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Military Aviation News

Ukrainian Air Force confirms loss of Su-27 fighter jet

12/09/2025

A Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet was lost during a combat mission on December 8 in the eastern region of the country, the Ukrainian Air Force confirmed in a public statement. “At noon on December 8, 2025, in the eastern direction, during the execution of a combat mission in a Su-27 aircraft, the senior navigator of the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Yevhenii Vitaliiovych Ivanov, was killed. The circumstances are being clarified.

Japan rejects China's 'interference' claim amid fighter jet engagement

Japan on Monday rejected China's claim that interference by Japanese Self-Defense Forces fighter jets during Chinese naval training prompted radar to be locked on the planes, local media reported. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters that the Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) jets kept a "safe distance" from Chinese military aircraft off Japan's southernmost province of Okinawa, according to the Tokyo-based Kyodo News.

In Defense Bill, Congress Rejects Bid to Retire A-10s, F-15Es

Lawmakers resolving differences in the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization bill want to stop cuts to the Air Force’s combat fleet by blocking scores of planned divestments of aging A-10 and F-15E fighters. The bill, unveiled Dec. 7, rejects the Air Force plan to retire all 162 A-10s still flying along with 21 F-15Es in 2026. If passed into law, the measure would limit divestments this fiscal year to just 59 A-10s and no F-15Es.

Should America Be Worried About Venezuela’s F-16 Fleet? Not Really.

Before it bought the more modern Su-30MK2 Flanker fighter jet from Russia, Venezuela’s most advanced combat aircraft was the F-16A/B Fighting Falcon. Indeed, the F-16 was the most advanced combat aircraft in the entire region. Purchased during a period of close US-Venezuelan cooperation, the F-16s symbolized Venezuela’s efforts to modernize and align with the US. Yet four decades later, the fleet is a shadow of its former self.

For US$118.8 million, the U.S. authorized the sale of hundreds of GBU-39/B glide bombs for the Republic of Korea Air Force’s fighter jets

The United States government has authorized the possible sale of hundreds of GBU-39/B SDB-I glide bombs intended to equip the Republic of Korea Air Force’s fighter aircraft. This information comes from one of the most recent notifications submitted by the Department of State to the U.S. Congress in order to approve the operation, which falls under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program and is valued at US$118.8 million.

Proposed defense bill would fund Golden Dome, next-gen fighters

Congress’ proposed compromise National Defense Authorization Act would authorize $900.6 billion in discretionary defense spending in fiscal 2026, which would be an $8 billion increase over the Pentagon’s budget request this summer.

For US$ 730 million, the U.S. authorizes the sale of more AIM-120C-8 missiles for Denmark’s F-35A fighters

The United States government has authorized the sale of new AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles to equip the Royal Danish Air Force’s F-35A stealth fighters. This was disclosed in one of the most recent notifications issued by the U.S. Department of State to Congress, approving the operation under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and valued at US$ 730 million.

Norwegian F-35 fighters return home as joint NATO Air Policing Mission in Poland concludes

Norwegian F-35 fighter aircraft returned to Ørland Air Base on December 1, marking the end of their operational deployment in Poland. The mission formed part of a joint Norwegian–Dutch air readiness commitment under NATO command.

Bangladesh Turns To China For Fighter Jets After Rejecting European Options

After months of speculation and diplomatic manoeuvres, Bangladesh appears to have made its choice in the race to modernise its air force. Despite earlier interest in European aircraft, Dhaka is now leaning towards a deal with Beijing – a decision that could shift the balance of power in South Asia’s skies.

U.S. Marines Conduct F-35B fighter jet Landing Qualification in Pacific Ocean to Keep Combat Readiness

Chinese fighters target SDF jets with radar lock-on, Japan says

The Spanish Air Force increases its combat and maritime surveillance capabilities

Meteor Air-to-Air Missile Successfully Integrated on U.S. F-35A Stealth Fighter Jet

Argentina receives first six F-16 fighters after ten years without supersonic jets

Austria signs €1.5bn agreement for 12 of Leonardo’s M-346FA to replace ageing trainers

Saab and Airbus co-operate on unmanned fighter technology

South Korea Starts Domestic Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile Program for the KF-21 Fighter Jet

Ukrainian Intelligence Destroys Russian MiG-29 Fighter Jet in Bold Crimea Strike, Video

Navy releases investigation on 3 lost planes, including one to friendly fire

Project Talon: Northrop unveils new loyal wingman drone design