Maverick where are you?

The photo was taken by a pilot of a French Air Force Mirage 2000-5F pilot during a training intercept on a Belgian Air Force F-16AM.

Rooivalk in Christmas Day DRC action

For the second time since arriving in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the end of October, SAAF attack helicopters have been requested by the UN to attack rebel positions.

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF-Nalu), an Islamist Ugandan rebel group, attacked FARDC (DRC army) positions at the border town of Kamango on 25 December at around 0500B. The rebels captured the town after brief clashes, resulting in civilian casualties and a massive displacement of civilian populations towards the Ugandan border.

India orders six additional C-130Js

New Delhi has finalised an order for an additional batch of six Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules tactical transports for the Indian air force. The letter of offer and acceptance was signed on 27 December, according to sources from the ministry of defence.

Tejas Completes 500th sorties in 2013

India's indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) completed 500 sorties in a year, achieving another milestone after attaining initial operational clearance last week.

According to a defence ministry release issued Saturday, 500 sorties by Tejas completed Friday, are the highest by the aircraft in a calendar year. The highest number of sorties attained earlier in a calendar year was below 300.

2013 Chinese Air Force Review

In the year 2013 many of China's new military aviation projects appeared, so it was very exciting for all the  followers of the PLAAF . Although there weren't as many news coming out this year about J-20 and J-31 stealth fighters, many other projects really came out and took center stage.

Last B-52G eliminated under nuclear arms treaty

The last of the B-52Gs required to be dismantled under the new nuclear arms reduction treaty is no more. The Stratofortress, tail number 58-0224, was dismantled Dec. 19 at the Boneyard — the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

Okinawa Approves Relocation of US Base In Japan

Japanese officials in Okinawa on Friday approved the long-stalled relocation of a controversial US military base, a breakthrough that could remove a running sore in relations between Tokyo and Washington.

Major Work to Replace Navy’s Super Hornet to Start in 2015

The U.S. Navy expects to undertake an analysis of alternatives (AoA) for its F/A-XX next-generation replacement for the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet starting in fiscal year 2015.

The new aircraft and its associated “family of systems” would be expected to become operational around 2035.

Nepal To Buy 2 Military Transport Helicopters from Russia

The armed forces of Nepal have signed a deal with Russia’s state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport to buy two Mil Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopters, the Himalayan Times has reported.

The agreement was signed on December 19. The country’s government, which had earlier allocated more than $30 million for purchasing helicopters for the armed forces, approved the deal earlier this week.

After Series of Delays, Russia Launches New Soyuz Rocket

A new Soyuz rocket blasted off from the Plesetsk space center in northern Russia on Saturday after numerous delays earlier this week, the Russian Defense Ministry said. The ministry said the launch took place at 16:30 Moscow time (12:30 GMT).

The rocket put into designated orbit a small research satellite built by students and young scientists. The new rocket, dubbed the Soyuz-2.1v, is to feature a completely reworked first stage powered by a NK-33 (14D15) rocket engine built by the NK Engines Company in the Russian city of Samara. 

First KC-46 Airframe Rollout Set For Early In 2014

With the first set of Pratt & Whitney engines delivered for the U.S. Air Force’s KC-46 test aircraft, Boeing is planning to roll out the first green 767-2C next year.

The 767-2C is the customized commercial platform on which the KC-46 is designed. The 2C includes provisions — such as customized plumbing — to support the KC-46’s refueling mission.

US Fighter Jets to Patrol Baltic Airspace

The US Air Force will patrol the airspace over the Baltic states for four months starting from January, Lithuanian media reported Friday, citing the country’s military. Four US F-15C Eagle fighter jets will replace the current Belgian F-16AM Fighting Falcons on a rotation basis.

BAE Systems cleared to begin KF-16 upgrades for South Korea

 

BAE Systems is to begin modernising the Republic of Korea Air Force's (RoKAF's) fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 52 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft, after the South Korean and United States governments finalised the terms of the upgrade, the company announced on 23 December.

India’s Tejas receives initial operational clearance

The Mk 1 variant of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Tejas light combat aircraft has received its initial operational clearance (IOC) from the Indian air force.

