Special Purpose

Military Aviation News

US military planes pictured at Scottish airport during tanker seizing operation

01/09/2026

At least three American aircraft took off from Wick John O’Groats Airport, which is owned by the Scottish Government. The planes were assisting with the US seizure of the Marinera, a Russian-flagged vessel previously known as Bella-1, which is said to have escaped Donald Trump’s “total naval blockade” of Venezuela. After refusing to comment, the UK’s Ministry of Defence eventually confirmed it took part in the operation, saying it provided “operational support” to the US Air Force.

UK helped US seize Russian-flagged tanker, defence ministry says

Britain’s Ministry of Defence said it had provided military help to the US forces that seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker north-west of Britain and Ireland, initially arguing the operation was legal because the vessel had breached US sanctions on Iran. John Healey, the defence secretary, said the UK had allowed US aircraft to use bases to prepare for and carry out the mission, while the RAF had provided extra surveillance and the navy refuelling while the final capture was under way.

Dassault Aviation edges past 2025 Rafale target as demand stays high

Dassault Aviation slightly exceeded its Rafale delivery target in 2025, but the French manufacturer is still producing its flagship fighter at a pace that leaves customers facing long waits amid intense global demand. In a financial release published on January 7, 2026, Dassault said it delivered 26 Rafale fighters last year, including 15 for export customers and 11 for the French armed forces, compared with guidance for 25 aircraft.

Northrop Grumman to develop U.S. Marine Corps collaborative combat aircraft using Kratos Valkyrie UAS

Northrop Grumman has been competitively selected by the U.S. Marine Corps to develop the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Uncrewed Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme. The award combines the company’s autonomous and uncrewed capabilities with the Valkyrie uncrewed aerial system from Kratos Defense and Security Solutions to operate alongside crewed fighters in high-threat environments.

F-35s And JF-17s: Saudi Arabia Acquiring Highly Diverse Fighter Fleet

Saudi Arabia may become the second Arab country to buy Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder multirole fighter jet. The reported deal could put Riyadh on track to acquire the most diverse fleet of advanced combat aircraft in the entire Middle East and possibly beyond.

Fire Breaks Out at Moscow Factory Producing Engines for Sukhoi Fighter Jets

A fire broke out in Moscow on the premises of Russia’s United Engine Corporation’s Salyut enterprise, which is part of the state-owned Rostec corporation. According to preliminary information, the fire started in one of the production workshops, the Telegram channel 112 reported. According to the channel’s source, the fire engulfed technological equipment inside a building on Budyonny Avenue.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia in JF-17 jets-for-loans talks

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are in discussions to convert approximately $2 billion of Saudi loans into a deal for JF-17 fighter jets, according to two Pakistani sources. This move is set to deepen military cooperation between the two countries, following the signing of a mutual defense pact last year, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Lockheed Martin F-35 reaches record deliveries and expands combat and global operations in 2025

Lockheed Martin reported a record-breaking year for the F-35 Lightning II programme in 2025, delivering 191 aircraft and surpassing the previous annual high of 142 jets. The company said annual F-35 production is now running at a pace five times faster than any other allied fighter aircraft currently in production, reflecting the scale and maturity of the programme.

Ukraine’s F-16 Pilots Think NATO Tactics Don’t Work

Though Ukrainian pilots have praised the F-16 itself, they have criticized NATO tactics for relying too much on air superiority—a luxury that Ukraine does not have. The US-made F-16 Fighting Falcon has been one of the most widely adopted fixed-wing combat aircraft of the modern era. The F-16 first flew more than 50 years ago, and although the United States Air Force is no longer acquiring the aircraft, Lockheed Martin continues to produce the Fighting Falcon for foreign military sales.

China’s First J-35A Fighter Jet for Local Air Force Takes Off in 2026

Taiwan's F-16 fighter fleet has been grounded after an 'anomaly' saw a jet and its pilot disappear

F-16V Fighter Goes Missing Off Taiwan’s Eastern Coast, President Orders All-Out Search for Pilot

Bangladesh, Pakistan air chiefs discuss fighter jet purchase

Ukraine revises F-16 combat tactics for frontline operations

Philippines requests KF-21 fighter jet delivery from South Korea between 2027 and 2029

Ukrainian F-16 Pilot’s Account Of The Challenges Of The Air War

Japan confirms Chinese aircraft fly through Okinawa corridor

RAF Typhoon and French Rafale strike ISIS targets in Syria under Operation Inherent Resolve

Iraq, France prepare for Rafale fighter jet deal

America Is Selling Israel Another 25 F-15IA Fighter Jets. Not Everyone Is Happy