Archives

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Block II

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) 1 minutes read

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Block II is the planned modernization of the U.S. Navy’s carrier-based airborne early warning and command and control aircraft. Rather than being a new airframe, Block II builds on the operational E-2D with a major cockpit, mission-system, software, cybersecurity, and architecture refresh. The upgrade is intended to reduce pilot workload, improve situational awareness, strengthen reliability, and make future technology integration easier.

The E-2D uses a distinctive rotating radar dome and is designed to provide wide-area surveillance for carrier strike groups. Its AN/APY-9 radar supports air and surface surveillance, while the aircraft connects sensor information with commanders and other platforms. Northrop Grumman says the system can track more than 3,000 targets across its radar modes.

Manufacturer

Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor and manufacturer of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye for the U.S. Navy. The aircraft is a U.S.-developed carrier-capable AEW&C platform and reached initial operational capability in October 2014.

Speed and Range

The E-2D has a maximum speed above 300 knots, or roughly 345 mph, with a published maximum gross takeoff weight of 53,000 pounds. Its range is commonly reported at about 1,400 nautical miles, while aerial refueling can extend endurance beyond eight hours. The aircraft has a service ceiling of approximately 30,000 feet.

Cost/Price

The U.S. Navy has previously listed an E-2D unit cost of about $80 million. That figure should not be treated as the current Block II acquisition price because modernization, support, inflation, and retrofit costs can substantially change program costs. The Navy awarded Northrop Grumman an $845.5 million DSSC 6 contract, which forms a major part of the Block II modernization effort.

August 18, 2026 0 comments

F-18 Hornet Fighter Jet

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) 2 minutes read

Spanish F-18 Hornet: EF-18M Fighter Jet

The Spanish F-18, officially designated EF-18 Hornet and later upgraded to the EF-18M, is a multirole fighter operated by the Spanish Air and Space Force. Based on the American McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A/B Hornet, the aircraft was selected by Spain under the FACA program in 1983 and entered Spanish service in 1986. Spain originally acquired 72 aircraft, including 60 single-seat and 12 two-seat variants.

Manufacturer and Purpose

The original aircraft was manufactured by McDonnell Douglas in the United States, with Spanish aerospace industry participation and later modernization work. The EF-18 was developed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Spain’s aircraft received upgrades that improved avionics, communications, mission computers, electronic warfare capabilities, and weapons integration. The Spanish Air and Space Force identifies the aircraft as the C.15, with modernized aircraft designated C.15M.

Speed, Range and Armament

The Spanish F-18 has a maximum speed of approximately Mach 1.8, a service ceiling of about 50,000 feet, and a published range of roughly 780 km, with ferry range reaching about 3,700 km. It uses two General Electric F404 afterburning turbofan engines.

Its weapons suite includes the M61 20 mm Vulcan cannon, AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, as well as air-to-ground weapons including AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-88 HARM, precision-guided bombs, and Taurus cruise missiles on appropriately configured aircraft.

The aircraft remains relevant to NATO air policing. On August 16, 2026, a Spanish F-18 operating from Romania under NATO’s air-policing mission shot down a drone that had entered Romanian airspace.

Cost and Price

There is no meaningful current production price because the original Hornet is no longer in production. Spain’s 1983 purchase of 72 F/A-18A aircraft was valued at approximately $2.5 billion in contemporary reporting.

Spanish F-18 Variants

EF-18A / C.15

Spanish single-seat fighter

EF-18B / CE.15

Spanish two-seat trainer and combat variant

EF-18A+ / B+

Earlier Spanish modernization standard

EF-18M / BM

Modernized Spanish Hornet fleet

F/A-18A

Additional aircraft acquired by Spain

August 17, 2026 0 comments

J-20S Fighter Jet

written by Mr. SHEIKH (TheDefenseWatch) 2 minutes read

Chengdu J-20S Twin-Seat Stealth Fighter

The Chengdu J-20S is a twin-seat derivative of China’s J-20 fifth-generation stealth fighter. Developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute under AVIC, the aircraft was officially confirmed in 2024 and publicly displayed as a scale model at Airshow China in Zhuhai. Chinese authorities describe it as a heavy, long-range, multirole stealth fighter capable of air combat, precision strikes, electronic warfare, tactical command and control, and cooperation with unmanned aircraft.

Design and Mission

The J-20S retains the J-20 family’s low-observable configuration but adds a second crew position. This allows a rear-seat operator to manage sensors, weapons, communications, electronic warfare, or other mission systems while the pilot concentrates on flight and tactical maneuvering.

One of the aircraft’s most important reported roles is manned-unmanned teaming. Chinese sources have stated that the J-20S can coordinate with unmanned aircraft, while analysts have also identified potential tactical command and control functions.

