According to classified papers cited by The Washington Post, the WZ-8 drone, capable of flying at speeds three times faster than the speed of sound and at an altitude of 30 kilometers inaccessible to air defense systems, could significantly enhance China’s intelligence-gathering capabilities. Satellite images obtained by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) reportedly show two […] The post Leaked files: China deploys WZ-8 spy drones to fly over Taiwan first appeared on Defence Blog ..read more

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) revealed details of the operation that led to the successful interception of a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, which launched Kh-22 missiles toward Ukraine. In a joint operation with the Air Force, Ukrainian forces shot down one of the Tu-22M3 bombers engaged in a missile attack on Ukraine during the night of […] The post Ukraine provides details of operation to down Tu-22M3 bomber first appeared on Defence Blog ..read more

Observers have spotted a Chinese new WZ-8 high-speed reconnaissance drone under the fuselage of a People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Xian H-6 bomber. The WZ-8 is reportedly designed to operate at speeds three times faster than sound, soaring at an altitude of 30 kilometers. Primarily intended for strategic aerial reconnaissance missions across Southeast Asia, […] The post Chinese mystery drone spotted attached to H-6 bomber first appeared on Defence Blog ..read more

Multiple Russian sources have confirmed reports that a Russian Tu-22M3 long-range bomber was struck by a Ukrainian surface-to-air missile and subsequently crashed while attempting to return to its base amid engine fires. According to the Dva Mayora channel on Telegram, the Tu-22M3 came close to reaching its base after covering a considerable distance but was […] The post Russian sources confirm downing of Tu-22M3 by Ukrainian Forces first appeared on Defence Blog ..read more

The Ukrainian Air Force, led by Commander Mykola Oleshchuk, announced via social media that they have successfully intercepted Russian Kh-22 missiles for the first time. During the night of April 19, 2024, Russian forces launched a combined missile strike, including six Kh-22 cruise missiles from their Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bombers, originating from the Black and […] The post Ukraine intercepts Russian Kh-22 missiles for the first time first appeared on Defence Blog ..read more

A Tu-22M3 Backfire swing-wing bomber crashed in the Stavropol Krai of Russia, shortly after conducting a missile strike on Ukraine, as reported by Russian media outlets. According to Governor Vladimir Vladimirov, the aircraft went down in the Chervonogvardeisky district of Stavropol Krai, with the pilots ejecting from the plane. Search and rescue teams have located […] The post Russian Tu-22M3 bomber crashes after night strike on Ukraine first appeared on Defence Blog ..read more

Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers executed a routine training mission, designated as Bomber Task Force 24-2, flying from Morón Air Base, Spain, to Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, on April 15, 2024, fostering crucial cooperation amidst regional tensions. The Air Force said in a release that during the mission, the American aircraft seamlessly integrated […] The post US Air Force B-1B bombers arrive at Incirlik base in Türkiye first appeared on Defence Blog ..read more

U.S. Air Force long-range B-52 bombers from the 20th Bomb Squadron executed a landing at a civilian airfield as part of exercise Bayou Vigilance on April 12, 2024. Conducted by the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Bayou Vigilance exercises are designed to enhance the readiness and effectiveness of the unit by […] The post US B-52 bombers land at international airport first appeared on Defence Blog ..read more

On April 17, Ukrainian forces launched a series of missile strikes targeting the Russian military airfield in Dzhankoi, located in the occupied Crimea. The precision strike, believed to have been carried out with US-made ATACMS missiles, inflicted significant damage on Russian air defense systems, including the destruction of multiple S-400 launchers and radar. Reports from […] The post Ukrainian forces destroy Russian air defense systems in Crimea first appeared on Defence Blog ..read more

Last week, Russian forces targeted and destroyed one of Ukraine’s largest power plants, the Trypilska plant, exacerbating an already dire situation exacerbated by a shortage of missile defenses. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed the extent of the attack in an exclusive interview with PBS, detailing how eleven missiles were launched at the plant. Despite successfully […] The post Russia hits one of Ukraine’s largest power plants amid shortage of missile defenses first appeared on Defence Blog ..read more