Military Aviation & Aircraft

Key.Aero offers comprehensive and unparalleled coverage of the world’s air forces. Find out about the latest military and aerospace technology, view in-depth features on military conflicts, weaponry and exercises, read exclusive personnel interviews and enjoy superb colour photography by the world’s leading aviation photographers.

USAF’s second WC-135R Constant Phoenix arrives at Offutt AFB

The USAF’s 55th Wing formally welcomed the second of three Boeing WC-135R Constant Phoenix atmospheric testing aircraft to its fleet on May 11, when the recently converted platform arrived at Offutt AFB in Nebraska

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Where will Ukraine's F-16s come from and how will pilots be trained?

Kyiv’s quest for Western-made fighters was handed a major boost of May 19, when US President Joe Biden backed international plans for Ukrainian Air Force pilots to be trained to fly the long-desired F-16 Fighting Falcon and for European operators of the multi-role fighter to transfer their ‘Vipers’ to Ukraine

Sweden receives first Grob G120TP basic trainers

Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration revealed on April 4 that it has delivered the first of ten new Grob 120TP basic trainers to the Swedish Air Force – marking the first time in 11 years that the FMV has handed over a new aircraft to the air arm

The Monday Military Aviation Quiz 146: Fighter Frenzy

Welcome to the 146th Monday Military Aviation Quiz! How well do you know your modern military fighter aircraft? Test your aircraft recognition skills here

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How does the US Navy qualify its F-35C pilots for carrier ops?

Preparing pilots for deployment is a critical aspect of the US Navy’s mission. Soren Nielsen examines how VFA-97 ‘Warhawks’ gained their carrier qualifications after transitioning to the Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II strike fighter

First nine Croatian Mi-8 Hip helicopters head to Ukraine

With no official announcement or ceremony, nine ex-Croatian Air Force Mi-8 Hip tactical transport helicopters departed Zagreb Franjo Tudjman Airport at approximately 0600hrs (local time) on May 5, with various social media channels noting that the rotorcraft were heading to an unknown destination ahead of their final delivery to Ukraine

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The Dambusters Today

Based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, 617 Squadron will remain as the UK’s frontline F-35B Lightning unit until 809 Naval Air Squadron stands up later this year. Officer Commanding 617 Sqn, Wing Commander Stew Campbell has a unique perspective on the 80th anniversary year, having been involved in the 70th anniversary commemorations in 2013.

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Is the US starting to catch China and Russia in the hypersonic missile race?

Three years after the Pentagon confirmed that China had deployed its first operational hypersonic land-attack missile to its frontline forces, the US military is finally beginning to catch up with its rivals in the race to develop munitions capable of traveling five times the speed of sound, as David Axe reports

Raytheon to outfit KAI’s FA-50 with new PhantomStrike radar

Raytheon Technologies announced on May 15 that it will outfit South Korea’s FA-50 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft with its new PhantomStrike radar, after the US government gave its approval for the system to be exported as a Direct Commercial Sales product to the platform’s original equipment manufacturer, Korea Aerospace Industries

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Raptor Resurrected: USAF F-22A involved in 2018 mishap returns to flight

Five years after a failed take-off at NAS Fallon in Nevada left F-22A Raptor (serial 07-146) – assigned to the USAF’s 3rd Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska – in a critical condition, the fifth-generation air superiority fighter has returned to the skies after a lengthy restoration and rebuilding process

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The Latest Military Aviation News All in One Place

This is the only website you need for the latest in military aviation news and analysis with specialist webpages focusing on the fastest and largest aircraft in the world, the airforces and their pilots. From this central hub you can find links to the many categories of articles within Key.Aero that provide that in-depth coverage of military aviation. Learn about the varied facets of military aviation, its history and its fighters, transports and the airshows where they can all be seen on static display or in flying displays overhead.

Airforce and Military Aircraft News

All the latest news you will want to read about the airforces of the world, large and small can be found in this one place. The United States airforce, the Russian Federation airforce, the Republic of Korea airforce, and China’s People’s Liberation Army airforce, have some of the largest fleets in the world. The challenges that face these airforces, and others, range from the management of ageing fleets to working with industry to develop the latest aircraft technologies for the entry into service of fifth generation and stealth capable fighters and bombers.

See all the latest airforce news here

Military Fighters Aircraft and Combat Aircraft

Discover everything about the deadliest military fighter aircraft in the world in this section. Links to expert resources and articles can be found here for the fast jets from the world’s biggest manufacturers, Lockheed Martin, Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau, China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation, and the European consortium that is Eurofighter Typhoon. News and analysis of their aircrafts’ capabilities are easy to find along with comprehensive background information of the world’s key models and makes of fighter. The Mach 2 capable Boeing F-15 Strike Eagle air superiority fighter, able to intercept an enemy’s fighters at long range, the agile Sukhoi Su-35 designed to win up close engagements with its thrust vectoring; and the radar defeating stealth aircraft from Lockheed Martin, the F-117 Knighthawk, the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II, can all be found here along with many other fast jets.

Find out more about military fighter aircraft

Military Transport Aircraft

The largest aircraft in any fleet, in this section you can discover the history of, and the latest technology developments for, these behemoths of the sky. With huge wingspans and multiple engines, the global nature of conflict since the 20th century has required the international reach of these massive long-haul aircraft. From the United States Airforce’s Lockheed C-5 Galaxy to the Antonov An-124 Ruslan of the Russian Federation airforce and the Airbus A400M used by various other European airforces, the military transport aircraft carrying men and materials around the world can be found in this comprehensive resource.

Click here to read more articles on military transport aircraft

Military Aircraft Shows

The Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Cosford air show, China’s Zhuai airshow, Germany’s ILA Berlin and Russia’s MAKS International Aviation and Space Salon are all shows that provide fantastic opportunities to see, hear and learn about the latest in military aircraft from fast jets to strategic bombers. Key.Aero’s military aircraft show section will keep you up to date with the latest news provided by its reporters attending these major airshows, and others, around the world that have military displays presenting the latest capabilities.

See all of our articles on military air shows

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