YFQ-44A CCA Fires AIM-120 AMRAAM for the First Time
The U.S. Air Force started live-fire testing with the YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, firing an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile over the Mojave Desert. The U.S. Air Force has announced the beginning…
U.S. Air Force Confirms Two-Pilot Crew For B-21 Raider
The U.S. Air Force confirmed that the B-21 will be flown by two pilots, launching a transition program for Weapons System Officers and Combat Systems Officers who will be chosen…
Ukraine to Receive 16 Rafales and License for SCALP and Aster-30 Production
Ukraine will procure 16 Rafales and receive the license to manufacture SCALP and Aster-30 missiles, whilst two SAMP/T batteries will be immediately delivered. Ukraine will receive four Rafale aircraft as…
Langley F-22s Return Home from Operation Epic Fury Deployment
Deployed to Israel since February, F-22 Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB transited towards home with an unusual stopover at RAF Fairford over the weekend. Twelve 1st…
France Clears Rafale to Use 68 mm Rockets Against Drones
France has cleared the Rafale for the use of 68 mm laser guided rockets in the Counter-UAS role, following trials launched in February 2026. France has approved the use of…
U.S. Employs Armed Surface Drones In Combat For The First Time During Strikes On Iranian Naval Base
The attack on Bandar Abbas marked the first confirmed combat use of U.S. unmanned surface vessels (USVs), with three Saronic Corsair drone boats striking a submarine and ship maintenance facility.…
U.S. Navy’s MQ-25A Stingray Unmanned Tanker Completes Second Test Flight
The MQ-25 Stingray resumed testing with its second flight, in anticipation of the expansion of the flight envelope and validation of the autonomous flight control code ahead of carrier operations.…
Italy Leads NATO’s First Fully Multi-Domain Task Force X for the Integration of Autonomous Systems
In one of NATO’s most ambitious experimentation campaigns, Task Force X – Central Mediterranean tested the integration of uncrewed capabilities across the five operational domains. From Jun. 22 to Jul.…
Canada Inks $564 Million Joint Strike Missile Deal with Kongsberg
The Joint Strike Missile will equip Canada’s F-35 fleet, giving it the ability to carry internally stand-off weapons. Canada has chosen Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile (JSM) as its new air-to-surface…
Royal Navy Perform First-Ever Airdrops of Unmanned Boats Over North Sea
The Royal Navy proved that Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV) can survive at sea after an airdrop and without support from ports or manned vessels. The Royal Navy announced on Jul.…
UK to Lead $50 Billion European Effort for Deep Precision Strike Missile
The new Deep Precision Strike Missile is meant to touch distances between 300 km and 2,000 km, inspired by Ukraine’s extremely long-range strikes far behind Russia’s frontlines. The United Kingdom…
B61-13 Nuclear Bomb Receives ‘Diamond Stamping’, Meeting All Requirements Ahead of Schedule
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) said it completed ‘Diamond stamping’ of the new B61-13 nuclear bomb, meaning it has met all the requirements of the rigorous certification process. The…
Greek F-16 Crash Lands at Zakynthos Airport, Pilot Safe
Footage has emerged showing a Greek F-16 on fire after an emergency gear-up landing on the island of Zakynthos, commonly known as Zante. Officials have confirmed that the pilot is…
Indian Air Force Received Nine Retired RAF Jaguars
India for the last few years has been importing retired British, French and Omani Jaguars along with separate components to supply spares to its existing fleet. The Indian Air Force…
New VC-25B Bridge Air Force One Visits RAF Mildenhall
After taking President Trump to Ankara for the NATO summit, the new VC-25B Bridge aircraft called into RAF Mildenhall to allow deployed U.S. personnel a special chance to view and…
Denmark Confirms Plan to Purchase P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft
Despite tensions once again rising with the U.S. over the future of Greenland, Denmark has chosen Boeing's P-8 Poseidon to fulfil an expanded maritime patrol capability across the North Atlantic…
Czech Air Force Receives First C-390 Millennium Transport Aircraft
The Czech Republic received the first of the two C-390 Millenniums ordered in 2024 from Embraer, with the second aircraft expected to arrive in 2027-2028. The Czech Air Force received…
USS Ford’s Super Hornet Spotted with New Mission Markings
The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) aircraft carrier and Carrier Air Wing 8 recently returned from the Middle East, with its Super Hornets showing new markings from the operations against…
NATO Announces MQ-4C Triton Acquisition
As part of new procurements announced at the summit in Ankara, NATO will buy up to five MQ-4C Triton to complement the RQ-4Ds of the AGS Fleet and reinforce maritime…
NATO Selects Saab GlobalEye to Replace E-3 AWACS Fleet
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that a number of allies decided to procure up to ten Saab GlobalEye aircraft to replace the aging E-3 AWACS fleet. After months of…
Russian Tu-142 Drops Sonobuoys Near HMS Prince of Wales in ‘Unprofessional’ Act
A Russian Tu-142 Bear-F maritime patrol aircraft flew close to the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in the Norwegian Sea, dropping multiple sonobuoys while failing to respond to radio…
The UK’s £298B Defence Investment Plan At A Glance: 6th Generation Force Design or Creative Accounting?
The long awaited Defence Investment Plan has finally been published for public viewing and it seemingly generates more questions for UK Defence than it answers. In one of his last…
GCAP Fighter Project Advances with £4.6 Billion Contract Award to Edgewing
The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) sixth-generation fighter project is advancing to its next development stage with a new boost of funding by partners Italy, Japan, and the UK, running…
Royal Navy Trials First At-Sea Strike Drone Launch
A Nyan One Way Effector (OWE) was launched from the experimental testbed vessel XV Patrick Blackett while the ship was underway off the south coast of England. The trial, which…
New Report Blames Russia’s Shadow Fleet for Europe Drone Incursions
A report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) assesses that it is ‘highly likely’ many of recent drone incidents throughout Europe were ordered by Moscow as part of…
F-15EX Eagle II and MQ-28 Ghost Bat Fly Together During Valiant Shield 2026
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat took part in a flight with the F-15EX and a proof-of-concept FARP operation as part of the Experimental Operations Unit’s activities during Valiant Shield 2026. The…
A-10 Takes Part in Final Public Range Day in Arizona
Airmen and the local community gathered as Davis-Monthan hosted the final public A-10 Range Day at the Barry M. Goldwater Range. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base hosted at the Barry M.…
Lakenheath F-15Es Return From Middle East Combat Deployment With Striking Nose Art
Eleven 48th Fighter Wing Strike Eagles have returned home from the Iran air war sporting interesting nose art and bomb markings. On Jul. 1, 2026, eleven F-15E Strike Eagles belonging…
Inside the 20th Squadron, Italy’s Eurofighter Operational Conversion Unit
An exclusive look inside the Italian Air Force's Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit, where pilots are trained through advanced simulation, live flying and progressive tactical training. Grosseto Air Base has been…
U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk Makes Emergency Water Landing In Arabian Sea, One Crew Member Missing
Three crew members were recovered alive after an MH-60S assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush ditched in the Arabian Sea, while search and rescue operations continue for a fourth…
Trump Flies Aboard The New Air Force One For The First Time
On its maiden flight as Air Force One, the new VC-25B “Bridge” aircraft brought President Donald Trump to North Dakota. On Jul. 1, the U.S. Air Force's VC-25B Bridge aircraft,…
Ukraine’s Gripen E Contract Finalized
The contract enables the procurement of 16 Gripen E jets by Ukraine, with the first deliveries expected in 2029-2030, and prepares the planned donation of 16 JAS 39 C/D aircraft.…
U.S. Air Force Plans Major Investment into UK Bases
Lakenheath, Mildenhall, and Fairford will all receive a portion of a $4.2 billion investment into U.S. bases in the UK, according to documents seen by The Guardian. A presentation given…
Indonesia Won’t Produce the KF-21 Locally
Contrary to the original plans, Indonesia will not co-produce the KF-21 Boramae locally, opting for a direct procurement from South Korea. The old differences between South Korea and Indonesia over…
UK Defence Investment Plan Confirms Shadow Withdrawal
The Royal Air Force's fleet of Beechcraft B350ER Shadow ISR aircraft will be retired from service in the near future, a move anticipated since the cancellation of the troubled R2…
British Army Wildcat Helicopters to Retire From Next Year
The now-published Defence Investment Plan includes an unexpected and shocking announcement that the British Army's fleet of Wildcat AH1 helicopters, which entered service in 2014, will begin to be withdrawn…
C-2 Greyhound Flies Off an Aircraft Carrier for the Last Time
The C-2A Greyhound conducted its last ever catapult launch from a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, ending its 60-year Carrier On-board Delivery mission. The U.S. Navy’s C-2A Greyhound has flown off…
Italian MQ-9A Destroyed In March Kuwait Attack After Italy Kept It In Place To Avoid Appearing Involved In Iran War
According to the most read Italian newspaper, the Italian Air Force Reaper remained at Ali Al Salem Air Base after Rome decided against relocating it to avoid any move that…
