Model 437 Vanguard Integrated with Beacon Autonomous Testbed Ecosystem
Beacon would help third-partners ‘quickly mature their mission autonomy software in an integrated, operationally relevant environment.’ Scaled Composites has announced the next stage of the partnership with its parent company…
Leonardo and Bombardier Eye Maritime Variant of Global 6500 as Italy Weighs Fixed-Wing ASW Options
The MoU signed at Paris Air Show 2025 paves the way for a potential multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft, as Italy looks beyond the P-72A and assesses contenders like the Kawasaki…
Stunning Air-to-Air Shots Captures NATO Baltic Air Policing Jets During Exceptionally Busy Deployment
British Typhoons and Swedish Gripens are deployed to Malbork, Poland, as part of enhanced air policing measures. 15 Russian aircraft were intercepted by the Typhoons across only six days. Photographers…
A Brief History of Nuclear Weapons in the Royal Air Force
Following the announcement that the Royal Air Force is regaining nuclear weapons, we explore the service’s history using nukes, explaining why they were originally abandoned in 1998. For 43 years,…
UK Police Helicopter Reports Near Miss with U.S. F-15 from RAF Lakenheath
A U.S. F-15 and a UK police helicopter investigating drone activity came within 1,900 feet of vertical separation during a nighttime encounter. No risk of collision was identified. A National…
MQ-28A Ghost Bat Tested at Operational RAAF Base
The Collaborative Combat Aircraft operated for the first time outside of the Woomera Training Area during Exercise Carlsbad in April 2025 at RAAF Tindal, which hosts F-35A and MQ-4C units.…
Denmark Deploys F-16s to Greenland
As part of the increased Danish military presence in Greenland, RDAF F-16s deployed to Kangerlussuaq on the island's west coast and visited Pituffik Space base. Two Royal Danish Air Force…
The U.S. Airstrike on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Was 15 Years in the Making
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Operation Midnight Hammer, the precision B-2 raid that hit key Iranian nuclear sites, had its roots in a classified mission that began over…
British F-35s Will Carry Nuclear Weapons, But Where Are Their Conventional Weapons?
The now planned purchase of F-35As, which will join the NATO nuclear mission, has led headlines, but the UK’s F-35Bs still lack any standoff strike weapons. As UK carrier strike…
French Mirage 2000s and Rafales Shoot Down Stratospheric Balloons During Test
French officials expressed concern over high-altitude objects beyond 20 km, an area which is becoming increasingly contested. France announced on Jun. 24, 2025 that it has tested the engagement of…
The Bizarre German Aircraft with an Identity Crisis: The BV 155
First conceived by Messerschmitt as a carrier-borne fighter, the Me 155 morphed into a high-speed attack plane and later a high-altitude interceptor known as the Blohm & Voss BV 155.…
Pratt & Whitney XA103 Engine Promotional Video Shows Canard-Equipped NGAD Rendering
Although reminiscent of the official F-47 renderings, the model in RTX's video is actually based on a notional design by artist Rodrigo Avella. A new promotional video released by RTX,…
United Kingdom to Buy F-35A Lightning for Tactical Nuclear Strike Role
The British government has announced it will purchase 12 new F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to contribute to NATO’s tactical nuclear forces. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is to make…
GCAP Partners Announce ‘Edgewing’ Joint Venture
Edgewing will be accountable for the design and development of the next generation combat aircraft and will remain the design authority for the life of the product. The three industrial…
Baykar, Leonardo Advance Memorandum of Understanding with New 50:50 Joint Venture
LBA Systems, to be based in Italy, will be dedicated to the design, development, and production of unmanned aerial systems. Announced at the Paris Air Show, Italian based aerospace giant…
Operation Midnight Hammer: U.S. Air Force Releases Images of Long-Range B-2 Raid
Official images show B-2 Spirit stealth bombers being prepared, departing, and returning to Whiteman AFB as part of the U.S. operation against Iranian nuclear sites. Operation Midnight Hammer involved over…
Eurofighter Charts Aggressive Production Growth and Mid-Life Upgrade
Eurofighter is shifting to a mid-life upgrade strategy and plans to double Typhoon production to meet global demand amid delays in sixth-gen fighter programs. As Europe’s sixth-generation fighter programs struggle…
Iran Launches Counterattack Against U.S. Bases Across the Middle East
Air raid sirens and air defense missiles have been seen and heard across the Middle East as Iran responds to the U.S. airstrike against its nuclear facilities. Airspace over Qatar…
NH90 Block 2 Architecture Study Launched by Airbus and Leonardo
Airbus and Leonardo have teamed up to evaluate a Block 2 evolution of the NH90 helicopter, following a request from the NATO Helicopter Management Agency. The envisaged Block 2 upgrade…
Operation Midnight Hammer: How U.S. B-2 Bombers Struck Iran Undetected
More than 125 aircraft, including 7 B-2 stealth bombers, snuck into Iran while other B-2s were sent to Guam as decoys. Details continue to emerge after the United States struck…
[Updated] B-2 Spirit Bombers Struck Iranian Nuclear Sites
While most reporters were focused on the B-2 heading to Guam, the actual strike package was already flying east over the Atlantic Ocean toward its targets in Iran. Few days…
Lithuania Choses Embraer C-390 Millenium as ‘Next Generation’ Military Cargo Aircraft
The C-390 will supplement the C-27J, strengthening the Lithuanian Air Force and supporting interoperability with NATO partners. Lithuania announced on Jun. 19, 2025 the selection of the Embraer C-390 Millenium…
First Test Fire of the MICA NG Air-to-Air Missile
France conducted the first live fire test of the MICA Next Generation, the evolution of the MICA air-to-air missile in service with the French Air and Space Force. The French…
B-2 Stealth Bombers Depart Whiteman AFB for Andersen AFB, Guam, Amid Iran Conflict
Following a large number of tanker positioning movements over the previous few days, aviation enthusiasts have now confirmed the departure of B-2 Spirits from Whiteman AFB en route to Guam.…
AI-Powered MQ-20 Avenger Achieves First Simulated Air-to-Air Kill
The second test of the MQ-20 Avenger with Shield AI’s autonomy software saw the UCAV conducting more complex missions with both live and virtual aircraft. A “first-of-its-kind” test of a…
New Stealth UCAS Set to Fly Alongside Rafale F5 Debuts at Paris Airshow
France is gearing up to deploy a stealthy UCAS (Uncrewed Combat Air System) alongside the Rafale F5 by around 2033, following its program announcement in October 2024. Stealthy UCAV for…
Major Security Breach at RAF Brize Norton Sees Protesters Spray Voyager Aircraft With Paint
The Royal Air Force’s air transport hub was breached by activists belonging to Palestine Action, who sprayed paint inside the engines of an A330 Voyager multi-role tanker transport aircraft. As…
U.S. F-22 Raptors Are Deploying To The Middle East
The first 8 of 12 U.S. Air Force F-22s have departed the UK and are currently en route to the region as the White House considers whether to join Israel’s…
First P-8A Poseidon Flies with Increment 3 Block 2 Upgrades
The upgrade brings the full set of capabilities outlined in the P-8A program’s evolutionary acquisition strategy. The U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced last week the completion of…
RAAF MQ-28A Ghost Bat Teams Up with E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft
A single operator aboard the E-7 took control of two MQ-28s, having them fly ahead to protect the crewed asset. In a major milestone, two MQ-28A Ghost Bat unmanned aircraft…
Sentry North 2025 Showcases Distributed Ops With F-35s
Exclusive: Marine and Air Force F-35 Pilots Detail Their Missions During the Exercise Formerly Known as Northern Lightning. Sentry North, the annual exercise formerly named Northern Lightning, has just wrapped…
Leonardo’s C-27J Makes Civilian Market Debut with Aramco’s Order
The Saudi Arabian energy giant Aramco signed an agreement to acquire two C-27J Spartan aircraft at the Paris Air Show. On June 16, 2025, Aramco, the Saudi Arabian energy giant,…
France Selects Saab GlobalEye to Replace E-3F AWACS
The joint declaration of intent includes two GlobalEyes and an option for two additional aircraft. After a year of speculation and reports about France having chosen Saab’s GlobalEye AEW&C (Airborne…
Israel’s Secretive RA-01 Drone Allegedly Spotted Over Syria–Israel Border
A drone believed to be the elusive Israeli RA-01 was seen over the Golan Heights A short video, possibly recorded with a smartphone and later posted on social media, appears…
U.S. Military Build-Up Continues in the Middle East as Attack Decision Looms
While the U.S. evaluates whether to join the strikes on Iran or not, assets continue to flow to the Middle East in preparation for the decision. The U.S. is continuing…
MBDA Reveals ‘One Way Effector’ Long Range Strike Drone
MBDA announced a new low-cost strike drone called the One Way Effector at Paris Air Show, claiming a range of around 500 kilometers with a 40-kilogram warhead. Designed to leverage…
Iran Shoots Down Israeli Hermes Drone: First Confirmed Iranian Kill Since War Began
After several unsubstantiated claims of downing F-35s, Iran has now presented evidence of the shootdown of a Hermes 900 drone. Iran has reportedly shot down its first Israeli aircraft since…
Wargame Shows How CCAs Could Take On China
CCAs would support the U.S. Air Force’s 4th and 5th gen fighters by harassing and creating targeting dilemmas for PLA forces, shaping their decisions in favor of U.S. forces. The…
