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.

Best UK MoD aviation photos of 2023

A selection of some of the best photos of aviation released by the UK Ministry of Defence taken during 2023.

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The military heavy-medium helicopter market – State of flux or business as usual?

Paul ‘Foo’ Kennard, former RAF Chinook pilot, and MOD Requirements Manager and now Director of Ascalon Defence Consultancy discusses the current state of the military’s heavy lift helicopter market – and the significant changes that have occurred within it

RAF Poseidon Force to gain UK-made Sting Ray torpedoes

The UK Ministry of Defence will integrate the British-made Sting Ray acoustic homing lightweight torpedo onto the RAF’s fleet of P-8A Poseidon MRA1 maritime patrol aircraft, with the munition set to augment the type’s current US-made Mk 54 Lightweight Torpedo

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Ukraine charts success in New Year strikes against Russian forces

The Su-24M Fencer-D tactical bomber fleet of the Ukrainian Air Force has carried out yet another successful strike, using the UK/French-supplied Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG air-launched cruise missiles against high-value targets in Russian-occupied Crimea on December 26

US Navy helicopters strike Houthi rebels in the Red Sea

US Navy helicopters have killed ten Houthi fighters after attempted attacks on US Navy forces and a merchant ship in the Red Sea, US Central Command said in a statement on December 31

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RAF aircrew training – the problems and way ahead

The RAF’s training system has been the topic of countless news headlines in recent years, leaving trainees on hold for months, awaiting a pilot flying slot. Added to this have been unfortunate cost-cutting exercises. Jon Lake looks through the chaos to see if there’s a solution 

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Dutch NH90s train for new role in UK

The NH90s of 860 Squadron, Royal Netherlands Navy have become an increasingly common sight in the UK as they work up to take on additional roles and missions. Joe Campion visited the unit while it was on exercise at RNAS Yeovilton

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Going to war in the F-117: a pilot’s perspective

In the December 2017 issue of Aviation News, in the first of a two part feature, Major General Greg Feest (Ret) described joining the secret F-117A programme and the mission on which he dropped the first bomb of the Gulf War

Aboard the USS Gerald R Ford – The next generation of aircraft carrier

The USS Gerald R Ford – the first of the US Navy’s new class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers – set sail on its maiden cruise in May this year. Joris van Boven and Alex van Noye caught up with the world’s biggest warship for Aviation News

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Next-generation AWACS ­– Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail

Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail was expected to take over from the E-3 AWACS as it departed, but this hasn’t happened. Delays and cost overruns have meant the aircraft has not yet reached its full potential. However, a recent order by the USAF might be just what it needs, says Jon Lake.

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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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