B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber Employs AGM-158C LRASM in SINKEX
The U.S. Air Force revealed for the first time that the B-2A Spirit stealth bomber can employ the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, after the weapon was featured in a recent…
MQ-25 Stingray Demonstrator Seen Embarked on USS Nimitz
The Boeing-owned MQ-25 Stingray T1 demonstrator has been embarked on the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier during the recent Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250 in the Atlantic Ocean. Photos released by the…
Pilot’s Accidental Fuel Shutoff Caused OA-1K Skyraider II Crash
The Accident Investigation Board found that a trainee OA-1K pilot inadvertently shut off fuel, with task saturation, communication issues and crew resource management shortcomings being contributing factors. The U.S. Air…
Russia’s Yak-130M Light Attack Variant Completes Maiden Flight
Two years after it was first unveiled, the Yak-130M light attack aircraft has conducted its first flight as Russia aggressively pushes the jet and other fighters for international sales. The…
U.S. and Iran Agree to Halt Attacks after New Round of Airstrikes
After the U.S. strikes against Iranian coastal targets in response to the attack on a commercial vessel, the two sides agreed once again to halt further hostilities ahead of new…
Training the World’s F-35 Pilots: Inside the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB
Brig. Gen. David Berkland discusses training philosophy, interoperability, simulation, and the continuing evolution of the F-35 mission. The 2026 Luke Days airshow packed the ramp with an impressive lineup of…
U.S. F-35As and Japanese F-15Js Intercept Massive Russian and Chinese Bomber Patrol
The eleventh Joint Strategic Patrol announced by Russia and China saw Tu-95s, Tu-142s and H-6s escorted by Su-30SMs, Su-35s and J-16s in a six hour flight over the Sea of…
Norwegian F-35As Shadow Russian Tu-160 Bombers Near Arctic Circle
Norwegian F-35s intercepted a flight of Tu-160s and MiG-31BMs, supported by an Il-78M tanker, which were involved in a 16-hour patrol over the Norwegian and Barents Seas. NATO aircraft from…
Airbus and Kawasaki Team Up for Anti-Submarine Warfare Eurodrone Variant
Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on the concept of a Eurodrone development focused on the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and maritime patrol role.…
B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber Takes Part in RAAF’s Exercise Diamond Storm
A U.S. Air Force B-2A Spirit stealth bomber was integrated in Exercise Diamond Storm, part of the Royal Australian Air Force’s Air Warfare Instructor Course. A U.S. Air Force B-2A…
Ukraine’s Bayraktar TB-2 Breaks Hiatus and Destroys Russian Boats in the Black Sea
The Ukrainian TB-2 drone resurfaced once again after being nearly absent from the battlefield, striking what is believed to be Unmanned Surface Vessels. Russia’s Black Sea Fleet lost two small…
UK Successfully Test-fired Three Low-Cost, Deep-Strike Weapons Intended for Ukraine
Named One Way Effectors (OWE), these weapons are ground-launched and capable of hitting targets more than 500km away while carrying a powerful 225kg warhead. Over the last year, three British…
Robinson Partners With Skyryse to Develop Uncrewed R66 Helicopter
Aimed at the defence market, the R66 based UAS will be integrated with Skyryse's SkyOS software to enable autonomous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), and air-launched effects…
DARPA’s X-65 Active Flow Control Demonstrator Mated with its Wings
The X-65 Active Flow Control demonstrator continues to make progress, with the fuselage now mated with its wing as the first flight remains planned for 2027. The assembly of the…
MQ-28 Ghost Bat to Take Part in Exercise Valiant Shield 2026
The MQ-28 will join the flight operations of Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 to refine tactics, techniques, and procedures, and evaluate its contribution as a force multiplier. The Pacific Air Forces…
Downed U.S. F-15E Pilot Reportedly Observed Unusual Iranian Drone Swarm Moving In ‘Jellyfish’ Formation
CNN reports the pilot described a jellyfish-like swarm of interconnected drones before he ejected over Iran, raising questions about Tehran's unmanned networking capabilities. The U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle…
New Images Show RAF Protector RG1 Operating from Akrotiri with ‘Outdragon’ SIGINT Pod
The UK Ministry of Defence has published new photos of the first deployments of the MQ-9B Protector RG1 to RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus, including some of the best official views…
Airbus Prepares Ground for Tiger MkIII Upgrades
The Tiger MkIII effort envisages a complete Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) with new targeting and networking suites, learning lessons from current battlefield trends. Airbus Helicopters revealed on Jun. 19, 2026, more…
Leonardo’s M-346 Controls Baykar’s Kizilelma UCAV in Loyal Wingman Trials
Project K-SWARM saw a Kizilelma UCAV working in a Crewed/UnCrewed Teaming scenario, responding to a series of commands sent from the M-346. The Turkish-Italian collaboration over manufacturing Baykar’s unmanned combat…
The B-45 Tornado: North American’s oft Overlooked Class of ’47 Bomber
During a relatively obscure service life, often overshadowed by the Boeing B-47, the North American B-45 made a significant contribution to the U.S. Air Force, including many pioneering ‘firsts.’ In…
USMC F-35Bs Fly for the First Time from Finnish Highway During Ramstein Flag
U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II from VMFA-224 conducted landing and takeoff operations on a highway strip in Finland during Exercise Ramstein Flag 2026. For the first time, F-35B Lightning…
First F-35A Wearing Iconic Wild Weasel Tail Flash Breaks Cover On First Flight
The F-35 wearing the tail code "WW" will join Misawa's 35th Fighter Wing and fly the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission from Japan. On June 16, 2026, the…
U.S. Air Force Officially Unveils VC-25B Bridge Aircraft
After it completed a secretive nighttime flight to Joint Base Andrews earlier in June, the VC-25B Bridge aircraft - a rapidly converted 747-8 gifted by Qatar - has now been…
White House Officials Hint That VC-25A 92-9000 Just Flew its Last Mission as Air Force One
White House staffers have posted sentimental tributes to the jet that President Trump used as Air Force One for the 2026 G7 Summit in France, hinting that 92-9000 may have…
Guam’s RQ-4B Global Hawks Permanently Relocate to Yokota Air Base
The RQ-4Bs operated by the 4th Reconnaissance Squadron permanently relocated to Yokota AB, where they already deployed every year during the typhoon season. The U.S. Air Force permanently relocated its…
Trouble in Whitehall: UK Armed Forces Chief Warns of Operational Cutbacks Without Additional Funding
Days after the high profile resignations from the Ministry of Defence's political leadership, the professional head of the UK's armed forces, Sir Rich Knighton, has said that without more funding…
U.S. Air Force Awards CCA Production Contracts
The U.S. Air Force has awarded contracts for both the production of CCAs and the mission autonomy software as part of the program’s Increment 1. The U.S. Air Force awarded…
U.S. Air Force Releases Names of Fallen B-52 Crew Members
The U.S. Air Force released the names of the eight people killed when a B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards AFB. The U.S. Air Force’s 412th Test Wing…
Nighthawks over Panama: The Story of the F-117’s First Combat
Seeking Panama’s dictator Manuel Noriega on multiple drug trafficking charges, the U.S. deployed one of their most secretive and effective weapons for the first time in the darkness of Dec.…
Updated: Russian Frigate Opens Fire With Warning Shots in the English Channel
The incident, which reportedly occurred at around 11:40 BST, happened as a civilian yacht sailed near the warship Admiral Grigorovich, operating in international waters approximately 20 nautical miles south of…
Canada to Negotiate M-346 Procurement
The Canadian and Italian Prime Ministers launched the negotiations to procure the M-346 advanced jet trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, and Italy’s Prime…
Delayed Drone Technology Deal Puts Polish MiG-29 Transfer to Ukraine on Hold
Poland says the transfer of its remaining MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine remains on hold pending the finalization of a reciprocal agreement for the transfer of Ukrainian drone technology. Five months…
Breaking: B-52 Stratofortress Bomber Crashed at Edwards AFB
Images posted online show a massive plume of black smoke rising from Edwards Air Force Base, before the base confirmed an ongoing B-52H Stratofortress mishap. A U.S. Air Force B-52H…
Video Captures Russian Tu-22M3 Bomber’s Nosedive Before Crash
Footage captured the Tu-22M3's steep descent moments before the crash in the Irkutsk region, with Russian officials reporting that the crew ejected safely. A Russian Aerospace Forces (RuAF) Tupolev Tu-22M3…
MV-75 Cheyenne II Progresses As Bell Completes First Wing Structures
Bell completed the wing structures for the first two MV-75 Cheyenne II tiltrotors, which will soon join fuselage and engine nacelles currently progressing through assembly. Bell has announced that it…
U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Crashes Near Rimrock Lake, Washington. Pilot Ejects Safely
An F/A-18D Legacy Hornet belonging to VMFA-323 crashed while flying the VR-1355 low-level route in Washington State, with the pilot’s ejection caught on camera. On Jun. 13, 2026, at approximately…
UK Seizes Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in the English Channel
A joint operation by the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, and the National Crime Agency saw the 244 metre oil tanker Smyrtos boarded and seized off the UK's…