France Considers Multirole Strike, EW, and ISR Upgrades for Airbus A400M
Comments made by a French Air & Space Force Colonel suggest the A400M transport could evolve into a “heavy combat aircraft.” Colonel Bastien Cardot, of the French Air & Space…
[Updated] U.S. Air Force Mobilizes F-22s and F-35s as Situation in Middle East Escalates
According to reports, F-22s and F-35s are already en route to the Middle East as part of what the Secretary of Defense called an ‘enhancement of the defensive posture in…
The Last Cat: The F-14 Tomcat and its Fleet Air Defense Role
The final member of the Grumman cat family, the F-14 Tomcat, with its signature variable-geometry wings and twin-engine design, became an iconic symbol of the Cold War. Creating the Cat…
General Atomics and Saab Join Forces for MQ-9B Airborne Early Warning Capability
Pairing Saab’s AEW sensors with the long-range, high-endurance MQ-9B allows persistent surveillance at low cost even from aircraft carriers. General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Sweden’s Saab have announced a…
Breaking: Footage Shows Israeli Air Force Destroying Iranian F-14 Tomcat Jets
The Israeli Air Force has just released footage showing the destruction of two F-14 Tomcats (likely non-operational) on the ground. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have released footage showing precision…
[Updated] Sudden Deployment of Dozens of U.S. Air Force Tankers Raises Questions
Around 30 KC-135 and KC-46 tankers departed the U.S. headed to Europe, but their final destination is unknown. In the night between June 15 and 16, 2025, multiple U.S. Air…
2,300-Kilometer Israeli Airstrike Destroys Iranian Aerial Refueling Tanker
The longest range raid of Israel’s attacks on Iran so far has destroyed an Iranian Air Force refueling aircraft, the Israeli Air Force has claimed. Thick smoke and flames could…
AFGSC Commander Talks B-21 Raider, B-52J, ICBMs and AI in Nuclear Command In Recent Interview
In a wide-ranging conversation, Gen. Bussiere, head of Air Force Global Strike Command, shared key updates on U.S. bomber modernization, strategic deterrence, and the future of nuclear command and control.…
U.S. Navy’s T-54A Marlin Trainer Debuts Operationally
The T-54A Marlin reached the Initial Operational Capability and will now train student naval aviators that will be assigned to aircraft like the P-8A Poseidon and E-2 Hawkeye. The U.S.…
Iran Strike Fuels Speculation of Secret Israeli Extended-Range F-35 Mods
Unverified claims have circulated stating Israel was able to take advantage of long-rumored modifications to its F-35 fleet in order to strike Iran without tanker support. Much speculation has arisen…
UK on Alert as Royal Air Force Bolsters Presence in the Middle East Amidst Israel-Iran War
The RAF is deploying further Typhoon FGR4 and Voyager aircraft to the Middle East as the war between Israel and Iran escalates. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made the…
Dramatic Images Show Iranian Ballistic Missiles Raining on Israel as Fighting Continues
In a subsequent wave of air strikes, Israel claims it achieved air superiority in Iran and eliminated all air defenses, while Iran continues launching ballistic missiles. At the end of…
USAF Procurement of E-7 Wedgetail at Risk of Cancellation
Comments made by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during House and Senate Appropriations Committee hearings have cast severe doubts on the future of the U.S. Air Force's E-7 Wedgetails. On…
Israel Releases Details of Unprecedented Attack on Iran
Israeli media claim this could be just the opening stage of a two-week campaign against Iran. In the early hours of June 13, 2025, about 200 Israeli aircraft struck multiple…
Everything We Know About Operation Rising Lion: Israel’s Attack on Iran
Following days of heightened tension, Israel launched a large attack against Iran in the early hours of Jun. 13, 2025, targeting leadership, nuclear research, and military sites both in Tehran…
German Air Force A400M Fleet to Be Equipped with DIRCM Protection System
About two dozen German A400Ms will receive missile countermeasure upgrades to enhance survivability during tactical operations. Airbus has secured a contract from the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information…
Italian Air Force Says Goodbye to MB-339A Jet Trainer After 45 Years
The Italian Air Force celebrated the phase out of the T-339A jet trainer and the phase in of its successor, the T-345A. The Italian Air Force said goodbye to its…
Breaking: U.S. DoD Cuts F-35 Deliveries By Up To 50% In Latest Budget Documents
Procurement request documents obtained by Bloomberg show revised figures for F-35 deliveries in 2026, with the USAF receiving only 24 jets rather than 48. Bloomberg reports that the Pentagon seeks…
Meet the AGM-181 LRSO: U.S. Air Force Reveals Next-Gen Nuclear Cruise Missile
The U.S. Air Force has released for the first time a rendering of the new AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) which is set to replace the current AGM-86B ALCM. The U.S.…
U.S. Air Force Might Bring Back AGM-183 ARRW in New Budget Proposal
Gen. Allvin hinted that the service might resume working on the AGM-183 ARRW hypersonic weapon, after previously stating that it would not be procured. After previously stating that it would…
Polish Mi-17 Conducts Deck Landing Qualifications on USS Mount Whitney During BALTOPS 25
The BALTOPS 25 exercise granted a rare sighting of a Soviet-designed helicopter landing on one of the U.S. Navy’s two Cold War era Blue Ridge class ships. Sailing in the…
A Look at the Dozen SR-71 Blackbird Losses
The SR-71 is perhaps the most iconic Cold War spy aircraft, famous for many record-setting flights. Seemingly impervious to loss by enemy defenses, a dozen Blackbirds were lost to accidents.…
USAF Tests 500 lb QUICKSINK Bomb in B-2 Stealth Bomber’s Maritime Strike Test
The B-2 Spirit would be able to employ up to 80 500 lb QUICKSTRIKE weapons, holding at risk multiple targets in a maritime environment. The U.S Air Force and the…
Ukrainian Air Force Claims Shootdown of Russian Su-35S Fighter
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…
Alleged New Image of China’s J-36 Stealth Jet Reveals Key Design Details
The new front photo clearly shows a side-by-side seating arrangement, as well as a large main weapons bay with two smaller ones on the sides. The Chinese J-36 has appeared…
U.S. Air Force Activates Experimental Operations Unit for Collaborative Combat Aircraft at Nellis AFB
The Experimental Operations Unit will help accelerate the integration of Collaborative Combat Aircraft in service. The U.S. Air Force has announced the activation of an Experimental Operations Unit (EOU) at…
U.S. Air Force Celebrates Four Decades of B-1B Lancer Bomber At Dyess AFB
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…
U.S. Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center Cuts 64 Days Off CMV-22B Osprey Scheduled Maintenance
The Fleet Readiness Center Southwest reduced the required maintenance time by more than 24%, increasing readiness without sacrificing safety standards. In a “significant milestone,” the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest’s (FRCSW)…
MV-75 FLRAA Conducts Special User Evaluation at Redstone Arsenal
The evaluation gave real-world operational context for the MV-75’s design, bridging the gap between engineering and battlefield application ahead of the Critical Design Review. The U.S. Army's Future Long-Range Assault…
Take A Look At The Rare Full-Scale Replicas of Russian SAM Systems In The PISQ Range In Italy
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…
Turkey Set to Choose Between KC-46A and A330 MRTT for Future Tanker Fleet
Turkey is evaluating a replacement for its aging KC-135R Stratotanker fleet, with the KC-46 Pegasus and the A330 MRTT being the two candidates. Turkey has narrowed the candidates for the…
USS Harry S. Truman Returns Home: Deployment Recap
After an eventful deployment to Europe and the Red Sea, the Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) berthed at Naval Station Norfolk on Jun. 1, 2025.…
Ukrainian FPV Drone Strike Hits Russia’s Rare and Vital A-50U, New Footage Shows
During the massive June 1 attack, Ukrainian First Person View drones also hit two A-50U Mainstay Airborne Early Warning aircraft. Few days after the daring long-range attack against Russian air…
Thailand Confirms Gripen E/F Selection As Future Fighter
Saab has confirmed the Royal Thai Air Force’s choice of the Gripen E/F to replace the force’s F-16s, and the formal procurement process can now begin. The Royal Thai Air…
Navy Awards $536M Contract for First-Ever Commercial Dismantling of Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier
U.S. Navy’s Iconic Enterprise Nuclear Carrier Set for Dismantling in Alabama, Freeing Shipyard Space and Cutting Costs by $1 Billion The U.S. Navy has officially signed off on a historic…
UK Strategic Defence Review: Key Points from an Initial Reading
The 144-page SDR falls short of detailing a comprehensive future order of battle, but does offer 62 recommendations which ministers say will be accepted in full. The long awaited Strategic…
Ukraine Executes ‘Longest Range Operation’ Striking Russian Air Bases with FPV Drones
After one and a half years of preparation, Ukrainian personnel hiding deep inside Russia conducted an unprecedented attack with 117 drones which destroyed multiple bombers. The Security Service of Ukraine…
Nuclear Strike Mission Could Return to the RAF After 27-Year Gap
Press reports ahead of UK's Strategic Defence Review say plans for the RAF could include the procurement of F-35A Lightning II fighters with a mention of delivering nuclear payloads. Since…
Russian Jet Target Drone-Turned-Cruise Missile Shot Down Over Black Sea
