February 21, 2026 Military Aviation News

US F-16's and Chinese Fighters Engage in Brief Aerial Standoff Over Yellow Sea

02/21/2026

US fighter jets stationed in South Korea and aircraft from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were involved in a brief aerial standoff over the Yellow Sea earlier this week, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency on February 20. The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 18, when several US Air Force F-16s operating from Osan Air Base in western South Korea were conducting routine training flights over international waters.

As aging Air Force AWACS heads to Middle East, where is its replacement?

02/21/2026

When Air Force E-3 Sentry aircraft arrived in the Middle East this week, it marked the latest chapter in a nearly 50-year flying history for the venerable jets. Better known as AWACS, for Airborne Warning and Control System, the E-3s play a crucial role as eyes in the sky and command and control platforms for U.S. and allied aircrews in combat zones around the world.

NORAD detects and tracks Russian aircraft operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone

02/21/2026

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked two Tu-95s, two Su-35s, and one A-50 operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Feb.19, 2026. NORAD launched two F-16s, two F-35s, one E-3, and four KC-135s to intercept, positively identify, and escort the aircraft until they departed the Alaskan ADIZ.

Pilot killed as Iran fighter jet crashes in Hamadan province

02/21/2026

An Iranian fighter jet has crashed, killing one of two pilots onboard, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB said. The air force plane crashed during a late-night training exercise in western Hamadan province, IRIB posted on Telegram. "The cause of the accident is under investigation," it added. The incident comes amid massive US military buildup near Iran.

Germany Eyes MQ-29 and Valkyrie Drones for Future Unmanned Fighter-Bomber Fleet

02/21/2026

Germany is evaluating unmanned aerial vehicles for its upcoming project of an unmanned fighter-bomber, capable of engaging in air combat alongside manned aircraft, conducting ground strikes, and returning home even after losing communication with control systems, Defense Express reported on February 20, citing German outlet Hartpunkt

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