Belgium’s First F-35A Lands at Florennes, Marking the Beginning of Local Operations
The Belgian Air Force has officially welcomed its first F-35A Lightning II to Florennes Air Base, joining the growing European “wall of F-35s.” Belgium’s first F-35A Lightning II to be…
Sikorsky Unveils the S-70UAS U-Hawk, First Fully Autonomous Black Hawk Helicopter
The S-70UAS U-Hawk is a modified UH-60L that removes the cockpit entirely to create an uncrewed, mission-flexible platform designed for logistics, support, and future air-ground teaming missions. After years of…
A-10 Returns from CENTCOM Deployment with UAS Kill Markings
An A-10C was spotted with two Shahed-type UAS shapes painted on the nose while returning to its home base. An A-10C Thunderbolt II of the U.S. Air Force was spotted…
RAF RC-135W and P-8A Fly 10,000 Mile Patrol Along the NATO’s Eastern Flank
The two British aircraft flew a 12-hour mission along the border with Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. In a rare mission, a Royal Air Force (RAF) RC-135W Rivet Joint electronic surveillance…
RAF A400M Conducts Historic Landing on Remote Arctic Island in NATO Mission
The joint U.S., British and Norwegian mission saw the A400M transporting a JLTV, simulating a NMESIS system, and infantry in the High North. The Royal Air Force (RAF) revealed on…
Royal Marine Snipers Disable Drug Smuggling Skiff from Wildcat Helicopter
Royal Marines took aim at the engine of a boat suspected of drug smuggling while flying in HMS Lancaster's Wildcat helicopter over the Gulf of Oman. £35 million of drugs…
New Combined Air Operations Centre Opened by NATO in Norway
CAOC Bodø was officially opened on Oct. 10, 2025, joining CAOC Uedem, Germany, and CAOC Torrejón, Spain as NATO's third active Combined Air Operations Centre. Combined Air Operations Centres, or…
Kizilelma Conducts First Live Fire Trials
Kizilelma’s live-fire tests come within days of the carriage trials with the TOLUN and TEBER-82 munitions. Baykar’s Kizilelma UCAV recorded another milestone when it dropped two inert munitions, the TOLUN…
Boeing Receives Third Contract for Eight More MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopters
The MH-139A, slated to replace the older UH-1N Hueys in the nuclear security mission, recently conducted its first search and rescue mission. Boeing announced on Oct. 8, 2025 a new…
Italy to Acquire Maritime Multi Mission Aircraft and Drones in New Defense Plan
The 2025–2027 Defense Planning Document confirms Italy’s ambitious modernization, introducing new acquisitions while consolidating major programs. The Italian Ministry of Defense has released the 2025–2027 Documento Programmatico Pluriennale (DPP), the…
No Smoke Trails, Just Silence: Exclusive EA-37B Pilot Interview
While the aerobatic acts thrilled the crowd at the recent Joint Base Andrews Air Show, an EA-37B Compass Call on static display, quietly revealed the power of modern electronic warfare.…
Anduril and Raytheon Test Highly Loaded Grain Solid Rocket Motor for Air-to-Air Missiles
Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) Solid Rocket Motors allow extended range and customized thrust profiles with the same propellant and the same size rocket motor. Anduril and Raytheon announced on Oct.…
Canada Will Get 16 Paid-For F-35s, Decision Pending on the Remaining Jets
Secretary of State for Defense Procurement Stephen Fuhr said Canada has no plans to exit the contract for the 16 F-35s already in production, with a decision pending on the…
Germany Approves Eurofighter Tranche 5 Deal
Germany has approved the procurement of 20 Eurofighters of the Tranche 5 for €3.75 billion, as well as well as the Eurofighter EK variant’s development. A year after the announcement…
U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX Selection Might Happen Soon – Reports
After months of delay, Hegseth has reportedly greenlit the U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX program, with a selection expected as soon as this week. After months of delays and speculation, the U.S.…
Italian Delegation Visits Baykar for Kizilelma and Akinci Demos
The visit of Italy’s political executive and top military brass comes as Baykar and Leonardo advance their joint venture LBA Systems. A large Italian delegation, which included the Undersecretary of…
Sweden to Acquire Four Embraer C-390 Airlifters
The Swedish Flygvapnet will replace its C-130Hs with four C-390 Millennium airlifters bought through a joint procurement with Austria and the Netherlands. The Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet) and the Brazilian…
Sikorsky Introduces Nomad Runway-Independent Drone Family
The Nomad family of drones will be based off the novel rotor blown wing VTOL UAS which Sikorsky has been developing and testing. Sikorsky has announced a new family of…
Australia Receives First AH-64E Apache Helicopters
The first two of 29 AH-64Es have arrived at RAAF Base Townsville, where they will be assigned to the 1st Aviation Regiment. The first two new AH-64E Apache helicopters of…
Kizilelma UCAV Flies with TEBER-82 and TOLUN Munitions in Carriage Trials
The Kizilelma is slated to fly alongside the KAAN as its primary Collaborative Combat Aircraft, along with the ANKA-III. Turkey’s Kizilelma UCAV, developed by drone and aerospace major Baykar, attained…
General Electric Demonstrates Ramjet Engines for Hypersonic Missiles
The Solid Fuel Ramjet (SFRJ) and the Hypersonic Dual-Mode Ramjet (DMRJ) are seeing rapid success as the U.S. hikes spending and development of hypersonic weapons. GE Aerospace has shed more…
Royal Navy Re-Armed: Sea Venom Anti-Ship Missile Achieves IOC and Naval Strike Missile is Test Fired
The Royal Navy is becoming more lethal as September brings new developments in the deployment of two of its vital anti-ship missiles. The Sea Venom light anti-ship missile, carried by…
Mysterious Object Spotted At Lockheed Martin’s Helendale Radar Cross Section Test Range
A YouTube video posted by the account Uncanny Expeditions appears to show a previously unseen object undergoing testing at Lockheed Martin’s Helendale Radar Cross Section (RCS) Test Range in California’s…
Inside Hawaii’s 535th Airlift Squadron: How C-17 Crews Stand Ready for the Pacific
In an exclusive interview at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Col. Luke Spathes and Lt. Col. Reinier Villanueva discuss rapid mobility, integration with F-22s, and the challenges of operating in…
USMC F-35Bs Shown Armed with Live Weapons in Puerto Rico
Weeks after they arrived in Puerto Rico, the F-35s were shown flying with live AIM-120Ds, AIM-9Xs and GBU-54s. The U.S. is now showing in official images the U.S. Marine Corps’…
Royal Air Force Retires MQ-9A Reaper
The Royal Air Force has confirmed that its MQ-9A Reaper fleet has been withdrawn after 18 years in service, as the MQ-9B Protector RG1 readies for operational deployment. Based entirely…
B-29 Strategic Operations against Japan Part 1: The CBI Theater
Suffering an arduous start in the CBI Theater, the B-29 would initially struggle to prove its worth, the victim of teething problems from its rapid development and production, along with…
U.S. Air Force Establishes Permanent MQ-9 Reaper Unit in South Korea
The 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron was activated for the first time since WW2 at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, to operate MQ-9A Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles. 82 years after it…
VX-31 Bids Farewell to the AV-8B Harrier II
The Dust Devils of VX-31 concluded the AV-8B Harrier’s service with a sundown flight at China Lake. The Dust Devils of the U.S. Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX)…
Revival of WW2-Era Tinian Airfield Picks Up with ‘Rehabilitation’ Work
The significant airfield repair and upgrade work might support frontline fighters in the future, as the U.S. develops distributed basing to counter China in the western Pacific. As a part…
Dutch F-35 Receives Drone Kill Marking
Following the Russian drone incursion in Poland, a RNLAF F-35A has received a drone kill marking below the canopy rail. A Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) F-35A of the 313th…
Army Reserve Aviation Command Completes Flying Operations, Slashed as Part of Army Reprioritization
Each Army Reserve Aviation Command unit’s ‘final mission’ put as many aircraft in the air as possible in California, Kansas, and Texas as one last opportunity to overfly the communities…
F-117s Spotted While Refueling from KC-46
The U.S. Air Force planned in 2024 to certify the F-117A Nighthawk to be able to refuel from the KC-46A Pegasus, the service’s newest tanker. Two F-117 Nighthawks have been…
Italian Air Force T-260B Trainer Crashes, Killing Two Pilots
The T-260B basic trainer, assigned to the 70th Wing, crashed in a national park southeast of Rome. A T-260B basic trainer of the Italian Air Force crashed in the morning…
The Apache Turns 50: A Look at the Iconic Attack Helicopter
Sept. 30, 2025 marks 50 years since the first YAH-64A prototype took to the skies for the first time. Let's look at how the Apache has maintained its sharp edge…
South Korea Choses L3Harris for ROKAF’s Next Airborne Radar
South Korea initiated the AEW&C II program in 2020 to supplement its fleet of four E-737s that had been experiencing low mission availability rates. South Korea’s Defense Acquisitions and Program…
KAI Reveals Design for RoKAF’s Electronic Warfare Aircraft Program
South Korea aims to develop homegrown airborne EW and stand-off jamming technology as part of the Block-I Electronic Warfare System Development Project. In response to South Korea’s Block-I Electronic Warfare…
JPO and Lockheed Martin Finalize F-35 Contract for Lots 18 and 19
Lockheed Martin will build up to 296 F-35s as part of Lots 18 and 19, with first deliveries in 2026. Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) announced…
First Sea Lord Hitches Ride in F/A-18F Super Hornet During Visit to USS Gerald R. Ford
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy, visited the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier as it operated in the North Sea, complete with a backseat ride in…
China’s J-20 Flying in ‘Beast Mode’ Again with Eight Air-to-Air Missiles
With the dual racks allowing it to carry eight air-to-air missiles externally, the J-20 would be able to be armed with 14 missiles. A new clip emerged on Chinese microblogging…
Ukraine Says Gripen Jets Are Among ‘Expected’ Western Aircraft Deliveries
While Ukraine has described Gripens as “expected,” Swedish officials have so far only stated that future sales could be discussed after the war, and no transfer has been confirmed yet.…
Taiwan is Interested in the Rafale, Says Dassault’s Chief
In a recent hearing, Dassault Aviation’s CEO Éric Trappier told lawmakers about efforts to support Taiwan’s fleet of Mirage 2000s and their interest in the Rafale. Dassault Aviation’s CEO Éric…
Could China’s Mock Test Facility Hint What Its Next Carrier Might Look Like?