France Begins Work on ASN4G Hypersonic Nuclear Missile
The new ASN4G hypersonic missile would replace the ASMPA-R currently carried by the Rafale, strengthening France’s nuclear deterrent. France has given the go-ahead to defense major MBDA to proceed with…
A-10s Return From Operation Epic Fury With Nose Art, Bomb Markings And Iranian Vessel Kill Markings
The bomb markings on the returning A-10 Thunderbolt II jets hint at the variety of weapons the Warthogs used against Iran, while the kill marks offer clues about some of…
Boeing Will Not Bid For U.S. Navy’s New Trainer Jet
Boeing determined the T-7A does not meet the U.S. Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System requirements and thus decided to not bid for the T-45’s replacement. In a surprise move, Boeing…
German Industry Announce “Team Gen 6” to Develop FCAS Alternative
German companies announced the formation of Team Gen 6, a new industry grouping that aims to take responsibility for the development of a 6th-gen fighter aircraft after FCAS collapse. Airbus…
Operational and Developmental Test Pilots Fly Together on B-21 Raider
An operational test pilot recently flew the B-21 Raider stealth bomber with a developmental test pilot, marking a key step in the program’s combined developmental and operational test approach and…
PhanCon 2026 Brings Enthusiasts Behind The Scenes Of Greece’s Operational F-4 Fleet
PhanCon returned to Andravida Air Base in May 2026, giving participants unprecedented access to Greece's operational F-4E AUP Phantom II fleet and the personnel who keep it flying. The European…
U.S. Navy Completes First Phase of LRASM F-35C Flight Science Program
The U.S. Navy, supported by Lockheed Martin, completed the first phase of the F-35C LRASM Flight Sciences Test Program after a series of integration flight tests from September 2024 to…
Italian Astronaut Luca Parmitano Becomes First European Assigned To NASA’s Artemis Mission
Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano will serve as pilot on Artemis III, marking a milestone for Europe’s participation in the program which will bring once again a human on the Moon.…
Boeing Unveils New Capabilities for MQ-28 Ghost Bat
Boeing unveiled at ILA Berlin 2026 the new capabilities within the MQ-28 Ghost Bat’s roadmap, including internal weapon bays and larger wings. Boeing has unveiled at the ILA Berlin 2026…
Airbus Unveils U760 Ravenstorm UCCA
Airbus unveiled at the ILA Berlin 2026 exhibition the new U760 Ravenstorm Uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft, designed for air-to-air, air-to-ground and electronic warfare missions. On the sidelines of the International…
U.S. and Iran Exchange Strikes Following Apache Shootdown
The U.S. military conducted “self-defense strikes” in response to the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter, with Iran later retaliating against U.S. targets in the surrounding countries. A new…
Iranian Drone Took Out U.S. Apache Downed in the Strait of Hormuz
As the U.S. begins retaliatory strikes, officials have told reporters that an Iranian Shahed drone was believed to be responsible for the downing of a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache during…
New Photos Offer Interesting Look At B-21 Raider’s Speed Brake Arrangement
The photos appear to show the B-21 Raider’s outboard trailing-edge control surfaces deflected in opposite directions, suggesting a different speed-brake and drag-management arrangement than the B-2’s familiar split rudders. On…
Boeing Completes Initial Testing of Improved Remote Vision System for KC-46A Pegasus
Boeing completed the initial testing of the KC-46’s RVS 2.0 validating the performance of high-definition ruggedized cameras and control hardware, prior to a planned service-wide retrofit in 2027. In a…
U.S. AH-64 Goes Down Near Strait of Hormuz, Crew Safe
A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache has crashed near the Strait of Hormuz for unknown reasons, with the crew rescued safely according to President Trump. A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack…
France and Germany Set to End Future Combat Air System Program
Germany is expected to announce the end of the FCAS/SCAF program at the Berlin Air Show, after an agreement with France was not reached regarding the industrial side. France and…
French Rafale Shoots Down Unknown Drone Over Latvia
A France Rafale of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission shot down an unknown drone which entered Latvian airspace from Russia. A Rafale of the French Air and Space Force,…
NASA’s X-59 QueSST Goes Supersonic
NASA’s X-59 QueSST flew faster than the speed of sound for the first time, expanding into the supersonic portion of its flight envelope. NASA’s experimental X-59 QueSST (Quiet SuperSonic Technology) conducted its…
FY27 NDAA Advances with New A-10 Oversight, C-UAS and Right-to-Repair Amendments
The FY2027 NDAA sees lawmakers backing new right-to-repair measures, counter-drone initiatives and new A-10 restrictions to the retirement. The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) has advanced a series of provisions…
FRCE Delivers First F-35Bs with Technology Refresh-3 Upgrades
The Fleet Readiness Center East completed the conversion of its first F-35Bs from the TR-2 to the TR-3 configuration, which will support the future Block 4 upgrades. A major milestone…
Our Best Look at China’s Manned Tiltrotor in Flight
The Chinese tiltrotor that broke cover last year was recently captured in images during what appears to be more expansive test flights. China’s first manned tiltrotor aircraft has now appeared…
Inside the MAGTF: Exclusive Interview with Marine F-35B Demo Pilot on Expeditionary Aviation Operations
During the 2026 MCAS Cherry Point Air Show, The Aviationist interviewed F-35B pilot Major William Horn about expeditionary operations within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and the demo for the…
Mysterious Next-Gen Aircraft Allegedly Spotted Near Area 51
A thermal image captured near Area 51 allegedly shows a previously unseen next-generation aircraft design with cranked-kite wings and canards, which is now spurring many theories online. Groom Lake, better…
Two U.S. Air Force KC-135s Damaged During Towing Accident At RAF Mildenhall
The port-side horizontal stabilizer of one KC-135 clipped the starboard-side stabilizer of another tanker parked nearby. The U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker fleet continues to be plagued by a variety of mishaps.…
End of an Era: U.S. Marine Corps Celebrates AV-8B Harrier II Sundown
The U.S. Marine Corps honored the legacy of the AV-8B Harrier II and the Marines who served with it in a ‘Sundown Ceremony’ at MCAS Cherry Point, home to the…
F-15E Pilot Downed Over Iran Had Also Survived Kuwaiti Friendly Fire Shootdown at Start of War
The pilot of DUDE44, the F-15E Strike Eagle downed over Iran, was reportedly also one of the pilots who were shot down by Kuwaiti friendly fire in the opening days…
Discussions Ongoing to Expand U.S. Nuclear Presence in Europe
Talks between the U.S. and NATO allies - particularly Poland and the Baltic states - regarding the reinforcement of the U.S. Air Force's existing nuclear weapons capability in Europe are…
Turkey’s Hava SOJ Electronic Warfare Aircraft Seen in Clearest Visual Yet
New visuals of the Hava SOJ aircraft allow a closer look at the modifications to the Bombardier Global 6000 jet needed to house the EW payload, while also revealing other…
Boeing Validates MQ-28’s Radar Cross Section
Boeing conducted testing for the MQ-28 Ghost Bat’s Radar Cross Section, validating its stealth performance. Boeing announced on June 1, 2026, that it has conducted Radar Cross Section (RCS) testing…
Image Shows Russia Fielded a New A-50U Airborne Early Warning Aircraft
After three aircraft destroyed by Ukraine, Russia is gradually reinforcing its AEW&C fleet with the addition of a new A-50U. An image emerged on May 31, 2026, appears to show…
Chinese Missile Might Have Been Used to Shoot Down F-15E in Iran – U.S. Officials
U.S. officials said to NBC News that a Chinese shoulder-fired MANPADS missile was possibly the weapon used to shoot down the U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle over Iran. U.S. officials are…
New Photos Offer Clearest View Yet Of Temporary Repairs On Another KC-135 Damaged During Iran War
The battle-damaged Alaskan ANG KC-135R departed RAF Mildenhall on its way home from Operation Epic Fury, showing the massive temporary repairs performed to make the aircraft airworthy for the return…
MQ-9B SeaGuardian Shows Off Four Sonobuoy Pods for Anti-Submarine Warfare
The MQ-9B, in the midst of the adaptation to the ASW role, was shown with four Sonobuoy Dispensing System pods, after being previously photographed with only two pods. An MQ-9B…
Rare Russian Tu-142MR Submarine Communications Aircraft Reportedly Destroyed In Ukrainian Drone Strike
An overnight attack on Russia’s Taganrog airfield reportedly destroyed two Tu-142s including a rare "MR" radio relay variant used to communicate with ballistic missile submarines. Ukraine launched coordinated drone strikes…
Multiyear Contracts Proposed for F-15EX and F-35 in Draft 2027 NDAA
Lawmakers are introducing provisions to authorize multiyear contracts to buy the F-15EX Eagle II and the F-35 Lightning II, allowing cost savings and shorter delivery timelines. The draft 2027 National…
Russian Stray Drone Hits Romanian Apartment Building
During the latest wave of attacks against Ukraine, a Russian Geran-2 drone hit an apartment building in Romania, near the border. A Russian drone hit an apartment building in Romania,…
Canada Begins Talks With Saab For GlobalEye AEW&C Purchase
The Canadian government has announced that it is entering into discussions with Saab for the supply of the GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft, beating out the American Boeing and L3Harris. On May…
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is Now Flying in the U.S.
