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☆ New French Mirage fighter jets could help Ukraine skirt one of the biggest roadblocks for the F-16 program
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-12 | by ( Sinéad Baker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

France also said it was training Ukrainian pilots. That's a big benefit, experts said, as the F-16 training program keeps being delayed. AdvertisementFrance's plan for getting Ukraine new Western fighter jets could help it skirt a big issue facing the F-16 program. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stands against the background of Ukraine's Air Force's F-16 fighter jets in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force's F-16 fighter jets fly in an undisclosed location in Ukraine.

Persons: —, Sébastien Lecornu, Gordon, Skip, Davis, Lockheed Martin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, it's, Michael Bohnert, George Barros, Barros, Lecornu, Tim Robinson, Bohnert, Denmark — that's, Abrams, Robinson Organizations: Service, Ukraine, Ukraine Mirage, US Army, Lockheed, Politico, Street, AP, Pravda, RAND Corporation, Mirage, Institute for, Dassault Aviation, La Tribune, Ukrine's, Ukrainian, UK's Royal Aeronautical Society Locations: Ukraine, France, Ukrainian, Western, Russia, Nancy, US, Denmark, Romania, Soviet, Norway, Belgium, Netherlands

☆ This French fighter jet Ukraine will get next can launch the stealthy Storm Shadow missiles that have frustrated Russia
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-08 | by ( Sinéad Baker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

France is going to send Ukraine Mirage fighter jets, the second Western jet type it will receive. The jets can carry Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, and Ukraine's jets will reportedly have them. AdvertisementThe new Mirage fighter jets France promised to Ukraine will give it another combat platform able to launch the Western Storm Shadow missiles it has been using to frustrate Russia. AdvertisementIt is unclear how many Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles France may commit as part of the effort. It also not clear how many of the missiles Ukraine currently has.

Persons: —, Sébastien Lecornuhas, Storm, Tim Robinson, Gordon, Skip, Davis, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vitalii, JUSTIN TALLIS Organizations: Ukraine Mirage, Service, Storm, Shadow, YouTube, Ukrainian Air Force, Dassault Aviation, La Tribune, Russia, UK's Royal Aeronautical Society, US Army, Getty, BBC, Tribune, Politico, Biden Locations: France, Ukraine, Russia, Kyiv

☆ A US ally is forging ties with China's air force but probably won't get its J-20 stealth fighter
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Paul Iddon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The UAE is boosting ties with China's air force. Major General Saleh Mohammed bin Mejren Al Ameri, commander of the UAE's Joint Operations, met with the commander of China's People's Liberation Army Air Force on April 23 to promote closer air force cooperation. Another even speculated Abu Dhabi may eventually seek China's premier stealth fighter: the fifth-generation J-20 Mighty Dragon. I don't see this relationship developing into something similar to what the UAE Air Force has with France or even Russia anytime soon." Furthermore, the Emirati air force fighter fleet is already large for such a small country, making it unlikely the L-15s will serve any combat role.

Persons: —, General Saleh Mohammed bin Mejren Al Ameri, China's, Abu Dhabi, Abu, Abu Dhabi's, Ahmed Aboudouh, Aboudouh, Washington's hesitance, Fred Tanneau, Sebastien Roblin, Roblin, haven't, Russia's Su, Robin Organizations: Service, United, Liberation Army Air Force, Dassault Rafales, Chatham House, China Studies Unit, Emirates Policy Center, Rafale, Dassault Aviation, UAE Air Force, UAE, China hasn't, FC, Korea's KF, UAE . The Emirates, KF Locations: UAE, Washington, Beijing, United Arab Emirates, China, United States, Abu Dhabi, UAE's, France, Abu, Russia, Saudi, Pakistan, Ukraine

☆ F-16: Ukraine pilot races to get to grips with fighter jet
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( Daria Markina-Tarasova | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Kyiv, Ukraine CNN —It can take years to fully train an F-16 fighter pilot. Moonfish is the call sign of a Ukrainian pilot who is training to fly the United States-designed multirole aircraft. In August, after months of lobbying by Kyiv, the US committed to approving the transfer of fourth-generation fighter jets to Ukraine. Ukrainian Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk told CNN that Ukrainian air defenses destroy on average about 75% of incoming cruise missiles and attack drones, but that the remainder of the weapons still reach their targets. He couldn’t attend the funeral or say goodbye but says he continues the F-16 training for the sake of Pilshchikov as well as for his comrades.

