Latest news with #F-35
AllAfrica
an hour ago
- Business
- AllAfrica
Turkey's hypersonic ups Middle East arms race ante
Turkey has just fired a bold new shot in the Middle East arms race with a hypersonic missile that could redraw the balance of power across the region. This month, Newsweek reported Turkey's public unveiling of its first hypersonic-capable missile, the Tayfun Block-4, at the ongoing International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul. Developed by state-owned defense firm Roketsan, the Tayfun Block-4 marks a significant step in Turkey's pursuit of indigenous strategic systems amid regional volatility and its broader defense modernization push. Operating at hypersonic cruise speeds, the land-based ballistic missile boasts a range exceeding 280 kilometers and carries a pre-shaped fragmentation warhead guided by an in-space navigation system. It is engineered to target high-value assets such as integrated air defenses, hardened infrastructure, and command-and-control nodes. Roketsan confirms the weapon's weight exceeds seven tons and states it is not earmarked for export. The launch forms part of Turkey's wider military expansion—encompassing a fifth-generation fighter and a domestically built aircraft carrier—amid renewed efforts to re-engage with the US F-35 program following its 2019 suspension tied to the acquisition of Russia's S-400 missile defense system. Turkey may leverage the Tayfun to project power and deter regional rivals, but its pursuit of strategic autonomy risks fueling instability and straining NATO cohesion. Ozgur Eksi and Kaan Azman argue in a June 2025 TurDef article that Iran's recent strikes on Israel show that Tehran retains the capability to hit back despite heavy US sanctions, and that hypersonic missiles may pose a vulnerability to Israel's layered air defense. They add that in response, Turkey is building its own layered 'Steel Dome' missile and air defense network, while simultaneously developing hypersonic, ballistic and cruise missile capabilities for deterrence. To fast-track development, Eksi and Azman note that Turkey may modify the existing Tayfun short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) into a hypersonic platform, significantly reducing production time. The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) further notes that Turkey plans to extend the Tayfun's range to 1,000 kilometers, marking an evolutionary path from tactical to theater-range systems. The Tayfun may also tie into Turkey's broader strategy for Middle East power projection. John Sheldon writes in a December 2024 report for the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) that regional states are increasingly adopting long-range ballistic and cruise missiles as cost-effective alternatives to traditional airpower, allowing for precision strikes without risking pilots or expensive platforms. He notes that these systems offer both state and non-state actors the means to influence adversary behavior through deterrence and coercion and provide operational flexibility in both conventional and hybrid conflicts. Jeffrey Lewis underscores this point in an October 2021 NTI article, noting that 11 countries in the region—among them Bahrain, Iran, Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen, the UAE, and Turkey—possess long-range missiles at or above the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Category I threshold. He adds that six of these nations have or are developing indigenous manufacturing capabilities, signaling a broader shift toward domestic arms production and strategic autonomy. This evolving arsenal plays directly into Turkey's regional strategy. Emadeddin Badi and Abdullah al-Jabassini argue in a January 2025 Atlantic Council article that Turkey's simultaneous military interventions in Syria and Libya reveal an assertive Mediterranean strategy aimed at reshaping regional balances through force projection, maritime maneuvering and diplomatic leverage. They observe that this dual-theater engagement highlights a vision of an interconnected Mediterranean sphere but warn that it exposes Turkey to overextension and backlash. Notably, they add that Israel views Turkey's growing footprint in Syria as a direct threat, prompting intensified airstrikes to curb Turkish influence. They write that while Turkey's strategy—blending military power with diplomacy and economic tools—has yielded short-term gains, it rests on fragile foundations. They further note that regional volatility and pushback from powers like Russia and Israel continue to test the limits of Turkish ambitions. Such developments carry broader regional implications. Jean-Loup Samaan warns in a June 2022 Trends Advisory Research article that the proliferation of hypersonic weapons heightens the risk of instability for states like Turkey. He notes that even with high-end systems like Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), the Middle East remains vulnerable to missile saturation, and hypersonics could further widen these gaps. For Turkey, a NATO member with growing regional entanglements, Samaan argues that the introduction of such weapons could deepen strategic asymmetries, particularly vis-a-vis Iran and Russia. He cautions that Iranian acquisition of hypersonic capabilities—primarily through collaboration with Russia or China—could upend deterrence dynamics across the Eastern Mediterranean. While Samaan writes that hypersonics may not fundamentally revolutionize warfare, they complicate threat assessments and strategic planning, especially for middle powers. He concludes that these weapons force states like Turkey to innovate faster, recalibrate command hierarchies and rethink defense postures in an already fragmented regional security landscape. The Tayfun's development could also impact Turkey's relations with NATO, especially amid tensions with fellow member Greece. In December 2022, the Associated Press (AP) reported that the Greek government accused Turkey of 'North Korea-like behavior' after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to strike Athens with ballistic missiles. AP noted that the two countries, long locked in disputes over maritime boundaries and energy rights in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, have nearly gone to war three times in the past 50 years. Expanding on this, Marianna Serveta notes in a September 2024 Swedish Defence Research Agency article that while the Tayfun is symbolically tied to Turkey's push for strategic autonomy, it is fundamentally a tactical system shaped by local defense priorities. She argues that its development reflects Turkey's push for operational independence amid arms embargoes and NATO mistrust, geared more toward boosting maneuverability than redefining alliance-level deterrence. Turkey's hypersonic push may elevate its regional clout, but it also deepens the fault lines in an already volatile landscape. As the Tayfun nears operational deployment, the challenge will be calibrating its deterrent value without tipping the region into further escalation.
