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The Aviationist
@theaviationist.com
Unmatched, unconventional, independent coverage of military aviation, defense, tech & everything in the middle.
Edited by David Cenciotti (@cenciotti.theaviationist.com)

https://theaviationist.com
Moody AFB’s 23rd Wing Completes Exercise Mosaic Tiger 26-1

Mosaic Tiger was used as a distributed operations stress test to simulate how the unit would operate in a future high-end conflict.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/28/e...
Moody AFB’s 23rd Wing Completes Exercise Mosaic Tiger 26-1
Mosaic Tiger was used as a distributed operations stress test to simulate how the unit would operate in a future high-end conflict. Exercise Mosaic Tiger
theaviationist.com
November 28, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Egypt Receives More Rafales from Dassault

Photos show that deliveries of Rafales to the Egyptian Air Force resumed, with the country planning a total fleet of 54 aircraft.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/28/e...
Egypt Receives More Rafales from Dassault
Photos show that deliveries of Rafales to the Egyptian Air Force resumed, with the country planning a total fleet of 54 aircraft. Images appeared online
theaviationist.com
November 28, 2025 at 1:41 PM
UK MoD Confirms F-35B Rolling Landings Still in Future Plans

Following reports about the cancellation of a landing aid for the SRVL technique on HMSQE, a Govt minister has clarified that, though timelines have shifted, rolling landings are still planned.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/27/u...
UK MoD Confirms F-35B Rolling Landings Still in Future Plans
Following reports about the cancellation of a landing aid for the SRVL technique on HMS Queen Elizabeth, a Govt minister has clarified that, though
theaviationist.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Misawa BTF’s B-1Bs Continue Exercises While B-52s Conclude BTF Europe 26-1

B-1B Lancer bombers deployed to Japan’s Misawa AB continue exercises with regional partners, while the B-52 Stratofortresses deployed to Spain’s Morón AB returned to Barksdale AFB.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/26/u...
Misawa BTF’s B-1Bs Continue Exercises While B-52s Conclude BTF Europe 26-1
B-1B Lancer bombers deployed to Japan’s Misawa AB continue exercises with regional partners, while the B-52 Stratofortresses deployed to Spain’s Morón AB
theaviationist.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Ukrainian Pilot Touts Mirage 2000’s Effectiveness in Combat

Operating out of forward bases and armed only with Magic 2 missiles, the Mirage is claimed to have a 98% effectiveness against drones and cruise missiles in Ukraine.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/26/u...
Ukrainian Pilot Touts Mirage 2000’s Effectiveness in Combat
Operating out of forward bases and armed only with Magic 2 missiles, the Mirage is claimed to have a 98% effectiveness against drones and cruise missiles
theaviationist.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Ukrainian Strike on Beriev Plant Destroys Russian Laser and AEW Testbeds

Two ultra-rare Russian aircraft have been destroyed in an attack on aircraft manufacturer Beriev’s plant near the Black Sea city of Taganrog.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/25/u...
Ukrainian Strike on Beriev Plant Destroys Russian Laser and AEW Testbeds
Two ultra-rare Russian aircraft have been destroyed in an attack on aircraft manufacturer Beriev's plant near the Black Sea city of Taganrog. Alongside
theaviationist.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:20 PM
F-35s Paved the Way for Strike Package During Operation Midnight Hammer

USAF disclosed for the first time that the F-35s were tasked with the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, and were the first in and last out of Iran during the strike mission.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/25/f...
F-35s Paved the Way for Strike Package During Operation Midnight Hammer
The U.S. Air Force disclosed for the first time that the F-35s were tasked with the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, and were the first in and last out
theaviationist.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Exercise Pinion Titan: British and French Helicopter Air Power Put to the Test

Throughout November, up to 50 British and French helicopters have been staging operations across the UK in a major exercise involving around 2,000 personnel.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/24/e...
Exercise Pinion Titan: British and French Helicopter Air Power Put to the Test
Throughout November, up to 50 British and French helicopters have been staging operations across the UK in a major exercise involving around 2,000
theaviationist.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Kunsan’s 35th Fighter Squadron Arrives at Osan for Super Squadron Phase II

