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Military Aviation News

F-15Es complete historic forward operations from Diego Garcia

11/19/2025

F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron have rotated out of Kadena Air Base, Japan, concluding a six-month deployment that included a groundbreaking three-month forward operation to U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia.

How F-35 Tech Turned The ‘Old’ F-16 Into A New Killer Jet

Born in the 1970s, the F-16 should be aging out. Instead, a sweeping Service Life Extension Program and F-35–grade tech have effectively rebuilt the jet for modern war. Structural upgrades and new systems push service life toward 12,000 hours, while an AESA radar lets pilots track dozens of targets at far greater ranges. A revamped cockpit, added automation, and the F-16V’s high-def displays, new data bus, EW suite, and helmet cueing all sharpen lethality.

Russia’s Su-57 Fighter Jet Just Made Its Debut over the Middle East

Russia is attempting to drum up Arab interest in the Su-57 Felon through impressive aerial displays in the skies over Dubai. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Russia’s state-run military aviation conglomerate, announced that Hero of Russia test pilot Sergey Bogdan, the chief pilot of the Sukhoi Design Bureau, was at the controls of the Sukhoi Su-57E (NATO reporting name “Felon”) at this week’s Dubai Airshow 2025, which kicked off on Monday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

What to know about the F-35 fighter jet that Trump is selling to Saudi Arabia

President Donald Trump says he has agreed to sell the nation’s most advanced fighter jet to Saudi Arabia despite concerns that China could gain access to the plane’s vaunted American technology. The sale to the Middle Eastern nation, whose top trading partner is China, was reaffirmed Tuesday during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington.

Airpower on display at the Dubai Airshow 2025

The Dubai Airshow 2025 roared to life this week as American air power took a leading role, captivating attendees with aerial demonstrations featuring the venerable B-52 Stratofortress, the cutting-edge F-35 Lightning II, the versatile F-16 Fighting Falcon and the capable U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon. The displays highlighted the United States’ commitment to regional security and underscored the unmatched capabilities of American air power.

Saudi Arabia weighs U.S. F-15EX and F-35 fighter jets to build Middle East's most powerful air force

As reported by Aviation Week on November 16, 2025, Saudi Arabia is once again at the center of Boeing’s export strategy as the company promotes the F-15EX Eagle II as a candidate for the Kingdom’s next fighter jet review. Ahead of the Dubai Airshow, Boeing indicated that it aims to secure new F-15EX orders in the Middle East and that Saudi Arabia remains a primary focus for both upgrades of existing F-15C/D airframes and possible new-build acquisitions.

Ukrainian Mirage 2000 Fighter Jet Displays Six Russian Cruise Missile Kill Markings

On 17 November 2025, the Ukrainian Air Force published a new video on its official X account showing a Mirage 2000 on an active combat mission. The clip is accompanied by the caption: “Mirage 2000 of the Ukrainian Air Force flies on a combat mission, awaiting good news from France.” The short sequence offers an unusually clear view of the aircraft, its weapons loadout and a series of kill markings under the cockpit.

US to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, Trump confirms

President Donald Trump said the US will sell the advanced F-35 stealth fighter jet to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in American defense policy in the Middle East. “We’ll be selling the F-35s,” Trump told reporters on November 17, 2025. The planned sale comes on the eve of the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, further underscoring the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia to Washington.

F-22 Pilot Controls ‘CCA Surrogate’ Drone from Cockpit

An F-22 pilot controlled an MQ-20 drone from the fighter’s cockpit last month, General Atomics announced Nov. 17—a preview of the Air Force’s vision for Collaborative Combat Aircraft. General Atomics partnered with F-22 maker Lockheed Martin and L3Harris, which provided radios and data links, for the self-funded demonstration, which took place Oct. 17 at the Nevada Test and Training Range.

Canada considers diversifying fighter jet purchases beyond F-35 deal: Defense minister

Russia displays Su-57E next-generation stealth fighter for the first time at Dubai Airshow 2025

Russian Combat Aviation Industry Vulnerable, Says Think Tank

The Brazilian Air Force receives a new F-39E Gripen fighter aircraft from Sweden

Rafale or Mirage: Zelensky Announces Historic Agreement with France

U.S. official says the 'table is being set' for possible military action against Venezuela

Turkey grounds all C-130 military aircraft after Georgia crash kills 20

China’s Missile Trap: Inside The U.S. Navy’s New Plan To Survive At Sea

Gulf States' Airpower Capabilities Are Still Evolving

Colombia signs $3.6B deal for Gripen fighters

KC-390 Millennium Tanker Joins Gripen E Fighter Jet In Brazil’s New Aerial Duo