Boeing confirmed that the MQ-28 Ghost Bat has conducted three flights at the Point Mugu Sea Range after initially flying only in Australia. Boeing has announced on May 27, 2026,…
Ukraine To Acquire 20 Gripen E/Fs As Sweden Pledges Donation of 16 Gripen C/Ds
Ukraine intends to acquire an initial batch of up to 20 Gripen E/F, with Sweden planning to donate up to 16 Gripen C/D as early as next year. Sweden and…
F-35 Lightning II Takes Control of MQ-20 Avenger During Autonomy Testing
An F-35 Lightning II pilot sent tactical autonomy commands via a tablet to the MQ-20 Avenger as part of a recent Manned-Unmanned Teaming demonstration. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced that…
Israeli Air Force Takes Delivery Of Its First KC-46A “Gideon”
The first KC-46 “Gideon” tanker for the Israeli Air Force has been delivered less than one month after its first flight was announced. The Israeli Air Force received its first…
China’s Y-20 Tanker Intercepted while Refueling J-16 Fighters Near Taiwan
Between May 24 and 26, China flew nearly 60 military aircraft, helicopters and drones in Taiwan’s ADIZ, including a Y-20 tanker which refueled J-16 fighters. A People’s Liberation Army Air…
U.S. Air Force Launches Speedline to Accelerate F-15E EPAWSS Upgrade
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center has established a dedicated EPAWSS Speedline at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex to accelerate the fielding of the new defensive suite on the…
T-45C Goshawk Crashed in Mississippi, Pilots Ejected Safely
A T-45C Goshawk assigned to Training Air Wing One has crashed in Mississippi, with the two crew members onboard ejecting safely. A U.S. Navy T-45C Goshawk training aircraft has crashed…
New Details Emerge On A-10C Probe Refueling Adapter’s Low-Altitude Refueling Capability
Moody AFB says the modification enhances the Warthog’s ability to support combat search and rescue and close air support missions, allowing probe-equipped A-10Cs to refuel from HC-130Js below 10,000 feet,…
ITPS Canada Orders the M-346T Block 20
The ITPS Canada has ordered six M-346T Block 20, with options for six more, to support the expansion of NATO and Allied tactical fighter pilot training. Leonard has announced that…
U.S. Launches “Defensive Strikes” in Iran Targeting Mine-Laying Boats and SAM Sites
The U.S. conducted new strikes in Iran, targeting two IRGC boats laying mines and a surface-to-air missile site, with CENTCOM describing the strikes as self-defense. The U.S. military has launched…
China’s ‘Bohai Sea Monster’ Ekranoplan Emerges in Clearest Images Yet
New images of the Chinese ekranoplan show the presence of underwing weapons pylons, suggesting a strike role in addition to rapid support and resupply for amphibious operations in the South…
First Polish F-35s Arrive at Łask Airbase
The first three F-35s arrived in Poland at Łask Airbase after a delivery flight from Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth production plant. The Polish Air Force has taken delivery of its…
Ageing Hawk T1s Force Red Arrows Down to Seven Jet Formation for Most Displays
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT), or the Red Arrows, will downsize from nine jets to seven jets for most displays until at least 2030 in a conscious effort…
Unleashing a Deadly Snake: The Birth of the AH-1 Cobra
As the conflict in Vietnam raged, the UH-1 Huey was modified into a gunship, but the ubiquitous helicopter was slow and underpowered at times, thus prompting the need for a…
Hürjet Spotted Flying with Underwing Weapon Pylons
One of the Hürjet prototypes was spotted while flying with underwing weapon pylons, possibly hinting at TAI’s intention to pitch the jet in the highly competitive light attack aircraft market.…
Pentagon Finally Releases Footage Of Unidentified Object Shot Down By F-16 Over Lake Huron
In 2023, a U.S. Air National Guard F-16CM shot down a UAP, or unidentified aerial phenomenon, over Lake Huron. Newly released footage appears to show that the object was likely…
Disused London Tube Platforms Double As NATO Command Centre in Exercise Arrcade Strike
The British Army, leading NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, transformed the former Jubilee line platforms at Charing Cross Station - 86 feet below the streets of central London - into…
E-7 Wedgetail Arrives At Home Base RAF Lossiemouth for First Time
The first of three RAF E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft has arrived at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland for test and evaluation trials prior to entering squadron service. The aircraft was flown…
RIAT 2026 Has Been Cancelled
The 2026 edition of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) has been cancelled following discussions with the Royal Air Force and the U.S. Air Force regarding uncertainty over access to…
SPEAR 3 Missile Flies On Board F-35B Lightning II for the First Time
Four SPEAR 3 missiles were carried on board an F-35B from the Integrated Test Force at NAS Patuxent River earlier this year, marking the first time that the new weapon…
A-10s Deployed To The Middle East Now Flying With New Refueling Probe And Angry Kitten EW Pod
Just over a month after the first test, the A-10C is now flying in the Middle East with the new Probe Refueling Adapter which allows it to refuel from the…
MQ-9B Drone Flies with Airborne Early Warning Pods
A year after the announcement of the collaboration, GA-ASI has flown an MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft with LoyalEye Airborne Early Warning (AEW) pods designed by Saab. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems…
LUCAS One-Way Attack Drone Will be Piloted by Hivemind AI
Shield AI has been selected to integrate Hivemind on the LUCAS drones, enabling them to coordinate and operate intelligently in a swarm. Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomous flight software will be…
U.S. Air Force Announces Operational Pause for T-38 Talon Fleet
Following the May 12, 2026, mishap, the U.S. Air Force has announced an operational pause for the entire T-38 Talon fleet, while a T-6A Texan II conducted a belly landing…
Russian Fighters Made More ‘Dangerous Intercepts’ of a Royal Air Force RC-135 over the Black Sea
Royal Air Force RC-135 surveillance sorties have been the subject of more interceptions over the Black Sea, with the UK Ministry of Defence labelling the actions of the Su-27 and…
U.S. Navy Clears MQ-25 Stingray Uncrewed Tanker for Production
Following the first flight, the U.S. Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray uncrewed tanker has reached the Milestone C and has been cleared for the Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP). Acting Secretary of the…
Congressional Report on Operation Epic Fury Lists 42 U.S. Aircraft Damaged or Destroyed
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has attempted to collate a report of U.S. aircraft losses during the Iran War, though there are some notable omissions. An independent report produced for…
Italian F-35Bs Conduct Highway Operations in Finland
The Italian Air Force deployed its F-35B Lightning IIs to Finland, where they conducted highway operations for the first time as part of the Imminent Field 26 exercise. Italian F-35B…
Italy Wil Procure Six A330 MRTT Tankers to Replace KC-767
Documents show that Italy has signed in April 2026 a deal to acquire six A330 MRTT tankers which will replace the current fleet of four KC-767s. Italy has reportedly selected…
Official Photos And Footage Of Russia’s Two-Seat Su-57 Prototype Emerge
After questions were raised about the authenticity of the first leaked image, official photos and footage have now provided the first confirmed look at the two-seat variant of the Su-57…
Romanian F-16s Shoot Down Rogue Drone in Estonian Airspace
Romanian F-16s deployed as part of the Baltic Air Policing shot down a rogue drone, possibly of Ukrainian origin, which entered Estonian airspace from Russia. The Estonian Defense Forces have…
Ukraine Unveils New Homegrown Glide Bomb
Ukraine has unveiled a new domestically-developed kit to convert a 250 kg drop bomb into a guided glide bomb to arm its fighter jets. Ukraine has unveiled on May 18,…
YFQ-48A Talon Blue Completes Autonomous Taxi Tests
Northrop Grumman announced the completion of the autonomous taxi tests of the YFQ-48A Talon Blue, the company’s pitch for the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. Northrop Grumman announced…
Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers Collide During Airshow At Mountain Home AFB, Crews Eject Safely
Two EA-18G Growlers from the Growler Demo Team collided mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. All four crew members ejected. Two EA-18G…
Russia Starts Testing Twin-Seat Variant of Su-57 Felon
According to a post by the popular FighterBomber Telegram channel, Russia has started the taxi trials of a twin-seat variant of the Su-57, with a new cockpit reminiscent of the…
APKWS Rockets Deployed Operationally on RAF Typhoons Just Two Months After First Test Firing
Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s deployed to the Middle East have begun carrying APKWS guided rockets just weeks after completing a rapid testing and certification process. In early March 2026,…
Anduril to Supply 3,000 Container-Launched Barracuda-500M Cruise Missiles to the U.S. Army
Anduril will provide the U.S. Army with a minimum of 3,000 Surface-Launched Barracuda-500M, starting in 2027 with the first 1,000 along with the associated containerized launch systems. Anduril announced on…
Aeralis Collapses, Ending Hopes For a British Designed Advanced Jet Trainer
Aeralis Limited was working on a modular advanced jet trainer for the Royal Air Force, with hopes to equip the Red Arrows to replace the Hawk T1. Following the US…
Argentina Retires Last A-4 Skyhawks as F-16s Enter Service
