Special Forces C-130 will receive fighter radars — Northrop Grumman installs APG-83 SABR

What does the fighter radar on the transporter do?

The US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has made a decision that many will find unexpected: they are installing fighter radars on their C-130 aircraft. We are talking about the AN/APG-83 SABR system from Northrop Grumman, the same one that is used on upgraded F-16 fighters. This is not just a replacement for outdated electronics, but a major breakthrough in the capabilities of machines that fly in the most dangerous areas.

Now these planes will be able to see threats earlier, more clearly and act more accurately.

The APG-83 SABR is not just an upgrade, but a leap forward

The old radars on the AC-130J, MC-130J and HC-130J have long been obsolete. They did a poor job of detecting targets in difficult conditions, especially when flying low or in interference conditions. The APG-83 is an active phased array antenna (AFAR) that operates quickly, accurately, and is resistant to suppression.

He is able to simultaneously track air and ground targets, build detailed radar maps of the area and even helps in pointing weapons. In fact, this is the brain of a modern fighter, transplanted into the onboard system of a transport aircraft.

Where will the new radar be installed

APG-83 radars will be used for three key modifications of the C-130J:

• The AC-130J Ghostrider is an attack aircraft with guns and missiles that operates at night and behind enemy lines.
• The MC-130J Commando II is a special forces entry and evacuation vehicle that often flies in difficult conditions.
• HC-130J Combat King II is a rescue and refueling aircraft that operates in hot spots.

For all of them, survival is a top priority. The new radar dramatically increases the chances of seeing a missile, anti-aircraft gun, or interceptor before it's too late.

Why were special operations waiting for this

SOCOM aircraft often fly alone, without cover, in areas where air defense is tight and maneuver space is minimal. Outdated avionics reduced their effectiveness and increased the risks. Now, with the APG-83, they don't just get "better eyesight" — they get an advantage.

It's like giving a scout not binoculars, but a thermal imager with magnification and GPS. Such a step is not a whim, but a necessity. And now special operations can work more accurately, more safely and further from the front line.

Sources: 

1. The Aviationist (Sep 1 2025) — 147-radar buy to modernize AC-130J, MC-130J and HC-130J; AESA upgrade boosts survivability and mission sets.
2. Aviation Week (Aug 28 2025) — USAF to swap mechanical AN/APN-241 radars for proven F-16-derived APG-83 AESA across 64 MC-130J, 39 HC-130J and 30 AC-130J aircraft.
3. Twitter @TheAviationist — quick confirmation of the APG-83 SABR choice for SOCOM C-130s.
4. HigherGov.com — contract notice for APG-83 components supporting the SOCOM C-130 radar upgrade program.

Northrop Grumman successfully tested an air-launched ballistic missile for the US missile defense system

 

The American company Northrop Grumman conducted a successful test of a ballistic target missile dropped from a C-17 transport aircraft. This test was an important milestone in the development of US missile defense capabilities, demonstrating the effectiveness of air launch to simulate modern threats.

The target missile is a new class of high-precision ballistic threat emulators designed for comprehensive testing of integrated missile defense systems. Advanced technologies were used during the test, including:

- Modern avionics for flight control  

- Modular vehicle upgrade kits  

- Solid-fuel rocket engines  

- Special payloads simulating real combat elements

The air launch test allows for a more realistic simulation of ballistic missile attacks, improving the quality of verification and improvement of missile defense systems. Using a C-17 transport aircraft to drop a target provides flexibility and responsiveness in conducting tests under various conditions.

The development and improvement of missile defense systems remains a priority for the U.S. Department of Defense in the face of growing threats from potential adversaries. Northrop Grumman tests contribute to improving the reliability and efficiency of systems, ensuring the protection of national security.

Chinese Cargo Drone CH-YH1000 Completes First Flight with 1.2-Ton Payload

 

CH-YH1000

The unmanned cargo aircraft CH-YH1000, developed by Aerospace CH UAV, made its first test flight in the north-west of the country. The drone is capable of transporting up to 1.2 tons of cargo over a distance of 1,500 km, operating for up to 10 hours without refueling, and landing even on dirt pads or grass. The drone is designed for fast and inexpensive delivery to remote regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang.

The CH-YH1000 cargo drone is a versatile unmanned platform for delivering cargo at medium altitudes. It has the classic look of a cargo plane and two engines. Unlike manned transport aircraft, the UAV weighs less and carries more cargo. Thanks to proven avionics from other CH-series drones, it is well protected from interference and reliable.

