David Cenciotti

Rome

Blogger, The Aviationist at Freelance

Military aviation blogger and the man behind @TheAviationist. Journo, IT Sec pro, Computer Eng., Ret. AF officer, speaker, pilot. Former blue check.

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Articles

Ukrainian Air Force Claims Shootdown of Russian Su-35S Fighter

2 weeks ago | theaviationist.com | David Cenciotti

Footage shared online confirms that Russia has lost another Su-35S. According to some unverified claims, the Flanker was shot down by an F-16. Ukraine’s Air Force says it has shot down a Russian Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E fighter jet during a morning operation on June 7, 2025.
U.S. Air Force Celebrates Four Decades of B-1B Lancer Bomber At Dyess AFB

3 weeks ago | theaviationist.com | David Cenciotti

40 years ago, the first BONE arrived at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. June 2025 marks a major milestone for one of the U.S. Air Force’s most iconic bombers. As detailed in a public release posted by the service on June 6, 2025, the B-1B Lancer celebrates 40 years of operations from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The base has been closely associated with the aircraft since the first B-1, “The Star of Abilene,” arrived on June 29, 1985.
Take A Look At The Rare Full-Scale Replicas of Russian SAM Systems In The PISQ Range In Italy

3 weeks ago | theaviationist.com | David Cenciotti

We took a closer look at the Russian Pantsir, Buk, Tor, Tunguska, and S-300 replicas positioned in a high-tech range used for realistic training in contested environments. The Poligono Interforze di Salto di Quirra (PISQ) is one of Italy’s most important military test and training facilities, and one of the most advanced in Europe.
Navy Awards $536M Contract for First-Ever Commercial Dismantling of Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier

3 weeks ago | theaviationist.com | David Cenciotti

Navy’s Iconic Enterprise Nuclear Carrier Set for Dismantling in Alabama, Freeing Shipyard Space and Cutting Costs by $1 BillionThe U.S. Navy has officially signed off on a historic contract that will see the dismantling and disposal of its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier conducted entirely by the private sector.
CENTCOM Releases Photo of F-15E with Counter-UAV Loadout in the Middle East

4 weeks ago | theaviationist.com | David Cenciotti

A few days after the first images emerged of Strike Eagles carrying four or six LAU-131 pods for drone-hunting missions, U.S. CENTCOM has released a photograph showing the same loadout on an operationally deployed F-15E. The new anti-UAV loadout made of six LAU-131A rocket launchers that we observed on F-15Es involved in tests at Eglin Air Force Base recently have made it to the CENTCOM AOR (Area Of Responsibility).
First A-10 Departs Idaho as 124th Fighter Wing Begins Warthog Divestment

1 month ago | theaviationist.com | David Cenciotti

With the first Warthog sent to the Boneyard, Idaho ANG enters a new chapter while honoring three decades of A-10 Thunderbolt II heritage. The 124th Fighter Wing of the Idaho Air National Guard has officially started divesting its A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft, with the first jet departing Gowen Field, Idaho, on May 27, 2025.
RDAF F-35s Flying In Texas Share Classified Data With a Command Center in Denmark Via Open Systems Technology.

1 month ago | theaviationist.com | David Cenciotti

New test validated F-35’s ability to collect, analyse and share advanced data across geographically dispersed networks. RDAF (Royal Danish Air Force) F-35s flying over the U.S. have successfully executed a new flight test validating secure, classified data-sharing between Lightning II jets flying over the U.S. and a Command Center in Denmark. The event, announced by Lockheed Martin on May 19, 2025, marks the latest milestone in the program’s push for full coalition interoperability.
412th Test Wing Commander Talks F-47, B-21 Testing, AI Agents, YF-23 and More

1 month ago | theaviationist.com | David Cenciotti

In a wide-ranging and insightful interview on Episode 147 of the TALK4 Podcast, Brigadier General Douglas “Beaker” Wickert, Commander of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, shared exclusive updates and reflections on some of the most high-profile developments in U.S. Air Force aviation.
'Indian Rafale Shot Down by Pakistan’ French Intelligence Source Tells CNN

1 month ago | theaviationist.com | Stefano D'Urso |David Cenciotti

After much speculation about fighter jet losses, an image has now emerged online showing the vertical tail of an Indian Rafale EH allegedly shot down by Pakistan. As we mentioned in our previous report about the ongoing clashes between India and Pakistan, the latter claimed it shot down five aircraft of the former, including three Rafales.
Disinformation and Chaos Reign as India and Pakistan Clash, Claiming Multiple Losses

1 month ago | theaviationist.com | Stefano D'Urso |David Cenciotti

As tensions kept rising following the tragic attack on Apr. 22, 2025, which caused the death of 26 civilians, primarily tourists, in Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, India launched an offensive against the neighboring Pakistan. Called “Operation Sindoor,” the Indian escalation included a barrage of air and artillery strikes on targets inside Pakistan. The Indian attack prompted a swift retaliation by Pakistan, with both sides claiming targets destroyed on the ground and aircraft shot down.