Air (Page 11)

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”

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

Air

Martin-Baker Ejection Seat Made Its First Of 7,722 Saves 75 Years Ago Today Martin-Baker Ejection Seat Made Its First Of 7,722 Saves 75 Years Ago Today

Updated on May 30, 2024

New video purports to show the first Russian FPV drone attack on a Ukrainian sea drone.

Russian FPV Drone Seen Attacking Ukrainian Uncrewed Surface Vessel For The First Time Russian FPV Drone Seen Attacking Ukrainian Uncrewed Surface Vessel For The First Time

Posted on May 30, 2024

North Korea sent hundreds of balloons, many filled with manure, into South Korea.

Air

Poop-Filled North Korean Balloons Descend On The South Stoking Fears Of Deadlier Payloads Poop-Filled North Korean Balloons Descend On The South Stoking Fears Of Deadlier Payloads

Posted on May 29, 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

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

Ukraine is one of three countries, along with Bulgaria and Japan, that will recieve a new tranche of Small Diameter Bombs under a $6.9 billion contract with Boeing.

Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv Says It’s Using Air-Launched Small Diameter Bombs Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv Says It’s Using Air-Launched Small Diameter Bombs

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

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has chosen designs from Northrop Grumman and Sikorsky for the next phase of its AdvaNced airCraft Infrastructure-Less Launch And RecoverY (ANCILLARY) autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) X-plane demonstration program. The effort aims to develop and test in flight an X-plane that will offer long endurance and the ability to launch and recover from ship flight decks and small austere land locations in adverse weather without additional infrastructure equipment. It’s part of an increasing focus on expeditionary deployments of the kind that will be required in a future conflict in the Pacific.

DARPA’s Naval VTOL X-Plane Drone Program Narrows Down To Two Designs DARPA’s Naval VTOL X-Plane Drone Program Narrows Down To Two Designs

Posted on May 22, 2024

An uncrewed ground vehicle launching quadcopter

Army Tests Quadcopter Swarm-Launching Uncrewed Ground Vehicle For Clearing Mines Army Tests Quadcopter Swarm-Launching Uncrewed Ground Vehicle For Clearing Mines

Posted on May 22, 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

U-2's new radar is going to the Army's HADES surveillance jet.

Radar Developed For U-2 To Go On Army Intel-Gathering BizJets Radar Developed For U-2 To Go On Army Intel-Gathering BizJets

Posted on May 22, 2024

Aurora Flight Sciences has unveiled a new uncrewed fan-in-wing aircraft concept as part of ongoing work for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

Revised Lift Fan Aircraft Concept Emerges From Special Ops X-Plane Program Revised Lift Fan Aircraft Concept Emerges From Special Ops X-Plane Program

Posted on May 21, 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

Airbus’ UH-72 Unmanned Logistics Connector Sets Its Sights On The USMC’s Future Fleet Requirements Airbus’ UH-72 Unmanned Logistics Connector Sets Its Sights On The USMC’s Future Fleet Requirements

By The War Zone

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

Personnel from China's PLA engage in counter FPV-drone training

Chinese Soldiers Train To Fend Off FPV Drones Chinese Soldiers Train To Fend Off FPV Drones

By Oliver Parken, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on May 20, 2024

Air

The Marine Unit Charged With Digitally Connecting Everything Over The Battlefield The Marine Unit Charged With Digitally Connecting Everything Over The Battlefield

By James Deboer

Posted on May 17, 2024

Ukraine has launched large-scale drone attacks against Russia.

Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv Launches Massive Drone Attack On Russia Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv Launches Massive Drone Attack On Russia

Posted on May 17, 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

A Navy Growler electronic attack jet now sports a Hind helicopter "kill mark"

Air

Navy EA-18G Growler Sports Puzzling Mi-24 Hind Kill Mark Overseas Navy EA-18G Growler Sports Puzzling Mi-24 Hind Kill Mark Overseas

By Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on May 16, 2024

NASA's DC-8 airborne science laboratory banks low over the Dryden Aircraft Operations Facility at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif., upon arrival Nov. 8, 2007.