The drone’s use is likely to provoke Ukrainian air defenses and present a dilemma between protecting targets in Odessa and preserving their surface-to-air missile stocks. The escalating war in the…
Kecskemét Welcomes First Batch of Hungarian L-39 “Skyfox” Trainers
The Hungarian Air Force received the first three L-39 Skyfox aircraft out of a total order of 12 signed in 2022, of which four will be in a reconnaissance configuration.…
B-1B Lancer WSO Logs 5,000 Hours on Strategic Bomber
Lt. Col. Alvarez, a B-1B weapons systems officer and commander of the 345th Bomb Squadron, joins a short list of aircrew who have amassed 5,000-plus flying hours in the B-1B.…
CENTCOM Releases Photo of F-15E with Counter-UAV Loadout in the Middle East
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…
Rare Sighting: Elusive RAT55 737 Radar Test Aircraft Captured in Flight Alongside B-2 Spirit
Photographer Julian Elnasser spotted the two aircraft over Death Valley earlier this year. The secretive RAT55 NT-43A is thought to be almost exclusively used to test the airborne radar signatures…
Aviation Photography 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Shooting Aircraft
With the main European and American airshow seasons rapidly approaching, take a look here for tips on how to hone the art of aviation photography. Modern camera technology has made…
First A-10 Departs Idaho as 124th Fighter Wing Begins Warthog Divestment
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…
China’s KJ-3000 AEW&C Aircraft Captured in Clearest Image Yet
The KJ-3000 is based on the Y-20 strategic airlifter, and its development is consistent with the Chinese doctrine to have a varied fleet of airborne radars. Within five months of…
China’s J-XDS’ Underside and Weapons Bays Seen in Clearest Image Yet
The outlines of what could be internal weapons stores and other electronic accessories are clearly seen in the latest picture of the J-XDS. The clearest and sharpest image yet of…
Norway Takes Control of U.S. Network-Enabled GBU-53s Launched by F-15Es During Test
The groundbreaking test saw Norwegian soldiers take control of two GBU-53 glide bombs released by two F-15Es and direct them towards the target. The Norwegian Armed Forces disclosed a recent…
Six More Swedish Gripens Arrive in Poland to Support Key Logistical Hub for Ukraine
Around 120 personnel and six Gripens from the Blekinge Air Flotilla arrived in southeastern Poland, near the border with Ukraine, as part of a NATO mission. The Swedish Air Force…
Hermeus’ Uncrewed Quarterhorse Mk 1 Test Aircraft Flies for the First Time
The high-speed uncrewed test aircraft performed its first flight at Edwards AFB, just a year after the launch of the development. Hermeus, a U.S. company aiming to develop hypersonic aircraft…
Dutch F-35s Conduct Highway Operations with Finnish F/A-18s
Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighter jets are taking part in the Baana 25 exercise underway in Finland. The Royal Netherlands Air Force joined this year’s edition of…
Fantastic Phantom: the Records set by the McDonnell Douglas F-4
Looking more like a killer than a speedster, the large twin-engine jet built to sweep skies clear of enemy MiGs and deliver large payloads of bombs would also record many…
Netherlands Completes Delivery of 24 F-16s to Ukraine
Less than a year after the first deliveries, the RNLAF completed the transfer of the last of the 24 F-16s promised to Ukraine, which will reach the country after a…
USAF Showcases Airpower with Dissimilar Bomber-Fighter ‘Freedom Formation’
A seven-ship dissimilar formation with B-2A, B-1B, B-52H, F-22A, F-15C, F-16C and A-10C showcased the Air Force's capabilities at the Air and Sea Show in Miami Beach. In a ceremonial…
Italian and British Typhoons Train Together for Hot Refueling Operations
Typhoons from the RAF 29 Squadron and all Italian Air Force’s units worked together to compare, develop and achieve a Hot Refueling capability. The Italian Air Force has recently announced…
USAF’s MH-139A Grey Wolf Participates in First Nuclear Convoy Course
After the initial IOT&E testing, the MH-139A Grey Wolf took part for the first time in the exercise focused on the safe and secure transport of nuclear weapons and materials.…
USAF MQ-9 Reapers Prepare for Maritime Operations in the Indo-Pacific with Exercise Reaper Smoke
The exercise focused on maritime operations to reflect the growing need for MQ-9 capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, said the Air Force. The recent Exercise Reaper Smoke, held late in…
New Photos of F-15Es Testing Laser-Guided APKWS Rockets at Eglin AFB
At least two Strike Eagles have been employed in the tests, equipped with four or six LAU-131 pods which would allow to carry up to 42 rockets during drone-hunting missions.…
‘Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds’ Balances Hype and Danger in Journalistic Contrast
New Netflix Doc on Thunderbirds Waves the Flag, and Lowers it to Half Staff for Fallen Team Members. The new docu-drama and hype film “Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds” from director…
The Super Starfighter: Story of the Lockheed CL-1200 Lancer
Conceived as a high-performance fighter for the export market, the Lockheed CL-1200 was a company-funded attempt to build an improved and cost-effective version of the Starfighter. From the Skunk Works…
Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Unveils T-X Jet Trainer Concept at DSEI
Japan has been looking to replace its older T-4 jet trainer, as Tokyo requires more modern aircraft to prepare pilots for the advanced F-35s and the upcoming GCAP. New images…
Minuteman III ICBM Test Fired as U.S. Military Upholds Nuclear Modernization Before Lawmakers
U.S. Air Force and Navy leaders reiterated the importance of the nuclear triad and the need to maintain an effective deterrent before adversaries. U.S. military leaders testified the importance of…
Mass U.S. Airstrike Against ISIS in Somalia Launched from USS Harry S. Truman in February
As the Truman CSG returns home, a huge airstrike against ISIS targets in Somalia was revealed, involving at least 16 F/A-18s and 125,000 lb of munitions. Before the commencement of…
MQ-9B Protector Variant Under Consideration for Royal Navy Airborne Early Warning Mission
The UK’s Ministry of Defence is currently examining a variant of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian to replace the Merlin HM2 Airborne Surveillance and Control aircraft. In a written parliamentary question submitted…
Royal Air Force Reinforces RAF Akrotiri Ahead of HMS Prince of Wales Red Sea Transit
As the Prince of Wales CSG prepares to depart the Mediterranean and head through the Red Sea, the RAF has deployed additional forces to RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus. On May…
U.S. Air Force Plans to Withdraw F-15E Strike Eagles from RAF Lakenheath
In an effort to sustain and recapitalize the fighter fleet, the USAF is planning to return Lakenheath’s F-15Es to the U.S. once the two F-35 squadrons are fully operational. In…
Austria and Italy Finalize G2G Agreement for M-346FA Procurement
The Government-to-Government agreement includes 12 M-346FA for the Austrian Air Force, plus 12 more on option. Austria and Italy have finalized the Government-to-Government agreement for the sale of the M-346FA…
A Look Back at the AGM-69A Short-Range Attack Missile
Originally designed by Boeing to neutralize SAM threats and improve the survivability of SAC’s manned bomber force, the mission of the AGM-69 expanded to include selected strategic targets. Nothing but…
First KF-21 Production Model is in Final Assembly
The first production KF-21 is scheduled to be delivered to the ROKAF in 2026, following a contract of a first batch of 20 aircraft in 2024. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)…
Russia Equips Yak-52 with Shotgun to Shoot Down Ukrainian Drones
The aircraft is intended to intercept Ukraine’s large and diverse array of long-range unmanned systems that are used to strike deep into Russia. The first images of Russia’s Soviet-era Yak-52…
General Atomics YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft Officially Revealed
For the first time, we now have an image of General Atomics' YFQ-42A in the flesh. Alongside Anduril's YFQ-44A, they will be the U.S. Air Force’s first uncrewed fighters. General…
Assembly of First B61-13 Nuclear Bomb Completed
The National Nuclear Security Administration announced on May 19, 2025, that production of the first B61-13 variant nuclear bomb has been completed at the Pantex plant in Amarillo, Texas. The…
RDAF F-35s Flying In Texas Share Classified Data With a Command Center in Denmark
New test demonstrated 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…
Stalwart Edwards F-16, Conformal Fuel Tank Demonstrator and Diverterless Supersonic Inlet Testbed, Retired from Service
The third F-16C ever built, 83-1120, flew from Edwards AFB to AMARG on May 7, 2025, ending an illustrious 41-year career. Joining its former Edwards F-16 force compatriots, 83-1118 and…
Britain and Germany to Produce 2,000 km “Deep Precision Strike” Missile
UK and Germany announced their intention to jointly develop a “deep precision strike” missile with a range of 2,000 km (1,243 miles) as part of the Trinity House Agreement. The…
412th Test Wing Commander Talks F-47, B-21 Testing, AI Agents, YF-23 and More
Brig. Gen. Wickert Shares interesting insights in podcast interview. In a wide-ranging and insightful interview on Episode 147 of the TALK4 Podcast, Brigadier General Douglas "Beaker" Wickert, Commander of the…
GA-ASI Tests Gray Eagle STOL in C-UAS Role and MQ-9B’s STOL Kit
While Gray Eagle STOL demonstrated anti-drone capability with AGM-114 Hellfire and APKWS II, the STOL kit for the MQ-9B would enable organic anti-submarine warfare and fleet defense. General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems,…
A Brief History of the DEFCON System