The Wuhan carrier mockup previously replicated the Fujian, and the new configuration might hint at the PLA Navy’s fourth aircraft carrier. Modifications made to a known Chinese carrier mockup in…
Greece Receives 42nd F-16V Viper, Completing 50% of Upgrade Program
The F-16V Viper significantly improves the Hellenic Air Force’s ability to operate jointly with its Rafales, its future F-35s and other NATO platforms. Lockheed Martin announced on Sep. 23, 2025,…
Sikorsky to Build 99 CH-53K King Stallions for the U.S. Marine Corps
This $10 billion order is the biggest to date for the CH-53K, of which the Marine Corps plans to procure 200 airframes. Sikorsky announced on Sep. 26, 2025 the award…
U.S. Navy E-2D Refuels from French Rafale, A400M and A330 MRTT
The completion of aerial refueling testing with French tankers is another step towards the introduction of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye in the French Navy. The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command…
Second Prototype of Turkey’s Kaan Fighter is Now In Production
The new Kaan prototype has been spotted during assembly a year after the maiden flight of the first example, and is set to fly in 2026. The second prototype of…
Indian Air Force MiG-21 Bison Retires After 62 Years in Service
Today the IAF phased out the MiG-21 Bison after a 62-year-long career, spanning two thirds of the air force's total lifespan. The MiG-21 is often thought of as synonymous with…
Pratt & Whitney Advances CCA Engine Testing as Raytheon Expands Mk 104 Rocket Motor Production
The two announcements highlight RTX’s parallel work on both air-breathing and solid rocket propulsion technologies through its businesses. RTX made two propulsion announcements on Sept. 24, 2025, highlighting the company’s…
Multiple Russian Aircraft Intercepted Over Baltic Sea and Alaska ADIZ
Russian aircraft were intercepted over the Alaska ADIZ and the Baltic Sea hours after Trump suggested NATO should shoot down intruding jets. Two formations of Russian aircraft have been intercepted…
Royal Thai Air Force Becomes A330 MRTT+ Launch Customer
Thailand has ordered a single example of the new, upgraded Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+). Based on the upgraded A330-800 platform, this order is not only the…
BQM-177A, Airbus DT25 Target Drones Test Flown with Hivemind AI
Shield AI’s Hivemind powered autonomous BQM-177A threat-representative maneuvers for the U.S. Navy and DT25 counter-UAV tracking trials in Norway. NAVAIR (Naval Air Systems Command) and Shield AI announced on Sep.…
This Might Be Our Best Look Yet at the Chinese J-XDS Stealth Jet
For the first time, the J-XDS was photographed at close distance on the ground, revealing new details. Two new photos, captured off the camera’s screen, show for the first time…
L3Harris Unveils Podded Variant of Viper Shield Electronic Warfare System
The Viper Shield pod shares commonality with the internally mounted variant and would offer the same level of protection from evolving threats. U.S. company L3Harris revealed on Sep. 25, 2025…
Helsing Unveils CA-1 Europa Autonomous UCAV
The CA-1 Europa aims to deliver affordable mass and strategic autonomy through AI-powered air combat and multi-role mission flexibility. German defense technology company Helsing has unveiled the CA-1 Europa, a…
Spain Approves Procurement of 45 Hürjets
The aircraft will be manufactured in Turkey and will undergo customization with Spanish subsystems and components at Airbus’ facilities in Spain. Spain’s Council of Ministers approved on Sep. 24, 2025…
RAF P-8A Poseidon Tests Mid-Air Refueling for the First Time
The RAF notoriously lacks a boom air-to-air refueling capability to support the Poseidon, and the simulated refueling with a KC-135 signals steps are being taken to address the issue. A…
In Depth Look at Tuesday Night’s U.S. STRATCOM Exercise
B-2 Spirit stealth bombers launched from Whiteman AFB on a transatlantic round-trip sortie, supported by an E-6B Mercury flying from Ramstein. Let's look at what happened. The appearance on Sept.…
Raytheon Tests Ground-Launched Variant of GBU-53 StormBreaker
The new variant was designed, developed and tested in 50 days, with the test in the Mojave Desert using a COTS rocket motor. Raytheon has announced the testing of a…
Maryland ANG Ends A-10C Operations with Ceremonies in Baltimore and Hagerstown
Earning the Spaatz Trophy for being the top Air National Guard flying unit only a month ago, the 104th Fighter Squadron has now officially ceased operations. On Sept. 22, 2025,…
Boeing to Convert USAF E-7 Rapid Prototypes in the UK
Boeing will transfer two 737-700 airframes to STS Aviation in Birmingham for E-7 conversion in 2026. Boeing will have two rapid-prototype E-7 Wedgetail Airborne Early-Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft converted…
Pratt & Whitney to Accelerate Development of XA103 NGAP Engine
Engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney will use new digital design technology to accelerate its work on the XA103, its submission for the U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP)…
Raytheon Unveils New APG-82(V)X AESA Radar
The latest iteration of the combat-proven APG-82 radar incorporates gallium nitride (GaN) technology to enhance the radar's effectiveness and capabilities. Raytheon has unveiled a major upgrade to the APG-82 Active…
Ninth Bombardier Global 6000 Delivered to U.S. Air Force for BACN Program
Bombardier Defense has announced the delivery of the U.S. Air Force's ninth Global 6000 for the E-11A BACN program. The ninth aircraft for the U.S. Air Force's E-11A Battlefield Airborne…
Airbus A320 ATRA Flies in IOC Configuration Ahead of Eurofighter’s AESA Radar Testing
The Advanced Technology Research Aircraft was modified with the Eurofighter’s nose to support testing of the ECRS Mk.1 AESA radar. Airbus and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have reached another…
L3Harris Displays Phoenix AEW&C Concept at TADTE 2025 in Taiwan
The CAEW-type aircraft might be pitched to Taiwan to replace its five E-2K Hawkeyes, after it could not acquire the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. L3Harris appears to be pitching its AEW&C…
J-35, J-15 and KJ-600 Shown Operating Off PLA Navy’s Fujian Carrier
China has shown for the first time its newest naval aircraft launching and recovering aboard the catapult-equipped Fujian carrier. The PLA (People’s Liberation Army) Navy’s CNS Fujian (CV-18) carrier, an…
First Boeing F-47 In Production, First Flight by 2028
U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin announced on Sept. 22, 2025 that Boeing had begun the manufacturing process for the first production F-47, with a goal of…
Argentina’s First Airworthy F-16B Spotted in Denmark Ahead of Delivery
The aircraft is among six expected to reach Argentina in December 2025, while the remaining 18 are to be delivered by 2028. The Argentine Air Force’s (Fuerza Aérea Argentina) first…
Scaled Composites Model 437 Vanguard Begins Envelope Expansion Flights
Scaled Composites’ Model 437 Vanguard returns to flight, expanding its envelope ahead of Northrop Grumman’s Beacon autonomy flight testing. The Scaled Composites Model 437 Vanguard has resumed flight testing at…
Skunk Works Introduces Vectis Stealth CCA
Lockheed Martin says the new Group 5 survivable and lethal collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) will fly within two years.Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works has officially unveiled Vectis, a new self-funded Unmanned…
Indonesian Air Force’s First Rafale Takes Maiden Flight
Jakarta is procuring 16 dual-seat and 26 single seat Rafales, with deliveries expected to being by February 2026, according to Indonesian reports. The Indonesian Air Force’s (TNI Angkatan Udara -…
Interesting Aircraft Details You Might Have Missed
Let's take a look at some of the most interesting details you might not have noticed on your favorite aircraft. Across the variety of aircraft types operating worldwide past and…
MQ-9B SeaGuardian Flies in U.S. Airspace Like Piloted Aircraft Thanks to Collision Avoidance Tech
Using the Detect and Avoid System, the MQ-9B operated in U.S. airspace like any other piloted aircraft, without the need for the special handling usually required for UAS. The U.S.…
Our Best Look Yet at the B-21 Raider’s Engine Exhaust
A new photo of the second B-21’s first flight offers a new look at the engine exhaust, which appears very similar to the B-2’s one. Last week, the second B-21…
Russian MiG-31s Enter Estonian Airspace, Italian F-35s Scramble to Intercept
Three Russian MiG-31 Foxhound fighters violated Estonian airspace, prompting the scramble of two Italian F-35s to intercept them. Three MiG-31 Foxhound fighters of the Russian Aerospace Forces entered Estonian airspace…
New Flying Wing UAV by Chinese Academy of Sciences Emerges
The aircraft is similar to another concept model revealed during the 2018 Singapore Air Show, called the Star Shadow, which was developed with an unspecified Chinese institution. A new flying…
First Japanese F-15s Arrive in UK for Atlantic Eagles Deployment
The first two Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J Eagles arrived at RAF Coningsby highly anticipated European deployment. Few days after departing Chitose Air Base, the first two Japan Air Self-Defense…
Marine One Malfunction Forces President Trump to Switch Helicopter