Air

NASA’s DC-8 Flying Lab Flies Into Retirement, Making The Type Nearly Extinct NASA’s DC-8 Flying Lab Flies Into Retirement, Making The Type Nearly Extinct

Posted on May 15, 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

Posted on May 15, 2024

An uncrewed version of the UH-72B Lakota helicopter is among the types now in the running to become of the Marine Corps' next logistics drones.

Air

UH-72 Lakota Drone In The Running To Haul Cargo For The USMC UH-72 Lakota Drone In The Running To Haul Cargo For The USMC

Posted on May 14, 2024

Congress says the Navy's CMV-22B Ospreys can only fly 30 minutes from a divert airfield, limiting their ability to provide carrier onboard delivery services.

Sea

Navy CMV-22B Ospreys Only Allowed To Fly 30 Minutes From A Divert Airfield: Congress Navy CMV-22B Ospreys Only Allowed To Fly 30 Minutes From A Divert Airfield: Congress

Posted on May 14, 2024

Members of Congress are pushing to block the US Air Force from retiring more than half of its F-15E Strike Eagles.

Air

Move To Block F-15E Strike Eagle Cuts Being Made In Congress Move To Block F-15E Strike Eagle Cuts Being Made In Congress

Posted on May 14, 2024

T-6 Pilot Dies In Ejection Seat Accident T-6 Pilot Dies In Ejection Seat Accident

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.

Air

Our Best Look At Russia’s Kh-38 Missile Now Being Used In Ukraine Our Best Look At Russia’s Kh-38 Missile Now Being Used In Ukraine

Posted on May 14, 2024

The history and legacy of the Navy's F-16N

Air

Live Fast, Die Young: The Story Of The Navy’s F-16N Live Fast, Die Young: The Story Of The Navy’s F-16N

Updated on May 14, 2024

Every Marine A Drone Defender Under Three Part Counter-UAS Plan Every Marine A Drone Defender Under Three Part Counter-UAS Plan

By Hope Hodge Seck

Posted on May 13, 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.

Air

New Skunk Works Stealthy Tanker Concept Unveiled New Skunk Works Stealthy Tanker Concept Unveiled

Posted on May 13, 2024

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) visits Naval Station Norfolk following a seven-month deployment, May 10. Throughout the ship’s seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations, Carney successfully destroyed Houthi-launched weapons, including land attack cruise missiles, anti-ship ballistic missiles, and unmanned systems.

USS Carney Destroyed 65 Houthi Targets During Its Cruise USS Carney Destroyed 65 Houthi Targets During Its Cruise

Posted on May 13, 2024

American Special Operations Forces Are At A Crossroads American Special Operations Forces Are At A Crossroads

Posted on May 12, 2024

A B-2 Spirit taxis at Whiteman Air Force Base

Air

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

Posted on May 10, 2024

After an extraordinary career spanning more than 80 years of service, and plenty of wartime missions, the South African Air Force (SAAF) is preparing to retire its last C-47 Dakotas. The decision is yet to be formally announced by the SAAF but looks set to confirm the fate of the service’s Dakotas, which have now been grounded for around two years.

Air

South Africa’s C-47 Dakotas Set For Retirement After 80 Years Of Service South Africa’s C-47 Dakotas Set For Retirement After 80 Years Of Service

Posted on May 10, 2024

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), which won the contract to build the U.S. Air Force’s highly specialized Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) aircraft last month, has acquired five Boeing 747-8s from Korean Air. The likelihood is that these will be converted as the successors to the Air Force’s aging 747-200-based E-4B Nightwatch ‘doomsday planes,’ although at this stage we still don’t know how many of the new SAOC aircraft will be fielded.

Air

Former Korean Air 747s Slated To Become USAF Doomsday Planes (Updated) Former Korean Air 747s Slated To Become USAF Doomsday Planes (Updated)

Posted on May 9, 2024

The famed Little Bird helicopters used by the Army's elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment are seeing a 'resurrection' after the Army's cancellation of the Future Armed Reconnaissance Aircraft program, but their future is still murky.

Air

H-6 Little Bird’s Future Upended Due To Army Axing Armed Scout Helicopter H-6 Little Bird’s Future Upended Due To Army Axing Armed Scout Helicopter

Posted on May 9, 2024

We now have our first look at a mini-cruise missile U.S. Special Operations Command is developing that could arm AC-130J gunships and other aircraft.