Speed, Range and Armament

The J-20 family is generally assessed to have a maximum speed around Mach 2 and a maximum range of approximately 3,240 nautical miles, although these figures are not specifically confirmed for the J-20S. The aircraft is expected to retain internal weapons bays for maintaining its low-observable profile. Compatible weapons associated with the J-20 family include the PL-10 short-range missile, PL-15 beyond-visual-range missile, and precision-guided weapons.

Technology and Operational Role

The J-20S is associated with AESA radar, electro-optical sensors, electronic warfare systems, secure communications, and networked operations. Chinese official reporting also identifies precision attacks against land and maritime targets as potential missions.

The aircraft appeared publicly as part of China’s military aviation developments in 2025, but detailed production numbers and performance data remain undisclosed.

Cost and Price

China has not published an official J-20S unit price. Open-source estimates for the broader J-20 family range from approximately $60 million to $120 million per aircraft, but these figures should not be treated as confirmed J-20S procurement prices.

J-20 Family Variants

J-20

Original single-seat stealth fighter

J-20A

Upgraded single-seat variant

J-20S

Twin-seat stealth multirole variant

J-20 Family Upgrades

Continued propulsion, sensor and avionics improvements

August 17, 2026 0 comments

SM-3 Missile

written by Samuel Drake (TheDefenseWatch) 1 minutes read

SM-3 Missile: U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense Interceptor

The Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) is a U.S. Navy ballistic missile defense interceptor designed to destroy incoming ballistic missile threats outside the atmosphere. Unlike conventional missiles that rely on explosive warheads, the SM-3 uses a kinetic kill vehicle to collide directly with the target during the midcourse phase of flight. It forms a major part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system and can be launched from ships or land-based Aegis Ashore installations.

Manufacturer

The SM-3 is produced by Raytheon, an RTX business, with the program developed through cooperation between the U.S. government and allied partners. The Block IIA variant was jointly developed by the United States and Japan and incorporates larger rocket motors and an enhanced kinetic warhead.

Speed and Range

Open-source estimates place SM-3 Block IA and IB speeds at about 3.0 km/s, while Block IIA reaches approximately 4.5 km/s. Published estimates give ranges of about 700 km for earlier variants and up to 2,500 km for Block IIA. Exact performance figures can vary by variant and engagement conditions, and some detailed parameters remain classified.

Cost/Price

SM-3 pricing varies by production lot, configuration, support, and associated equipment. As a historical reference, the Government Accountability Office reported a Block IIA program unit cost of approximately $39 million in fiscal year 2017. More recent contracts are generally reported at the program or production-lot level rather than as a simple public unit price.

Key Capabilities

The SM-3 uses a solid-fuel, multi-stage propulsion system, inertial and command guidance, infrared sensing, and hit-to-kill technology. It is compatible with the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System aboard Aegis-equipped ships and at Aegis Ashore sites.

August 17, 2026 0 comments

Mirage 5PA2 Fighter Jet

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) 2 minutes read

The Dassault Mirage 5PA2 is a Pakistan-specific version of the French Mirage 5, developed as a supersonic single-seat strike and fighter aircraft. Built from the Mirage III family, the Mirage 5 was designed primarily for low-level attack missions while retaining the speed needed for interception and tactical operations. The PA2 variant added a Cyrano IV multimission radar, giving Pakistan a more capable sensor-equipped version than the radarless Mirage 5PA. Eighteen Mirage 5PA2 aircraft were produced for Pakistan.

Manufacturer and Origin

The aircraft was manufactured by Dassault-Breguet in France for the Pakistan Air Force. Pakistan ordered the Mirage 5PA2 as part of a larger Mirage acquisition in the late 1970s, with deliveries completed by 1982. The Mirage 5 family first flew on May 19, 1967, and more than 500 Mirage 5 aircraft were produced in different versions.

Speed, Range and Armament

Powered by a single SNECMA Atar 9C turbojet, the Mirage 5 can exceed Mach 2 and reach a service ceiling of about 59,000 feet. Published Mirage 5 data gives a range of roughly 1,300 km, although actual mission range varies with weapons, fuel tanks, altitude, and flight profile.

The PA2 uses the Cyrano IV radar and can employ air-to-air weapons, bombs, rockets, and other external stores. The Mirage 5 design provides seven external weapon stations and a maximum external payload commonly reported at about 4,000 kg. Its two 30 mm DEFA cannons provide built-in gun armament.

Operational Use and Cost

The Mirage 5PA2 served with the Pakistan Air Force as a tactical strike platform and formed part of Pakistan’s long-running Mirage III and Mirage 5 fleet. Modernization programs later extended the service life and capabilities of several Pakistani Mirages. The exact individual purchase price of the Mirage 5PA2 has not been reliably disclosed in public sources, so a current unit price cannot be stated accurately.

