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Latest Aviation stories, analysis, and updates from SOFREP.
The US Air Force is looking into the possibility of replacing the Martin-Baker ejection seat on the F-35. Defensenews.com is reporting that the United Technologies ACES 5 model is under consideration. Air Force Lt. Gen. Arnold Bunch, the service’s top uniformed acquisition official, confirmed the service’s interest in the ACES 5 design. “We believe it is […]
Current Top Line F-35 number holds at 2443 according to Pentagon Official The current number of F-35’s to be purchased — the largest weapons program ever by many billions of dollars—is holding steady at 2,443 according to Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work. Work noted in a letter to Senator John McCain (as reported by […]
We are excited to continue building our Ready Room of contributing writers. J. Kirkbride joins us from the Air Force side. He’s been a First Assignment Instructor Pilot (FAIP) for the past few years and now he’s working his way through the F-15 syllabus. Welcome aboard J.K.! The Pilot Training Machine The United States is […]
PHILLIPINE SEA (June 18, 2016) The Nimitz-class aircraft carriers USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Greenberg / Released) The USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) strike groups commenced dual carrier flight operations in […]
Happy Father’s Day Fighter Sweep community. I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce the new Assistant Editor for Fighter Sweep. We are incredibly excited to add someone with “Smokin” Joe Ruzicka’s experience and credentials. Smokin is a former Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) in the F-14 Tomcat and Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) in the F-18 […]
Vladimir Putin is an interesting blend of an autocrat and a leader who is acutely aware of his Q-rating. It doesn’t take a cynic to believe he has reinvented the Kremlin of today to mirror the Soviet model he served under as a KGB officer. You would be hard pressed to find someone, perhaps even […]
Thursday, June 2nd, ago was one of the darkest days in recent memory for the Navy and Air Force flight demonstration teams. The Blue Angels have suspended their schedule after the tragic loss of Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss. They announced, during an emotional memorial service, that their first show back would be for their home […]
The Pentagon collected its final F-22 Raptor from Lockheed Martin Corp. four years ago. Amid the Cold War’s end and shrinking defense budgets, the most advanced fighter jet ever built was deemed both unnecessary and unaffordable. Now, Congress has ignited a flicker of hope for fans of the pricey plane. A House subcommittee asked the U.S. Air Force to […]
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) successfully completed the initial flight test of its T-50A configured aircraft. The T-50A is the company’s aircraft offering in the U.S. Air Force’s Advanced Pilot Training competition. “The aircraft in its new configuration with the 5th Gen cockpit and other upgrades performed flawlessly,” said Mark Ward, Lockheed Martin T-50A lead test pilot, after his […]
Watch as F/A-18 Super Hornet jets and E-2C Hawkeye aircraft launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) on June 4, 2016, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. US Navy
“The Air Force’s projected force structure in 2030 is not capable of fighting and winning against [an] array of potential adversary capabilities,” according to the newly released unclassified version of the Air Force’s Air Superiority 2030 Flight Plan. The document, developed during a yearlong study “by an enterprise capability collaboration team [ECCT] composed of Air Force operators, acquirers […]
SIG Sauer is a world-class firearms manufacturer trusted by military, law enforcement, and responsible civilian shooters, delivering precision-engineered weapons, optics, and training systems while maintaining a strong commitment to veteran hiring, American manufacturing, and the professionals who rely on their gear when it matters most.
FightCamp is an at-home boxing and kickboxing training system built around real technique, structured programming, and measurable performance. Members train with fighters and professional coaches while using connected punch and kick trackers that record volume, speed, and power in every round. The result is training that builds conditioning, skill, discipline, and resilience — all from home, on your schedule.
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
Hywell is a premium gear brand specializing in heavy-duty Merino wool boot socks for blue-collar professionals and outdoorsmen. Backed by an ironclad 10-Year Warranty.
Praesidus builds rugged, American-assembled watches inspired by historic military timepieces. Designed for accuracy and tested for endurance, each watch is made for outdoor explorers, everyday adventurers, and anyone who needs reliability when it matters.
Essential Provisions Field Fuel® meals [ready-to-eat] & sports nutrition products have been developed with the cleanest, high-quality nutrient and energy-dense ingredients available. Research has shown that the whole food nutrients contained in our products have the ability to help.
Have you ever tried to wear a fleece hoodie in bad weather? We don’t recommend it. That’s why we founded BÆRSkin in 2019 – to create the world’s best outdoor gear that’s just as comfortable at home as it is durable outdoors. “Bad fitting, bulky, and boring” is how we felt about 1000’s of regular fleece hoodies we tested.
If you’re 21 or older and use nicotine or tobacco, charge ahead with Black Buffalo, America’s only credible smokeless tobacco alternative. Black Buffalo dips just like the real thing without the tobacco leaf or stem. Find Black Buffalo in Wawa, Circle K, Sheetz, Love’s, Pilot, Racetrac, and many more retail locations across the United States.