India.com
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- India.com
Rafale, Typhoon, F-22, F-35, and J-20, why are most fighter jets painted in grey color? The answer will surprise you
With this coating, a jet's radar visibility (called its 'signature') is reduced by nearly 97 per cent. This technology is used in many advanced jets like Turkey's new KAAN, and also in aircraft like the Rafale, F-22, and F-35. It helps them avoid being seen by enemy radar. Why most fighter jets are grey? The grey color isn't just about looks, it is part of the strategy. Grey helps the jet blend into both the sky and the ground, making it harder to spot with the naked eye. Jets like the F-5 Tiger II use two or three shades of grey to better match different backgrounds. In war, this kind of visual camouflage is the first line of defense against being seen and targeted. How paint helps fighter jets avoid heat-tracking missiles The hotter a fighter jet gets, the easier it is to spot using thermal cameras or heat-seeking missiles. That's why new types of paint, like low-emissivity topcoats, are now being used. These special coatings help keep the surface of the jet cooler, which lowers its thermal signature, making it harder for enemy infrared sensors to detect. Lighter paint saves fuel and boosts speed In 2025, UK's EasyJet airline used a new lightweight paint that made each airplane about 27 kg lighter. This small change could save up to 1,200 tons of fuel across their entire fleet every year. In fighter jets, though, lightweight paint is not just for saving fuel, it's used to improve performance. A lighter jet faces less air resistance (or drag), so it can fly faster, farther, and with better agility during missions. Outsmarting modern sensors Today's enemy technology goes far beyond radar. It also includes infrared, ultraviolet, and even multi-spectral sensors that can detect heat, light, and more. To stay hidden, modern fighter jets are now using anti-thermal and multi-spectral coatings. These advanced paints reflect light and heat in special ways to confuse different types of sensors, which helps the jet remain unseen from all angles. Fighter jets follow strict painting rules Every air force in the world has its own painting rules for fighter jets. It's not just about choosing a color, jets must also have safety markings, maintenance codes, and warning signs painted in the right places. If a jet doesn't follow these military painting standards, it might not be allowed to fly. In some cases, the jet can even be grounded or suspended until it meets the rules. Why most fighter jets are painted grey The grey color you see on fighter jets isn't just for style, it's carefully chosen for many smart reasons: It reflects sunlight evenly, so the jet doesn't get too hot. It's less visible to the human eye, making it harder to spot in the sky. It helps reduce visibility on radar systems too.
Qatar Tribune
13 hours ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Turkey to receive Eurofighter jets after Germany, UK agreements
dpa Berlin/Istanbul The German government has cleared the way for the export of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey, removing a key obstacle to a major arms deal involving the United Kingdom. German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius confirmed in Berlin on Wednesday that the Defence Ministry has sent written authorization to Ankara. The Turkish government must now decide whether to proceed with the order, he said. The move follows an earlier announcement on Wednesday by the UK and Turkey, which signed a letter of intent to advance a potential deal for the sale of 40 Eurofighters. The jets are assembled in Britain as part of a multinational consortium involving Germany, Italy and Spain, meaning all four countries must approve any export deal. The British Defence Ministry called the agreement a 'significant step forward,' saying it would bolster NATO's deterrence capabilities and support thousands of defence jobs. British Defence Secretary John Healey described the potentially multibillion-pound deal as a 'major milestone.' Turkey seeks to modernize air defence Turkey, which was ejected from the US-led F-35 fighter jet programme in 2019 after acquiring Russia's S-400 missile defence system, is seeking to diversify its defence procurement. US officials argued at the time that the S-400 could compromise sensitive F-35 stealth data and pose a security risk. The Turkish Defence Ministry told dpa on Wednesday that the planned Eurofighter purchase is not linked to the F-35 dispute, but is part of a broader strategy to modernize its air force. Analysts have noted that Ankara will need to invest in new infrastructure and training before the jets can be delivered and become operational. Export policy shift in Berlin Germany's involvement in the Eurofighter consortium had previously stalled the deal, as Berlin had not signed off on the necessary export licences. Arms deliveries to NATO partner Turkey have long been politically sensitive in Germany, due to concerns over Ankara's human rights record and foreign interventions. After Turkey's 2016 military operation in Syria, Berlin significantly scaled back arms exports.