Marine One diverted to Luton Airport while ferrying President Trump to begin his trip home from a state visit to the UK. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the helicopter had…
MBDA Unveils SPEAR Glide Weapon at DSEI
MBDA has revealed a new variant of the SPEAR weapon system that provides a low-cost addition to the Royal Air Force’s arsenal. First shown off last week at DSEI, the…
VAW-117 E-2D Hawkeye Spotted with Kill Markings from Last Year’s Middle East Deployment
The markings underline the Hawkeye’s critical role in the defense against drones and missiles during the events in the Middle East in late 2024. Freelance news photojournalist Matt Hartman shared…
First Kawasaki C-2 Arrives in UK for Atlantic Eagles Deployment
In the first UK visit for the type outside of an airshow, Kawasaki C-2 58-1218 arrived at RAF Coningsby in stunning evening light on Sept. 17, 2025. One of two…
China’s Legacy J-6 Converted Into UAV Shown Publicly for the First Time
Reports indicated the PLA Air Force is converting its older J-6, J-7 and J-8 jets into UAVs and UCAVs to be used from airfields in the Taiwan Strait. In the…
China’s 300th J-20 Spotted at Changchun Air Show
The PLA Air Force is steadily fielding the J-20, with at least 50 new jets delivered since June 2024, reaching a fleet of at least 300 J-20s. The PLA Air…
RAF Typhoons to Police Poland’s Skies amid Russian Drone Incursions
The British government announced its intention to join NATO’s Operation Eastern Sentry following continued incursions of Russian drones in NATO airspace. Royal Air Force Typhoons will deploy as a part…
Royal Navy’s Malloy T-150 UAS Ready for Front-Line Service
Malloy’s eight-rotor T-150 logistics drone has recently been used for ship-to-ship resupply during the HMS Prince of Wales’ CSG 25 deployment. The Royal Navy has declared the Malloy T-150 uncrewed…
Beechcraft M-346N Begins U.S. Showcase Tour for Navy UJTS
Textron Aviation Defense will showcase the Beechcraft M-346N’s capabilities as a “ready-now” solution for the U.S. Navy Undergraduate Jet Training System. Textron Aviation Defense has announced the launch of a…
F-22 Fires Longest Known AIM-120 AMRAAM Shot in History
Recently disclosed tests with the F-22 set a new record for the AIM-120 AMRAAM in 2024, part of the form, fit, function refresh (F3R) development effort. The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range…
U.S. Conduct Second Strike on Smuggling Boat in the Caribbean
President Trump announced the second lethal strike by the U.S. military as part of the counter-drugs operations. This is a developing news, we will update it once new details are…
Greece Considers More F-35s Over F-16 Block 50 Upgrade – Reports
Talks with Lockheed Martin to upgrade Greece’s 38 F-16C/D Block 50s remain stalled, while new jets won’t arrive before 2031 and will need upkeep soon after. Reports from Greece have…
Glider Squawk Code Recommended After KC-135 Stratotanker Near Miss
Calls for a specific squawk code to be designated for gliders have emerged after a USAF KC-135 Stratotanker came within 15 metres of colliding with a glider over Eastern England.…
Germany Receives First A400M Equipped with DIRCM Protection System
The Luftwaffe is equipping 23 A400Ms with DIRCM systems, supplied by Elbit Systems, to conduct tactical operation in scenarios with MANPADS threat. The first of the German Air Force’s (Luftwaffe)…
Japanese F-15s Depart Chitose for Atlantic Eagles Deployment
A highly anticipated deployment of Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15 Eagles to Europe is now beginning, with aircraft departing Chitose Air Base bound first for Eielson AFB, Alaska. From Alaska,…
F-35Bs Touch Down in Puerto Rico as U.S. Increases Presence in the Caribbean
The first of ten F-35s arrived in Puerto Rico, notably showing their unit insignias removed. A flight of F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters has arrived in Puerto Rico, joining a…
U.S. Army AH-64E Apaches Demonstrate Spike NLOS in CENTCOM AOR
The first live shoot of the Spike NLOS by a conventional aviation unit shows Apache crews can conduct extended-range precision strikes against targets obscured by terrain or distance. U.S. Army…
NATO Launches Operation Eastern Sentry After Drone Incursions
Operation Eastern Sentry boosts NATO’s eastern defenses after Russian drones violated Polish airspace, raising tensions along the Alliance’s flank. Following the unprecedented violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones earlier…
B-52s Arrive at RAF Fairford for Exercise Cobra Warrior 25-2
Two B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers arrived in the UK from Barksdale AFB on Sept. 12 ahead of Exercise Cobra Warrior 25-2, which kicks off next week. Using the callsigns SCALP…
Trapani-Birgi To Host First F-35 Training Center Outside U.S.
The airbase in Sicily will become the first location outside the U.S. for international F-35 pilot training, as Italy further consolidates its position as a global leader in advanced training.…
Su-22 Fitter Bows Out of Polish Service
This week, over 40 years after entering service, the swing-wing Su-22 Fitter fighter bomber was withdrawn from the Polish Air Force in a farewell ceremony held at Mirosławiec. The Su-22's…
USAF Releases New Photos of Second B-21 Raider in Flight Test
The service announced the arrival of the second B-21 bomber, possibly nicknamed "Spartan," at Edwards AFB at the end of its first flight to join the test fleet. The U.S.…
MQ-9 Reaper Launches Switchblade 600 Loitering Munition for First Time
GA-ASI and AeroVironment demonstrate first-ever air launch of Switchblade 600 from MQ-9A, advancing drone mothership concepts for smaller UAS. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and AeroVironment have completed the…
DSEI 2025 News Roundup: GCAP Updates, Royal Navy UAVs, Deep Strike Missiles, and More
As this year's Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition prepares for its final day at ExCel London, let's cast our eyes over some of the stories that have emerged…
Second B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Takes Flight
The second B-21 conducted its maiden flight and will now join the first one, which has been flying since 2023 at Edwards Air Force Base. The second B-21 Raider stealth…
Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems Team Up for New Adaptable Multi-Effect Unmanned System
The announcement comes as nations are increasingly looking towards a mix of crewed and uncrewed assets to field affordable ‘combat mass’ in support of existing frontline combat platforms. Lockheed Martin…
USAF B-2 Spirit Teams Up with Norwegian F-35s and P-8 for QUICKSINK Strike
The stealth bomber demonstrated a long-range precision maritime strike in the Norwegian Sea using the QUICKSINK weapon. A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber took part in the third…
F-16s and F-35s Shoot Down Russian Drones over Poland
Warsaw confirms Russian drones violated its airspace overnight, marking the first direct engagement of Russian assets over NATO territory. Poland has confirmed it shot down multiple Russian drones that violated…
924th Fighter Group Deactivated As A-10s Give Way to F-35A Lightning II
First established during World War Two, the 924th Fighter Group was deactivated as part of the ongoing A-10 divestment. The 924th Fighter Group (FG) at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, closed a…
Israel Strikes Hamas Leadership in Qatar
Israel says the unprecedented attack targeted Hamas leadership in Doha, where multiple rounds of negotiations were hosted in order to end the hostilities in Gaza. Israel’s military conducted an unprecedented…
Meet the First Civilian Test Pilot Assigned to a B-2 Squadron
Lt. Col. (Ret) Igor Suhr flew operationally the F-15, MQ-1, MQ-9 and B-2, and after retiring he became the lead B-2 Operational Test Pilot with the 72nd Test and Evaluation…
Raytheon UK Completes Paveway IV Integration Trials on Italian Typhoons
The Italian Typhoons were spotted at RAF Marham in July 2025, carrying live Paveway IV bombs and working at the MOD Aberporth range. Raytheon UK announced on Sep. 8, 2025,…
Alleged 2019 SEAL Team 6 North Korea Operation Included a Stealth Helicopter – Reports
A new report from the New York Times claims that in 2019, Navy SEAL Team 6 carried out a covert operation inside North Korea to plant a spying device. The…
Boeing and RAAF Demonstrate MQ-28A Ghost Bat Operational Capabilities
Boeing Defence Australia completed a test campaign demonstrating the MQ-28A’s cooperative capabilities together with RAAF crewed platforms. Boeing Defence Australia announced on Sep. 5, 2025, the successful completion of the…
Spain’s First SIRTAP UAV Prototype is Ready for Testing
Spain is procuring nine SIRTAP tactical UAV systems, fully designed and manufactured by Airbus within the country. Spain’s first SIRTAP unmanned aerial system prototype is now complete and slated to…
First Photo Emerges Of U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon Flying With LRASM Missile
A Poseidon was spotted flying over the Mojave Desert with the long range anti-ship missile last month. A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft was recently spotted carrying a LRASM (Long…
U.S. F-35s Heading to Puerto Rico as Tensions with Venezuela Increase
Ten F-35s will be deployed to Puerto Rico to take part in the ongoing U.S. counter-narcotics operation in the Caribbean. Unidentified U.S. government sources stated to media that ten F-35…