Variants

Field

Example

Mirage 5PA

Radarless Pakistani strike version

Mirage 5PA2

Pakistani radar-equipped fighter with Cyrano IV

Mirage 5PA3

Pakistani maritime strike variant with Agave radar

Mirage 5DPA2

Two-seat Pakistani training variant

August 16, 2026 0 comments

B-21 Raider Bomber

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) 2 minutes read

B-21 Raider Bomber: Sixth-Generation Stealth Strike

The B-21 Raider is the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation long-range stealth bomber, designed to deliver conventional and nuclear weapons against heavily defended targets. It is intended to become the backbone of the future bomber fleet alongside the B-52H Stratofortress, while replacing the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit over time.

The aircraft uses a flying-wing configuration and incorporates advanced low-observable technology, digital systems, networking, and an open systems architecture. The design is intended to support future upgrades as threats and mission requirements change.

Manufacturer

Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor, selected in October 2015. The company builds the flying-wing aircraft at Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, incorporating lessons from the B-2 Spirit and modern digital engineering. Pratt & Whitney supplies the engines. The Air Force plans to acquire at least 100 aircraft, with discussions of higher numbers to expand the stealth bomber fleet.

Speed and Range

The B-21 is a high-subsonic aircraft, with estimated maximum speeds in the Mach 0.8+ range (roughly 600–650 mph / 965–1,050 km/h at altitude). Exact figures remain classified. Unrefueled range is intercontinental, estimated in the 6,000+ nautical mile class, supported by efficient engines that reduce tanker dependence compared with legacy bombers. Service ceiling is approximately 50,000 ft (15,000 m). Aerial refueling extends global reach.

Cost and Price

Average procurement unit cost is targeted at $550 million in base-year 2010 dollars, equivalent to roughly $690–700 million in recent dollars. This is substantially lower than the B-2’s unit cost and supports a larger planned fleet. Total program cost, including development, procurement of 100 aircraft, and 30 years of operations, has been estimated around $203 billion.

The B-21 features advanced all-aspect low-observable design, internal weapons bays with an estimated payload capacity of 20,000–30,000 lb, dual-capable nuclear and conventional armament (including B61-12 and AGM-181 LRSO), a two-person crew (with optional unmanned capability), and systems supporting intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and potential control of collaborative combat aircraft. It is intended to complement and eventually replace the B-1 and B-2 while working alongside the modernized B-52.

Operational Role

The Raider is designed for conventional precision strike, nuclear deterrence, intelligence and electronic warfare support, and integration with a wider family of systems. The Air Force announced in July 2026 that the operational aircraft will use a two-pilot crew.ible deterrence and global reach in an era of renewed great-power competition.

August 16, 2026 0 comments

Avro Lancaster Heavy Bomber

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) 1 minutes read

The Avro Lancaster was a four engine British heavy bomber developed for the Royal Air Force during World War II. Designed by Roy Chadwick and his team at A.V. Roe and Company, the Lancaster evolved from the unsuccessful twin engine Avro Manchester. Its first flight took place in January 1941, and it entered RAF service later that year.

The aircraft became the principal heavy bomber of RAF Bomber Command during the later years of the war. Its large, unobstructed bomb bay allowed it to carry substantial conventional weapons, including the 4,000 pound blockbuster and, in specially modified aircraft, the 12,000 pound Tallboy and 22,000 pound Grand Slam. The Lancaster also performed the famous 1943 Dambusters raid using the Barnes Wallis Upkeep weapon.

Manufacturer

The Lancaster was manufactured by A.V. Roe and Company, with production also undertaken by several other British and Canadian manufacturers. A total of 7,377 aircraft were produced.

Speed and Range

Typical Lancaster B.Mk I figures include a maximum speed of about 287 mph and a range of roughly 2,530 miles with a lighter bomb load. Range decreased significantly when carrying heavier weapons. Its service ceiling was approximately 24,500 feet.

Cost / Price

A reliable single unit price is difficult to establish because wartime production costs varied by manufacturer, configuration, and production period. The Lancaster is no longer produced, so there is no current procurement price.

August 16, 2026 0 comments

John F. Kennedy CVN 79 Aircraft Carrier

written by Samuel Drake (TheDefenseWatch) 1 minutes read

The John F. Kennedy CVN 79 is the second ship of the U.S. Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Built by Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, the carrier is designed to provide sea-based airpower, forward presence, maritime security, power projection, and support for joint operations.

At 1,092 feet long and approximately 100,000 long tons, CVN 79 is designed to operate at more than 30 knots. Its nuclear propulsion provides long endurance without the need for routine refueling, allowing the carrier to remain deployed for extended periods when supported by logistics and crew requirements.

Carrier Aviation and Technology

CVN 79 uses the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), replacing traditional steam catapults. EMALS provides computer-controlled aircraft launches and is designed to support aircraft ranging from unmanned systems to heavy strike fighters. The carrier also incorporates the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) for aircraft recovery.