Building up on the previous Super Squadron test, the Seventh Air Force launched a second phase and added another squadron with 31 F-16s at Osan.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/24/3...
Kunsan’s 35th Fighter Squadron Arrives at Osan for Super Squadron Phase II
Building up on the previous Super Squadron test, the Seventh Air Force launched a second phase and added another squadron with 31 F-16s at Osan. The F-16s
theaviationist.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Japan Tests Subaru’s Drones in MUM-T and Autonomous Flight Trials

The Acquisitions, Technology and Logistics Agency said it tested remote operation of drones using tablets from inside a helicopter and autonomous flight navigation.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/24/j...
Japan Tests Subaru’s Drones in MUM-T and Autonomous Flight Trials
The Acquisitions, Technology and Logistics Agency said it tested remote operation of drones using tablets from inside a helicopter and autonomous flight
theaviationist.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Soaring Eagles: F-15C Air Superiority during Desert Storm

Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, caused an international coalition to respond with Op Desert Shield, eventually culminating in the Coalition forces taking control of the skies in Desert Storm

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/23/f...
Soaring Eagles: F-15C Air Superiority during Operation Desert Storm
Iraq’s invasion of its neighbor Kuwait on Aug. 2, 1990, caused an international coalition to respond with Operation Desert Shield, eventually culminating
theaviationist.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Russia’s Unique Tu-134A-4 “Black Pearl” Intercepted Over the Baltic

For the first time in five years, Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons intercepted the rare aircraft, along with Su-30SM2s, as part of the Baltic Air Policing mission.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/23/t...
Russia’s Unique Tu-134A-4 “Black Pearl” Intercepted Over the Baltic
For the first time in five years, Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons intercepted the rare aircraft, along with Su-30SM2s, as part of the Baltic Air
theaviationist.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Automatic Terrain Awareness and Warning System Certified on USMC F/A-18s

The U.S. Marine Corps will field the ATAWS on its F/A-18 Legacy Hornet fleet starting in early 2026.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/22/a...
Automatic Terrain Awareness and Warning System Certified on USMC F/A-18s
The U.S. Marine Corps will field the ATAWS on its F/A-18 Legacy Hornet fleet starting in early 2026. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division has
theaviationist.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:14 PM
DragonFire Laser Weapon Engages High Speed Drones in Latest Test

The DragonFire system successfully shot down drones travelling at up to 650km/h at a range in Scotland, just as a £316m contract for its deployment on a Type 45 destroyer by 2027 was awarded.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/22/d...
DragonFire Laser Weapon Engages High Speed Drones in Latest Test
The DragonFire system successfully shot down drones travelling at up to 650km/h at a range in Scotland, just as a £316m contract for its deployment on a
theaviationist.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:07 PM
U.S. Army AH-64E V6 Apaches Validated in Massive Counter-Drone Drill

Operation Flyswatter tested the AH-64E Version 6 Apache for its networked, data linked combat capabilities against a variety of asymmetric unmanned aerial threats.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/21/o...
U.S. Army AH-64E V6 Apaches Validated in Massive Counter-Drone Drill
Operation Flyswatter tested the AH-64E Version 6 Apache for its networked, data linked combat capabilities against a variety of asymmetric unmanned aerial
theaviationist.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Saudi Arabia’s F-35 Push Advances After U.S.–Saudi Defense Pact

Washington signals the will for a fast approval of a Saudi F-35 sale, reflecting a renewed effort for quicker weapons sales and the new U.S.-Saudi Strategic Defense Agreement.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/21/s...
Saudi Arabia’s F-35 Push Advances After U.S.–Saudi Defense Pact
Washington signals the will for a fast approval of a Saudi F-35 sale, reflecting a renewed effort for quicker weapons sales and the new U.S.-Saudi
theaviationist.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:02 PM
USAF Selects McGhee Tyson ANGB as Next KC-46A Pegasus Base as Boeing Tests RVS 2.0