Persons: “, –, Moonfish, ”, ” Moonfish, ” Yurii Ihnat, Ben Guerir, Fadel Senna, Mykola Oleshchuk, ” Oleshchuk, Mose, Andriy Pilshchikov, ” Pilshchikov, couldn’t, “ Andriy Organizations: Ukraine CNN, CNN, Swiss Army, Ukraine’s Air Force Command, Russia, US Air Force, Getty, Russian, Ukrainian Air Force, Air, ” Troops, Separate Assault Brigade Locations: Kyiv, Ukraine, Ukrainian, United States, Swiss, Russia, Ben, Marrakesh, AFP, Moscow, Bakhmut, Donetsk region

☆ Worried about Western jets, Russia is likely to risk its early warning planes near the front lines to give its formidable S-400s an edge, intel says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( Natalie Musumeci | Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Russia has likely started using its valuable early warning planes in the Ukraine war, UK intel said. British intelligence said Moscow may be worried about Kyiv deploying Western fighter jets. Russia will likely "accept more risk" by flying A-50 Mainstay D aircraft close to the front line, the group said. "This adds to Mainstay's core mission of co-ordinating fighter aircraft," the intelligence update said. The Beriev A-50 Photo by Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency via Getty ImagesAny potential concern over Western fighter jets comes as Ukrainian pilots and personnel are training on how to fly and maintain American-made F-16 fighter jets.

Persons: —, Wojciech Grzedzinski, Sefa Karacan, they're Organizations: intel, Western, Service, Anadolu Agency, Getty, Russia, US, Patriot Locations: Russia, Ukraine, British, Moscow, Kyiv, Kostiantynivka, Britain, Europe

☆ Russian airline aims for patched up Airbus to take off from field where it landed
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( Gleb Stolyarov | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Airbus A320 which had been flying from Sochi to Omsk with 167 people on board, landed safely in the field in western Siberia's Novosibirsk region on Sept. 12. Ural Airlines said a hydraulics fault was to blame. "According to the preliminary technical assessment of specialists, the aircraft is in good condition," Ural Airlines said in a statement. "Several options are being considered for the plane taking off from the field," Ural said, such as the plane's seats being removed to make the aircraft lighter. Ural Airlines did not respond to Reuters' questions about any contacts with Airbus, repair costs or any risks to its plan.

Persons: Alexey Malgavko, Gleb Stolyarov, Alexander Marrow, Mark Potter Organizations: Airbus, Ural, REUTERS, Ural Airlines, West, Boeing, Reuters, CFM International, Thomson Locations: Sochi, Omsk, Kamenka, Novosibirsk, Russia, Ural, Siberia, Ukraine, Siberia's Novosibirsk, Moscow

☆ Sweden is exploring giving Ukraine its Gripens, fighters said to be by far the 'most suitable' of the available Western jets for battling Russia: report
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Sweden is considering sending Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, according to a new report. Even if Stockholm agrees to send Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, because it would first take time to consider the transfer and then train Ukrainian pilots, the fighter jets likely wouldn't see combat experience until mid-2024 at the earliest, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Watch: VIDEO: Why Russia's military is failing so far in UkraineA Saab JAS-39C Gripen at RAF Fairford during the Royal Military Air Tattoo on July 15, 2023. Saab JAS 39 Gripens taxi during the NATO exercise Loyal Arrow outside Lulea in northern Sweden on June 10, 2009. Although Sweden has poured cold water on the idea of sending Gripens to Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last month that his country's service members were already starting to test out the fighter jets.

Persons: Gripens, Sweden's, Saab JAS, Matthew Horwood, PATRICK TRAGARDH, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, there's Organizations: Gripen, Lawmakers, Service, Saab, RAF Fairford, Royal Military Air, Getty, Swedish Saab Gripen, Royal United Services Institute, Swedish Air Force, Ukrainian Air Force, NATO Locations: Sweden, Ukraine, Stockholm, Kyiv, Wall, Silicon, Europe, Russian, Swedish, Ukrainian, Lulea, AFP, NATO, Czech Republic

☆ Lessor AerCap agrees settlement over Aeroflot jets stranded in Russia
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( Conor Humphries | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Before last year's invasion of Ukraine, Russia was a major market for aircraft lessors, which bought jets from Boeing (BA.N) and Airbus (AIR.PA) and leased them to Russian airlines. Aeroflot said in a statement that ownership of 18 aircraft and five engines had transferred to NSK following settlement with AerCap. AerCap filed a $3.5 billion London lawsuit last year against AIG and Lloyd's over 141 aircraft and 29 aircraft engines it owned that were on lease to Russian airlines. AerCap said settlement discussions were ongoing with respect to claims under the insurance policies of several other Russian airlines. AerCap in March said it had been approached by Russian airlines and their insurance companies about possible settlements for the stranded planes.

