The Su-30 heavyweight fighter has been by far the most successful derivative of the Soviet Su-27 Flanker air superiority platform on world export markets, with over 550 having been sold abroad and the Russian Air Force and Navy themselves having acquired close to 150 since 2009. The fighter adapted the […]
Following confirmation in December 2021 that Pakistan had become the first foreign client for China’s J-10C ‘4++ generation’ fighter, the first images of the aircraft in Pakistani colours emerged on February 15. In December Pakistan’s Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed stated that the a full J-10C squadron would be in service […]
Having entered service in 2021 after over half a decade of delays, the S-500 long range surface to air missile system provided an additional higher layer to the Russian air defence network and currently has no near peer competitors in the world in terms of performance. The system has a […]
The Iranian Defence Ministry emerged as a promising client for Soviet combat aircraft from 1989, after the death of Iran’s vehemently anti-Soviet Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini brought a new leadership to power that pursued closer ties to Moscow in the face of common Western adversaries. The USSR had made multiple […]
Although gaining considerably less publicity than other programs to develop new generations of Russian military aircraft such as the Ka-52 attack helicopter or Tu-160M bomber, the A-100 airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft has the potential to serve as an important force multiplier for the capabilities of the Russian fleet. The […]
Amid high tensions with Russia, and following multiple warnings from NATO leaders that Moscow could be planning an invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, the United States Air Force has made a series of deployments of combat aircraft to forward positions in the European theatre. The first of these, reported on February […]
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have reportedly deployed a battalion of S-300 air defence systems to the country’s eastern Donbas regions, according to sources in the self proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic separatist enclave. “According to our information, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are carrying out activities that we view as preparations for offensive […]
In the early hours of February 11 it was announced that the Indonesian Defence Ministry had signed a $13.9 billion contract for the acquisition of 36 Boeing F-15 Eagle heavyweight fighter jets from the United States. This made Indonesia the seventh client for the fighter after Israel, Japan, Saudi Arabia, […]
As a leading client for Soviet combat aircraft during the Cold War, the Syrian Arab Air Force was prioritised by Moscow for delivery of sophisticated aerial warfare systems due to its strategic frontline position against both the United States, which it clashed with in neighbouring Lebanon, as well as with […]
On February 10 the French Defence Ministry announced that Indonesia was planning an order for 42 Rafale fighter jets under an $8.1 billion deal. Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto stated in a meeting with his French counterpart Florence Parly to this effect: “We’re planning to acquire 42 Rafale,” with Parly adding: […]