U.S. Air Force Release First Images of an F-15E Strike Eagle Firing Air-to-Air Laser-Guided Rockets
The AGR-20 APKWS II was extensively used in combat by Strike Eagles in the Middle East, but these are the first photos to actually show an F-15E firing the laser-guided…
The Breakthrough Performance of Stealth and the F-117
Although the F-117 Nighthawk first saw action during operations over Panama, the aircraft impressively demonstrated its capabilities during the initial air campaign over Baghdad, Iraq. Making coalition first strikes on…
First C-130 Airframe Set to Be Converted Into E-130J Phoenix II Emerges
The first C-130J earmarked for conversion into the new E-130J Phoenix II has rolled out of the factory, as shown in an image released by NAVAIR. Naval Air Systems Command,…
U.S. Air Force E-4C SAOC Begins Flight Testing
Sierra Nevada’s first test flight of the Survivable Airborne Operations Center marks a major step in replacing the aging E-4B “Nightwatch” fleet introduced in the 1970s. The E-4C Survivable Airborne…
U.S. Army Awards Lockheed Martin Record $9.8B Patriot Missile Deal
The multi-year contract covers 1,970 PAC-3 MSE interceptors for the U.S. and Allies, marking the largest award in Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control history. The U.S. Army has awarded…
Royal Air Force Prepares Protector RG1 for Operational Deployment
The Royal Air Force has begun assurance testing and operational training for its MQ-9B Protector RG1 UAVs ahead of the new aircraft replacing its MQ-9A Reaper predecessor on operational sorties.…
Everything We Know About the U.S. Strike on Alleged Venezuelan Drug Boat
The strike, the first of its kind in the Caribbean, destroyed a suspected drug vessel, killing 11, but raised questions on legality and escalation. The United States military has carried…
China’s New UCAVs Come into Full View at Parade
Parade reveals China’s latest UCAV designs, ranging from ISR and strike drones to large stealthy platforms hinting at future PLAAF roles. A few weeks after we reported about a new…
Japan Announces Deployment Plans for Upgraded Type-12 SSM and Hypersonic Glide Missile
Japan will deploy the Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile and the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile to bases in the north, central and southern regions between 2025 and 2027. Japan’s Ministry of…
First A-29N Super Tucanos Arrive in Portugal for NATO Equipment Integration
Portugal receives its first A-29N Super Tucanos, which will now undergo NATO equipment integration at OGMA before entering service with the Air Force. Portugal has received its first three Embraer…
L3Harris Expands OA-1K Skyraider II Production
While SOCOM reduces near-term OA-1K acquisitions, L3Harris boosts production in Texas, keeping the Armed Overwatch program on track for IOC in 2026. L3Harris Technologies, manufacturer of the U.S. Special Operations…
HH-60G and HH-60W Helicopters Put Countermeasures to the Test Over Water
In a first-of-its-kind test, the effectiveness of the HH-60’s countermeasures was evaluated in a maritime environment against modern aerial threats. The U.S. Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve tested…
SOCOM To Equip C-130 Fleet With APG-83 AESA Radar In Major Upgrade
Special Operations Command selected Northrop Grumman’s APG-83 SABR to replace legacy radars on AC-130J, MC-130J, and HC-130J aircraft. The U.S. Air Force has announced that Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will…
Yokota Air Base Bids Farewell to UH-1N Huey
After over 50 years of continuous service with the U.S. Air Force at Yokota Air Base, Tokyo, the 459th Airlift Squadron has now flown the type's final missions over the…
First F-35B Transported by CH-53K to MCAS Beaufort to be Retired as Static Display
Airframe BF-01 performed the F-35’s first vertical landing on Mar. 18, 2010, and the first vertical takeoff on May 10, 2013, at NAS Patuxent River. The first F-35B Lightning II…
First Clear Photo of Ukraine’s Mirage 2000 Surfaces
Delivered in February 2025, the Mirage 2000 has now been officially shown for the first time by President Zelensky for the Ukrainian Aviation Day. Months after the delivery of the…
Norway Chooses Type 26 as Future Frigate
A long awaited decision on the Royal Norwegian Navy's next generation warships was announced on Aug. 31, with Norwegian PM Jonas Støre confirming the procurement of UK-designed Type 26 frigates…
B-52 Radar Modernization Nears Flight Testing
The AN/APQ-188 radar upgrade for the B-52 is finally preparing to begin flight testing, following years of delays, cost overruns, and a program review. The U.S. Air Force’s long-running effort…
Boeing Unveils New F/A-XX Rendering
Fresh artwork of Boeing’s proposed sixth-generation naval fighter shows similarities to the F-47, the new Air Force fighter. Boeing has released a new rendering of its proposed F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter…
U.S. Navy “Eagerly Awaiting” After Senate Saves F/A-XX in Budget Approval
Vice Admiral Daniel Cheever, Commander of the Naval Air Forces, stressed the need for a naval sixth generation carrier-borne jet distinct from the Air Force’s F-47. Following weeks of uncertainty,…
Japanese F-15Js to Make Rare European Deployment to the UK
Rumors of a Japanese fighter deployment to Britain were confirmed on Aug. 29, 2025, when UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed in his speech at the Pacific Future Forum, Tokyo,…
U.S. Army Apache Fires Spike NLOS in First European Demonstration
AH-64E v6 Apache Guardians fired Spike NLOS missiles at sea-based targets at distances of up to 25 kilometers in Poland. The U.S. Army has successfully conducted the first European live-fire…
U.S. Air Force Student Pilots Will Train at the International Flight Training School in Italy
For the first time the U.S. Air Force has chosen a foreign school to train its pilots, with the first 10 students arriving soon in Italy. The Italian Air Force…
The UK’s Intelligence Flights Over Gaza: Analysis and Commentary
Let’s look at what we know about the UK’s flights over Gaza, what we can tell from them, what has been claimed, and what they might signal about UK-Israel relations.…
The Evolution of the B-1 and its Adaptation to Modern Warfare
Originally conceived as a supersonic long-range strategic nuclear heavy bomber, the B-1 has evolved into a very effective multi-role conventional warplane. A product of the Cold War, the North American…
Breaking: Polish F-16 Crashes During Radom Airshow Rehearsal, Pilot Dies
The jet, assigned to the Polish F-16 Tiger Demo Team, was rehearsing for the Radom Air Show planned for Aug. 30 and 31. A Polish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon,…
Poland Chooses Viper Shield EW Suite for its F-16s
The AN/ALQ-254 Viper Shield will be installed during the upgrade of the fleet of 48 F-16C/D Block 52+ jets to the F-16V Block 72 standard. L3Harris Technologies has announced on…
General Atomics’ YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft Takes Flight
The YFQ-42 becomes the first of the U.S. Air Force’s new Collaborative Combat Aircraft to enter flight testing. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has announced on Aug. 27, 2025, that its…
Germany Wants Four More P-8A Poseidons
Germany has already eight P-8A Poseidons on contract, the first of which is expected to be delivered this year. Germany is likely to ask for additional four P-8A Poseidon Multimission…
Rare Image Shows P-8 Poseidon’s Advanced Airborne Sensor Extended
A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon was intercepted over the Black Sea, with a video recorded by a Russian pilot showing the APS-154 Advanced Airborne Sensor extended below the fuselage. A…
NATO Hunts for Russian Submarine as USS Gerald R. Ford Sails in North Sea
U.S, UK, and Norwegian forces have mounted a significant anti-submarine operation in the Norwegian Sea using maritime patrol aircraft to track suspected Russian submarine activity. After aviation enthusiasts this week…
Hydraulic Fluid Contamination and Ice Buildup Led to January F-35A Crash in Alaska
PACAF’s investigation found water-contaminated hydraulic fluid froze and caused a landing gear malfunction, leading to the loss of an F-35A at Eielson AFB. An Accident Investigation Board (AIB) report released…
Pratt & Whitney Awarded $2.8B Contract for New Lot 18 F-35 Engines
The $2.8B contract funds 141 F135 engines for U.S. services and allies, securing production, spares, and upgrades through February 2028. Pratt & Whitney has been awarded a major contract, valued…
Thailand Signs Gripen E Contract
The Royal Thai Air Force will be the first user in Asia and the third globally to field the Gripen E. Thailand and Sweden signed on Aug. 25, 2025, a…
Three Russian Il-20 Intercepts in a Week off Alaska by NORAD
NORAD scrambled U.S. Air Force F-16s to intercept Russian Il-20 surveillance aircraft three times in the Alaskan ADIZ in less than one week. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)…
U.S. Approved 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munitions for Ukraine
The air-launched tactical, scalable, cheap air-to-ground weapon was sought by the U.S. Air Force last year for Ukraine. The Trump administration approved last week 3,350 ERAM (Extended Range Attack Munitions)…
U.S. Military Seeks Purchase of Fully Operational Shahed-136 Copies