Created during the Cold War as a system of progressive levels of defense readiness for a potential nuclear attack, DEFCON is a ranking of perceived nuclear threat level facing the…
U.S. and France Working on Rafale’s Certification to Refuel F/A-18
The tanker qualification partnership paves the way for an extended reach and enhanced interoperability for allied airpower, says the U.S. Navy. The U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division…
Restored 83-Year-Old WW2 A6M3 Zero Fighter Flies Again
The A6M3 Model 32 Zero was resurrected by combining the damaged remains of two aircraft found at Taroa island in the Marshall Islands in early 1990. A Second World War…
ROKAF Salvages Damaged F-35A as Training Platform with First-Ever Wing Removal
The proof-of-concept, which involved a jet damaged after a belly landing, validated the feasibility of the F-35’s wing removal and reinstallation. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), the F-35…
RAF Flies FPV Quadcopter Drone from CH-47 Chinook in ‘Hornet’s Nest’ Trial
The RAF said that FPV drones have proven their ‘effectiveness in recent conflicts’, reflecting the service’s vision of a future land war in Europe. In an exercise marking the increasing…
First RAF H-47ER Chinooks In Production
A UK Government minister has confirmed that construction of the initial two new Chinook airframes has begun at Boeing’s Philadelphia facility. Answering a written question submitted to the Secretary of…
USAF’s EA-37B Compass Call Flies First Mission Training Sortie
The 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron flew the first mission training sortie for the EA-37B on May 2, 2025, says the service, referring to the Compass Call mission. An EA-37B Compass…
Trump Touts Twin-Engine F-35 Variant Dubbed F-55
President Trump described the F-55 as a substantial upgrade over the F-35, together with the ongoing upgrades to F-35 and F-22. U.S. President Donald Trump is currently on a tour…
The AIM-174B Has Been Nicknamed ‘Gunslinger’
The AIM-174B, also known as the Standard Missile 6 Air Launched Configuration, received the new nickname in the recent Naval Aviation Playbook 2025. Almost a year after it was introduced…
E-7A Wedgetail Order Under Threat in New Department of Defense Budget
Internal disagreements at the Pentagon over future direction of the AEW role could lead to the E-7 Wedgetail becoming a victim of the 2026 budget, sources tell Aviation Week. Elements…
U.S. Air Force Chief Teases Boeing F-47 Performance and Possible In-Service Date
The USAF Chief of Staff posted a graphic featuring the Boeing F-47 stating the aircraft will be in service in the 2025-2029 timeframe with 185+ units planned. Chief of Staff…
Turbine-Powered ‘Long-Range Grasshopper’ Autonomous Cargo Delivery System Tested by DZYNE
The turbine-powered variant offers ten times the range of the original Grasshopper autonomous glider at a fraction of the cost of the manned platforms. DZYNE Technologies, the company that developed…
Exclusive: First Japanese F-35B Makes Maiden Flight
The aircraft is the first of 42 F-35B Lightning IIs that will be delivered to the Japan Air Self Defense Force. The Japanese F-35B BX-1 successfully completed its first test…
Houthi Air Defenses Nearly Hit U.S. F-35s and F-16s
U.S. officials speaking to The New York Times said Houthi rebels ‘nearly struck’ U.S. F-16s and an F-35 within the first 30 days of Operation Rough Rider. A month into…
The Overlooked Role of the Vought RF-8A and VFP-62 in the Cuban Missile Crisis
U.S. Navy and Marine Corps RF-8A Crusaders played an important, often forgotten, high-speed low-level and dangerous recon role during a time the world was on the brink. Backyard Threat On…
SNC’s RAPCON-X Completes Initial Flight Testing
The completion of the Flight Performance Handling & Qualification testing is a key milestone in proving the jet’s airworthiness with consistent performance for the full flight envelope. Sierra Nevada Corporation’s…
Raven Air Defense System Developed for Ukraine Officially Revealed
Having previously broken cover in frontline videos from Ukraine, the UK-developed ASRAAM-based air defense system has now been shown off to the press and public for the first time. Colloquially…
Secretive E-11A BACN Aircraft Makes First Airshow Appearance at Seymour Johnson AFB
We had the unique opportunity to interview the pilot of the E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) aircraft during its first airshow appearance at the recent Seymour Johnson Air Force…
First Look at the Full-Size Model of the Hurjet in Spanish Air Force Markings
Turkish Aerospace Industries will exhibit a full-size model of its Hurjet trainer in Spanish Air Force markings at the Feindef 2025 exhibition. Few months after Spain and Turkey signed a…
President Trump Reportedly Set to Accept Boeing 747-8 Gift From Qatar
Reports emerged suggesting that President Donald Trump will officially accept the gift of a Boeing 747-8 aircraft from the Qatar Royal Family during an overseas trip next week. The aircraft,…
AIM-174B Makes Public Appearance at JMSDF-MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day
The AIM-174B long-range air-to-air missile made what could possibly be its first public appearance since it was fielded during the JMSDF-MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day. MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, hosted on May…
CSG 25 Updates: F-35B Cross-Decking, Submarine PHOTEX, and Russian Snooping
Italian F-35B Lightning IIs have landed on HMS Prince of Wales as it heads through the Mediterranean Sea on the mammoth CSG 25 deployment. Aircraft carriers HMS Prince of Wales…
Protector RG1 Completes UK Certification Enabling Flights Outside of Restricted Airspace
The UK Military Aviation Authority issued a Military Type Certificate for the RAF’s MQ-9B Protector RG1, clearing the aircraft for flight in regular airspace. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI)…
U.S. Air Force Receives ‘Grasshopper’ Autonomous Gliders to Deliver Cargo in Contested Environments
AFRL and the developer DZYNE said the Grasshopper offers low-cost standoff cargo delivery and troop resupply in contested, high-risk environments The U.S. Air Force has received “several dozen” units of…
Chinese Y-20 Tanker Refueled Egyptian MiG-29s during ‘Eagles of Civilization’ Air Drills
The scale of the exercise, diversity of aircraft involved and mission sets practiced were unusual for the first ever exercise between the two air forces. The 18-day ‘Eagles of Civilization…
Northrop Grumman CRJ700 Testbed Seen Sporting New Missile Nose
The NG testbed, previously fitted with fighter aircraft nose radomes, was photographed showing what appears to be a forward section of the new AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile. Captured by…
Meteor BVRAAM Operational on Italian Typhoons
The Italian Air Force deployed its F-2000 Typhoons equipped with Meteor missiles to Romania for the NATO Enhanced Air Policing. The Italian Air Force has released the first photos of…
‘Indian Rafale Shot Down by Pakistan’ French Intelligence Source Tells CNN
After images of MICA air-to-air missiles and M88 engines, an image now clearly shows the vertical tail of a Rafale EH. After much speculation about fighter jet losses, an image…
New Thunderbirds Documentary May Give More Unscripted Look Inside Demo Team
Upcoming Netflix Thunderbirds Documentary Could Be Journalistic and Gritty. You likely remember last year’s “Blue Angels” feature documentary from director Paul Crowder. The film followed the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration…
Disinformation and Chaos Reign as India and Pakistan Clash, Claiming Multiple Losses
India launched Operation Sindoor, striking multiple targets in Pakistan and prompting an immediate response from the neighboring country. As tensions kept rising following the tragic attack on Apr. 22, 2025,…
USS Harry S. Truman Loses Third F/A-18 Super Hornet
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the USS Harry S. Truman crashed into the Red Sea, according to CNN sources. Both crew members ejected successfully, and were recovered with minor injuries.…
Sentinel ICBM Likely to Require New Silos, Pushing Costs Even Higher
The troubled LGM-35 Sentinel ICBM program hit another hurdle as new assessments reveal a previous plan to re-use LGM-30 Minuteman III missile silos may not be feasible. Breaking Defense reports…
Three Frecce Tricolori Aircraft Collide Mid-Air During Display; One Veers Off Runway After Emergency Landing
The incident occurred during the display over Pantelleria for the airshow. All aircraft landed safely with no injuries on the ground. Three MB-339 aircraft of the Italian Air Force’s Frecce…
Stratolaunch Successfully Tests Talon-A2 Completing Reusable Hypersonic Flight and Recovery
Talon-A2 conducted a successful hypersonic flight and recovery in March 2025, after the first in December 2024. Stratolaunch announced on May 5, 2025, the successful completion of its second hypersonic…
RAF Flypast Over London Commemorates 80th Anniversary of VE Day
23 aircraft took part in a flypast over Buckingham Palace on May 5, concluding a procession of over 1,300 personnel commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of WW2 in…
Italian Typhoons Complete Second Meteor BVRAAM Testing Campaign in the UK
The Italian Air Force conducted a live firing campaign at the UK‘s Hebrides range, with Typhoons and F-35s involved. The Italian Air Force has announced the conclusion of the second…
T-7A Red Hawk Ejection System Clears High-Speed Test, Addressing Earlier Safety Deficiencies
The new T-7A Red Hawk ejection system passes high-speed test at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. After coming under scrutiny for serious ejection system deficiencies identified during earlier testing,…