The withdrawal of Argentina's last A-4AR Fightinghawks was officially announced on May 14, 2026, ending 60 years of Argentinian A-4 operations. Beginning in 1966 with the delivery of 25 A-4B…
Highly Enriched Uranium Removed from Venezuela by Joint U.S., UK, and IAEA Effort
13.5 kilograms of excess uranium nuclear fuel, originally supplied by the U.S. and UK, was extracted from the dormant RV-1 research reactor site in Altos Mirandinos and transported by a…
First Photo Emerges Of AIM-260A JATM Missile Carried By A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet
The new AIM-260 JATM was photographed during a test flight out of Eglin Air Force Base, offering the first public look at the highly secretive air-to-air missile. After years of…
UK MoD Approves Plan to Acquire GBU-53/B SDB II for F-35B Fleet
To mitigate delays to the integration of the SPEAR 3 missile, the Ministry of Defence confirmed plans to procure SDB II munitions from the U.S. through a Foreign Military Sales…
Interesting Photo Shows Two Italian Air Force F-35Bs Inside Pantelleria’s Historic “Nervi Hangar”
The image shows Italy’s STOVL stealth fighters inside Pantelleria’s cavernous wartime aircraft shelter, a massive reinforced-concrete structure built into the island’s volcanic landscape before World War II. Two F-35B aircraft,…
Israel Signs Deal To Develop External Fuel Tanks For F-35I ‘Adir’
The Israel Ministry of Defense has signed a contract worth more than $34 million with Cyclone, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems, to develop and integrate an extended-range capability…
Air Force And Boeing Launch KC-46 Recovery Plan After Years Of Readiness And Refueling System Issues
Although the key fixes for the KC-46 will still take years to fully reach the fleet, a new plan promises a 20% availability increase by 2030, faster RVS 2.0 retrofits and…
Pratt & Whitney and GE Set to Assemble Next-Gen Adaptive Cycle Engines
Pratt & Whitney and General Electric completed the Assembly Readiness Reviews of XA103 and XA102 engines, activating their supply chains to prepare for the assembly of the physical NGAP engines.…
U.S. Air Force T-38C Trainer Crashes in Alabama, Pilots Safe
A U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon jet trainer assigned to Columbus Air Force Base has crashed in Alabama, with both pilots ejecting safely. A U.S. Air Force T-38C Talon jet…
The Hainan Island Incident: 25 Years Later we Interview one of the Pilots
We get a first-hand account from the third pilot onboard the EP-3 and his experiences while being held by the Chinese, as well as being released and coming home. On…
GA-ASI and U.S. Air Force Test APKWS Guided Rockets on MQ-9A Reaper
GA-ASI and the U.S. Air Force tested the MQ-9A Reaper with APKWS laser-guided rockets, firing at both air and ground targets at the Nevada Test and Training Range. General Atomics…
U.S. Air Force Plans to Deploy Cruise Missiles from Cargo Aircraft by 2027
The Rapid Dragon program, now called Dragon Cart, transitioned to a Program of Record and will see cargo aircraft able to deploy palletized cruise missiles by 2027. The U.S. Air…
Stealing a MiG-29 was a Piece of Cake – Sort of. Alexander Zuyev’s Great Escape – Part 2
In the second part of this story, we cover the day Soviet Air Force Captain Alexander M. Zuyev defected in a MiG-29 fighter after executing a brilliant and bold plan…
Russian Victory Day Parade Takes Bizarre Turn with CGI Flyover
During this year’s Victory Day parade, Russian media showed a CGI flyover by the Russian Knights and Swifts aerobatic teams, followed by real images of Su-25s painting the Russian flag…
RAF Airdrop Response to Suspected Hantavirus Case on Remote Island
A Royal Air Force Airbus A400M has been used to parachute British Army medical personnel and supplies to Tristan da Cunha, a remote South Atlantic territory with no airstrip, after…
U.S. F-16 Sports AGM-88 HARM Kill Marking in New Photo
A small silhouette of a High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile can be seen painted below the cockpit in this new photo released by CENTCOM, indicating that the jet was likely responsible for…
Stealing a MiG-29 was a Piece of Cake – Sort of. Alexander Zuyev’s Great Escape – Part 1
In 1989 Soviet Air Force Captain Alexander M. Zuyev defected in a MiG-29 fighter after executing a brilliant and bold plan, shocking the Soviet Union’s communist rulers and handing the…
U.S. Air Force Launches Analysis of Requirements for Possible B-52 Successor
The U.S. Air Force is launching next year a Heavy Bomber Analysis of Alternatives which will allow to determine requirements for future B-52 upgrades or an entirely new heavy bomber.…
B-1B Bomber “Rage” Returns to Service After Restoration
The B-1B 86-0115, now renamed “Apocalypse II,” returned to service at Dyess AFB after being previously retired in 2021. The U.S. Air Force announced on May 6, 2026, that a…
New Photos Show Lakenheath’s Camo F-15E Tooled Up With Practice Bomb Load
The F-15E Strike Eagle from the 48th Fighter Wing, recently painted to commemorate Operation El Dorado Canyon’s 40th anniversary, took off on May. 7, 2026 with a heavy load of…
A U.S. Navy F-14D Tomcat Might Return to the Skies Thanks to Congress’ “Maverick Act”
Three U.S. Navy F-14D Tomcats would be transferred to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama, and one might be made flyable again, following the approval of…
DARPA’s XRQ-73 SHEPARD Hybrid-Electric Flying Wing Prototype Takes Flight
Designed by Northrop Grumman and subsidiary Scaled Composites, the unmanned XRQ-73 features an ultra-quiet propulsion system powered by electricity from a gas turbine. Taking off from Edwards Air Force Base…
U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Disables Iranian-Flagged Tanker
CENTCOM says the jet targeted the rudder of M/T Hasna in the Gulf of Oman with its M61 Vulcan cannon to prevent it from reaching Iran as part of the…
UAE Buys up to 20 C-390 Millennium Transport Aircraft in Embraer’s Largest Overseas Order
The UAE is procuring ten C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, with an option for ten more, making the UAE the largest export customer for the aircraft and the first in the…
USAF Approves Serial Production of New T-7A Red Hawk Trainer
Following the Milestone C decision in April, the U.S. Air Force has cleared T-7A Red Hawk for serial production, placing an order for the first 14 trainers. The U.S Air…
Russian Tu-95MS Strategic Bomber Flies with Kh-101 ALCM over Arctic Circle
Russian Tu-95MS Bear bombers conducted a rare flight with Kh-101 cruise missiles over the Barents and Norwegian Seas, accompanied by an Il-78M tanker and at least one Su-30SM2 fighter. For…
MH-60S Sea Hawk and AH-64 Apache Helicopters Destroy Six Iranian Boats
U.S. Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk and U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopters were used to sink six Iranian small attack boats which were threatening commercial shipping. Adm. Brad Cooper, head of…
B-52J Commercial Engine Replacement Program Passes Critical Design Review
The Critical Design Review of the CERP program paves the way for the modification of two B-52 bombers with the new engines, with work on the first bomber starting later…
Israel’s KC-46 “Gideon” Tanker Conducts Maiden Flight
Israel announced the maiden flight and imminent delivery of the new KC-46 “Gideon” tanker, a day after the announcement of the procurement of an additional squadron of F-35Is and one…
The U.S. Navy Declares IOC for P-8A Poseidon Increment 3 Block 2
The Initial Operational Capability (IOC) was achieved after testing performed by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VX-1) with support from the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office (PMA-290).…
Belgium Shows Testing of F-16 with FZ275 Laser-Guided Rockets in C-UAS Trial
Following the Belgian Air Force’s announcement in March about the testing of Thales Belgium’s laser guided rockets from its F-16s, footage now shows the trials in the Counter-UAS role. Weeks…
Tikaboo Peak, Legendary Area 51 Viewing Spot, Closed by U.S. Government
From 1995 until now, Tikaboo Peak - 26 miles from Groom Lake - offered the closest and best public vantage point with a complete view of Area 51. A notification…
VC-25B ‘Bridge’ Aircraft for New Air Force One Completes Testing
The U.S. Air Force’s VC-25B Bridge aircraft has completed modification and flight testing, and is now being painted ahead of its introduction in service this summer. The U.S. Air Force…
New Images Show China’s GJ-21 Naval UCAV with Landing Gear Extended
The GJ-21 is considered a naval derivative of the GJ-11 Collaborative Combat Aircraft, as demonstrated by features such as launch bar and arrestor hook, meant to fly off the Type…
U.S. Air Force Wants to Order More EA-37Bs, Retire E-11A
In a document submitted to Congress, the U.S. Air Force laid out its desire to almost double its order of EA-37B electronic attack aircraft while cutting its relatively new fleet…
AGM-183 ARRW Shown on B-1B Bomber for the First Time
The U.S. Air Force released for the first time a short clip showing a B-1B Lancer bomber flying with an AGM-183 ARRW hypersonic weapon carried externally. A U.S. Air Force…
USAF Revives AGM-183 ARRW Hypersonic Missile with $345 Million Budget Request
The Air Force is looking to bring back the AGM-183 ARRW with $1 billion in funding until FY2030, while also beginning to work on an Air-Launched Ballistic Program (ALBM) derived…
First Nigerian M-346FA Flies with Complete Livery
Nigeria is acquiring 24 M-346FA jets, the light fighter variant of the M-346 trainer, as part of the modernization of its air force. For the first time, an M-346FA destined…
RAF Lakenheath Unveils Special Color F-15E for Operation El Dorado Canyon’s 40th Anniversary
On occasion of Operation El Dorado Canyon’s 40th anniversary, the 48th Fighter Wing unveiled a special color F-15E Strike Eagle with the same camo once used by the F-111 Aardvark.…