An RFI was released by the U.S. Government describing the requirement for 1:1 reverse-engineered copies of Iran's Shahed-136 attack drone, also used by Russia, to be used to inform counter…
Florida ANG’s 125th FW Receives Air Force’s 500th F-35A
The 125th FW received its first three F-35As, which will join the ones loaned from sister Air National Guard units for conversion and familiarization training. The Florida Air National Guard’s…
Last Production U-2 Returns to Flight for First Time Since 2008
80-1099 was photographed in flight for the first time in 17 years after being heavily damaged in a hydrazine fire in 2008. Aviation enthusiasts captured the aircraft in flight from…
Lockheed Martin to Boost JAGM & Hellfire Production with $720 Million Contract
U.S. Army awards Lockheed Martin a new contract for JAGM and Hellfire missiles, underscoring the enduring role of these missiles in precision strike missions. On Aug. 21, 2025, Lockheed Martin secured…
Airbus MQ-72C Helicopter Drone Makes First Autonomous Test Flight with Hivemind AI
Airbus partnered with Shield AI to integrate the latter’s Hivemind autonomous flight software for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) program. Shield AI and Airbus U.S. Space and…
SNC’s Freedom Trainer Enters U.S. Navy Competition to Replace T-45
Sierra Nevada Corporation unveils its clean-sheet Freedom Trainer for the Navy’s UJTS, emphasizing carrier training, cost efficiency, and digital design. Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has formally entered the U.S. Navy’s…
New Zealand Selects MH-60R and A321XLR in Major Fleet Recapitalization
The Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk is New Zealand's preferred option to replace its ageing SH-2G(I) Seasprite helicopters, while Airbus A321XLRs will replace the RNZAF's two Boeing 757s. A joint announcement by…
Japanese Defense Minister Visits Turkey as Tokyo Looks to Expand Drone Fleet
Japan’s defense minister Gen Nakatani visited Turkey to enhance defense ties and, while there, also visited the facilities of Turkish Aerospace Industries, Istanbul Naval Shipyard and Baykar. Japan and Turkey…
China’s Compound Helicopter Emerges for the First Time
The images, reportedly captured in April, show a compound helicopter with coaxial main rotors and pusher propeller, which bears similarity to Sikorsky’s X2 Technology. Few days after photos emerged of…
Sikorsky Awarded Contract to Modernize Black Hawk with UAS and Launched Effects
The initial $43 million contract focuses on the airframe’s enhancement and inclusion of a digital backbone to allow for UAS integration. Sikorsky has announced on Aug. 20, 2025, the award…
U.S. Navy Pilot Ejects from F/A-18E Super Hornet off Virginia Coast
The U.S. Navy has confirmed that a pilot from VFA-83 'Rampagers' was safely recovered from the sea after ejecting from an F/A-18E Super Hornet during a training flight. The Navy…
Patriot PAC-3 MSE Demonstrates 360-Degree Engagement Capability with LTADMS Radar
The PAC-3 MSE has been coupled with the LTADMS radar to demonstrate a 360-degree engagement capability for the U.S. Army’s modernized IAMD architecture. The U.S. Army’s Patriot air defense system…
New Footage Shows Secretive RATT55 Radar Testbed Operating from Area 51’s Hangar 18
Photographer Michał Rokita captured video of the elusive Boeing 737 from near Tikaboo Peak, the closest point where civilians can view the test facility at Groom Lake known worldwide as…
BAE Systems and QinetiQ Prepare Avro RJ100 Testbed for ECRS Mk2 Radar Flight Trials
A modified Avro RJ100 will support integration of Leonardo UK’s ECRS Mk2 AESA radar for RAF Typhoons, reducing costs and accelerating development. BAE Systems and QinetiQ are preparing to modify…
China’ First Manned Tilt-Rotor Takes Flight
The aircraft currently appears to be purely civilian passenger oriented, but it could have military applications in future. An image has emerged showing China’s first crewed tiltrotor aircraft taking flight.…
Northrop Grumman Advances to Phase II of U.S. Army Aviation New Threat Detection System
ITDS Phase II brings ATHENA sensor to Army aircraft, providing 360° situational awareness and enhanced survivability against evolving threats. Northrop Grumman has been selected by the U.S. Army to continue…
Red 6’s Augmented Reality Tech Will Be Integrated in F-16 Training
ATARS moves beyond trainers as Red 6 secures its first frontline fighter contract, bringing augmented reality into F-16 cockpits. Red 6 has secured a contract from the U.S. Air Force…
Hsiung Feng III Anti-Ship Missiles Seen on Taiwan’s F-CK-1 Ching-kuo
Taiwanese reports said that the NCSIST is accelerating the testing to gather data that would inform new live fire trials. Taiwan’s air-launched Hsiung Feng III (HF-III or HF-3) Anti-Ship Missile (AShM)…
China’s New Collaborative Combat Aircraft Breaks Cover Ahead of September Parade
The new UCAV will almost certainly translate into an acquisition for the PLA, given China’s tradition to display new military systems in its parades. We may have the first unofficial…
Video of Accidental F-15 Ejection Leaked Online
A video leaked online shows security camera footage of the accidental ejection of an Airman while in the back seat of an F-15D. Few days ago we reported about the…
F-35s Escort Putin’s Aircraft on Return Flight to Russia
The Kremlin shared a video shot inside Putin’s presidential aircraft during the return flight to Russia after the Anchorage meeting. On Aug. 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian…
B-2 Stealth Bomber and Four F-35s Fly Over Anchorage During Trump–Putin Meeting
B-2 bomber and F-35s stage an impressive flyover watched by hundreds of thousands online as Trump and Putin meet in Anchorage.A U.S. Air Force B-2A Spirit stealth bomber, escorted by…
Quadcopter Drone Guides GBU-12 LGBs Dropped by F-35A
PDW’s C100 quadcopter, which has also been acquired by the U.S. Army, was used to safely lase targets from a standoff range, demonstrating a new joint fires capability. Performance Drone…
Italian Lightnings Secure the Baltic Skies During Operation Baltic Eagle III
The Italian Air Force deployed four F-35A Lightning II to Ämari Air Base in Estonia, leading NATO’s latest Baltic Air Policing mission. The Italian Air Force deployed four F-35A Lightning…
Switzerland Faces F-35 Procurement Uncertainty Amid Rising Costs and Tariff Pressures
Bern reviews fighter jet plans after U.S. cost hike, legal dispute over “fixed price,” and public protests against steep import tariffs. Switzerland’s long-planned acquisition of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning…
F-15D Backseater Accidentally Ejects After Landing
A video surfaced online shows the immediate aftermath of the ejection, which followed the landing from incentive flight. An unusual incident at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts,…
From Combat to Exhibit: Preparing an AV-8B+ Harrier II for Museum Display
The Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum showed in a video of a U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B+ Harrier II was demilitarized and moved to its new home. The…
Poland Signs $3.8B Deal for F-16V Upgrade
As part of the contract, Poland will upgrade its entire fleet of 48 F-16C/D Block 52+ jets to the F-16V Block 72 standard. The Polish Defense Minister Wladysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has…
Marines Fly MQ-9 Reaper with SkyTower II and RDESS/SOAR Pods
NAVAIR announced the first flight of the unmanned aircraft with new electronic support and enhanced cross-domain comms. In a post on social media, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced…
Marines Train on MV-22B Osprey Anti-Submarine Warfare Operations in the Pacific
An Osprey teamed up with two U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawks to deploy sonobuoys in the Philippine Sea, operating from the USS America. A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey has…
First Look at Indonesian Rafale As Crews Train For New Jet
A new image has granted our first opportunity to see a fully painted Indonesian Rafale as crews finalize their training on the new jet. The aircraft, marked T-0301, is seen…
The Tragic Final Mission of B-17G ‘Wee Willie’
The oldest B-17G still in service with the 91st Bomb Group and the next to last B-17 lost to hostile action by the group met a horrifying fate in the…
New B-1B Bomber Task Force Deploys to Norway
The bombers will fly Ally-led missions to practice high-threat air operations and refine skills in the find, fix, track and target process. Three U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers arrived…
HH-60W Helicopters Deploy to Hungary for Two Weeks of Live Fire and Night Ops
First iteration of the Jolly Vihar exercise series featuring the HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter for the 56th Rescue Squadron. The U.S. Air Force rescue community has settled into a…
Let’s Take Another Look at the Top Aces F-16 Sporting a Russian Su-57 ‘Felon’ Paint Scheme
A recent mission of Top Aces’ F-16 N871TA provided another opportunity to see the jet’s striking Felon-inspired livery. As already reported in detail in our previous story that you can…
USAF RC-135 Rivet Joint Took Part in Talisman Sabre with RAAF Jets
Exercise Talon Shield, part of the broader Talisman Sabre, saw Offutt AFB’s RC-135 Rivet Joint taking part in the exercise in Australia for the first time. Two developments last week…
[Updated] UK F-35B Makes Emergency Landing at Kagoshima Airport
