The Portuguese Air Force (FAP) is contemplating a significant upgrade to its arsenal, with its sights set on F-35A fighter-bombers. General João Cartaxo Alves, the current leader of FAP, recently disclosed details of the “Air Force 5.3” transformation plan. This strategic blueprint involves the addition of medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones, light attack aircraft, and F-35A … Read more
Croatia is on an ambitious course to upgrade its air defense capabilities, notably by adding eight UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to its fleet. This move marks a significant stride in modernising the Croatian Armed Forces. Marking a sizeable shift, Soviet/Russian aircraft, including the MiG-21 and Mil Mi-171Sh, are being phased out. The replacements are no … Read more
With the Rafale F4.1 achieving full operational capability, a new era in fighter-bomber aviation is ushered in. The first of its kind was received by the Military Aeronautical Expertise Centre (CEAM) in March 2023, followed soon by the 1/30 “Côte d’Argent” Hunting and Experimentation Wing commencing the aircraft’s testing. Military Qualification and Adoption Operational Readiness … Read more
Are combat helicopters nearing obsolescence or are they ripe for a tech-savvy overhaul? As the world leans towards unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), countries are grappling to decide the future of their combat helicopters. In this rapidly changing landscape of military aviation, the future of the Tiger helicopter, once a symbol of air combat power, hangs … Read more
The French Ministry of the Armed Forces has recently made an impressive move by securing an order for an additional 42 Rafale F4 aircraft, indicating a significant boost in its military aviation capabilities. Contract Details Valued at over 5 billion euros, this deal stands as a testament to the fulfillment of the 2019-25 Military Programming … Read more
Exposing the French Navy’s ambition to update its aging Rafale M fighter-bombers, this article offers a deep dive into modern military aviation. Yet, the next-generation combat aircraft, eagerly awaited by the Navy, will not be operational until 2040 at the earliest. A long wait for the force eyeing to replace its worn fleet. 2024-30 Military … Read more
Boeing’s E-7A Wedgetail aircraft is set to replace NATO’s fleet of 14 E-3A Sentry advanced warning aircraft. With the E-3A aircraft reaching the end of their lifespan in the early 2030s, the decision for their replacement seems timely and practical. Managed by NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Programme Management Agency (NAPMA), the E-3A aircraft … Read more