Global Military Updates: September 18, 2024

Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the world of military aviation and defense technology.

Russia to Showcase Su-75 Fighter Jets in India

Russia’s Sukhoi corporation will display the fifth-generation stealth fighter Su-75 Checkmate at the Aero India 2025 air show, scheduled to take place from February 12 to 16, 2025, in Bengaluru, India.

The manufacturer is also willing to provide an exclusive technology transfer contract for the Indian partner to produce Su-75 fighters in the country. This deal could enable New Delhi to become self-sufficient in modern fighter aircraft production and potentially export to other countries.

Russia believes that the Su-75 fighter is a cost-effective solution for countries seeking to own a fifth-generation stealth aircraft, with an estimated cost of $30-35 million per aircraft.

The Su-75 fighter is a light tactical aircraft developed from the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter. It features a compartment for air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons with a payload of approximately 7 tons, a high-performance engine, and advanced systems, including artificial intelligence (AI) and radar that can track 30 targets simultaneously.

US Army Selects UAVs for Company-Level Operations

The US Army has chosen two small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the Ghost X developed by Anduril Industries and the C-100 supplied by Performance Drone Works (PDW), for deployment at the company level.

The initial contract value is $14.4 million, with the number of each type and delivery time undisclosed. These UAVs will serve reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions in training and field deployments.

The Ghost X UAV has a continuous flight time of approximately 75 minutes, a range of 25km, and a maximum payload of about 9kg. The C-100 UAV features a maximum payload of about 4.5kg, an operating range of 10km, and a continuous flight time of about 60-75 minutes.

New Zealand Receives First C-130J-30 Transport Aircraft

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has taken delivery of the first of five C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft, part of a plan to retire the C-130H Hercules transport aircraft fleet that has been in service since the 1960s.

The US will provide accompanying support equipment, including engines, navigation systems, communications systems, and sensors. Washington will also assist in training pilots and maintenance technicians for the C-130J, with New Zealand expected to train its own personnel from 2026.

The C-130J-30 Super Hercules is the most advanced variant of the C-130 aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It features four turboprop engines, a speed of over 670km/h, and a range of over 5,200km, with a maximum payload of nearly 20 tons.