A British F-35B Lightning from HMS Prince of Wales has diverted into Kagoshima Airport, Japan, with an apparent technical issue. The aircraft landed safely and was moved to an adjoining…
Qatar-Donated 747-8 Spotted In Texas Ahead Of ‘Air Force One’ Refit
The VIP-configured B747-8, which will be converted into Air Force One, was photographed departing Alliance Fort Worth en route to Waco. On Aug. 8, the Boeing 747-8 N7478D, donated by…
VMFA-112 Unveils F/A-18D ‘USMC 250th Anniversary’ Jet
Take a look at the F/A-18D in special color scheme to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps. On Aug. 7, 2025, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 rolled…
Australian KC-30A Cleared to Refuel USAF F-15EX Eagle II and F-15E Strike Eagle
Together with the RAAF E-7A Wedgetail refueled by an USAF KC-46A Pegasus, the RAAF KC-30 being able to refuel F-15s enhances interoperability between Australia and the U.S. The RAAF (Royal…
British and U.S. F-35Bs Land on Japan’s JS Kaga
For the first time, a British F-35B Lightning II landed on the Japanese JS Kaga during joint training as part of CSG25. British and U.S. F-35Bs landed on the Japan…
France is Testing the Rafale F4.3
Preparing for the future of the Rafale, France conducted a test campaign to assess the current state of the F4.3 standard ahead of its final definition. The French Directorate General…
R-73-Equipped Crop Duster Spotted in Ukraine
The Zlin Z-137 Agro Turbo agricultural aircraft equipped with R-73 IR-guided air-to-air missiles might be used as a drone hunter. A short video circulating on social media shows yet another…
HeliOperations Awarded Royal Navy Fleet Helicopter Support Unit Contract
Two AW139 helicopters based from Portland will provide personnel transfer, logistics, and training support from Spring 2026, replacing Bristow Helicopters’ Newquay-based Dauphin. The £41 million contract award to UK company…
U.S. Navy’s New TACAMO Aircraft Named E-130J Phoenix II
The name is a nod to the C-130 platform already fulfilling the TACAMO mission as EC-130Q between 1963 and 1993. After designating last year the selection of the E-130J designation…
B-1B Lancer Bombers Fly ‘Hybrid’ Strike Sorties During Red Flag Nellis 25-3
By forward basing Mission Planning Cells at Nellis AFB, the 9th Bomb Squadron flew complex strike missions at the Nevada Test and Firing Range from Dyess AFB. At its first…
Northrop Grumman Releases F/A-XX Official Concept Art
Northrop Grumman released on its website the first official concept art of the F/A-XX, providing a glimpse into its vision of 6th gen naval air power. Northrop Grumman has published…
First Japanese F-35Bs Arrive to Nyutabaru Air Base
The first three F-35B Lightning IIs have finally been delivered to the Japan Air Self Defense Force. The Japan Air Self Defense Force Article (JASDF) announced the arrival of its…
ULA Vulcan Centaur Rocket to Launch First Military Payload on August 12th
United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur orbital launch vehicle will undertake its first National Security Space Launch (NSSL) mission next week, the rocket type’s third launch overall. The two stage vehicle…
USAF E-9A Widget Range Support Aircraft Receives First Full Repaint in a Decade
The E-9A supports air-to-air weapon systems evaluation at Tyndall AFB providing range clearance, telemetry support and data relay. The U.S. Air Force’s E-9A Widget firing range safety and surveillance aircraft…
F-15E Strike Eagle Lands With Missing Wheel at Kadena Air Base
An F-15E Strike was flying from Diego Garcia to Kadena when it was discovered that a wheel was missing. A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted an emergency landing…
Spain Drops F-35 Plans, Looks to European Alternatives
Despite the need to modernize, Spain shelves F-35 plans, leaving its Navy without a STOVL replacement. The purchase of F-35 Lightning II aircraft, the fifth-generation American stealth fighter, for the…
Hydraulic Fitting Failure Led to B-2 Gear Collapse, Wing Fire and $300M Damage at Whiteman AFB in 2022
Investigators say a hydraulic fitting failure set off the 2022 B-2 incident at Whiteman AFB, ending in a gear collapse, wing fire and $300M repair bill. The U.S. Air Force…
Royal Navy and JMSDF to Cooperate on F-35B Lightning II Operations
The HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group will link up with the Japanese task group of the JS Kaga to practice combined F-35B operations. The UK’s Royal Navy and…
451st Flying Training Squadron Celebrates T-1A Jayhawk, Final Assigned Jet Retires
End of an era as final Jayhawk departs Pensacola, marking shift to all-simulator training for Combat System Officers. The 451st Flying Training Squadron retired their final T-1A Jayhawk to Davis-Monthan…
China’s Third Tailless Next-Generation Aircraft Emerges
Photographs of a previously unseen Chinese stealthy platform have surfaced online. Some photos are taken from distance, but other frames are shot straight up from below with the aircraft flying…
Damaged C-130J Flies Again Five Years After Hard Landing
A hard landing at Ramstein Air Base in 2020 damaged a C-130J’s structural integrity, which led to it becoming the first of the type to receive a wing replacement in…
Top Aces F-16 Makes First Flight in Su-57 ‘Felon’-Inspired Livery
The new paint scheme of Top Aces’ F-16 mimics that of the Russian Su-57 “Felon” fighter jet. On Aug. 4, 2025, one of Top Aces’ former Israeli Air Force F-16A…
U.S. Navy F/A-18 and EA-18 Fleet Reaches 12 Million Flight Hours
The 12 million flight hours milestone cements the F/A-18 and EA-18G fleet’s status as one of the most enduring families of aircraft in modern naval aviation. The U.S. Navy has…
Dragon Lady at Oshkosh: Exclusive U-2 Pilot Interviews Mark 70th Anniversary and Historic Homecoming
Two U-2 pilots, including a Wisconsin native, share rare insights on the legendary spy plane’s enduring legacy and relevance in today’s battlespace. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 drew a record-breaking crowd…
U.S. Army Aviators Get Experience on MV-22 in Preparation for MV-75
U.S. Army aviators are gaining hands-on experience with tiltrotor technology through familiarization flights in the MV-22 Osprey of the U.S. Marine Corps. In order to better prepare for the introduction…
Indian Rafale Downed in Largest Air Battle in Decades Due to Intel Failure on PL-15 Range – Reports
Kill chain and long-range missile gave Pakistan the edge in Rafale shootdown, according to a recent report by Reuters. On Aug. 2, 2025, an interesting story by Reuter's Saeed Shah…
First Japanese F-35B Stealth Jets Spotted En Route to Japan
After months of delay, the first Japanese F-35Bs are on the way to their new home and were spotted during a stop in Hawaii. The first F-35B Lightning II STOVL…
U.S. F/A-18Fs and Italian F-35Bs Simulate CAS Operations Over Black Sea
U.S. F/A-18Fs and Italian F-35Bs conducted simulated CAS operations over the Black Sea and into Romanian training areas during NATO’s Neptune Strike 25-2. As the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN…
Improper Pin Install, Strap Entanglement Caused Fatal T-6A Accidental Ejection
The AAIB found the seat’s safety pin was not fully installed and the previously disconnected harness chest strap caught on and inadvertently actuated the seat's handle. An improperly inserted safety…
U.S. Air Force Confirms TU-2S Dragon Lady Broke Endurance Records
The historic flight, which was 11 years in the making, saw the TU-2 flying longer than 14 hours and traveling over 6,000 NM across all 48 contiguous states of the…
U-2 Dragon Lady Breaks Altitude and Endurance Records During 70th Anniversary Flight
Flying from Beale AFB, a Lockheed U-2 aircraft, using the specially chosen callsign DRAGON 70, was heard communicating with ATC about a plan to set an endurance and altitude record…
U.S. Navy Tests MAC-E Signal Processing System for P-8A Poseidon
The Multi-static Active Coherent Enhancements (MAC-E) is an active sonar system composed of source and receiver sonobuoys used by the P-8 during ASW missions. The Naval Air Test and Evaluation…
Raytheon Secures Record-Breaking $3.5 Billion AMRAAM Missile Contract from U.S. DoD
Department of Defense announced a $3.5 billion award to Raytheon for AMRAAM missiles: it's the largest contract in program history. On Jul. 31, 2025, the DOD announced that Raytheon was…
Leonardo AW149: A Modern Medium Helicopter Powering a New Era of Battlefield Mobility
Modern, modular, and NATO-ready, the AW149 is emerging as Europe’s next generation medium multirole helicopter built for the modern battlefield. Building on Leonardo’s extensive experience in the military helicopter sector,…
TH-57 Landing on USS Lexington Marks the End of an Era in Naval Helicopter Training
TH-57 lands aboard decommissioned aircraft carrier to join Museum collection as the U.S. Navy Navy transitions to the new TH-73A Thrasher. On Jul. 30, 2025, a TH-57C Sea Ranger helicopter…
Northrop Grumman and USAF Test-Fire Sentinel ICBM’s Stage-Two Rocket Motor
Northrop Grumman tested the motor in the vacuum chamber in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, continuing the development of the Minuteman III’s replacement. Northrop Grumman has test fired the…
U.S. Navy F-35C Crashes Near NAS Lemoore, California
A U.S. Navy F-35C with VFA-125 crashed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The pilot ejected safely. An F-35C Lightning II jet, attached to the “Rough Raiders” of VFA-125, from…
