Military Aviation News and Discussion

[koxinga]

The side weapons bay is finally shown.

 

[koxinga]

PLA launches latest stealth jet fighter — J-35A

global.chinadaily.com.cn

The People's Liberation Army Air Force declassified its latest hardware, the J-35A stealth fighter jet, on Tuesday, saying the model will make its public debut at an upcoming airshow.

Colonel Niu Wenbo from the PLA Air Force's Equipment Department told reporters at a news conference in Beijing on Tuesday morning that the J-35A will take part in the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, set for Nov 12-17 in Zhuhai, Guangdong province.

According to him, the J-35A is a mid-size stealth combat plane with multiple roles.

Beside a picture of the J-35A at an airport, the officer did not give details about the new aircraft such as whether it has been commissioned or in which way it will be shown to the public at the exhibition.

The announcement marked that the Chinese military has eventually made public the long-anticipated J-35 series, a hot topic of speculation and analysis among military observers at home and abroad.

Upon its commissioning, China will become the second nation, following the United States, which has two types of stealth fighter jets in active service.
- snip -

 

[koxinga]

The unavoidable comparision, courtesy of Deino.

Other than a choice of a twin engine setup, they probably were "inspired" by the design and layout of the F-35.

x.com

x.com

 

[koxinga]

Comparision between the prototype (T-510) that was brought to the airshow versus the production run. Volk2 on X has a complete set of photos for comparision. The prototypes are definitely more rough around the edges literally, but not by much.

x.com

x.com

 

[Ananda]

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/colombia-buy-saab-fighter-aircraft-swedish-public-radio-reports-2024-11-05/

Nothing official yet from Columbian officials, but there're news on Columbia looking to Gripen as lead option to replace their Kfir. If this is getting through then it is second customer for Gripen in South America. As also Philippines potentially become second Southeast Asia customer.

 

[seaspear]

The unavoidable comparision, courtesy of Deino.

Other than a choice of a twin engine setup, they probably were "inspired" by the design and layout of the F-35.

x.com

x.com

The F 35 does look to have a wider diameter which comes from its core design including the f35b stovl , I would imagine comparing these two aircraft are like comparing apples and oranges and until we know more about this aircrafts capabilities we should not assume this aircraft has abilities that match those of the f35a

 

[Ananda]

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/sweden-picks-embraers-c-390-new-military-cargo-aircraft-2024-11-09/

Another win for C390. Something like this in continuous trend, that can change prospects even to current J users.

 

[John Fedup]

The J-20S, a seat version is described in the link. A second person in the jet for handling loyal wingman jets and other stuff, a huge plus IMHO. Other than 6th Gen projects, which may or maybe not have a second seat, the West has no stealth 2-seat jet. Might explain why the US is expanding the Raider’s role and possibly an increased buy.

China Officially Unveils The J-20S, The World’s First Two-Seat Stealth Fighter

After it first broke cover in 2021, the J-20S two-seat stealth fighter jet’s existence has now been officially confirmed and a scale model has also been

theaviationist.com

 

[John Fedup]

Good news about the B-21 program cost in this article. As NG is bidding on the USN's 6th Gen fighter, perhaps this news will register with the USN decision makers. The USAF is likely becoming more interested in expanded roles for the Raider given the uncertainty wrt their NGAD program.
The B-21’s Price Is Decreasing With Over $5 Billion Saved for the First Five Lots - The Aviationist

 

[SolarisKenzo]

Turkey close to finalizing deal for 40 Eurofighter Typhoons after years of Airbus veto.

Turkey secured 40 Eurofighter Typhoons with Germany’s approval

Turkey has received Germany's green light for the acquisition of 40 Eurofighter jets, a development recently confirmed by Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler.

bulgarianmilitary.com

Typhoon is by far the most popular european fighter jet of the 3 currently in production (Typhoon, Rafale, Gripen).
As of today, 750 planes were ordered (Turkey not included) and the consortium plans to reach 850 planes ordered very soon.
More than 600 planes have been delivered as of early 2024.

EF-2000 ORDERS:
Tranche 1: 148 planes
Tranche 2: 275 planes
Tranche 3: 200 planes
Tranche 4: 103 planes
Potential orders: Turkey (up to 40), Poland (up to 32), Saudi Arabia (up to 54) and Qatar (up to 12).
Qatar and Saudi Arabia are currently negotiating with the consortium and are already operating the plane.