Peru Selects F-16 Block 70 Fighters Amid Political Crisis
Despite government calls to delay the acquisition and two ministers resigning, Peru appears to have already committed funds for the acquisition of 12 F-16 Block 70 fighters. Peru has selected…
Boeing Releases Images of First Operational MQ-25’s Maiden Flight
The U.S. Navy’s first production representative MQ-25 Stingray flew for the first time on April 25, 2026, demonstrating the ability to autonomously taxi, take off, fly and land. Boeing and…
Anduril Shows Copperhead-500M Autonomous Underwater Munition’s Testing
The Copperhead family of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) can be equipped with ISR, communications and acoustic payloads for off-board sensing or warheads for kinetic uses. Anduril released on Apr. 25,…
FRCSW Completes First In-House F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III Upgrade
The Fleet Readiness Center Southwest completed its first fully in-house Block III Super Hornet upgrade, combining the work with the ongoing Service Life Modification effort. The Fleet Readiness Center Southwest…
Report Claims Iranian F-5 Bombed U.S. Base in Kuwait During Opening Phase of War
NBC News says over 100 U.S. targets across 7 countries were hit by Iran, including Camp Buehring in Kuwait which was allegedly struck by an F-5. U.S military bases across…
Breaking: U.S. Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray Completes First Flight
The U.S. Navy’s first production representative MQ-25 Stingray has completed its first flight, marking a key step toward carrier-based unmanned aerial refueling. The U.S. Navy’s production representative MQ-25 Stingray unmanned…
British Eurofighter Typhoons Scrambled to Engage Russian Drones Near the Romania–Ukraine Border
The Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft established radar contact with a target located above the Ukrainian territory. The pilots were authorized to engage the drones, but they did not fire on the…
Senators Fight For More Boosts to U.S. Airpower After Increase to F-15EX Order
As the USAF confirms its intent to buy more F-15EX Eagle IIs, Senators Budd and Shaheen have launched three new bills designed to expand the U.S. fighter inventory and retain…
China’s Y-20B Airlifter’s First Trip to South Korea Repatriates Korean War Soldiers’ Remains
The new Y-20B variant conducted its first flight abroad, repatriating from South Korea the remains of Chinese soldiers who fought in the Korean War and replacing the earlier Y-20A in…
Pentagon’s Record Breaking $1.5 Trillion Budget Request Includes Boosts for F-35, F-15EX, and More
The largest defence budget request in U.S. history, coming in at almost $500 billion more than 2026, would see accelerated procurement of key platforms and increased funding for headline projects…
Russian Tu-22M3 Bombers Carrying Long-Range Supersonic Missile Intercepted Again Over the Baltic
Swedish, Romanian and French fighters intercepted Russian Tu-22M3 ‘Backfire’ strategic bombers, carrying Kh-22N/Kh-32 supersonic cruise missiles, on two consecutive days over the Baltic Sea. For the third time in just…
Raytheon Confirms Delivery of Next Generation Jammer Pods for Australian EA-18G Growlers
Raytheon confirmed that Australia has received last year its first Next Generation Jammer pods to replace the ALQ-99 pods currently used by the RAAF’s EA-18G Growlers. Raytheon has confirmed on…
JMSDF Reveals JS Izumo’s Upgraded Flight Deck for F-35B Operations
JMSDF releases first images of JS Izumo’s new rectangular flight deck as second-phase modifications progress, advancing its conversion into an F-35B “Lightning Carrier.” The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) released…
Northrop Grumman Teases Notional F/A-XX Design Ahead of Expected August Contract Award
Few hours after the U.S. Navy’s Chief of Naval Operations said a contract award for F/A-XX is expected by August, Northrop Grumman has teased once again a notional design for…
U.S. Air Force Confirms A-10 Thunderbolt II Service Life Extended to 2030
The legendary A-10 Thunderbolt II will be maintained in service by the U.S. Air Force until at least 2030, under new plans announced by the Secretary of the Air Force.…
Chinese University of Glasgow Student Arrested After Offutt Spotting Trip
The Chinese national, currently studying for an aeronautical engineering degree in Scotland, was arrested by the FBI at JFK airport before his return flight to Europe. Tianrui Liang, aged 21,…
Shark Mouth A-10s Deploy to the Middle East
Two shark mouth-marked A-10s from Moody AFB’s 74th Fighter Squadron transited through RAF Lakenheath en route to the Middle East, possibly replacing the Warthog lost during the CSAR mission over…
U.S. Navy Tests Turbojet-Powered JDAM Long Range
The U.S. Navy has demonstrated the new JDAM Long Range variant which, powered by a small turbojet engine, traveled approximately 200 nautical miles during two test events. The U.S. Naval…
U.S. Seizes Iranian-Flagged Cargo Ship Violating Blockade
The U.S. has seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship M/V Touska which was violating the naval blockade, with the USS Spruance opening fire with its 5-inch MK45 gun and Marines boarding…
SNC’s ATHENA-S ISR Jets Are Now Operational with the U.S. Army
Sierra Nevada Corporation announced that two Contractor-Owned Contractor-Operated ATHENA-S jets finished testing and are now operational in support of the U.S. Army’s Aerial-ISR mission. Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has announced…
Rusty Dagger Extended Range Attack Munition Tested from F-16 at Eglin Test Range
The U.S. Air Force announced a test of the Family of Affordable Mass Munitions-Lugged, with photos showing the weapon was a Rusty Dagger low-cost cruise missile. The U.S. Air Force…
CENTCOM Releases Images of Apaches ‘Over’ Strait of Hormuz as Iran Reimposes Restrictions
U.S. CENTCOM released some interesting photos of the AH-64 gunships allegedly patrolling the Strait just as Iran moved to restrict traffic through the narrow waterway once again. Iranian Revolutionary Guards…
Paramount Confirms Top Gun 3 with Tom Cruise Returning as Pete Mitchell
A new sequel will see Pete “Maverick” Mitchell’s return in Top Gun 3, with producer Jerry Bruckheimer saying Tom Cruise had liked a proposed storyline for the new film. After…
Skunk Works Is Looking for a U-2 Pilot
Despite being one of the oldest aircraft still flying in U.S. service, the U-2 remains relevant enough for Skunk Works to seek a qualified pilot in Palmdale. Skunk Works, the…
YFQ-44 CCA Begins Testing with U.S. Air Force Experimental Operations Unit
The YFQ-44 flew sorties with the U.S. Air Force Experimental Operations Unit at Edwards AFB, allowing to start working on development of the initial tactics, techniques and procedures for CCAs.…
French Rafale Spotted with Laser-Guided Rocket Pod
A Rafale M was spotted with a pod for 68 mm laser-guided rockets, first unveiled at the Paris Air Show 2025 as a cost-effective solution against drones and asymmetric threats.…
Australia Announces Early Retirement of Troubled C-27J Spartan Fleet
A new Australian defence strategy will see AU$5 billion redirected from current programs towards new capabilities, with the headline cut being the early withdrawal of the RAAF's ten C-27J Spartan…
Battlefield Airborne Communications Node, an Invisible yet Critical Part of the Operations over Iran
BACN provides a long-range secure communication capability, acting as a “gateway” system that bridges the gap between disparate platforms that cannot communicate directly. Throughout Operation Epic Fury, kinetic capabilities were…
Sikorsky Announces New Armed Black Hawk Kit
The new Armed Black Hawk kit allows UH-60s to be quickly reconfigured for new mission sets, allowing greater flexibility and eliminating the need for dedicated helicopter types. Sikorsky announced on…
U.S. Army Officially Names MV-75 as Cheyenne II
The U.S. Army has officially named the MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft as Cheyenne II, in a tribute to the Cheyenne Tribes known for mobility, resilience, and disciplined strength.…
U.S. Navy Confirms MQ-4C Triton Crash
The U.S. Navy has acknowledged the loss of an MQ-4C Triton last week in a new Mishap Summaries report released by the Naval Safety Command. As we reported last week,…
U.S. Air Force Releases First Official Photos Of B-21 Raider During Aerial Refueling Tests
The USAF has just released the first image showing the upper side of the new B-21 Raider bomber in photos from its aerial refueling tests. On Apr. 14, 2026, the…
Shrapnel-Damaged KC-135 Arrives at Tinker AFB For Repairs
The battle-damaged KC-135R Stratotanker photographed transiting through RAF Mildenhall has safely arrived at Tinker AFB, the hub for depot-level KC-135 maintenance, bearing large and small patches across its fuselage, wings,…
Italian Air Force’s Raiders Wing Becomes First NATO Unit Accredited by AFSOC for Global Access Operations
The certification makes the 17th Stormo Incursori (Raiders Wing) the first NATO unit recognized by U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command for Global Access Operations, a capability that enables air…
Final Class of A-10C Thunderbolt II Pilots Graduates at Davis-Monthan AFB
The 357th Fighter Squadron graduated its last A-10C Thunderbolt II student pilots at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, marking the end of an era for the sole formal training unit for…
The ‘Narcotics Hunter’ P-3 Airborne Radar
The Customs and Border Protection describes the P-3 AEW as the world’s only law enforcement airborne radar aircraft, supporting the anti-smuggling and border protection mission. A U.S. Customs and Border…
Battle Scarred Stratotanker Transits Through UK Towards the U.S. for Repairs