Su-30SM Shootdowns Show Ukraine’s Drone Boats Are Now A Serious Threat To Russian Fighters
The recent shootdowns of Russian Su-30SM aircraft by missile-equipped USVs highlight a significant leap in Ukraine’s anti-aircraft capability. As you may already know by now, on May 2, 2025, Ukraine…
Unknown AH-1Z Long-Range Precision Fire Weapon Identified as L3Harris’ ‘Red Wolf’
The USMC identified L3Harris’ modular Red Wolf family of ‘launched effects’ as the munition at the center of the Long Range Attack Missile program. The U.S. Marine Corps has identified…
Indian Air Force Fighters Operate from Highway Amid Mounting Tensions with Pakistan
Nearly all IAF aircraft types were used during the highway operation, while Pakistan is similarly conducting a series of drills in a show of force. On May 2, 2025, the…
Hill AFB’s F-35As Receive Improved Canopies to Reduce Need for Field Repairs
While wear, tear and environmental impacts on the cockpit’s canopy glass don't affect airworthiness, it impacts the aircraft’s low observable and stealth features. U.S. Air Force F-35As of the 388th…
Japan Considering Naming its GCAP Fighter After the WW2-Era A7M ‘Reppu’: Reports
The A7M Reppu (Strong Gale) was conceived to succeed the legendary A6M Zero, but it never entered service. Reports from Japan, quoting defense officials in deep background, have said the…
Local Officials Protest After U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer Emergency Landing Closes Misawa Airport
Misawa Airport, currently hosting B-1B Lancers on a Bomber Task Force deployment, was forced to close for 90 minutes following an emergency landing. Officials from Misawa city’s administration, as well…
V-22 Osprey Flights to be Restricted Until 2026, Won’t Get Tanker Capability
The V-22 will receive a new proprotor gearbox in January 2026, after which the tiltrotor will start returning to its full flight profile. The troubled V-22 Osprey can't seem to…
UK Reveals StormShroud Electronic Warfare Drone
Fitted with Leonardo’s BriteStorm EW suite, StormShroud drones are based on the Tekever AR3 platform and officially entered Royal Air Force service on May 2, 2025. The announcement was made…
USMC Hornets to Sink WW2 Corvette During Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines
USMC F/A-18C/D Hornets from VMFA-323 will participate in a SINKEX alongside allied forces from the Philippines, Japan and Australia during Balikatan 2025. U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C/D Hornets from Marine Fighter…
The Flying Wings of Jack Northrop that Led to the B-2 Spirit – Part Two
Research and data obtained during the testing of these and other experimental aircraft would lead to today’s B-2 Spirit bomber and beyond. Project MX-140 and the N-9 American concerns that…
YFQ-44A Test Vehicle Breaks Cover As USAF Starts Ground Testing of Collaborative Combat Aircraft
The U.S. Air Force announced the start of the ground testing of the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A, and selected Beale AFB to host a CCA Aircraft Readiness Unit. The U.S. Air…
RAF Typhoons Joined U.S. Forces in Joint Attack on Houthi Drone Factory
As the U.S. continues its combat operations, the UK Ministry of Defence announced on Apr. 30, 2025 that RAF Typhoons conducted new airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. These airstrikes…
KC-46 Pegasus Cleared to Refuel E-7A Wedgetail in Trilateral Agreement with US, Australia and UK
The three nations certified the KC-46 to refuel the RAAF E-7, and USAF and RAF also benefit from this as they prepare to field their own Wedgetails. The U.S., British…
Photographers Capture Stunning Images of German Tornado Firing AARGM Missile Over China Lake Ranges
German Tornado Fires AARGM During Low-Level Test Flight Over California Desert. On Apr. 3, 2025, aviation photographers Jarod Hamilton and Ian Recchio captured a rare moment near the China Lake…
Italian Army Receives First UH-169D Light Utility Helicopter
The new Light Utility Helicopter will replace the aging AB206, AB205, AB212 and AB412 helicopters, performing roles such as utility transport, MEDEVAC and CASEVAC. As part of its ongoing modernization…
Trump Announces New Boeing F-15EX Unit and KC-46 Squadron for Selfridge ANGB
“Very soon we will replace the A-10 with 21 new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets, the best in world," President Trump announced during visit to Selfridge ANGB in Michigan. U.S.…
U.S. Navy Releases Previously Unseen Photos of Mirror-like Coating on F-35Cs
The photos show two VX-9 F-35Cs with the mirror-like coating during testing at Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu in 2022. The U.S. Navy has released photos of two F-35Cs…
U.S. Army Black Hawk Lands at the Wrong School
A Black Hawk helicopter due to make a community relations visit to Standley Lake High School arrived slightly later than planned after the crew accidentally landed at the wrong school.…
India Signs Contract for 26 Dassault Rafale M Fighters
The Rafale M acquisition meets the immediate capability needs for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier until India’s indigenous Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter is fielded. India signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with…
F/A-18E and Tow Tractor Lost at Sea During Operations Aboard USS Truman
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) lost an F/A-18E Super Hornet along with a tow tractor. All personnel have been accounted for, and one Sailor suffered a minor injury. While…
USAF’s First E-7 Wedgetail Takes Shape as Service Struggles to Keep E-3 Sentry Flying
The E-3 Sentry is afflicted by acute parts and maintenance issues as the Boeing 707 aircraft it is based on ceased production 30 years ago. Nearly three months after the…
First Joint Strike Missiles for Norway’s F-35s are Ready
The JSM is the only weapon in its class that can be carried internally by the F-35. The Norwegian Armed Forces will celebrate on Apr. 28, 2025, the completion of…
Spotter Captures F-117’s Return to Area 51
Aviation spotter Michał Rokita captured two F-117s landing at Groom Lake, where the stealth fighters have relocated as Tonopah Test Range Airport undergoes maintenance. Over the last couple of years,…
MQ-9 and F-16 Crews Work Together in ACE-Focused Project Iron Agility Exercise
Project Iron Agility is a dynamic exercise which sharpens deployment readiness skills through ACE operations with F-16s, MQ-9 Reapers, and integrated logistics support. The third iteration of the Project Iron…
F-22 Raptors Flying with B757 Test Bed Suggest New Upgrades and Sensors are Coming Up Fast
The Boeing 757 FTB is the F-22’s highly modified and instrumented aircraft that tests avionics and systems, saving costs and development timelines. Amid reports of the F-22 Raptor being slated…
U.S. Nuclear Weapons Will Cost Nearly $1 Trillion Over Next Decade
New Congressional Budget Office's projections show that operation and modernization of America’s nuclear weapons will add up to a cost of $946 billion between 2025 and 2034. According to newly…
Swedish Gripens Intercept Russian Aircraft for the First Time in NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing
The Swedish Gripens conducted their first Alpha Scramble for the NATO Air Policing mission, intercepting a Russian Il-20 Coot over the Baltic Sea. Two Swedish Air Force’s (Flygvapnet) JAS39 Gripen…
In Detail: Prime Minister Keir Starmer Visits HMS Prince of Wales
Exclusively pieced together timeline of the visit by the UK Prime Minister and Defence Secretary to HMS Prince of Wales as the nation’s flagship begins its CSG 25 deployment. On…
Everything You Need to Know About the Air Defenses Protecting World Leaders at the Pope’s Funeral
As Rome prepares to host Pope Francis’ funeral, Italy activated an extensive security plan to ensure the safety of all participants. On Apr. 26, 2025, Rome will be under tight…
Andravida Hosts Largest Edition of Iniochos Exercise
The Hellenic Air Force hosted the Iniochos 2025 exercise at Andravida Air Base, with 12 countries actively participating in the largest edition since the first as Invitation Exercise in 2015.…
U.S. Air Force to Establish Second Super Squadron at Osan AB
The Seventh Air Force will extend its Super Squadron test at Osan Air Base for a second phase, adding another squadron with 31 F-16s. The U.S. Seventh Air Force, which…
France Begins Pégase 25 Deployment to Sweden in Forward ‘Power Projection Operation’
France deployed Rafales, A400Ms and A330 MRTT to Sweden to demonstrate its ability to quickly deploy assets far away and have them operate autonomously. The French Air and Space Force…
Air Mobility Command C-17 Completes First Commercial Air-to-Air Refuel
On Apr. 10, 2025, a C-17 from Joint Base Lewis-McChord became the first in the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command to take fuel from a commercially contracted KDC-10B. Omega…
U.S. Marines’ Anti-Drone MADIS and Anti-Ship NMESIS Deployed for Balikatan 2025
MADIS delivers critical defense-oriented capabilities to the USMC and ensures the increased survivability of its formations, being able to work in conjunction with NMESIS by giving it time to emplace,…
Six Russian Aircraft Intercepted by NORAD F-35s and F-16s Over Bering Sea
Six Russian military aircraft, including Tu-95s, Tu-142 and A-50, were tracked operating in the Alaskan ADIZ and were intercepted by F-35s and F-16s. NORAD released photos on the intercept of…
Watch this French FREMM Frigate Shoot Down a Houthi Drone with its Gun
The use of the Italian-made OTO Melara 76 mm Super Rapid gun to destroy the Houthi drone allowed to preserve the larger and costlier ASTER surface-to-air missiles.The French military’s Joint…
Lockheed Martin Plans ‘Supercharged’ F-35 to Compete Against Boeing F-47
