Got this patch on my varsity lol

Image source: Cristofoli_Spotting on Facebook

F/A-18C-49-MC Hornet, c/n 1365/SFC017, Swiss Air Force serial number J-5017. Assembled by F+W / Schweizer Flugzeuge und System AG. Special Fliegerstaffel 17 tail markings.

Source: Scramble database

Image source and original caption: Top Aces on Facebook

Captured from the flight deck of a USAF KC-46 during a training mission, these images offer a unique perspective on the advanced air combat training Top Aces delivers every day.

Top Aces’ F-16 air-to-air refueling capability, unique in the Industry, extends our training time for allied and partner air forces to evolve their capabilities, strengthen tactical proficiency, enhance operational effectiveness, and build combat readiness.

Top Aces remains committed to delivering world-class training solutions for the demands of modern air combat.

Experience Matters.

General Dynamics F-16A Block 10B Fighting Falcon, USAF serial number 78-0346:

MSN 6V-39... Ordered by Iran but exported to Israel under FMS program "Peace Marble"

0346 IDF/AF serial number 250. Was supposed to be sold to Iran in Peace Zebra but diverted to Israel. 2 kills (Syrian MiG-21 via AIM-9L / MiG-23BN via AIM-9L). Ex 115 Sqdn. Retired and sold to Top Aces as N860TA

Source: Joe Baugher's serial number lists

F-16.net Airframe Details

General Dynamics F-16A Block 5 Fighting Falcon, USAF serial number 78-0315:

MSN 6V-8. Ordered by Iran but exported to Israel under FMS program "Peace Marble"

0315 IDF/AF serial number 113 ex 140 Sqdn. Stored Aug 2013

Source: Joe Baugher's serial number lists

F-16.net Airframe Details

Now, call me a larper or whatever, but iirc the F4 actually didn't have guns because the Americans thought missiles were better than guns.

But Vietnam proved that guns then weren't obsolete yet because A2A missiles were still premature.

It's been 50 years after that, and seeing how humanity progressed very fast in aviation (Blackbird was just 61 years after the Wright Brothers), is it now safe to say guns are obsolete?

Obviously money is involved. But take FA18 designed in the 60's and it is STILL in 2026 a top tier capable fighter jet. The Raptor will never fly as long as the FA18.

Title says for it self

With the US developing space-based AWACS/AMTI systems and China developing similar space-based surveillance capabilities, satellites could become an increasingly important part of the air war kill chain.
China has continued testing ASAT related technology (missile only), including the 2014 test that the US assessed as a non-destructive ASAT test.

Meanwhile, the US hasn't conducted an actual ASAT intercept since the ASM-135 destroyed the Solwind satellite from an F-15A in 1985.

If space-based AWACS becomes operational, could we see the US and China place much more emphasis on dedicated ASAT weapons again, specifically to attack the enemy's space-based sensor network?

Could it essentially turn counterspace into another layer of the air war due to awacs satellites?

Video source: Saab

Saab announcement: Gripen F completes its first flight

Saab has successfully completed the first flight of Gripen F, the two-seat variant of Gripen E. The aircraft took off at 09:40 local time from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, and remained airborne for 40 minutes.

The flight was conducted at Saab’s airfield in Linköping by Saab chief test pilot Jakob Högberg and Brazilian Air Force test pilot Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos. This inaugural sortie successfully verified the functionality of the aircraft core systems and its initial flight performance.

“This first flight represents an important step forward for both Saab and the Brazilian Air Force. Seeing Gripen F take to the skies is particularly significant for all the Swedish and Brazilian teams whose years of engineering work have helped turn this aircraft into a reality. It is designed to accelerate pilot training while and enhancing operational performance in advanced combat missions,” says Lars Tossman, head of Saab business area Aeronautics.

With this mission, Gripen F enters the airborne phase of its test campaign. Following the initial production acceptance flights, the programme will move into a progressive envelope expansion phase, in which the aircraft full performance limits — including speed, altitude, G-load and angle of attack — will be cleared step by step. In parallel, tactical capabilities and rear cockpit functions specific to the two-seat configuration will also be evaluated.

Gripen F is the result of the strategic partnership between Brazil and Sweden, as well as the extensive technology transfer carried out under the Brazilian Gripen Programme. More than 350 Brazilian engineers, technicians and pilots have participated in training activities related to the development, production, flight testing and maintenance of the aircraft.

As the launch customer, Brazil played an active role in the co-development of the two-seat variant, enabling direct industrial participation and long-term cooperation.

The campaign will be conducted by Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Sweden. Once the planned activities and aircraft acceptance procedures have been completed, Gripen F will be prepared for delivery to the Brazilian Air Force.

Related news article from The Aviationist: Gripen F Flies for the First Time

Previously: First two-seat Saab Gripen F, June 2, 2026