Page 6)

Posted on Jul 10, 2024

There is no official replacement for the F-22 Raptor, says the head of Air Combat Command. That could be another blow to the withering Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.

Air

Air Force Now Says It Has No Official F-22 Raptor Replacement Air Force Now Says It Has No Official F-22 Raptor Replacement

Posted on Jul 10, 2024

The Senate Armed Services Committee has directed the Pentagon to look into the possibility of transferring retired A-10 Warthog ground attack jets to Jordan.

Air

Surplus A-10 Warthogs Could End Up In The Jordanian Air Force Surplus A-10 Warthogs Could End Up In The Jordanian Air Force

Updated on Jul 10, 2024

Air Force special operations aviators are now training on AT-802U aircraft ahead of the arrival of their first OA-1K Sky warden light attack planes while questions grow about the program's future.

Air

AT-802U Trainers Arrive To Prepare USAF Aviators For A Murky Light Attack Future AT-802U Trainers Arrive To Prepare USAF Aviators For A Murky Light Attack Future

Posted on Jul 9, 2024

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.’

Air

First Inside Look At Ukraine’s HAWK Air Defense Systems First Inside Look At Ukraine’s HAWK Air Defense Systems

Posted on Jul 8, 2024

The first weapon-ready plutonium pit for the future W81-! nuclear warhead has been produced.

Air

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

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.

Air

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

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.

Air

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

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.

Air

Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter’s Future Increasingly Uncertain Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter’s Future Increasingly Uncertain

Posted on Jul 2, 2024

Billionaire Jared Isaacman Is going to fly a Tornado F2A.

Air

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

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.

Air

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

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.

Air

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

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.

Air

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

Air

European Air Power Teams Up For Pacific Mega Deployment European Air Power Teams Up For Pacific Mega Deployment

Posted on Jun 26, 2024

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

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

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.

Air

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

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.

Air

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

Posted on Jun 21, 2024

Sweden has retired its long-serving SAAB 105 trainer.

Air

Sweden’s Unique Little Saab 105 Jet Retired After 57 Years Sweden’s Unique Little Saab 105 Jet Retired After 57 Years

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.

Air

Ditching Older F-22s Risks Creating Capability Gaps, New Costs Ditching Older F-22s Risks Creating Capability Gaps, New Costs

Posted on Jun 19, 2024

F-15EX has been put through its paces by testers in Eglin AFB to prepare it for service.

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How USAF Testers Are Working To Field The F-15EX Fast How USAF Testers Are Working To Field The F-15EX Fast

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.

Air

Australian F/A-18F Super Hornets To Test Launch U.S. Air Force’s Hypersonic Cruise Missiles Australian F/A-18F Super Hornets To Test Launch U.S. Air Force’s Hypersonic Cruise Missiles

Posted on Jun 18, 2024

Air

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

Updated on Jun 18, 2024

Air

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

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.

Air

Ukraine Strikes Blow To Russian Su-34 Fullback Base Ukraine Strikes Blow To Russian Su-34 Fullback Base

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

F-15EX arrives at the 142nd Wing in Portland.

Air

Inside The First F-15EX Wing Commander’s Plans To Speed The Newest Eagle Into Service Inside The First F-15EX Wing Commander’s Plans To Speed The Newest Eagle Into Service

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

Air

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

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.

Land

Ukraine Situation Report: Russia Resumes Tactical Nuke Drills Ukraine Situation Report: Russia Resumes Tactical Nuke Drills

Posted on Jun 11, 2024

A USAF F-15EX takes off carrying 12 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.

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What It’s Like To Fly The F-15EX According To A Boeing Test Pilot What It’s Like To Fly The F-15EX According To A Boeing Test Pilot

Posted on Jun 11, 2024

Land

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

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.

Air

Ukrainian Su-25 Frogfoots Now Using French Hammer Guided Bombs After Exhausting Rocket Stocks Ukrainian Su-25 Frogfoots Now Using French Hammer Guided Bombs After Exhausting Rocket Stocks

Posted on Jun 10, 2024

Air

Su-57 Felon Targeted In Ukraine Strike Seen In New Higher-Resolution Satellite Images Su-57 Felon Targeted In Ukraine Strike Seen In New Higher-Resolution Satellite Images

Posted on Jun 10, 2024

Both Ukrainian and Russian sources say an Su-57 Felon new-generation fighter was struck for the first time.

Air

Su-57 Felon Struck Deep Inside Russia, Ukraine’s Spy Agency Claims (Updated) 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.

Air

F-4 Phantom Vanishes Into Retirement After 55 Years Of South Korean Service F-4 Phantom Vanishes Into Retirement After 55 Years Of South Korean Service

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.