Persons: BOE, Denis Balibouse, AerCap, lessors, Conor Humphries, Gleb Stolyarov, Kirstin Ridley, Jason Neely, David Evans, Peter Graff Organizations: Airbus, Russian, Aeroflot, REUTERS, DUBLIN, NSK, Rossiya, Boeing, U.S . Treasury, Commerce, AIG, SMBC Aviation, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Geneva, Switzerland, Russia, Ukraine, Ireland, Moscow, NSK, AerCap, EU

Oleg Panteleev, head of the AviaPort aviation think-tank in Moscow, said Russian airlines have "solved the problem" of operating under Western sanctions. When those firms stopped providing services – Lufthansa Technik said it suspended sales to Russia from Feb. 28, 2022 – Russian airlines turned to a pool of far smaller suppliers. Ivan Melnicov, chief executive of Air Rock and another aircraft parts distributor in Moldova called Aerostage Services, denied selling products to Russia. Most of the shipments listed in Russian customs records as having been made by Air Rock and Aerostage took circuitous routes, transiting through the UAE or Kyrgyzstan. He said Skyparts had procured one of the Northrop Grumman parts from a U.S. supplier but denied ever sending it to Russia.

Persons: Paul Hanna, Northrop, Oleg Panteleev, Kirill Skuratov, Northrop Grumman, Ivan Melnicov, Melnicov, Aerostage, Kafolati Komil, Mahmadbashir Yakubov, Kafolati, Skyparts FZCO, Lisa Barrington, Saeed Abdulloev, Skyparts, Karine Bukrey, Ramses Turizm, Bukrey's, Ramazan, Bukrey, Akpinar, Nordwind, Valery Pashaev, Pashaev, Maurice Tamman, David Clarke, Daniel Flynn Organizations: Ural Airlines Airbus, Palma de Mallorca, REUTERS, Rights, U.S ., Northrop Grumman, Central Asia, Airbus, Boeing, Ural Airlines, Northrop, United Arab Emirates, Western, Reuters, of Commerce, European Union, Russian, S7 Airlines, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Aeroflot, Lufthansa Technik, Engineering, Rock Solutions, Air Rock, Aerostage Services, Airlines, UAE, Istikloliyat, Skyparts, Nordwind Airlines, Thomson Locations: Palma de, Spain, Russian, Yekaterinburg, U.S, Moscow, Russia, Central, Ukraine, Tajikistan, UAE, Turkey, China, Kyrgyzstan, Swiss, Germany, Moldova, Air, Moldovan, Saudi Arabia, Komilchon, Ural, Dubai, United Arab, Turkish, Antalya, Nusret, Technic, New York

☆ Ukraine desperately wants F-16s because without them all it has are Soviet-era fighter jets that simply aren't cutting it
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Ukraine has long sought F-16s, believing the Western fighter jets would be a boon to their arsenal. Danil Shamkin/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesUkraine is currently flying Soviet-made MiG-29 and Su-27 multirole fighters against a larger and technologically superior Russian air force. The aircraft are underdogs compared to Russian fighter aircraft like the MiG-31s and Su-25s, which feature advanced radars that allow them to see and locate targets further away, among other higher-end capabilities. Ukraine's been operating much of its air force from "remote locations, places that the Russians wouldn't expect," Tannehill added. One of the biggest challenges for the Ukrainian air forces has been Russia's formidable air defenses, which have kept much of Kyiv's air force far from the front lines.

