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.

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Could surplus F-16s take fight to Russia?

Could former Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16AM/BMs provide an interim solution for Bulgaria and mean more MiGs for Ukraine? Babak Taghvaee reports

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Combat Aircraft Journal June 2023

The full issue in page-turning format

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USAF operates RQ-170 stealth drone over Black Sea

Nine flights have been carried out over the Black Sea by USAF-operated Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel low observable (or stealth) unmanned aerial vehicles, according to a batch of secret US military documents posted online

F-22A Raptor pilots test USAF’s next-gen helmet at Eglin AFB

Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor pilots from the 301st FS – a US Air Force Reserve Command unit that is associated with the active-duty 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall AFB, Florida – have kicked off developmental flight tests for the USAF’s new Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet at nearby Eglin AFB

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Taiwan’s upgraded F-16s finally regain LOROP-EO pod capability

When the Republic of China Air Force’s (ROCAF’s) fleet of F-16A/B Block 20s were upgraded to the F-16V, the latest and most advanced configuration of the Fighting Falcon to date, it was discovered that the AN/VDS-5 Long Range Oblique Photography Electro-Optical (LOROP-EO) reconnaissance pod was not compatible with the newly modified aircraft

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How are new technologies enhancing maritime patrol capabilities?

Dominating the high seas has always been a key air power mission. In the 21st century new technologies and techniques are transforming how maritime patrol aircraft do their work. Tim Ripley looks at recent developments in this key air power domain

Egyptian MiG-29s feared to be destroyed as Sudan slides into war

A number of Egyptian Air Force MiG-29M/M2 Fulcrum fighters are believed to have been damaged or destroyed in Sudan after fighting erupted between government forces and a powerful militia on April 15

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Final ex-RAF Sentinel R1 departs Waddington

The fifth and final ex-RAF Raytheon Sentinel R1 battlefield surveillance aircraft departed RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, UK, on March 21 – almost two years after the platform was withdrawn from operational service and sold as second-hand assets to an unconfirmed US end customer

USAF retires first A-10C to the boneyard, with more set to follow

After the US Congress relented in its stance on blocking the USAF’s long-standing desire to axe its fleet of A-10C Thunderbolt II close air support aircraft last year, the air arm retired the first of 21 ‘Warthogs’ that it was authorised to divest under the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act on April 5

USAF deploys more F-35As and F-15Es to Kadena Air Base

F-35A Lightning IIs from the 355th Fighter Squadron (FS) 'Fightin' Falcons' at Eielson Air Force Base (AFB), Alaska, and F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 336th FS 'Rocketeers' at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, have arrived at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, to further ensure the USAF's continued fighter presence in the region while the base's resident F-15C/D Eagles are returned to the continental US.

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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.

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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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