The CH-YH1000 can travel up to 1,500 km, stay in the air for up to 10 hours and climb to an altitude of 8000 m. Its load capacity is 1200 kg. It holds four cargo pallets with a volume of one cubic meter each. Loading and unloading is possible through the front, and unloading is possible through the bottom panel, which makes delivery more flexible. The aircraft is also equipped with an on-board 6 kW power supply, which allows you to connect various equipment to perform tasks.

The drone can take off and land over short distances, including conventional roads, rolled-up dirt roads and grass, which allows it to be used in difficult conditions. When a float or ski chassis is installed, it is also capable of operating on water and snow.

The CH-YH1000 can connect large cities with remote areas, providing fast and inexpensive cargo delivery. One of the drone's developers said that the CH-YH1000 is a kind of "aerial pickup truck." According to him, the company's goal is to create efficient air transportation, which will be only slightly more expensive than ground transportation. This will meet the logistical needs of hard-to-reach regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang, where delivery is expensive and time-consuming.

The test flight took place after the drone passed full-load taxiing tests in January. The tests were carried out at the airport in Jinmen city of Zhanghe, located in Hubei Province.

India is faced with the problem of access to the source code of Rafale fighter jets: a technological limitation amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region

Rafale fighter jet

In the context of growing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, especially against the background of worsening relations with China and Pakistan, India is facing a serious challenge — France refuses to provide access to the source code of Dassault Rafale combat aircraft systems acquired under a contract in 2016.

Despite persistent diplomatic efforts New Delhi, the French company Dassault Aviation still does not agree to transfer key software elements governing aspects such as flight control systems, weapons integration and avionics. For India, this creates significant difficulties in terms of modernizing the fighter fleet and adapting them to its own needs.

The Indian authorities considered the possibility of independent updating and modification of the systems as an important step towards achieving technological independence and increasing  the combat effectiveness of the Air Force. However, the lack of access to the source code calls into question the full operational autonomy of these promising but strategically limited machines.

This issue is particularly acute now, as  China is strengthening its military presence in the South China Sea and is actively modernizing its aviation, and Pakistan is developing ties with Russia and other countries to purchase modern weapons.

Although France continues to support India through the QUAD+ trilateral cooperation, the issue of access to critical technologies remains a stumbling block in bilateral relations.

France extends the life of the legendary fighter jet: Mirage 2000DRMV Strike Jet enters service

                           Mirage 2000DRMV Strike Jet

France continues to strengthen its Air Force by upgrading one of its most famous workhorses, the Mirage 2000D fighter jet. A deeply updated version, dubbed the Mirage 2000DRMV Strike Jet, is officially being commissioned to ensure the combat readiness of the French Air Force and space forces. This step confirms Paris' commitment to maintaining a high level of defense capability even while developing more modern platforms such as the Rafale.

The Mirage 2000D, originally commissioned in the 1990s, has proven itself to be a reliable strike fighter capable of performing a wide range of missions, including tactical air support, reconnaissance, and counter-surface warfare. The upgrade to RMV (Remotely Modernized Version) includes the installation of new equipment, improved weapons control systems, and the integration of a modern missile arsenal. This will allow the aircraft to remain effective in modern warfare conditions.

Major improvements to the Mirage 2000DRMV:

1. New navigation and targeting systems: Onboard systems have received updated radars and optoelectronic sensors, which significantly increased the accuracy of hitting targets.

2. Expanded arsenal of weapons: The Mirage 2000DRMV can now carry the latest SCALP EG cruise missiles, ARM anti-radar missiles, as well as guided aerial bombs.

3. Improved avionics: The cockpit is equipped with modern multifunction displays and advanced communication systems.

4. Enhanced survival: New electronic warfare and surface-to-air missile defense systems have been installed.

The French Ministry of Defense has said that the upgraded Mirage 2000DRMV will remain in service until at least 2035. This solution aims to ensure a smooth transition to new generations of aviation technology, such as the Rafale F4, which will gradually replace the aging platforms.

The role of the Mirage 2000 in modern defense

The Mirage 2000 remains a symbol of the French aviation industry and plays an important role in ensuring national security. Its flexibility and versatility allow it to be used both in regional conflicts and in international missions under the auspices of NATO. Upgrading to the RMV version ensures that this aircraft will retain its relevance on the battlefield for at least another decade.

France is showing an example of how to effectively extend the life of old platforms by investing in their technological renewal. The Mirage 2000DRMV will become an important link in the country's defense strategy, complementing more modern and expensive weapons systems.