The visibly patched-up KC-135R Stratotanker that arrived at RAF Mildenhall on Apr. 12, 2026 was among the aircraft deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base when it was struck by Iran…
New Anti-Jam Antenna Seen on USAF F-15E Strike Eagle During Epic Fury
The new Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) is part of the Digital GPS Anti-jam Receiver (DIGAR) system installed in the F-15E Strike Eagle following a contract to BAE Systems in…
Exclusive: Interview with the Chief Test Pilot of VMX-1
On the occasion of the MCAS Yuma airshow 2026, we had the opportunity to interview the Chief Operational Test Director and Chief Test Pilot of Marine Operational Test & Evaluation…
New Images Provide Clearest View Yet of Damage to U.S.-made AN/FPS-132 Early Warning Radar in Qatar
The imagery offers a closer look at the damage to the giant phased-array AN/FPS-132 radar struck during Iran’s attack on Qatar last month. Newly published photos by Al Jazeera circulated…
Swedish Armed Forces Release Photo Showing JAS 39 Gripens Escorting Russian Kilo-Class Submarine
The Russian submarine shadowed by the Swedish Gripens was transiting the Kattegat, a strategic waterway linking the Baltic approaches with the North Sea system. Although the spotlight is currently on…
UK MoD Places Order for Skyhammer Low-Cost Air Defence System, First Deliveries Next Month
Cambridge Aerospace, an emerging UK manufacturer, will deliver a 'significant number' of its low-cost Skyhammer air defence systems, designed to counter attack drones like the Shahed 136 at ranges of…
MQ-4 Triton Disappears over Persian Gulf after Squawking Comms Link Loss
The MQ-4 Triton was flying a patrol mission over the Persian Gulf, before signaling through the transponder a loss of the communication link with the pilot and initiating a descent.…
NORAD’s F-16s Practice Air Defense Operations from Remote Alaskan Airfield
F-16s of the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron were deployed to the remote King Salmon airport to demonstrate NORAD’s readiness to respond to potential threats throughout Alaska. U.S. Air Force F-16…
Italian MOD Says No Policy Shift On U.S. Bases, Reveals Flight Statistics For Aviano And Sigonella
Speaking before Parliament after the controversy sparked by the denied landing of a U.S. aircraft at Sigonella, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Italy continues to apply long-standing agreements governing U.S.…
Michigan ANG A-10s Depart Lakenheath to Bolster Middle East Forces
After arriving in late March, twelve A-10C Thunderbolt IIs from Michigan's 107th Fighter Squadron successfully departed RAF Lakenheath on Apr. 8 towards the U.S. Central Command region. The twelve attack…
Chilean KC-135 Tanker Refuels USAF F-35As on their Way to FIDAE 2026 Expo
For the first time, a Chilean KC-135 refueled two U.S. F-35s that will take part in FIDAE 2026, marking the traditionally strong strategic ties between Chile and the U.S. A…
The A-10C Can Now Use Probe and Drogue Refueling
A new Probe Refueling Adapter, developed in response to an urgent combatant command requirement, allows the A-10 to significantly expand its refueling options as it is currently dependent on the…
New Details Emerge About Rescue Mission Deep Inside Iran
New details were released during a White House press conference which described the rescue of the crew of DUDE 44, the F-15E Strike Eagle that went down in Iran. The…
YFQ-42A Dark Merlin CCA Crashes in California During Test
GA-ASI confirmed a YFQ-42 crashed during take-off and testing has now been paused temporarily, with an investigation already launched. A prototype of the YFQ-42A Dark Merlin Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA),…
Lady of Larissa Flies Again: Incredible New Footage Emerges of the Secretive RQ-180 Spy Drone
New videos give an even clearer view - unquestionably our best ever - of the legendary classified stealth drone, previously seen landing in Greece last month. Last month, we reported…
USAF F-16s Flying With AGM-158 JASSMs in Operation Epic Fury Against Iran
Long-range JASSM strikes still continue on Iranian targets, particularly against missile and drone production facilities. U.S. Air Force F-16s currently deployed in support of Operation Epic Fury have been shown…
Crossing the ‘Line of Death’ at 2,125 MPH: SR-71 Battle Damage Assessment after ‘El Dorado Canyon’
In the aftermath of Operation El Dorado Canyon, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was sent across Qaddafi’s 'Line of Death' for a high-risk overflight of Libya to deliver critical battle damage…
[Updated] U.S. Rescues Downed F-15E WSO Deep Inside Iran
The mission to rescue the isolated airman inside Iran has been described as one of the most challenging and complex in the history of U.S. special operations. The Weapons Systems…
U.S. F-16 Shown with Mine-Dispensing Cluster Bombs
CENTCOM has released photos of F-16s loaded with cluster bombs for operations in Iran, a week after BLU-91/B ‘Gator’ anti-tank mines were found on the ground. The U.S. Central Command…
Mission to Recover Downed F-15E Aircrew Puts Combat Search And Rescue in the Spotlight
The loss of an F-15E Strike Eagle in Iran prompted specialized Combat Search and Rescue units to spring into action, with a multitude of assets working together to recover all…
Iran’s RQ-170 Clone Destroyed in U.S. Strikes, CENTCOM Video Shows
A video shared by CENTCOM shows the destruction of an Iranian clone of the RQ-170 Sentinel, which was reverse-engineered after crashing in Iran 15 years ago. An Iranian clone of…
Updated: A-10 Thunderbolt II Crashed Near the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Officials Tell NYT
Almost the same time as an F-15E Strike Eagle went down over Iran, the U.S. Air Force lost an A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S.…
DARPA’s X-65 Active Flow Control Demonstrator is Taking Shape
Aurora Flight Sciences and DARPA are continuing the assembly of the X-65 CRANE demonstrator, targeting a first flight by 2027. Aurora Flight Sciences’ (AFS) latest X-Plane, now designated the X-65,…
Iranian Media Posts Debris From USAF F-15E Claimed to Have Been Downed Earlier Today
Although Iranian media claimed an F-35 has been shot down, images from the crash site clearly show debris belonging to an F-15E Strike Eagle. On Apr. 3, 2026, Iranian media…
Global Combat Air Programme Awards First Contract with Edgewing
The first joint international contract has been awarded for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), focusing on key design and engineering activities. The GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO), which represents…
CENTCOM Confirms EA-37B Compass Call Deployed as Part of Operation Epic Fury
The EA-37B was added to the list of assets involved in Operation Epic Fury, although the aircraft have not yet arrived in the CENTCOM AOR. Following the arrival of two…
New Photos Provide Clearest View Yet of Secretive NT-43A RAT55’s Dorsal Turret and Enclosure
The deployment of the one-of-a-kind 737 to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, to support the Artemis II launch, provided aircraft spotters and photographers with an unprecedented opportunity for a closer…
NASA Launches Artemis II, the First Crewed Lunar Flyby in 50 Years
Artemis II is NASA’s first mission with crew aboard the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, and the first beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972.…
Airbus Tests Armed ‘Bird of Prey’ Interceptor Drone
The ‘Bird of Prey’ platform was developed as a simple, cost-effective counter-drone system that can engage attack UAVs with low-cost air-to-air missiles. Airbus Defence and Space announced on Mar. 30,…
USAF E-3 AWACS Loss in Saudi Arabia Puts Spotlight on E-7 Wedgetail Procurement
The destruction of a U.S. Air Force E-3G Sentry AWACS in Saudi Arabia has reignited debate about the procurement of the E-7A Wedgetail. The loss of a U.S. Air Force…
F-35 Crashes in Nevada, Pilot Ejected Safely
An F-35 went down 25 miles northeast of Indian Springs, inside the NTTR. According to the U.S. Air Force, the pilot ejected safely and was treated for minor injuries. A…
WB-57 and Secretive RAT-55 Spotted Rehearsing for NASA’s Artemis Launch
The secretive U.S. Air Force NT-43A RAT55 was spotted flying with a NASA callsign in one of the areas reserved for the launch of the Artemis II mission, opposite to…
More A-10s Are Headed to the Middle East
The deployment of additional A-10Cs to the Middle East, the first of which arrived at RAF Lakenheath, demonstrates the continued reliance on the close air support aircraft for operations in…
Two EA-37Bs Arrive at RAF Mildenhall on Possible First Operational Deployment
Two EA-37B Compass Call aircraft stopped at RAF Mildenhall for fuel during what may be the type’s first operational deployment abroad, reports suggesting Turkey as their destination. Two U.S. Air…
China’s Y-9FQ Next Gen ASW Aircraft Intercepted for the First Time Over East China Sea
The Y-9FQ ‘High New 15’ made its debut at the Sep. 3, 2025, Victory Day parade in Beijing, and has now been intercepted for the first time by Japan. A…
Spain Continues to Deny Airspace to U.S. Aircraft Involved with Operation Epic Fury
Spanish newspaper El País reported further on earlier news regarding Spain's position on U.S. military action against Iran, with the country's Prime Minister confirming all related flight plans have been…
U.S. Navy Launches Competition for T-45’s Replacement with Final RFP
The U.S. Navy has released the final Request for Proposals for the Undergraduate Jet Training System which will replace the T-45 Goshawk, confirming an accelerated schedule with a focus on…
Trump Says F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia Has Been Approved
For the second time, President Trump says that the U.S. agreed to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia as relations between the two countries keep improving. For the second time since…