Air

Mirage 2000 Fighters To Be Sent To Ukraine From France Mirage 2000 Fighters To Be Sent To Ukraine From France

Posted on Jun 6, 2024

Air

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

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

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

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.

Air

The Airbus Wingman Stealth Drone: What We Learned In Berlin The Airbus Wingman Stealth Drone: What We Learned In Berlin

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.

Air

U-2 Retirement Reprieve Emerges In Proposed Defense Spending Bill U-2 Retirement Reprieve Emerges In Proposed Defense Spending Bill

Posted on Jun 4, 2024

A USAF Boeing F-15EX flies at low level in Nevada.

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How 50 Years Of Eagle Experience Has Shaped The Advanced F-15 How 50 Years Of Eagle Experience Has Shaped The Advanced F-15

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.

Air

‘Cheap’ Long-Range Cruise Missile Designs To Be Tested By Air Force ‘Cheap’ Long-Range Cruise Missile Designs To Be Tested By Air Force

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.

Air

USAF F-35s Are Officially Getting Joint Strike Cruise Missiles That Fit In Their Bays USAF F-35s Are Officially Getting Joint Strike Cruise Missiles That Fit In Their Bays

Posted on Jun 1, 2024

Testing at the Upside-Down Air Force, RADC

The Fascinating Story Of The USAF’s “Upside-Down Air Force” 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.

Air

Land-Based Variant Of China’s J-35 Naval Stealth Fighter Makes Sense Land-Based Variant Of China’s J-35 Naval Stealth Fighter Makes Sense

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.

Air

Dutch F-35s Take On A Full Nuclear Role Dutch F-35s Take On A Full Nuclear Role

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.

Land

Enclosures To Defend F-15Es From Drone Attacks Eyed At Seymour Johnson AFB Enclosures To Defend F-15Es From Drone Attacks Eyed At Seymour Johnson AFB

Posted on May 30, 2024

Air

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

Posted on May 30, 2024

Experimental Alpha Draco hypersonic boost-glide vehicle preparing for launch, 1959.

Air

Alpha Draco Paved The Way In The Late 1950s For Future Hypersonic Boost-Glide Vehicles 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 Ukraine Getting Swedish Airborne Early Warning Radar Planes Is A Big Deal

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on May 29, 2024

Air

Ukraine Situation Report: First Of 30 Belgian F-16s To Be Delivered “This Year” Ukraine Situation Report: First Of 30 Belgian F-16s To Be Delivered “This Year”

Posted on May 28, 2024

An F-35 Joint Strike Fighter crashed in Albuquerque New Mexico.

Air

F-35 Crashes In New Mexico (Updated) F-35 Crashes In New Mexico (Updated)

Posted on May 28, 2024

Air

How The A-10’s Avenger Cannon Went From Terrible To Terrifying How The A-10’s Avenger Cannon Went From Terrible To Terrifying

Updated on May 28, 2024

Black Flag 24-1, out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, run by the Air Force’s 53rd Wing.

Air

Massive China-Focused Black Flag Test Exercise Flies Deep Into The Virtual Realm Massive China-Focused Black Flag Test Exercise Flies Deep Into The Virtual Realm

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 China Stages Mock Strikes On Taiwan In Day 2 Of “Punishment” Exercise

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

Posted on May 24, 2024

Air

B-21, B-2 Comparison Image Shows Just How Weird The Raider’s Windows Really Are B-21, B-2 Comparison Image Shows Just How Weird The Raider’s Windows Really Are

Posted on May 23, 2024

Air

Russia’s Small Diameter Bomb-Like Weapon Seen In Action For The First Time Russia’s Small Diameter Bomb-Like Weapon Seen In Action For The First Time

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.

Air

Confessions Of A C-130 Hercules Pilot Confessions Of A C-130 Hercules Pilot

Posted on May 23, 2024

Air

Everything We Learned About The Next Doomsday Planes For The Air Force Everything We Learned About The Next Doomsday Planes For The Air Force

Posted on May 23, 2024

Air

First Aerial View Of B-21 Raider Offers New Insights First Aerial View Of B-21 Raider Offers New Insights

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 U.S. Military Laser Weapon Programs Are Facing A Reality Check

Posted on May 21, 2024

ADM-160 MALD seen on MIG-29 in Ukraine for the first time.

Air

ADM-160 Miniature Air Launched Decoy Spotted On Ukrainian MiG-29 ADM-160 Miniature Air Launched Decoy Spotted On Ukrainian MiG-29

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 MiG-31 Foxhounds Confirmed Destroyed In New Imagery Of Belbek Air Base

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.

Air

Viper Demo Team Secretly Painted Jet In YF-16 Scheme To Celebrate Type’s 50th Anniversary Viper Demo Team Secretly Painted Jet In YF-16 Scheme To Celebrate Type’s 50th Anniversary