Company CEO Jim Taiclet claims that by applying advanced technologies to the F-35, 80% of the F-47’s capability can be achieved at 50% of the cost. As news of Boeing’s…
HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group Sails for CSG 25 Deployment
The highly awaited Carrier Strike Group 25 deployment started on Apr. 22, taking HMS Prince of Wales, its F-35B-focused air wing and an escort force to the Indo-Pacific. Many years…
U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler Carries Rare Four AGM-88E AARGM Loadout Against Houthis
The Growler was seen launching from the USS Truman aircraft carrier with a heavy payload of four AGM-88E AARGM missiles and without the ALQ-99 TJS. In a rare configuration, reflecting…
Canada Must Expand Strategic Mobility Capabilities, Analyst Argues
Andrew Erskine, writing for Breaking Defense, advocates rapid procurement of strategic enablers to ensure Canada’s armed forces are properly equipped for growing requirements. A research fellow at the Institute of…
Production Contract Awarded for BAE Systems Advanced Survivability Pod
Destined for the P-8 Poseidon, the contract will see three low-rate initial production units constructed at a cost of $40.7 million. The contract, under the direction of Naval Air Systems…
China and Egypt Kick Off First Joint Aerial Drills
The exercise comes amid reports of Egypt looking at potentially acquiring China’s J-10CE, but it also lays the foundation for future military exchanges and cooperation. China and Egypt kicked off…
NGAD’s Images Might Not Show Any Real Feature of the F-47
The images showing the F-47 have been heavily edited and may not hold any resemblance to the real aircraft. The two existing images of the Boeing F-47 Next Generation Air…
British Army Radio Wave Weapon Cooks Multiple Drone Swarms Simultaneously
British Army soldiers successfully tracked, targeted and destroyed swarms of small drones in the latest test of a Directed Energy Weapon. The British Army has completed the UK’s largest counter…
Dassault Still Hopes the Falcon 10X Will Carry France’s Next AEW&C System
As France leans towards Saab’s GlobalEye, based on Bombardier's Global 6000, Dassault Aviation chief Éric Trappier manifested "displeasure" for the Falcon 10X's exclusion. Since last year, it has been reported…
U.S. Air Force Considers Upgrades for E-7 Wedgetail
Even before delivery, new technologies are being investigated for possible integration on the USAF’s future E-7 Wedgetail fleet - including a replacement for the aircraft’s distinctive radar. Following the procurement…
The Flying Wings of Jack Northrop that Led to the B-2 Spirit – Part One
From his youth, Jack Northrop imagined efficient all-wing aircraft so advanced that technology and power plants needed to support them efficiently were not yet available. Jack Northrop John “Jack” Northrop…
B-1B Lancer Arrivals at Misawa Air Base Mark First Bomber Task Force Deployment to Japan
Aircraft and personnel assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Dyess AFB, Texas, landed at the base in northern Japan on Apr. 15, 2025. A number of B-1B Lancer…
UK and France Conduct Joint Surveillance Mission Over the Black Sea
The joint surveillance operation follows a joint British-French declaration vowing to continue supporting Ukraine and deter Russia. The United Kingdom and France were part of an unusual mission over the…
UK ‘Reluctant’ to Share Technology Within GCAP Partnership, Italian Defense Minister Claims
Guido Crosetto, Italy’s Minister of Defense, has accused the GCAP partner of neglecting to share unspecified technologies with other program members. Speaking to Reuters, Crosetto discussed the Global Combat Air…
New Side Image of China’s Next Gen J-XDS Stealth Jet Surfaces, Confirms Canopy Design
New photo from recent flight offers clearest view yet of the stealth aircraft’s profile, providing fresh insights into its cockpit configuration. New photos that surfaced online on Apr. 16, 2025,…
B-2 Stealth Bombers Are Using GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators in Yemen – Reports
The B-2 bombers operating out of Diego Garcia have been reportedly using 30,000 lb GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators against underground Houthi targets. Since late March 2025, six B-2A Spirit stealth…
Swedish Government Seeks Approval for Saab Gripen Sale to Peru, GlobalEye Sale to Denmark
Sweden’s Parliament has to approve the intergovernmental sales, which include four GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft and 12 Gripen E/Fs, before orders can be placed. While neither acquisition is a finished deal,…
First Two Gulfstream G650ERs Delivered to Italian Air Force
The new G650ER aircraft will take over the urgent medical transport missions currently assigned to the Dassault Falcon 50 and Falcon 900. The Italian Air Force has received the first…
B-21 Raider Expected to Arrive at Ellsworth AFB in ‘Mid 2020s’
Speaking at the Black Hills Defense & Industry Symposium, U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman officials said their next generation bomber is ‘close’ to being ready to enter service. The…
Dutch F-35 Executes First Live Classified Data Share With C2 System Outside the U.S.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) achieved a first-of-its-kind milestone during the Ramstein Flag Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) exercise. In what is considered “a significant step forward in multi-domain integration,” the…
Aviano’s F-16s Practice Integrated Air Missile Defense During Combat Archer UK
The 555th FS deployed to RAF Lakenheath for live-fire air-to-air weapon employment, saving millions of dollars compared to a deployment to Tyndall AFB or Hill AFB. Eight F-16s of…
French Air Force Fields Heavily Upgraded Mirage 2000D RMV
The Mirage 2000D underwent a mid-life update to better adapt to the demands of contemporary conflicts and continue to fly until at least 2035. The Armée de l'Air et de…
Leidos Black Arrow Successfully Tested from AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship
The Black Arrow Small Cruise Missile flew for an extended period, meeting all test objectives, with further test and evaluation activities scheduled throughout 2025. Leidos recently disclosed that, in November…
An Aircraft so Bad it Made People Literally Sick: The Republic XF-84H “Thunderscreech”
The XF-84H was an ambitious project to reverse-engineer a jet-powered F-84 into a prop-driven aircraft capable of achieving near-jet performance. The Need for the Screech The United States Navy initially…
Czech Republic Considering Gripen Lease Extension
The new offer from Sweden will allow the Czech Air Force to continue operating 12 of its Gripen aircraft until 2035, when delivery of the F-35As will be completed. The…
Ukraine Confirms F-16 Pilot Killed In Action
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Captain Pavlo Ivanov, aged 26, died on Apr. 12, 2025, during a combat mission flying an F-16 Fighting Falcon. In a statement on X/Twitter, President…
BAE Systems Unveils New APKWS II’s Infrared Seeker
The dual mode APKWS II rocket with both IR and laser guidance adds an improved Counter-UAS capability to fighter aircraft tasked to efficiently and affordably stop drone attacks. BAE Systems…
General Atomics Launches Partnership with Hanwha Aerospace of South Korea
GA-ASI announced a deal with Hanwha Aerospace that will see collaboration on the development and production of unmanned aircraft systems. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) announced a deal with…
General Atomics Working on Airborne Laser Pod for MQ-9B
The compact High-Energy Laser pod for MQ-9B is designed with Fleet Defense and Counter-UAS roles in mind. General Atomics has unveiled the development of an airborne laser pod to equip…
‘Franken-Lightning,’ Rebuilt From Two Damaged F-35s, Is Now Fully Operational
The repair that ultimately resulted in the creation of the Franken-Lightning took two years and five months to complete and cost $11.7 million, $2.8 million under the projected budget. The…
UK Ministry of Defence Investigating Future Carrier Based Airborne Early Warning Capabilities
The UK MoD issued a request for information for a new airborne surveillance system capable of operating from Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers. With the Royal Navy’s present airborne early…
Royal Navy Concludes Banshee Jet 80+ Operations with Wildcat Live Fire Exercise
The Qinetiq Banshee Jet 80+ target drone has bowed out of Royal Navy service shortly after a live fire exercise where several were shot down by a Wildcat helicopter. The…
General Atomics and Rafael Team Up to Manufacture Bullseye Standoff Weapon
Based on the Israeli Ice Breaker system, Bullseye provides multi-platform launch capabilities from air, ground and sea for strike mass at an affordable price. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GE-EMS) unveiled…
Additional USAF and Foreign Sales Sought for EA-37B Compass Call
L3Harris and BAE Systems believe there is a strong market for the EA-37B beyond existing orders from the United States and Italy. The EA-37B Compass Call, based on the Gulfstream…
A Closer Look at Scaled Composites’ Proteus and Sierra Experimental Aircraft
The Model 281 Proteus and Model 401 Sierra were on static display at Nellis Air Force Base for Aviation Nation 2025. Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, hosted the Aviation Nation…
China’s Shenyang Stealth Fighter Seen from the Closest Angle Yet in a New Video
Another day, another Chinese next generation combat aircraft spotted during a test flight. Just one day after the mysterious J-36 jet was filmed overflying the traffic on a Chinese urban…
UK’s Red Arrows Join Italy’s Frecce Tricolori In Historic Rome Flyover
The British and Italian display teams conducted a joint flyover over Rome in honour of King Charles III and Queen Camilla's state visit to Italy. On Apr. 8, 2025, the…
