January 17, 2026 Military Aviation News

U.S. Air Force secures F-35 delivery and technology as Finland prepares to field Lightning II fleet

01/17/2026

Long before Finland’s first F-35A reaches Europe, the aircraft’s journey has involved secure U.S. facilities, according to a press release from the U.S. Air Force. As Finland, a NATO member since 2023, prepares to introduce the fighter into service, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations’ Office of Special Projects, known as AFOSI PJ, has been working to secure delivery of the aircraft and its capabilities.

Czechia signals readiness to send fighter jets to Ukraine for drone defense

01/17/2026

Czech President Petr Pavel said that his country will soon deliver combat aircraft to Ukraine capable of intercepting approaching drones, reports Reuters. “The Czech Republic can in relatively short time provide several medium combat planes, which are highly effective in fighting drones, and I believe we will manage to quickly and successfully conclude this issue,” Pavel said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Bangladesh treads carefully as it explores closer defense ties with Pakistan

01/17/2026

Bangladesh appears to be moving with caution as Dhaka and Islamabad forge closer ties and explore a potential defense deal, experts said on Friday. Following decades of acrimonious ties, relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan have been growing since a student-led uprising ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024.

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