The "release to service" document was handed over to Indian air force chief N A K Browne by Defence Minister A K Antony in Bengaluru, on 20 December. The grant of the final IOC for the MK 1 variant paves the way for induction of the Tejas into operational service with the Indian air force. This is conditional on the Tejas obtaining its final operational clearance (FOC) by December next year.

A New Window Of Opportunity

Technology transfer was an important criterion in the FX2 so that the new fighter aircraft could be assembled in Brazil itself giving a push to the local defense industry.

According to a report in G1 News, Defence Minister Celso Amorim says,"There is an effective arrangement for technology transfer."

Turkey Signs Deal for Local Trainer Aircraft

The Turkish government has signed a contract for the serial production of two versions of the Hurkus, an indigenous trainer aircraft developed by the Tusas Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the company announced in a Dec. 26 press release.

Maiden flight for Australia's C-27J Spartan airlifter

The first Alenia Aermacchi C-27J Spartan transport aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) made its maiden flight on 19 December.

The twin-turboprop airlifter departed Alenia's production facility in Italy for its inaugural sortie, marking a major milestone in Australia's AUD1.4 billion (USD1.2 billion) contract for 10 aircraft.

2013: Year of ups and downs

F-16s and F-18s account for a combined 22% of the global combat aircraft fleet

The ability of air forces around the globe to react to the unexpected was highlighted afresh in 2013, with requirements having ranged from providing multinational support for France’s combat intervention in Mali, to flying humanitarian relief sorties to help in typhoon-devastated parts of the Philippines.

Russian Air Force Lets MiG-31 Fly Again After Crash

The Russian Air Force will restart flight operations on Monday by its fleet of Mikoyan MiG-31 interceptor aircraft that were grounded earlier this month following a crash, the service said. “MiG-31 flights will resume Monday,” said Air Force spokesman Col. Igor Klimov.

Russian Military Plans to Order More Yak-130 Combat Trainers

The Russian air force is planning to order an additional batch of new Yak-130 combat trainers because demand for the aircraft is growing, the air force’s top commander said Wednesday.

The current contract with Russia’s Irkut aircraft corporation stipulates the delivery of 55 Yak-130s to the air force. A total of 42 aircraft have been delivered so far.

Beware of internet rumors

Many artistic creations of  aircraft fans may confuse the less informed. Many have been victims of fake projects and enhancements. Photos of F-5E with conformal fuel tanks made ​​many "victims" in internet forums. Now is the time of the J-10C make their victims.

China: Image of JH-7B prototype

One of the first publicized photos of the JH-7B prototypes is shown here. This newest member of the JH-7 series has been under development at 603/XAC since mid-2000. JH-7B was initially speculated to feature stealth optimized aerodynamics, including a diamond shaped forward fuselage and DSI or Caret inlets. 

Brazil selects IAI 767 tanker to replace KC-137s

The Brazilian air force has selected Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to convert two Boeing 767-300ER airliners into aerial refueling tanker transports.

The converted aircraft, which will replace the country's existing Boeing 707-derived KC-137s, will also act as a strategic airlifter and medical evacuation aircraft.

Russia to Modify Mi-8 Helicopter for Arctic Warfare

Russia’s Ulan-Ude aircraft manufacturing plant said Wednesday that it is developing a variant of the famed Mi-8 transport helicopter for use by the military in harsh Arctic climate.

The modified Mi-8 will feature a more powerful engine, an auxiliary electric generator, an ice-protection system and ski landing gear for landing on soft snow and swamps.

Russia to Test-Fly New Bomber in 2019

The Russian Air Force plans to begin test flights of a new strategic bomber in 2019, the commander of the long-range fleet said Monday.

“Work on the bomber has been ongoing for less than a year, but the planning stage is now complete. Development work will begin in 2014, and the first test flights are scheduled for 2019. I think the aircraft should enter service in 2025,” Anatoly Zhikharev said in comments aired by television news network Rossiya-24.

Drone Survival Guide

Our ancestors could spot natural predators from far by their silhouettes. Are we equally aware of the predators in the present-day? With this text dronesurvivalguide.org site introduced the "Drone Survival Guide".