Ukrainian F-16s Fly Every Day, Says EUCOM Chief
Although they are still in limited numbers, Ukrainian Vipers are flying daily defensive and offensive missions. General Christopher G. Cavoli, the Chief of the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and Supreme…
New Video Of China’s J-36 Next Generation Stealth Fighter Emerges
The mysterious J-36 fighter can be seen flying low over an urban highway in China on final approach for landing. On April 7, 2025, a new video surfaced online showcasing…
Drones to Deliver Cargo During Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group 25 Deployment
700X NAS will deploy with nine Malloy T-150 UAVs on the CSG 25 deployment to the Indo-Pacific, providing ship-to-ship transfers of supplies between the task group. This long-term operational trial…
Chinese Carrier Shandong Drills in South China Sea While USS Carl Vinson Transits Through Malacca Strait
As China’s carrier force expands, East Asia's seas are becoming familiar grounds for close encounters between opposing carrier strike groups. Bound for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility,…
Japan Contracts Mitsubishi to Produce New Standoff Precision Missile
Japan is expanding its standoff strike arsenal with a new precision missile to bolster homeland defense amid regional instability. Aiming to reinforce homeland defense amid regional instability, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries…
AFSOC Receives First Missionized OA-1K Skyraider II
After initially receiving AT-802Us to begin training, AFSOC has now taken delivery of the OA-1K in the final missionized configuration. The first missionized L3Harris/Air Tractor OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft of…
China’s H-6N Bomber Spotted with Air-Launched Ballistic Missile in Clearest Image Yet
The CH-AS-X-13 ALBM is reported to be the H-6N’s primary weapon, possibly featuring a hypersonic maneuverable reentry vehicle. The ‘N’ variant of the PLA Air Force’s H-6 strategic bomber has…
Norway Becomes First F-35 Partner Nation to Complete Program of Record
With the delivery of the last two F-35s, the Royal Norwegian Air Force is now the first operator to take delivery of all the aircraft on order. The Royal Norwegian…
Leonardo Unveils New M-346 Cockpit with Large Area Display
The M-346 Block 20 will introduce an advanced Human-Machine Interface to replicate the operational environment of next-gen combat aircraft. During the recent Military Flight Training Conference 2025, which took place…
Exclusive: Interview with the Commander of VMX-1
On the occasion of the recent airshow at MCAS Yuma, we had the opportunity to interview the Commander of Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1. After a three-month…
New Images Give Clearest Look at Shenyang’s New Fighter
Reportedly designated J-50, the mysterious aircraft is a stealthy tailless twin engine design with a lambda wing. New photos emerged online are now providing the clearest look so far at…
335th FS F-15E Sports Kill Marks as Crews Receive Awards for April 2024 Israel Defense
A year later, air and ground crews of the 335th FS and 335th FGS were decorated for their actions during the massive Iranian attack against Israel. F-15E Strike Eagle crews…
Colombia Choses Saab JAS 39 Gripen as its Newest Frontline Fighter Jet
Colombia signed a letter of intent for the acquisition of the Gripen E, launching the negotiations which would make the country the type’s second South American operator. After nearly two…
Last F-16 Set for VENOM Autonomous Aircraft Modification Arrives at Eglin
The VENOM program will modify six F-16Cs into autonomous aircraft to accelerate testing of autonomy software on crewed and uncrewed aircraft. The U.S. Air Force is progressing with the Viper…
U.S. Approves Sale of F-16 Block 70/72 to the Philippines
Few days after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the Philippines, Washington cleared the sale of 20 F-16s to the country. The U.S. State Department has approved the Foreign Military…
Up Close and Personal with the Orange BUFF
The 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron revealed the finished livery of the heritage orange B-52H which pays tribute to the NB-52A and NB-52E. Few months after it was first spotted…
Lockheed Martin Unveils Taiwan’s First Newly Built F-16 Block 70
Taiwan’s first new F-16, part of an order for 66 aircraft, was unveiled during a rollout ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s facilities. Lockheed Martin has unveiled Taiwan first newly built F-16…
Danish F-35s Conduct First QRA Mission, Intercept Russian Spy Plane Over Baltic Sea
RDAF F-35s have started supporting the Quick Reaction Alert service intercepting a Russian Il-20 Coot-A over the Baltics. Last week, Royal Danish Air Force F-35A fighter jets were launched for…
U.S. Navy’s Next Trainer Jet Won’t Need to Land on Carriers
The U.S. Navy released a new Request for Information for the T-45’s replacement, which will only be required to conduct Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) to wave off. On Mar.…
A Pistol, a Parachute, and a Prayer: The Amazing Story of Lt. Owen Baggett
What began as a bombing mission to destroy an enemy bridge turned into a story of heroic bravery and incredible odds for young Lt. Owen J. Baggett on March 31,…
How 41 Seconds Changed the Life of a Marine F-35B Pilot
U.S. Marine Col. Charles "Tre" Del Pizzo gives his account of the ejection from an F-35B which continued to fly on its own in 2023. More than a year after…
Royal Air Force Puma 1971-2025: The End of an Era
After 54 years of continuous service, the RAF’s Puma fleet is set to retire today, ending a remarkably active career. On Mar. 26 and 27, 2025, the RAF Puma HC2…
Raytheon Test Fires New Coyote LE SR Variant from Helicopter for the First Time
The Coyote LE SR can be fired from the air, ground or sea to detect, identify, locate and defeat threats on the battlefield and perform a variety of missions. Raytheon…
A Lone Two-Seater: The Story of the YA-10B Warthog
Designed for all-weather, night attacks, the two-seat YA-10B was meant to counter Soviet Cold War armor tactics, but only one was built. Project A-X The Vietnam War had demonstrated to…
HMS Prince of Wales Prepares for Carrier Strike Group 25 Indo-Pacific Deployment
The HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier is working towards the UK’s most ambitious carrier deployment in recent years, with two full F-35B squadrons on board.After nearly a year of…
Australia’s First AH-64E Apache is Under Assembly
Australia announced the AH-64E Apache acquisition in 2021 to replace the ageing Tigers, which have long been afflicted by maintainability and sustainment issues. The first AH-64E Apache attack helicopter for…
India Will Lease Tankers to Overcome Il-78MKI Midas Serviceability Issues
Tankers will be leased from the French Air Force and private company Metrea while the Indian Air Force finalizes plans for a long-term solution. India’s fleet of Ilyushin Il-78MKI tankers,…
End of an Era: Kadena Conducts Last Operational F-15 Eagle Flight
After 45 years of operations, the 18th Wing conducted its last F-15C Eagle sortie, which also represents the type's last U.S. Air Force active-duty flight. Kadena’s final F-15C/D Eagle flight…
Towed Target Damages House After Falling From Draken Falcon 20 During Emergency Landing
A Falcon 20 declared an emergency with a stuck target winch cable, which later detached and fell onto a house during landing. The Falcon, registration G-FRAD, was flying under the…
Sweden Begins its First NATO Air Policing Mission
Swedish Gripens deployed to Poland for their first Enhanced Air Policing Mission, joined by RAF Typhoons. NATO’s (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Air Policing missions in Europe saw major handovers in…
Russian Il-38 ‘Buzzes’ USS Carl Vinson While Escorted by U.S. Navy F/A-18 and F-35C
Video footage emerged showing an apparently recent close encounter between U.S. and Russian forces in the Pacific Ocean. The video shows a Russian Navy Il-38N, NATO reporting name ‘May’, flying…
First USAFE F-35 Inducted at Cameri’s MRO&U Facility
The first U.S. Air Force in Europe F-35A arrived at Cameri's Euro-Med Airframe MRO&U Facility for planned depot maintenance. On Mar. 24, 2025, an F-35A of the U.S. Air Force,…
Defense Appropriators Propose Budget Cuts to F-47 NGAD, CCAs, and B-21 Raider
Defense appropriators have recommended significant cuts to certain aircraft and weapons systems, while increasing funding for others, allowing for greater acquisition than originally planned. As the U.S. government officially announced…
Live Missile Test Planned for MQ-28 Ghost Bat ‘Loyal Wingman’
Boeing Australia’s unmanned combat aerial vehicle will, according to plans, perform a live test launch of an air-to-air missile later in 2025 or in early 2026. Announced to the media…
MDA, U.S. Navy Track Hypersonic Weapon with Aegis System in Ballistic Missile Defense Test
The FTX-40 test, or “Stellar Banshee,” served as a validation for modern hypersonic missile tracking satellites, upgraded versions of the SM-6, Aegis’s ability to track hypersonic threats, and a new…
Signal Group Chat Leaks: U.S. Secretary of Defense Lays Out Sensitive Details of Planned Airstrikes
Aircraft and weapon types, launch times, and the estimated strike windows were all included in the latest screenshots released by Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic, who was inadvertently added to…
First MC-55A Peregrine Expected for Delivery to Australia in 2025
A representative of L3Harris told reporters at Avalon Australian International Airshow that, following delays, the first of the Royal Australian Air Force’s new MC-55A Peregrine ISR jets will be delivered…
Germany Doubles Down on F-35 Procurement