Persons: Justin Bronk, Danil, Tannehill, Taylor Crul, they'd, Joe Biden, Abrams, It's, Bronk, they're Organizations: Service, Ukraine, Soviet, Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy, Royal United Services Institute, NATO, Ukrainian Air Force, Getty Images, US Navy, Kyiv, Patriots, US Air Force, Falcon, White House, Pentagon, AIM, Air Missile, Air Force, Reuters Locations: Ukraine, Soviet, Wall, Silicon, Ukrainian, Vasylkiv, Kyiv, Getty Images Ukraine, Russian, Russia, Moscow, Taylor Crul Ukraine

But two months after President Joe Biden announced US support for training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s, there remain a number of critical details to work out. It is also still unclear which countries will commit F-16s to the training program – and to Ukraine itself once the program is finished. The training program will be for Ukraine and “also for other countries who are transitioning to the fourth generation fighter jets,” she said. The number of Ukrainian pilots set to be trained is also still being determined, but the Air Force memo recommended a pool of 10-12 participants. “The United States will not be the holdup in ensuring that this F-16 training can get under way.”

Persons: Volodymyr Zelensky, Joe Biden, Biden, ”, Kajsa Ollongren, “, Strategic Communications John Kirby, ’ skillset, Jake Sullivan Organizations: Washington CNN, CNN, Denmark’s Ministry of Defense, Skrydstrup Fighter Base, Dutch Ministry of Defense, Dutch Defense, NATO, National Security, Strategic Communications, Vasco Cotovio, US Air Force, The Air Force, Morris Air National Guard Base, Force, Yahoo, an Air Force, Air Force, Ukraine’s Air Force, American, Russian, National Locations: Ukraine, Denmark, Romania, American, Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Europe, Tucson , Arizona, Soviet, United States

☆ UK government plan to deport migrants to Rwanda is unlawful, court rules
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

[1/3] Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaking during a press conference as he gives an update on the progress made in the six months since he introduced the Illegal Migration Bill under his plans to "stop the boats", at Western Jet Foil in Dover, Britain. Picture date: Monday June 5, 2023. Yui Mok/Pool via... Read moreLONDON, June 29 (Reuters) - The British government's plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful, London's Court of Appeal ruled on Thursday in a judgment that gives a blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's pledge to stop migrants from arriving on small boats. The three senior appeal court judges ruled, by a majority, that Rwanda could not be treated as a safe third country. (This story has been corrected to state the ruling is a blow, not a boost, in paragraph 1)Reporting by Michael HoldenOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Rishi Sunak, Yui Mok, Rishi Sunak's, Michael Holden Organizations: Western Jet, Thomson Locations: Dover, Britain, British, Rwanda

Yui Mok/Pool via REUTERSLONDON, June 5 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Monday his plan to stop migrants arriving in small boats had reduced crossings by 20%, an update he hopes will ease criticism from his party and in the country over immigration policy. "In the five months since I launched the plan, crossings are now down 20% compared to last year," Sunak told a news conference in southern England. "The plan is working," he said, adding his government was not complacent and would work hard to make sure parliament passed a new law. Sunak urged parliament to pass his new Illegal Migration Bill, which will allow for the swift detention and deportation of people arriving on small boats back to their homeland or to so-called safe third countries such as Rwanda. Reporting by Sarah Young, writing by Farouq Suleiman and Elizabeth Piper; editing by Kate Holton and Nick MacfieOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Rishi Sunak, Yui Mok, Sunak, Sarah Young, Farouq Suleiman, Elizabeth Piper, Kate Holton, Nick Macfie Organizations: Western Jet, REUTERS LONDON, British, Conservative Party, Labour Party, Thomson Locations: Dover, Britain, England, Albania, London, Rwanda

Here is a look at the F-16, why Ukraine wants it and why the Biden administration is hesitant to supply it. It has flown in American conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, the Persian Gulf and on homeland defense missions in U.S. airspace. There are approximately 3,000 currently in active military service worldwide, including hundreds in the U.S. Air Force and Navy. Without modern fighter jets, “no air defense system will be perfect,” President Volodymyr Zelensky told European leaders gathered at a summit in Reykjavik, Iceland, this week. He also said it would be unlikely for Britain, with its “special relationship” with America, to push ahead with trying to provide F-16s if the Biden administration was not at least somewhat on board.

☆ How Russia could spot Ukrainian F-16s before they even got off the ground, according to an air-warfare expert
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-25 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Those calls center on the US-made F-16, which proponents say will boost Ukraine's air force. But Russia would notice if Ukraine began modifying its airbases to support F-16s, one expert says. Despite being numerically and technologically outmatched by Russian aircraft and air-to-air missiles, Ukraine's air force has proven remarkably resilient and resourceful. But so far, Russia has chosen to not to use its limited stockpile of long-range missiles against Ukrainian airbases because Ukrainian airpower "doesn't pose a massive threat," Bronk said. US Air National Guard crews replace a part on an F-16 at Ukraine's Mirgorod Air Base in July 2011.