Boston Globe
16 hours ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
Soft power delivers big returns, but Trump is slashing it anyway
Studies in many countries show that spending on diplomacy, cultural engagement, and humanitarian relief generates a huge economic return on investment —at least six times greater than the dollars invested. Advertisement The European Union's Creative Europe program produced three to four times the amount invested in cultural diplomacy. Advertisement The United States has not measured its soft power directly, but there is no doubt that it boosts its image by providing humanitarian and disaster aid. In 2003, the United States spent $400 million to help Indonesia recover from the massive tsunami in the Indian Ocean. Public approval of the United States in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim country, Today, the United States is turning away from such opportunities. What may look like savings through layoffs and grant rescissions will in fact cost billions in lost trade, weakened alliances, and diminished global influence. In nearly every other policy domain — whether approving a medicine, a public safety regulation, or building new infrastructure — government decisions are informed by cost-benefit analysis. No such analysis has been performed here. If cost-benefit thinking were applied to soft power, it would be clear that the benefits of soft power far outweigh the costs. Advertisement The concept is well understood in the private sector. Businesses spend heavily to acquire 'goodwill' — brand value, reputation, and customer trust. Such intangible assets drive future profits and provide protection against commercial competitors. Governments should treat soft power the same way: as a hedge that reduces economic and military conflict. When nations trust America and see us as a partner rather than a threat, they are far less likely to take hostile actions that would require costly military responses. Soft power investments provide a double dividend that pays off in both economic gains and reduced defense spending. The full value of America's global engagement may only become evident once it is withdrawn. The Trump administration is working hard to achieve this end. The Trump administration has laid off government scientists, educators, and health experts, including last week's As the United States slashes its soft power budget,China is scaling up. The Chinese Belt and Road Initiative has committed more than $1 trillion in infrastructure spending. Chinese-funded rail projects in Malaysia, Advertisement The dollar 'savings' that Thune crowed about amount to less than the cost of a single F-35 fighter jet. But a fighter jet can't help refugees, teach Afghan girls to read, or persuade African leaders to choose American over Chinese technology. As Nye pointed out, soft power is easy to squander and difficult to recover. The cuts, combined with the Trump administration's sustained assault on the nation's leading universities, represent a colossal soft power miscalculation. They will cost America global influence that no amount of military spending can replace.
India.com
19 hours ago
- Business
- India.com
IAF Looking To Acquire 2-3 Squadrons Of Fifth-Generation Jets To Boost Combat Capabilities: Report
To enhance its combat capabilities until the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project becomes operational, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to acquire two to three squadrons of fifth-generation fighter jets from international manufacturers. This development comes days after the Indian Army on Tuesday inducted the first batch of Apache helicopters into its Aviation fleet. Notably, the Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of 22 Apache helicopters, which have been deployed in Ladakh and western sectors. The IAF recently made a detailed presentation to the government outlining its future requirements for maintaining an edge over adversaries, defence sources told ANI. They said the IAF is looking to acquire around two to three squadrons (40-60 aircraft) in the interim till the indigenous project gets ready to meet its operational requirements. An empowered committee led by Defence Secretary RK Singh recommended the induction of fifth-generation fighter jets to enhance the force's deterrence and preparedness, especially along the northern and western borders. The Indian side is showing interest in acquiring the fifth-generation fighter aircraft, when reports suggest that China is already working on sixth-generation fighter jets and may also provide its fifth-generation fighters to the Pakistan Air Force in the next few years. The two countries from which India could potentially procure fifth-generation aircraft were the United States and Russia. However, the government has not taken any decision on the issue of fifth-generation fighter jets, but discussions are going on in this regard. The US has offered the F-35 fighter jet, while Russia has proposed its Su-57 jets for India's consideration. India had opted out of the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGfA) project many years ago, but there is an option to rejoin it. The F-35 has been sold to various countries by the US in Europe and outside. India is also looking at a programme to build 114 modern 4.5 plus generation fighters in partnership with a foreign country under Make in India, and may go for a government-to-government deal after a tender. The Indian Air Force is looking to use these planes to prepare a strong deterrence along the western and northern fronts.