Boeing is now testing the new Remote Vision System 2.0 for the KC-46A’s troubled telescoping boom system, which addresses serious Category 1 deficiencies.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/21/u...
USAF Selects McGhee Tyson ANGB as Next KC-46A Pegasus Base as Boeing Tests RVS 2.0
Boeing is now testing the new Remote Vision System 2.0 for the KC-46A’s troubled telescoping boom system, which addresses serious Category 1 deficiencies.
theaviationist.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Kizilelma UCAV Flies with Gökdoğan Air-to-Air Missiles

The Kizilema has been testing an AESA radar for a while, while a previous prototype progressed from captive carry trials of air-to-ground munitions to live-fire in a matter of days.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/20/k...
Kizilelma UCAV Flies with Gökdoğan Air-to-Air Missiles
The Kizilema has been testing an AESA radar for a while, while a previous prototype progressed from captive carry trials of air-to-ground munitions to
theaviationist.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Training of U.S. Air Force’s Student Pilots Progresses in Italy

Ten U.S. students are now enrolled at the International Flight Training School to complete a 133-day Basic Jet Training course in the T-346A Master.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/20/u...
Training of U.S. Air Force’s Student Pilots Progresses in Italy
Ten U.S. students are now enrolled at the International Flight Training School to complete a 133-day Basic Jet Training course in the T-346A Master.
theaviationist.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:53 AM
IAF LCA Tejas Crashes at Dubai Air Show, Pilot Killed

This is the second crash of the LCA Tejas, with the first one in 2024 blamed on an ‘engine seizure.’

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/21/i...
IAF LCA Tejas Crashes at Dubai Air Show, Pilot Killed
This is the second crash of the LCA Tejas, with the first one in 2024 blamed on an ‘engine seizure.’ An Indian Air Force LCA Tejas crashed at the ongoing
theaviationist.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Boeing’s MQ-28A Ghost Bat Will Fire AIM-120 AMRAAM in December

The Gen III TacIRST distributed infrared threat‑warning system will equip the F-22 Raptor, with an evaluation planned in 2026.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/20/m...
Boeing’s MQ-28A Ghost Bat Will Fire AIM-120 AMRAAM in December
Boeing Defence Australia and the RAAF conducted a series of significant trials by teaming the Ghost Bat with the service’s major platforms, and will now
theaviationist.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:56 PM
U.S. KC-135 Tanker Tested Advanced Connectivity Systems

The KC-135 was used to expand tactical communications across joint and combined forces for contested, multi-domain operations, and is now testing the High Value Airborne Asset Pod.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/19/u...
U.S. Air Force KC-135 Tanker Tested Advanced Connectivity Systems During REFORPAC 25
The KC-135 was used to expand tactical communications across joint and combined forces for contested, multi-domain operations, and is now testing the High
theaviationist.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Archer Aviation to Supply Hybrid Powertrain to Anduril and Edge's Omen Drone

Anduril previously said a breakthrough in Omen’s development came through collaboration with Archer Aviation, which develops hybrid-electric VTOL systems.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/19/a...
Archer Aviation to Supply Hybrid Powertrain to Anduril and Edge's Omen Drone
Anduril previously said a breakthrough in Omen’s development came through collaboration with Archer Aviation, which develops hybrid-electric VTOL systems.
theaviationist.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Air Force Reserve’s 919th SOW Returns to Gunship Mission with First Flight of AC-130J Ghostrider

The 919th Special Operations Wing flew the AC-130A Spectre for 20 years, before transitioning to non-gunship aircraft, and will now operate the new AC-130J.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/19/9...
Air Force Reserve’s 919th SOW Returns to Gunship Mission with First Flight of AC-130J Ghostrider
The 919th Special Operations Wing flew the AC-130A Spectre for 20 years, before transitioning to non-gunship aircraft, and will now operate the new
theaviationist.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:34 PM
F-15E Strike Eagles Complete Kadena Rotation and First Fighter Deployment to Diego Garcia

Of the twelve F-15Es that the 336th FS deployed to Kadena Air Base, six were sent to NSF Diego Garcia for three months in response to tensions in the Middle East.  

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/18/f...
F-15E Strike Eagles Complete Kadena Rotation and First Fighter Deployment to Diego Garcia
Of the twelve F-15E Strike Eagles that the 336th FS deployed to Kadena Air Base, six were sent to NSF Diego Garcia for three months in response to
theaviationist.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:27 PM