Air

Our First Look At The Tiny Cruise Missile That Aims To Arm AC-130 Gunships Our First Look At The Tiny Cruise Missile That Aims To Arm AC-130 Gunships

Posted on May 9, 2024

STRAIT OF SAN JUAN DE FUCA, Wash. (May 6, 2024) The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) transits the Strait of San Juan de Fuca escorted by U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft and U.S. Coast Guard screening escort vessels. Joint operations, such as this one which involved the Air Force, Coast Guard, and Navy, ensure the U.S. military is ready to meet its security commitments at home and abroad including commitments to our allies and partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gwendelyn Ohrazda/Released)

A-10 Warthogs Escorting A Ballistic Missile Submarine Is Certainly Different A-10 Warthogs Escorting A Ballistic Missile Submarine Is Certainly Different

Posted on May 9, 2024

KH-101s are now being fired at Ukraine with two warheads onboard.

Air

Russia Now Firing Kh-101 Cruise Missiles Modified With Two Warheads At Ukraine Russia Now Firing Kh-101 Cruise Missiles Modified With Two Warheads At Ukraine

Posted on May 8, 2024

Unmanned Long-Endurance Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft crew chiefs, assigned within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, prep an ULTRA aircraft for taxi across the flightline before an early morning takeoff at an undisclosed location, May 7, 2024. ULTRA is an unmanned aerial system capable of flight times up to 80 hours, providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities to combatant commanders, with a smaller operational footprint than other UAS in its class.

Air Force’s ULTRA Long-Endurance Glider-Like Drone Is Now Operating In The Middle East Air Force’s ULTRA Long-Endurance Glider-Like Drone Is Now Operating In The Middle East

By Joseph Trevithick, Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 8, 2024

An annual special operations capability demonstration has included paragliding Marines on a mock drone hunt.

Air

Marine Special Operations Paragliding Capabilities Emerge At Demonstration In Tampa Marine Special Operations Paragliding Capabilities Emerge At Demonstration In Tampa

By Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 8, 2024

Air

Rogue 1 Is One Of The Marine Corps’ Newest Kamikaze Drone Rogue 1 Is One Of The Marine Corps’ Newest Kamikaze Drone

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on May 8, 2024

US Special Operations Command says it has 'hit pause' on plans to convert an MC-130J special operations tanker/transport in a floatplane.

Air

C-130 Floatplane Program Put ‘On Pause’ By Special Operations Command C-130 Floatplane Program Put ‘On Pause’ By Special Operations Command

Posted on May 8, 2024

Super hornets now carrying nine air-to-air missiles

Air

Super Hornets Now Flying With Nine Air-To-Air Missiles To Counter Houthi Drones Super Hornets Now Flying With Nine Air-To-Air Missiles To Counter Houthi Drones

Posted on May 7, 2024

161013-N-OI810-093 WATERS SURROUNDING THE KOREAN PENINSULA (Oct. 13, 2016) Petty Officer 1st Class (AW/SW) John Diwa, from Dededo, Guam, installs inboard and outboard bearings on a main tire mount of an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, in the hangar bay of the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during Exercise Invincible Spirit. Invincible Spirit is a bilateral exercise conducted with the Republic of Korea Navy in the waters near the Korean Peninsula, consisting of routine carrier strike group (CSG) operations in support of maritime counter-special operating forces and integrated maritime operations. USS Ronald Reagan is on patrol with CSG 5 supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class (SW/AW) Nathan Burke/Released)

Air

Navy Pays $100K To Replace Each F/A-18 Tire, 3D Printed Repairs Cuts Cost To $300 Navy Pays $100K To Replace Each F/A-18 Tire, 3D Printed Repairs Cuts Cost To $300

By Eric Tegler

Posted on May 7, 2024

The Air Force new 5,000-pound-class GBU-72/B bunker buster bomb could be a future addition to the B-2 bomber's arsenal.

Air

B-2 Spirits Could Get New 5,000-Pound Bunker Busters B-2 Spirits Could Get New 5,000-Pound Bunker Busters

Posted on May 7, 2024

USMC is wanting to incorporate drones across its forces.