Its sensor and defensive architecture includes the AN/SPY-6(V)3 Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar, Ship Self Defense System, Rolling Airframe Missiles, Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles, and Phalanx close-in weapon systems. The carrier can accommodate an air wing of more than 75 aircraft, including strike fighters, electronic warfare aircraft, airborne early warning aircraft, and helicopters.

As of August 2026, CVN 79 remains a future carrier rather than a commissioned U.S. Navy ship. It completed builder’s sea trials in February and departed Newport News on August 12, 2026, for acceptance trials. The Navy’s FY2026 budget documentation estimated total procurement cost at approximately $13.2 billion and scheduled delivery for March 2027.

August 15, 2026 0 comments

Mirage 2000 Fighter Jet

written by Daniel Mercer (TheDefenseWatch) 2 minutes read

Mirage 2000 Multirole Delta-Wing Fighter

From the skies of Europe to the frontiers of Asia, the Dassault Mirage 2000 remains a hallmark of fourth-generation fighter design. Introduced in the 1980s, it blends agility, versatile armament, and upgrade potential—attributes still relevant in modern defense planning.

Manufacturer, Origin & Purpose

Developed by Dassault Aviation in France, the Mirage 2000 was conceived as a lightweight replacement for the Mirage III, combining a delta-wing platform with fly-by-wire control for high maneuverability. Built in the late 1970s, it entered service in 1984 with the French Air Force. Its mission scope evolved from pure interceptor to multirole (air superiority, strike and nuclear deterrent) across variants like the 2000C, 2000N, 2000D, and 2000-5.

Major Capabilities & Performance

The Mirage 2000, in its standard configuration, can reach Mach 2.2 at altitude (≈ 2,338 km/h) and operates with a service ceiling above 16,000 m (≈ 54,000 ft). It can carry about 6.3 t of external stores over nine hardpoints (two wing pylons each side, five fuselage) including air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. Its twin 30 mm cannons (DEFA 554 or GIAT 30-550 variants) deliver selectable rates (1,200 or 1,800 rpm) with ~125 rounds per gun. The aircraft’s radar — evolving from RDM / RDI to RDY in the 2000-5 upgrade — supports multitrack engagements, and avionics upgrades often include improved navigation, electronic warfare (ECM/ECM suites like ICMS/Serval), and datalink integration.

In operational use, Mirage 2000s have flown in conflicts over Libya, Mali, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and by export operators such as India, UAE, Egypt, Greece, Taiwan. Many remain under modernization programs (e.g. Indian fleet to 2000-5, French Mirage 2000D RMV mid-life upgrades through the 2020s) to extend service lives into the 2030s.

Variants

Field	Example
Mirage 2000C / B	Single-seat / two-seat air defense versions
Mirage 2000N	Nuclear-strike optimized model
Mirage 2000D	Conventional strike, precision attack
Mirage 2000-5	Upgraded multirole radar and avionics
Special Export Versions	e.g. Mirage 2000-9, 2000-5I/TI (India), others

August 12, 2026 0 comments

AIM-260 JATM Missile

written by Samuel Drake (TheDefenseWatch) 2 minutes read

AIM-260 JATM Long Range Air to Air Missile

The AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) is a U.S. long-range air-to-air missile being developed to provide fighter aircraft with greater beyond-visual-range engagement capability. The program is intended to complement and eventually succeed the AIM-120 AMRAAM family as the U.S. military faces increasingly capable long-range air-to-air weapons.

The JATM program began in 2018 and is led by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. Its development has been highly classified, leaving important performance specifications undisclosed. Publicly available information indicates that the missile is designed for advanced air combat and compatibility with modern U.S. fighter aircraft.

Manufacturer

Lockheed Martin is the primary developer and manufacturer of the AIM-260 JATM. The missile is being developed for U.S. military aviation, with testing involving both Air Force and Navy aircraft. A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet was publicly photographed carrying an AIM-260 during a test flight in May 2026, providing one of the first clear public indications of its flight-test activity.

Speed and Range

Exact maximum speed and effective range remain classified. The AIM-260 is widely described as a long-range air-to-air missile, with an intended range advantage over the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Claims of specific ranges or speeds, including figures exceeding 300 km or Mach 4, have not been officially confirmed and should therefore be treated as estimates rather than specifications.

The missile is expected to use an advanced guidance architecture centered on an active radar seeker, supported by onboard navigation and aircraft or network-derived targeting information.

Cost/Price

There is no publicly confirmed unit price for the AIM-260. Development and procurement costs are handled through U.S. defense contracts, while individual missile pricing can vary according to production quantities, support equipment, spares and associated services. Australia announced in 2026 that it plans to acquire up to 450 AIM-260 missiles under a $736 million package, although that figure represents an acquisition package rather than a confirmed unit missile price.

August 11, 2026 0 comments