The Sukhoi Su-35S represents the most advanced and capable evolution of Russia’s famed Flanker family, blending extreme aerodynamic performance with modern sensors, powerful engines and multi-role flexibility. While often described as a “4++ generation” fighter, the Su-35S sits at the very top of non-stealth combat aircraft in service today and remains a cornerstone of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). The Su-35S traces its lineage to the Su-27, an aircraft originally desig

By Garth Calitz The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Air Command has received a substantial consignment of C-130 Hercules spare parts and maintenance equipment from the United States, reinforcing a long-standing defence partnership and significantly improving the operational readiness of Botswana’s strategic airlift fleet. The package, valued at close to US$ 1 million, includes a broad range of consumables, tooling, and aircraft components essential to sustaining C-130 operations

By Rob Russell In the early 1970s, following the successful launch of the first wide-body airliner, the 747, Boeing began looking to further develop its narrow-body 727. Designed for short and medium-length routes, the trijet was the best-selling jetliner of the 1960s and a mainstay of US and European airlines. Studies focused on improving the 189-seat 727-200, the most successful variant. Two approaches were considered: a stretched 727 (to be designated 727-300), or an all-n