Misawa’s 13th Fighter Squadron Receives First F-35s
Misawa Air Base has received the U.S. Air Force’s first F-35A Lightning II fighters to be permanently based in Japan, beginning the transition from the F-16 to the fifth-gen aircraft.…
Northrop Grumman Testbed With AIM-260-Like Nose Spotted Flying Alongside Raytheon’s VOODOO 1 at Eglin AFB
The two testbeds, known by their callsigns SCAN 06 and VOODOO 1, carried out concurrent operations in Eglin’s highly instrumented airspace. For three consecutive days, on Mar. 24, 25 and…
Germany Considering MQ-28A Ghost Bat CCA, Says Defense Minister
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the MQ-28 Ghost Bat is among the uncrewed aircraft being evaluated to support the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter fleet. Germany’s defense minister Boris Pistorius said…
USMC F-35Cs and USS Tripoli ARG Arrive in the Middle East
A month after the start of the hostilities, the U.S. Marine Corps is increasing its presence in the Middle East with the arrival of a F-35C squadron and the USS…
[Updated] Iranian Attack on Prince Sultan Air Base Reportedly Struck U.S. KC-135s, E-3 Sentry
Satellite images show signs of an attack at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, with The Wall Street Journal now reporting that an Iranian missile damaged “several U.S. refueling aircraft.”…
Video Shows Russian Geran Drone Shot Down by Rifle-Armed Ukrainian Yak-52 Crew
A first-person point-of-view video shows the crew member in the rear seat of a Ukrainian Yak-52 shooting with a rifle at a Russian Geran drone, which later detonates in a…
First Production KF-21 Boramae Rolled Out of Factory in South Korea
The first serial production KF-21 Boramae fighter jet has rolled out of the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) factory in a major milestone for the program. The first of 40 serial…
Video Shows Super Hornet’s Near Miss After Apparent Iranian MANPADS Launch
A U.S. F/A-18 Super Hornet was involved in a near miss after being targeted by an apparent Iranian MANPADS system during a low altitude strafing run with the 20 mm…
New Images Show B-2 Spirit Bombers Departing for Iran Mission with Unknown White Patches on Wings
Recently released photos show B-2 stealth bombers preparing to launch for a mission over Iran last week, with multiple unidentified white patches added along the leading edges of their wings.…
Photos of A-10s Used to Strike Iranian Naval Vessels Show Video Game-Inspired Nicknames
Images shared by U.S. Central Command suggest that at least some A-10s taking part in Operation Epic Fury carry new video game-inspired nicknames, an operationally irrelevant detail but one likely…
DOT&E Says No Combat-Capable TR-3-Configured F-35s Were Delivered in FY2025
The latest Director, Operational Test & Evaluation report says no combat-capable F-35 TR-3 aircraft have been delivered to the U.S. military until September 2025 because of the truncated software. The…
U.S. Considering Deployment of 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East
Senior officials are reportedly considering the deployment of the Immediate Response Force, which includes a Battalion Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division, according to U.S. media. After increasing rumors…
YFQ-44A Fury CCA is Now in Production
Anduril announced the start of the YFQ-44A’s production at its Arsenal-1 factory, with new manufacturing processes allowing to supply a large number of drones to the U.S. Air Force. Anduril’s…
Remembering the Green Ramp Disaster
Tragedy struck on March 23, 1994, at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, on an aircraft parking ramp known as ‘Green Ramp.’ A number of paratroopers were lost and several…
Epic Fury is Now in the Fourth Week, with More U.S. Assets Deploying
Four weeks after the launch of Epic Fury, additional F-16Cs, EA-18Gs and E-2Ds are flying to the Middle East, the USS Boxer ARG is enroute and rumors say the 82nd…
B-52s are now Launching from RAF Fairford Loaded with JDAM Bombs
After initially employing only AGM-158 JASSM stand-off weapons, B-52s are now launching from RAF Fairford with the external pylons fully loaded with GBU-31 JDAM bombs. After weeks flying only with…
SNC’s AEGIR-W Sea Drone Washes Ashore on Turkey’s Black Sea Coast
The AEGIR-W Unmanned Surface Vessel mysteriously ran aground on the Black Sea Coast in northeastern Turkey and was later blown up by Turkish authorities. An Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) was…
The Tomcat’s Six Pack: The F-14 Six on Six Phoenix Test
Designed for fleet air defense, the F-14 was armed with a potent long-range missile and, with a powerful new radar, could engage multiple airborne targets at once. The United States…
U.S. Army Receives DARPA’s Optionally Piloted H-60Mx Black Hawk
The U.S. Army will put the H-60Mx and Sikorsky's MATRIX flight autonomy software through a rigorous operational testing campaign with real world logistics in contested scenarios. The U.S. Army received…
Video Shows Saab 340 Airborne Radar Flying in Ukraine
The Saab 340 AEW, also called the S 100D Argus, will enhance Ukraine’s situational awareness when facing Russian cruise missile and kamikaze drone barrages. Ukraine appears to have received its…
B-52 Spotted Yet Again Testing the AGM-181 Next-Gen Stealth Nuclear Cruise Missile
The B-52H Stratofortress is continuing the integration tests with the AGM-181 Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) missile, the Air Force’s next-gen stealth nuclear cruise missile. The U.S. Air Force is…
Closest View Yet of F-22 Raptor With Stealth Tanks and Stealth Pods
New photographs show the best view yet of an F-22A Raptor sporting the stealthy drop tanks and equipment pods in development for the stealth fighter. Californian aviation photographer Jarod Hamilton…
Iran Fires Two Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles at Diego Garcia Base
The attempted strike on Diego Garcia would mark a major escalation, highlighting Tehran’s apparent ability to target the strategic U.S.-UK base deep in the Indian Ocean and potentially put parts…
Talon IQ Testbed Performs Simulated Combat Maneuvers Controlled by Hivemind and Prism AIs
The Talon IQ testbed conducted combat air patrol and target engagement maneuvers controlled by ShieldAI’s Hivemind AI, before switching back to Northrop Grumman’s Prism AI. Northrop Grumman and Shield AI…
B-52s Launch from RAF Fairford with Impressive Cruise Missile Payload
U.S. Air Force strategic bombers deployed to RAF Fairford continue to participate in Operation Epic Fury, with near-daily flights from both the B-1s and B-52s, the latter showcasing a hefty…
Italian Eurofighters Intercept Russian Su-30 That Violated Estonian Airspace Over the Baltic Sea
The Italian Air Force jets, deployed to Estonia to support NATO Baltic Air Policing mission, intercepted and escorted the Russian Navy Su-30SM. On Mar. 18, 2026, a Russian Navy Su-30SM…
Russia Sends MiG-31s Armed with Kinzhal Hypersonic Missiles Over Sea of Japan
Russian Aerospace Forces publicized for the first time the MiG-31 armed with the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic hypersonic missile flying in the Indo-Pacific region. Russia’s Ministry of Defense (RuMoD) released footage…
China’s J-16D EW Jet Seen Flying with PL-15 Missiles Possibly for the First Time
The J-16D has made possibly its first appearance in flight with PL-15 missiles, after being previously shown with air-to-air weapons only in static displays at airshows. The People’s Liberation Army…
U.S. F-35 Makes Emergency Landing After Allegedly Being Hit by Iranian Fire – Reports
CENTCOM says a U.S. F-35 made an emergency landing at a U.S. air base in the Middle East after it “was struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire,”…
A-10s Now Hunting Iranian Fast Attack Craft in the Strait of Hormuz
U.S. Air Force A-10s in maritime attack role are hunting small Iranian fast attack boats that could threaten shipping or naval forces in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Air…
U.S. Air Force to Update U-2 Dragon Lady Defensive System
The iconic 70-year-old spy plane is receiving updates to its AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System. Despite ever changing plans to retire the type in the next few years, the U.S. Air…
Could This Be Our Best Ever Look at America’s Elusive RQ-180?
According to Greek outlet OnLarissa, a flying wing aircraft, clearly not a B-2 Spirit, was photographed reportedly flying over Larissa, Greece. Is this our best view ever of the U.S.…
Name Announced for France’s Next Generation Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carrier
The France Libre, or Free France, will be powered by two nuclear reactors, displace just shy of 80,000 tons, and is planned to enter service and replace the Charles de…
Japan’s “Platypus” EC-2 Stand-Off Jammer Flies for the First Time
Japan has started the flight testing of the EC-2 Stand-Off Jammer aircraft, whose unusual shape has attracted widespread interest among aviation enthusiasts. Japan’s EC-2 Stand-Off Jammer aircraft finally conducted its…
GBU-72 Advanced 5K Penetrator Used for the First Time in Combat
CENTCOM says multiple 5,000 lb GBU-72/B Advanced 5K Penetrator munitions were used on hardened Iranian missile sites along Iran’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz. It appears that the U.S.…
EA-18G Growlers Appear to Be Flying Over Iran with Four Anti-Radiation Missiles
SEAD missions appear to be still a big focus of Operation Epic Fury, with EA-18Gs shown flying with four AGM-88s and F-16s flying with mixed AGM-88/JDAM loads. New photos released…
Israel Says it Destroyed Iran’s Air Force One
The Israeli Air Force claims it has destroyed the Airbus A340-313 used by Iranian officials, including Khamenei, which was at Tehran's Mehrabad airport. The Israeli Air Force says it has…