Russia wants an UAV-killer machine based on Pantsir-S system

Russia Defense Ministry said on Dec. 18 that Russia is upgrading its Pantsir-S air defense systems with enhancements that will improve their capability to intercept UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles).

Poland selects M-346 for trainer contract

Poland’s military has selected Alenia Aermacchi to deliver M-346 twin-engined jet trainers and a flight simulator in a €280 million (US$384 million) deal, the Italian company announced on 23 December.

KAI secures $1.6bn Surion helicopter contract

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has secured a $1.6bn contract from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to deliver about 60 KUH Surion helicopters by 2017. KAI will produce KUH Surion from 2014 under the deal, which follows a similar contract, secured in 2010, to produce 20 helicopters.

Nigerian Air Force unveils UAV

Click to see video

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) unveiled its first indigenously developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during a ceremony attended by President Goodluck Jonathon at the Kaduna air base on 17 December.

Lockheed Martin Supports Japanese F-2 Restoration Program

F-2 after tsunami click to sse video

In cooperation with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has delivered the first F-2 aft and leading edge flaps as part of a restoration plan to replenish Japan’s F-2 fleet.  Eighteen Japanese F-2B fighter aircraft based at Matsushima Air Base were destroyed during a tsunami that hit the nation in March 2011.

Lockheed wins $562 million contract to modify F-22 fighter

Lockheed Martin Corp  has won a contract valued at up to $562 million to provide nine months of support, logistics and modifications for the stealthy F-22 fighter jet, the Pentagon announced on Friday.

UK to benefit from Brazilian F-X2 deal

The United Kingdom (UK) is set to reap the rewards following Brazil's USD4.5 billion decision to select the Saab Gripen E to fulfil its F-X2 fighter replacement requirement.

With many of the Gripen's components being manufactured in the UK, the country stands to gain significantly in terms of revenues and jobs following the announcement on 18 December that the Brazilian Air Force is to procure 36 of the Swedish-designed fighters.

More good news to SAAB

Defence and security company Saab receives steady state support contract for South African Gripen. The order has a total value of SEK 180 million over the years 2013-2016. The South African Air Force has been operating the Gripen fighter system since 2008 when the first Gripen was delivered.

US Aircraft Attacked, Fighting Escalates In South Sudan

US aircraft flown into South Sudan to help with evacuation efforts on Saturday came under fire, wounding four US servicemen, officials said, as fighting in the country escalated.

US and Ugandan officials said three US military aircraft that were trying to land at Bor, a rebel-held city in Jonglei state, were fired on and forced to return to neighboring Uganda with one of the aircraft hit and leaking fuel.

Chinese J-10A Fighter Jet Locks on Su-30MKK2 Flanker

CCTV has aired footage taken during a recent PLAAF (People’s Liberation Army Air Force) exercise. Among the images, there is also an interesting HUD capture showing a Lock On on Su-30MKK2 Flanker by a Chengdu J-10A, reportedly taken on Dec. 2, 2013.

Israel confirms: Iran successfully tests missile Qader

old photo, when missile was unveiled

A new missile sporting a 200 kilometer (124 mile) range was successfully tested by Iranian Air Force fighter jets on Saturday during ongoing wargames. Reports of the test, released by Islamic Revolutionary Guards's Fars News Agency, note that it is the first in simulated combat.

The first run of new WZ-16 helicopter engine

In last month, as planned, the first run of the Ardiden 3C helicopter engine, named WZ16 in China, jointly developed by Turbomeca (Safran) and AVIC Engine on an equally shared basis, was successfully achieved at Turbomeca Bordes (France) plant. This significant milestone confirms the good aeromechanical behavior and performances of this new generation engine and allows engagement in the test and certification phases of the development program. Preliminary testing of its major components has demonstrated the relevance of the technological choices.

An-140 Cargo in 2017

Russia’s Aviakor aircraft plant on Saturday announced plans to begin assembly of An-140 light cargo planes for the Russian military in 2017.