AFSOC’s OA-1K Skyraider II is Undergoing Developmental Testing at Eglin AFB
As the Skyraider II is the USAF’s first tailwheel aircraft in over 50 years, test evaluators had to devise a new methodology to verify its performance. The AFSOC’s (Air Force…
Wisconsin ANG Shows Off Towable HQ-16 SAM Replica at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
Part of the U.S. Military contingent at this year’s EAA AirVenture event, the local Wisconsin Air National Guard showed off a range of its equipment, including a full scale surrogate…
TAI and Airbus Sign Cooperation Agreement for Spanish Hürjets
Spain and Türkiye agreed on the workshare to develop the Spanish Hürjets, which will have major Spanish subsystems, ahead of the signing of the contract. A new agreement between TAI…
A Look at the Engineering and Maintenance of the A-10’s GAU-8/A Cannon
The United States Air Force A-10 was designed as a Close Air Support aircraft, built around a potent armor-destroying 30 mm rotating barrel cannon known as the Avenger. Known as…
Secretive X-37B Spaceplane Prepares to Launch for its Eighth Mission
The U.S. Space Force will launch the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle on Aug. 21, 2025, from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The U.S. Space Force announced that it will launch the…
Textron Unveils Beechcraft T-346N Offering for the U.S. Navy Undergraduate Jet Training System
The M-346N is being offered as a “ready-now” solution, based on the original M-346 aircraft developed by Leonardo, to train future naval aviators. Textron Aviation Defense has announced on Jul.…
France’s ‘Archange’ SIGINT Aircraft Flies for the First Time
The Archange, based on the Dassault Falcon 8X, will replace the two Transall C-160G Gabriel SIGINT aircraft prematurely divested in May 2022. The French Air and Space Force’s (Armée de…
Elbit Systems J-MUSIC Selected to Protect German A400M Fleet
The German Air Force will equip 23 A400M with the DIRCM system to enable tactical operations in areas where there is the threat of MANPADS. Elbit Systems has been awarded…
Belgium, France and UK Conduct Air Surveillance Mission Over Black Sea
A joint surveillance mission saw a French E-3F and a British RC-135 operating over the Black Sea supported by tankers and fighters from Belgium and France. Belgium, France and the…
U.S. and UK Are Developing Collision Avoidance Tech for the F-35
The Collision Avoidance Manual Deconfliction is being tested on the F-35 at Edwards AFB and is intended to reduce the risk of midair collision with civilian and military aircraft. The…
Thai F-16 Shown with South Korean KGGB Bomb Before Strikes Against Cambodia
As hostilities with Cambodia continue, photos show a RTAF F-16 carrying a Mk-82 bomb converted with the KGGB kit which Thailand acquired from South Korea in 2022. Hostilities between Thailand…
U.S. Navy Begins Work on T-45 Goshawks Service Life Extension
The Fleet Readiness Center Southeast inducted its first two T-45 Goshawks into the Service Life Extension Program production line, 13 months after the Navy identified the requirement. The U.S. Navy…
USAF, USMC, RAF Pilots Fly Australian F-35As during Talisman Sabre
In a significant display of interoperability, pilots from the US and UK seamlessly flew on Australian F-35s, demonstrating the flexibility to put any pilot in any F-35. Enhancing allied interoperability…
RIAT 2025: E-7 Wedgetail, B-1 Bomber, U-2 Dragon Lady Steal the Show
The Royal International Air Tattoo delighted crowds with an incredible number of modern aircraft, including for the first time the RAF E-7 Wedgetail AEW1. The latest in the series of…
Thai F-16 Strikes Cambodia as Border Dispute Intensifies
Thailand's armed forces have confirmed that one F-16 aircraft in a flight of six opened fire at what it claimed to be a Cambodian military target as the two countries'…
Denmark Orders Four MQ-9B SkyGuardian UAVs
With support from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, Denmark has ordered four MQ-9B SkyGuardian aircraft from GA-ASI along with three Certified Ground Control Stations (CGCS). Denmark joins a growing…
L3Harris and Italy’s ELT Group Launch First Multi-Sensor ISR Test Facility Outside the U.S.
The new facility will support several programs, including the EA-37B and the JAMMS platforms. On Jul. 24, 2025, L3Harris Technologies and ELT Group, a leading Italian company in electromagnetic spectrum…
HMS Stirling Castle Commissioned into the Royal Navy: The Changing Face of Mine Warfare
Mine countermeasures ‘mothership’ Stirling Castle raised the white ensign on Jul. 25, transferring from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The ship is a step towards a new way of countering sea…
The Secretive D-21 Drone and Operation Senior Bowl
Even more Top Secret than the Lockheed SR-71, the D-21 drone was a promising Cold War idea that could have eliminated the need for manned overflights, although it was mostly…
MQ-20 Avenger Simulates Beyond-Line-Of-Sight Engagement in New Test
The test demonstrated long-range kill chain effects, including an autonomous air-to-air engagement, by using beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) Command and Control (C2). The MQ-20 Avenger Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) conducted another…
Turkey Moves Closer to Eurofighter Typhoon Acquisition
Turkey and the UK have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking another step toward Ankara’s potential acquisition of the Eurofighter Typhoon. On Jul. 23, 2025, Yasar Güler, Turkish Minister…
Northrop Grumman’s Beacon Testbed Seen Outside Hangar for the First Time
New Northrop Grumman video offers first unobstructed view of the Vanguard-based uncrewed aircraft that will support AI and autonomy development. On Jul. 22, 2025, Northrop Grumman released a new video…
Lockheed Martin Tested CMMT Low-Cost Cruise Missile
The CMMT (Common Multi-Mission Truck) ‘D’ and ‘X missiles were launched from a Rapid Dragon cell and a test aircraft’s pylon, respectively. Lockheed Martin has tested two of its CMMT…
Stranded British F-35B Departs India After Repairs
38 days after an emergency landing in India, the repaired F-35B has taken off again, reportedly enroute to join HMS Prince of Wales. The British F-35B from the HMS Prince…
Belgian F-35 Fleet Will Reach 45 Jets, Expanding Existing Order by 11
Belgium will shore up its commitment to the F-35 with a follow-on order for more jets and for cruise missiles to arm them, while also seeking an expanded role in…
JF-17 Thunder Block III Makes RIAT Debut and Wins ‘Spirit of the Meet’ Trophy
The JF-17 Thunder was among the highlights of this year's Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) took part in this year’s Royal International…
Italy Signs Contract to Acquire EA-37B Compass Call
The Italian government signed a $300 million deal to procure two EA-37B Compass Call electronic attack aircraft, after the U.S. approval in 2024. The Italian Air Force is set to…
Delta Regional Flight Performs ‘Aggressive Maneuver’ To Avoid B-52 Near Minot
A civilian pilot was forced to perform what has been described as an "aggressive go-around" to avoid a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber near Minot, North Dakota. The article…
L3Harris Unveils Red Wolf and Green Wolf Launched Effects
The missiles, which can provide both kinetic and non-kinetic effects, have been tested over 40 times since 2020 from both rotary and fixed wing platforms. L3Harris has shed more light…
Final Four 389th FS F-15E Jets Return From Combat Tour With Nose Art And Weapon Markings
Let's take a look at the JASSM and APKWS markings on the final four F-15E Strike Eagles of the 389th Fighter Squadron "Thunderbolts" as they return from their deployment to…
Civilian Boat Collides With USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum in San Diego
A 60 foot sport fishing boat sailed into the side of the decommissioned USS Midway on Jul. 18, 2025, with the operator apparently under the influence of alcohol. No injuries…
Stranded An-124 Rejoins Antonov Fleet at Leipzig
One of Antonov Airlines’ prized An-124s, which was undergoing an overhaul at the time of Russia’s full scale invasion, escaped Ukraine’s contested airspace and arrived at Antonov’s temporary base at…
New Photos Show USAF F-16 Equipped with Six Rocket Pods for APKWS II
By carrying six LAU-131 A/A rocket pods, the F-16 will be able to carry up to 42 AGR-20 Falco rockets, matching the F-15E’s payload for Counter-UAS missions. The U.S. Air…
366th FW F-15Es Return From Middle East Deployment With AGM-158 And APKWS Markings
The F-15E Strike Eagles returning to their home base at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, feature interesting bomb markings (along with nose art depicting horror movie characters). Split into…
Malloy TRV-150 Electric VTOL Drone Demonstrates APKWS Capability
Munitions equipped with the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser guidance kit were fired at both land and air targets from a modified variant of Malloy Aeronautics’ T-150 octocopter.…
Lockheed Martin Clears F-35 Backlog Deliveries
A total of 72 aircraft were parked at Lockheed Martin’s facilities after the Technology Refresh 3 experienced severe glitches, following which the Pentagon halted deliveries in July 2023. Lockheed Martin…
Australia Hosts First Live Fire of SM-6 at Target Ship Outside the U.S.