☆ Russia's Aeroflot sends aircraft for repair to Iran
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MOSCOW, April 11 (Reuters) - Russia's largest air carrier Aeroflot (AFLT.MM), whose aircraft maintenance capabilities are crippled by Western sanctions, sent one of its Airbus (AIR.PA) planes to Iran for repair, the company said on Tuesday. According to the flight tracking system Flightradar24 the Airbus A330-300 flew to Tehran on April 5 and remains there until now. "The maintenance of the Airbus A330 aircraft (in Iran) will be implemented by a provider for a wide range of work," Aeroflot said in a statement. RBC media outlet first reported about the maintenance in Iran. Aeroflot declined to comment on details and did not name the operator that will carry out the repair.

☆ Ukraine's air force is now allowing foreigners to sign up as pilots as it pushes for Western fighter jets
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-24 | by ( Joshua Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Ukraine's Air Force will now allow foreigners to serve as pilots, engineers, and specialists. Ukraine said that its air force has been inundated with offers from people willing to fight Russia. Yurii Ihnat, a spokesperson for the commander of Ukraine's air force, said in a statement Thursday that foreign citizens will be able to join if they have suitable military training. Despite bipartisan calls in the US for President Joe Biden's administration to send F-16s, Biden himself said on February 24 that Ukraine "doesn't need F-16s now." Serhii Holubtsov, chief of aviation of Ukraine's Air Force, however, told The Times of London that Ukrainian fighter pilots would be ready to fly F-16 jets after fewer than six months of training.

☆ Terrifying video of Russian plane losing cabin pressure mid-flight shows how dangerous it's gotten to fly in Russia
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( Sophia Ankel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A video of the incident shows panicked passengers with oxygen masks on their faces. An expert told Insider that Western jets are deteriorating due to a lack of servicing and parts. Musician Andrey Saltanov, who was also on the flight and verified the video to Insider, said: "The plane turned out to be ancient. The main federal investigating authority in Russia told RIA Novosti that the flight was forced to land "due to depressurization of the aircraft cabin," adding that an investigation is ongoing. One expert told Insider that flying in Russia could become increasingly dangerous.

☆ Terrifying video shows a Russian plane losing cabin pressure mid-flight — showing how dangerous it's gotten to fly in Russia
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( Sophia Ankel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A video of the incident shows panicked passengers with oxygen masks on their faces. An expert told Insider that Western jets are deteriorating due to a lack of servicing and parts. The main federal investigating authority in Russia told RIA Novosti that the flight was forced to land "due to depressurization of the aircraft cabin," adding that an investigation is ongoing. One expert told Insider that flying in Russia could become increasingly dangerous. "Access to spare parts, which are sanctioned, is very limited," Denis Brailsford, the head of asset management at the UK's leading aviation consultancy group IBA, told Insider.

☆ Now that Ukraine is finally getting the tanks it wants, it's already looking for the next big thing — fighter jets
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Jake Epstein | John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Ukraine is finally getting the tanks it wants, but there's more on the wishlist. Kyiv says the next thing it wants is fighter jets. Yuriy Sak, an advisor to the Ukrainian defense minister, concurred, telling Reuters that "the next big hurdle will now be the fighter jets." Throughout Russia's 11-month-long war, Ukraine has repeatedly pressed the US and other partners to provide Western fighter jets. This pattern has been seen with rocket artillery, high-profile air defense systems, armored fighting vehicles, and, most recently, tanks.

☆ China certifies Embraer jet that could take on homegrown model
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The capacity compares with the 90-seat ARJ21 regional jet and 168-seat C919 narrowbody jet produced by Commercial Aviation Corp of China (COMAC). Embraer Commercial Aviation Chief Executive Officer Arjan Meijer said in a statement that the E190-E2 certification would usher in more business opportunities in China. Airbus SE (AIR.PA) has not yet received Chinese certification for its A220 narrowbody jet. The smaller A220-100 version seats up to 135 passengers while the larger A220-300 model fits up to 160. Airbus did not respond immediately to a request for comment on its A220 certification progress in China.

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