“We are working design changes at present. The first plane for the customer - the Russian Defense Ministry – should be delivered in 2017,” said Alexei Gusev, general director of Aviakor.

Sikorsky wins contract to build experimental VTOL aircraft

Sikorsky is one step closer to bringing its “unmanned rotor blown wing concept” aircraft to reality. The Stratford, Connecticut-based helicopter manufacturer has been awarded a $14.4 million contract by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop a preliminary design for a “vertical take-off and landing experimental aircraft,” DARPA’s so-called VTOL X-Plane.

Tejas is better than MiG

Having failed to meet the IAF's requirements in 2011 when it was slated to be ready for induction, the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA), Tejas, will get its second initial operational clearance on Friday. 

JF-17: Abandoned by China and adopted by Pakistan

First revealed in 1995 as the successor of the cancelled Sino-US Super-7 project*, FC-1 is being developed by CAC/611 Institute with some technical assistance from Russian Mikoyan OKB as a "medium tech", light weight fighter/ground attack aircraft carrying a relatively cheap price tag (~$20m). 

Production of improved version of JF-17 aircraft launched

Pakistan launched on Wednesday production of an improved version of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif performed the inauguration of the manufacturing of Block 2 of JF-17 at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in the town of Kamra.

Russia to Develop 5th-Generation Attack Helicopter by 2017

Mi-28: project basis

It could take Russia about three years to complete the development of a fifth-generation attack helicopter and start testing its prototype, a defense industry official said Wednesday.

The Mi-28NM, a modernized version of the Mi-28N Night Hunter attack helicopter that is being upgraded to standards of a fifth-generation aircraft, has been in development since 2008.

UAE decides against Typhoon

The United Arab Emirates has chosen not to purchase Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft despite high-level talks between UK and UAE officials, according to BAE Systems.

“The UAE have advised that they have elected not to proceed with these proposals at this time,” says a 19 December media release from BAE.

Brazil picks Sweden's Gripen for its air force

Swedish aerospace maker Saab won a $5 billion contract to equip the Brazilian air force with 36 new fighter jets, Defense Minister Celso Amorim announced Wednesday.

Saab’s Gripen, a state-of-the-art multi-role fighter jet, beat its two rivals — the Rafale, made by France’s Dassault company, and US aviation giant Boeing’s F/A-18 fighter — for the lucrative contract.

New USAF Training Head: T-X Requirements Under Review

T38C Trainer

The newly appointed head of US Air Force Air Education and Training Command (AETC) acknowledged last week that funds for a replacement trainer won’t be coming in the near future, but said the T-X program remains a priority for his staff.

“My staff is working this issue very hard,” Gen. Robin Rand told reporters Dec. 13 here. “We are already working with headquarters Air Force … on T-X, the requirements, the needs, and I would like to give [Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh] an update.”

Differences between Argentine and Brazil

KFIR Colombian Air Force

Like Brazil, the Argentine Air Force is waiting a long time for a new fighter. In recent months, many newspapers have spoken of a possible deal to buy Spanish Mirage F1. These aircraft were retired in June but still have 1000 hours available.

Apart from Spain, France and Israel have also made ​​offers. According to MirageC14 site, the Argentines decided to buy 12-18 Israeli fighters Kfir Block 60. Of these, 6 of the C10 version will be delivered immediately.

While your neighbor hesitates about a billion contract, Argentines go shopping and with only some millions organized your air force. 

Brazil 0 x Argentine 1.

Sukhoi Completes Delivery of Su-34 Fighters Under 2008 Contract

A batch of Su-34 fighter jets was delivered to Russia’s military Monday in the final consignment under a 2008 deal with the Defense Ministry for Sukhoi aircraft maker to deliver 32 of the two-seat bombers.

The aircraft, also known by the NATO codename Fullback, were handed over at the Novosibirsk aircraft plant, which is part of the Sukhoi holding company.

Northrop Grumman Demonstrates Aircraft Satcom

Northrop Grumman was able to demonstrate a high-functioning satellite communications normally used in space onboard a manned aircraft during a test flight, the aerospace and defense manufacturer said Thursday, Dec. 12.