The U.S. Army’s 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force conducted in the opening days of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 the first Mid-Range Capability live fire exercise outside the U.S. The U.S. Army…
High Priority C-17 Flight Fuels Speculation About RAF Lakenheath Nuclear Mission
Reach 4574, a C-17 Globemaster III, flew direct from Kirtland AFB, home to the AFMC Nuclear Weapons Centre, to RAF Lakenheath with the support of KC-46 Pegasus refueling aircraft. Ever…
GCAP Combat Air Flying Demonstrator Planned To Fly By 2027
A UK developed demonstrator aircraft, which will be used to inform the joint Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), has been revealed and is expected to be ready to fly by…
General Atomics Demonstrates Autonomy Integration on XQ-67A
The recent flight tested the integration of government-owned autonomy on the XQ-67A, paired with active tactical datalink communications. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced on Jul. 16, 2025, that it has…
Italian F-35Bs and AV-8B+ Harriers Train with French Rafale Ms
The Italian F-35s deployed for the first time to Landivisiau Naval Air Base, integrating 5th gen aircraft in the training of the French Navy’s Rafales. The French Navy’s (Marine Nationale)…
Germany Requests to Buy U.S. Typhon Missile Launchers
Defense Minister Boris Pistorious confirmed during a meeting with his U.S. counterpart that Germany had officially requested clearance to buy the Typhon, a containerized launcher compatible with Tomahawk and SM-6…
Iranian Attack Destroyed U.S. Satellite Communications Dish at Al Udeid Air Base
Images showing a destroyed satellite antenna at Al Udeid, part of the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) network, have surfaced following earlier satellite imagery that revealed a radome had been hit…
F-15EXs Arrive at Kadena Air Base for Familiarization Training
Two F-15EXs of the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron are conducting integration and familiarization training with local units ahead of the delivery of the jet in 2026. The U.S. Air…
Italian Typhoons Test Paveway IV Bombs
A detachment of the Italian Air Force with three Eurofighter Typhoons is currently deployed to RAF Marham in the UK, testing the Paveway IV dual mode laser and GPS/INS guided…
B-52s Escorted by Japanese and South Korean Fighters in Trilateral Exercise
U.S. Air Force B-52s deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, linked with Japanese Mitsubishi F-2 and South Korean KF-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft while operating in the Pacific region on Jul.…
Helos And Horses: Army to Disband Fort Riley’s Mounted Color Guard After Decades of Service
We witnessed one of the final joint training events as UH-60M Black Hawk flew over the last cavalry horse unit of the 1st Infantry Division. It’s not every day that…
U.S. Approves HH-60W Sale to Norway
The U.S. government has approved the possible Foreign Military Sale to Norway of nine HH-60W Jolly Green II Combat Rescue Helicopters. The U.S. State Department has approved the Foreign Military…
Dassault Seeks 80% of FCAS Workshare to Get the Delayed Program Moving
Partners are becoming concerned about the FCAS overshooting the 2045 deadline, as bids for the Phase 2, which will produce a demonstrator aircraft, are yet to be announced. Reflecting the…
The Flexible C-17 Globemaster III has Impressive STOL Capabilities
Proving to be one of the most flexible transport aircraft in United States Air Force history, the McDonnell Douglas/Boeing C-17 Globemaster III provides improved airlift capabilities close to battlefields, humanitarian…
UK and France to Resume Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG Production
The extension of the production will allow the two countries to restock the Storm Shadow/SCALP stockpiles as the work on the next-generation cruise missile. The United Kingdom and France announced…
Russia Considers Retiring its Sole Aircraft Carrier
The Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier has suffered several accidents from 2009 to 2019, and has been undergoing overhaul and modernization works since 2017. The Russian Navy is likely to pull…
Leonardo’s Miysis DIRCM Selected to Protect German C-130Js
Leonardo’s Miysis DIRCM will protect the Luftwaffe’s fleet of six KC-130J and C-130J-30 aircraft operated by the Franco-German Binational Air Transport C-130J Squadron (BATS). Leonardo has been competitively selected by…
Liberty Lifter Ekranoplan Transport Program Scrapped by DARPA
Notably in the same week that a Chinese ekranoplan design emerged, DARPA announced the cancellation of its Liberty Lifter ground effect seaplane program. First reported by Aviation Week on Jul.…
USMC F-35Bs Fly From HMS Prince of Wales off Australian Coast
U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft from the USS America have cross-decked onto the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales ahead of Exercise Talisman Sabre. Currently sailing in waters…
Polish Air Force Chief and Indonesian Test Pilot Fly on KF-21 Boramae
Maj. Gen. Nowak flew in the KF-21's backseat during a visit to KAI’s facilities, followed a day later by Col. Rigonald who became the first Indonesian pilot to test the…
Snakes’ Final Strike: 50th Flying Training Squadron Inactivated
After more than five decades of advanced jet training, the 50th FTS is inactivated and its legacy absorbed into a new ‘super-squadron’ at Columbus AFB. The 50th Flying Training Squadron,…
Boeing Secures Contract to Equip B-1B Bomber with New Pylons
The B-1B Lancer bomber will be able to use up to six Load Adaptable Modular pylons under the fuselage to carry heavy standoff munitions and hypersonic weapons. The U.S. Air…
KLM Pilots To Fly The F-35 As Reservists In New Military-Civilian Partnership
As global tensions rise, the Netherlands turns to commercial aviation to reinforce its F-35 pilot pool. A new agreement between KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and the Dutch Ministry of Defense…
Former Air Force Chiefs Criticize Proposal to Cancel E-7 and Cut F-35s
Sixteen retired USAF officials joined with the Air & Space Forces Association to issue an open letter to Congress setting out their case opposing U.S. Government military spending plans. Proposals…
USAF Test Pilot School Introduces A-29C Super Tucano
The A-29C will be used both for training as part of the Test Pilot School’s curriculum and experimental testing of mission systems, avionics, sensors and weapons. The A-29C Super Tucanos…
Red Arrows Display at RIAT 2025 Will Use Sustainable Aviation Fuel
For the first time ever during a display, the RAF Red Arrows will fuel their jets with Sustainable Aviation Fuel at 2025’s Royal International Air Tattoo. The usually diesel-fueled smoke…
Osan Air Base Receives Upgraded F-16s From Misawa
The arrival of the F-16s marked a significant step forward in modernizing the 51st Fighter Wing aircraft and strengthening the U.S. Air Force’s regional combat readiness. The 51st Fighter Wing…
Zumwalt Class Stealth Destroyer USS Michael Monsoor Arrives in Japan
The ship is the first Zumwalt class to visit Yokosuka since USS Zumwalt’s 2022 visit, which was the first ever port call for the class in the Western Pacific region.…
Seoul Scraps Purchase of Additional AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters
South Korea will shift towards cheaper attack drones to cover the same tank busting roles, consistent with evolving trends in modern warfare. South Korea has now given an official imprimatur…
South Korea’s P-8 Poseidons Are Now Operational
The Republic of Korea Navy will use its new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to detect underwater North Korean threats. The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) is now employing operationally…
Full Photo of New Chinese Ekranoplan Breaks Cover
A new ekranoplan, or ground-effect vehicle, design emerging from China was first noted earlier this week. Now a new image offers our first look at the whole airframe. An ekranoplan,…
U.S. Navy Set to Procure Up To 6,000 Active Expendable Decoys for F-35s and F/A-18s
NAVAIR is planning to acquire Active Expendable Decoys with a 2"x1"x8" form factor from Leonardo UK, hinting at the system being the BriteCloud 218 countermeasure. The U.S. Naval Air Systems…
U.S. Air Force F-16C and F-15E Control Multiple XQ-58 Drones in Groundbreaking Test
Pilots aboard an F-16C Fighting Falcon and an F-15E Strike Eagle each controlled two XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned aircraft in an air combat training scenario. In a groundbreaking test which has…
What It Takes to Keep a 70-Year-Old B-52 Flying: Exclusive Look Inside the Accelerated Inspection at Edwards AFB
Inside the rapid B-52 X-Ray inspection that saved 17 days and boosted confidence in the 70-year-old bomber. In late June 2025, the U.S. Air Force’s 412th Test Wing shared that…
T-7A Red Hawk Undergoes Second Round of Extreme Weather Trials at Eglin AFB
The goal of the test was to ensure the T-7A Red Hawk is fully capable and ready to perform its mission in representative climates. The T-7A Red Hawk, the U.S.…
End of an Era: Italy’s 154th Squadron Transitions from Tornado to F-35A
On July 3, 2025, the 154th Squadron “Red Devils” officially transitioned from the Tornado IDS to the F-35A, becoming the second unit within the 6th Wing to operate the fifth-generation…
Boeing Contracted to Deliver More Torpedo Glide Kits for U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidons
A $61m contract awarded to Boeing exercises an option for additional production of High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability kits for Mark 54 torpedoes. High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability,…
Raptors Unleashed: A Look Back At The F-22’s Initial Combat Operations Against ISIS
Looking back at its first combat operations against ISIS, the F-22 proved it could do much more than dominate the skies, delivering precision strikes and sharing critical data with allied…
RAF Will Open Competition to Replace Hawk T1 and T2 Jets
Defence minister Maria Eagle confirmed to Parliament that a competition will be opened to replace the venerable British-designed training jet, also used by the Red Arrows display team. The recommendation…
USAF Tests SpaceX’s Starshield on C-130J Super Hercules
The service is looking for an alternate rapid tactical communications and data-linking capability to better equip the mobility fleet for logistics in high-end, contested environments. The 317th Airlift Wing at…
