Main image: a G550 CAEW. The EC-37B is externally quite similar to the CAEW (Image credit: David Cenciotti); in the left box: EC-37B (USAF); right: green G550 (Giovanni Maduli) Two “green” Gulfstreams will be equipped with the Compass Call mission system as part of the Joint Airborne Multi-Mission Multi-Sensor System program. Italy is about to …
Commercial Pilot Maneuvers Requirements
First Four Slovak MiG-29 Jets Have Been Transferred To Ukraine
One of the first four MiG-29s that have been transferred to Ukraine. (Image credit: screenshot from Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic YT channel) The four MiG-29 Fulcrum jets have been handed over to the Ukrainian Air Force. First four of 13 MiG-29 fighters retired from active service by the Slovak Air Force have be …
Prototype Of AW249 Attack Helicopter In Combat Livery Flies For The First time
The prototype of the AW249 during its first flight on Mar. 19, 2023. (Reader’s submission) Another AW249 NEES has flown. This one sports the standard olive drab paint scheme used by the Italian Army helicopters. A new Leonardo AW249 NEES (Nuovo Elicottero da Esplorazione e Scorta / New Exploration and Escort Helicopter), has carried out its …
F-16 With Special Tail Celebrates 80th Anniversary Of The “Buzzards”
The F-16CM #89-2030 of the 510th FS landing at Aviano AB on Mar. 20, 2023. (Image credit: Claudio Tramontin) The F-16 with the new special-colored tail has flown for the first time from Aviano Air Base. The 510th Fighter Squadron of the 31st Fighter Wing, based at Aviano AB, Italy, has a new flagship aircraft: …
Let’s Talk About Reports That China Used Stolen U.S. Military Technology For The J-20
A Chinese J-20 Mighty Dragon and a US F-22 Raptor (file photos edited by The Aviationist for illustration purposes only) Experts have recently warned that the PLAAF 5th gen fighter, thanks to the espionage efforts, is more advanced than it otherwise would be. But the real question is: has China been able to catch up? …
Slovakia Has Approved The Transfer of 13 MiG-29s to Ukraine
The beauty of a Sliac AB Mig-29AS belonging to the 1st Fighter Squadron. (Image credit: Jorge Ruivo/The Aviationist) The ex-Slovak Air Force MiG-29s should be delivered in the next few weeks. Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger announced on Mar. 17, 2023, that the Government of Slovakia has approved the transfer of 13 MiG-29 fighters to …
Italy To Upgrade Its C-27J Spartan Tactical Airlifters
An Italian Air Force C-27J at Pisa airport. (Image credit: The Aviationist/Giovanni Maduli) The aircraft will receive an extensive upgrade to the avionic suite, onboard systems and self-protection suite. Leonardo and Armaereo, the Italian Defence Ministry’s Air Force Armament and Airworthiness Directorate, have signed a contract to begin the development activities for the upgrade of …
Here’s The MQ-9 Video Of The Russian Su-27 Intercept Over The Black Sea
A screenshot from the DoD video. The Pentagon released the MQ-9 video showing the Su-27 Flanker making one pass dumping fuel and another pass leading to the collision. As already reported on Mar. 14, 2023, a Russian Su-27 Flanker fighter jet and a US MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft were involved in an inflight collision over the …
Russian Su-27 Flanker Collides With U.S. MQ-9 Reaper Over The Black Sea
A composite image showing a US MQ-9 and a Russian Su-27 flying in close proximity (file photos edited by The Aviationist for illustration purposes only) The Russian aircraft struck the RPA’s propeller forcing the U.S. to bring the Reaper down in international waters. A Russian Su-27 Flanker fighter jet and a US MQ-9 Reaper Remotely …
U.S. Air Mobility Command Removes Tail Numbers And Unit Markings From Aircraft For OPSEC
A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft starts engines at the Luis Muniz Marin International Airport in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Feb. 18, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Courtney Sebastianelli) C-130s and KC-135s have been spotted flying in a plain grey livery with low-visibility USAF roundels and a small US flag …