Minister of Defense Boris Pistorious shut down suggestions that Germany could reverse its decision to buy the F-35A Lightning II following recent tensions between Europe and the United States. Speaking…
B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers Begin Unannounced Deployment to Diego Garcia
Aviation enthusiasts have monitored at least two flights of multiple B-2 Spirit bombers transiting from Whiteman AFB to the strategic Indian Ocean outpost at Diego Garcia. Using open source information…
German A400M Refuels AFSOC CV-22 Osprey for the First Time
The test is aimed at expanding the refueling envelope of the A400M to refuel a wide variety of NATO aircraft, and follows the first ever refueling of a V-22 in…
Two Alpha Jets of the Patrouille de France Display Team Collide During Rehearsal Flight
An incident involving two jets belonging to the French Air Force’s aerobatic display team took place during training in Eastern France. Reports say three people ejected and are receiving medical…
Video Reveals GBU-53/B StormBreaker ‘SDB II’ Deployed In Action Against Houthis
CENTCOM footage shows F/A-18 Super Hornets launching from the USS Harry S. Truman carrying a variety of weapons, including the GBU-53/B StormBreaker and AGM-154 JSOW glide bombs and the AGM-84…
Turkey Fires SOM-J Cruise Missile from F-16 For the First Time
SOM-J was originally developed to fit inside the F-35’s internal bays. Meant for both land and sea targets, it will also be integrated on the KAAN fifth generation stealth fighter…
MQ-9 Reaper Tests GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb on New Dual-Carriage System
The new BRU-78 Dual Carriage System allows the MQ-9 Reaper to carry two bombs on a single hardpoint, doubling the number of free fall weapons it can employ in combat.…
KC-135 Stratotanker Could Fly Past 100 Years in Service
The U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command has suggested their KC-135 Stratotanker fleet may serve beyond 2050 with a life extension and upgrade program. Almost 70 years after the type’s…
Boeing and Lockheed Martin Each Flew an X-Plane in Preparation for NGAD
After the U.S. Air Force selected the F-47, DARPA disclosed that Boeing and Lockheed Martin each built a demonstrator aircraft for NGAD, which first flew in 2019 and 2022.In another…
Sandia National Laboratories Reveals First B61-13 Joint Test Assembly
With the completion of the B61-12 program, work has now started on the B61-13, specifically designed for “certain harder and large-area military targets” in support of the Nuclear Posture Review’s…
USS Nimitz Sets Sail For Likely Final Deployment
Almost 50 years on from its commissioning date, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) departed Naval Base Kitsap on Mar. 21, 2025, for a deployment to the Indo-Pacific.…
What Went Wrong with the AH-56A Cheyenne Attack Helicopter
Ahead of its time in performance and design, the Lockheed AH-56 seemed like a promising attack helicopter for the United States Army during the Vietnam War, but instead ended up…
French Air Force Tests A400M for Arctic Operations on Icy Runways in Canada and Greenland
In late January and early March, the French Air and Space Force, with support from Canada and Denmark, conducted critical Arctic tests. Pilots and crews trained in extreme conditions, facing…
EU Defense White Paper: €150b Loan Proposed to Fuel Defense Spending, Close Capability Gaps
A new white paper, commissioned by the European Union, identifies capability gaps and limitations across its member states and offers ways forward for European and global security. “Europe faces an…
Everything We Know About The Boeing F-47 NGAD
Boeing has secured the EMD contract to advance the development of its F-47 design for the NGAD program. Here is a summary of the key details released so far. After…
Breaking: Boeing Awarded Contract to Build U.S. Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Fighter called F-47
U.S. President Donald Trump personally announced the winner of the U.S. Air Force's NGAD program competition for the sixth-generation manned fighter. U.S. President Donald Trump, together with Defense Secretary Pete…
Australian F/A-18F Live Fires AGM-158C LRASM
A RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet conducted a successful live firing of the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) off the coast of California in February. The Australian government has announced…
Kratos is Working on a Secret Hypersonic Drone
Kratos’ CEO Eric DeMarco disclosed the development of a new internally funded hypersonic drone, with a focus on affordability and possibly using air breathing propulsion technologies. Kratos is working on…
France to Expand Nuclear Deterrent Amidst Europe’s Uncertain Future
President Emmanuel Macron has announced the reopening of Luxeuil Air Base, which will host 40 newly built Rafale F5 fighter jets equipped with nuclear-tipped hypersonic missiles. Announced on the Mar.…
Danish F-35As to Gradually Take Over NATO QRA Missions
The F-35 will gradually replace the F-16 in the RDAF, starting from the air intercept duties as part of NATO’s QRA service, achieving the Initial Operational Capability. Denmark’s Defence Command…
U.S. Air Force Needs 145 B-21s and ‘High-End Penetrating Capability’, Say Top Officials
STRATCOM and the USAF top officials said the service would need 145 B-21s, instead of the planned 100, and a ‘high-end penetrating capability’ to face the increased threats of future…
Taiwan’s F-16V, P-3C Capture Footage of China’s Wing Loong-2, Wing Loong-10 UAVs
During the recent drills which saw 59 Chinese aircraft surrounding Taiwan, a Wing Loong-2 and a Wing Loong-10 UAVs were explicitly identified and photographed for the first time by the…
Two Ukrainian Firms Among the Four Selected for Project Artemis’ One-Way Attack Drones
Aerovironment, Dragoon and two Ukrainian firms have been selected for Project Artemis, meant to rapidly develop, prototype and field scalable UAVs that can bring a low-cost mass in a high-end…
The F-16 Will Be Equipped with the AGM-158C LRASM
NAVAIR is looking to award a contract for the integration of the AGM-158C-1 Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) on the F-16. The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) released on Mar. 17,…
U.S. Continues Strikes in Yemen as part of Large-Scale Campaign Against Houthis
U.S. Forces have launched a large-scale campaign to dismantle the Houthis’ ability to target ships at sea, striking dozens of targets across Yemen. On Mar. 15, 2025, U.S. forces launched…
China’s Mysterious J-36 Next-Gen Aircraft Spotted During Second Test Flight
The next-generation J-36 appears to be still in the initial phases of flight testing, flying with landing gear down and a flight data probe installed on the nose. One of…
The GCAP Program: A Step Toward Europe’s Military Autonomy and Interoperability
A new study by the Italian Institute for International Affairs examines GCAP’s organization and the three partners’ approaches, offering recommendations for Italy on how to better address challenges and seize…
U.S. Navy, USAF and ROKAF F-35s Shine at Freedom Shield 25
Freedom Shield 25 is focused on combined operations in a join all-domain environment, demonstrating the readiness of U.S. and ROK forces and allowing to refine the plans for Agile Combat…
U.S. Air Force Seeks Single Type to Replace C-32 and C-40 VIP Transports
The Air Force is yet to decide which aircraft type will form the core of its future executive transport fleet, but still hopes to procure the C-40D, a 737 MAX…
General Atomics Tested Gray Eagle ER UAS Using Proliferated Low Earth Orbit Satellites
GA-ASI says that Gray Eagle is the only U.S. Army UAS capable of leveraging Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations for secure, adaptable and resilient inflight…
Canada Reconsidering $13.2 Billion F-35 Purchase Amid Growing Tensions With The U.S.
The news comes just one day after Portugal announced it was abandoning its plans to purchase the F-35. "Canada is actively looking at potential alternatives to the U.S.-built F-35 stealth…
Major Buang-Ly’s Great Escape
As South Vietnam collapsed under the onslaught of communist forces, one South Vietnamese pilot made a brave and daring escape in a tiny aircraft, miraculously finding a place to land…
F-22 Pilots Compete for Revived Mitchell Trophy Air Race, with a Focus on ACE
Revived after nearly 89 years, the historic Mitchell Trophy Air Race returned with a modern twist as the U.S. Air Force incorporated Agile Combat Employment. Pilots not only raced, refueled…
Portugal Drops Plans for F-35 Citing U.S. Political Uncertainty
The recent shift in U.S. policy toward NATO has led the Portuguese Defense Minister to deem a potential F-35 procurement unlikely. In an interview with Portuguese media outlet Público published…
Why Did a South Vietnamese Fighter Bomb the South Vietnamese Presidential Palace?
Near the end of the war in Vietnam, an American-built Northrop F-5 fighter in South Vietnamese markings dropped bombs on the South Vietnamese Independence Palace shortly before the fall of…
USAF Testing Angry Kitten EW Pod on C-130 as F-16 Integration Progresses
The F-16 has completed the test phase for the integration of the AN/ALQ-167 Angry Kitten electronic warfare pod, as the USAF considers the platform for other aircraft types like the…
AGM-183 ARRW Receives Aviation Week Laureate Award
The now concluded AGM-183 ARRW program received an Aviation Week Laureate award for achieving the first end-to-end tests of a hypersonic glide vehicle with a high lift-to-drag design. The Lockheed…
USMC Receives First SkyTower II Pod for ‘Digital Quarterback’ MQ-9 Reapers
The STII is an airborne network extension pod that enhances cross-domain communication capabilities and links communications between disparate forces. Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 24 (UX 24) is integrating the…
