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Military Aviation News

Another NATO Country Is in Talks to Buy More F-16s

02/20/2026

Additional US-made F-16 Fighting Falcons could soon find a nest in central Europe, as NATO member Slovakia is reportedly in talks to expand its program of record for the single-engine multirole aircraft. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico acknowledged this week that discussions were underway to expand Slovakia’s current order for 14 F-16s to 18.

US questions Saudi Arabia's interest in Turkish KAAN fighter

The Trump administration is pressing Saudi Arabia for clarity on its potential participation in Türkiye's fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet program, with U.S. officials questioning why the Riyadh would pursue the Turkish jet when American alternatives are 'available'.

US buildup of warships and fighter jets sets stage for potential war with Iran

The US has deployed 13 warships and a large fleet of aircraft to the Middle East, with a second aircraft carrier also en route, setting the stage for a potential military confrontation with Iran less than a year after President Donald Trump ordered strikes on the country's nuclear facilities.

USS ENTERPRISE: HOW MANY FIGHTER JETS CAN THE NEWEST AIRCRAFT CARRIER HOLD?

While there are many United States warships, those that are likely the best known are called "Enterprise." The U.S. Navy has been commissioning ships with that name since the first Enterprise defended American supply routes from the British in May 1775. The trend continues with the new USS Enterprise (CVN-80), the third Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the eighth ship to be thus named.

Exclusive: Germany seeks more F-35 jets as European fighter programme falters, sources say

Germany is considering ordering more U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, two sources told Reuters, a move that would deepen Berlin's reliance on American military technology as its joint next-generation fighter programme with France falters. One source said Berlin was in talks that could lead to the purchase of more than 35 additional jets. A second source did not specify the number. Both sources cautioned that the outcome was still uncertain.

Airbus open to two-fighter option for FCAS to keep program alive

Airbus is open to a “two-fighter solution” to break the deadlock on the future air-combat system that France, Germany and Spain are developing, Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury said, as work on the next-generation fighter (NGF) that’s part of the program has stalled amid infighting between Airbus and Dassault Aviation.

Australia’s missile-capable ‘Ghost Bat’ unmanned aircraft moves toward operational reality

Australia is moving ahead with the next phase of its MQ-28A “Ghost Bat” collaborative combat aircraft program. The country is expanding production as the system transitions from prototype testing toward operational capability, according to reports.

China’s J-20 Stealth Fighter in Iran: Symbolic Jab at U.S. Military Buildup or Prelude to Mighty Dragon’s Export?

Last week, as President Trump ordered USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, to move to the Persian Gulf, where USS Abraham Lincoln is already deployed along with nine other US warships, a Chinese foreign military attaché based in Tehran presented the commander of the Iranian Air Force with a mock-up of China’s J-20 fighter jet.

UAE–South Korea Defense Cooperation: The KF-21 Factor

This past summer, UAE Defense Undersecretary Ibrahim Nasser Mohammed Al Alawi climbed into the rear seat of a South Korean KF-21 Boramae prototype for a symbolic “friendship flight” over Sacheon Air Base in South Korea. A few months later, during President Lee Jae-myung’s visit to Abu Dhabi, Seoul followed up with a far more consequential signal: a reported full value-chain partnership built around joint development, local assembly, and the co-export of future KF-21 variants.

Army successfully tests Apache with new ammunition meant to shred drone swarms

Understanding the Indian Air Force’s Strengths—and Weaknesses

Good News: The Philippines Hasn’t Closed the Door on the F-16 After All

Saudi talks with Turkey over KAAN fighter jet spark US pushback: report

US rushes more than 50 fighter jets to Middle East as Trump sets two-week deadline

Air Force delays arrival of permanent F-15EX Eagle II fighters on Okinawa Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2026-02-17/air-force-eagle-ii-kadena-boeing-20770728.html Source - Stars and Stripes

Australia prepares for next batch of ‘Ghost Bat’ warplane buddy drones

Russian military aircraft maker reports heavy financial losses

Danish F-35 fighters deploy to Iceland for NATO Arctic Sentry training with Swedish and German jets

Nigeria tries to catch up with Egypt and Algeria with 46 new fighter jets and helicopters

US aircraft, troops reportedly land in Maiduguri