Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

Berlin says decision postponed on European fighter jet

01/02/2026

Efforts to break a deadlock in 2025 over plans for a new European fighter jet have been unsuccessful, a German government spokesman told AFP on Wednesday. The Future Combat Aircraft System (FCAS) programme was launched in 2017 to replace France's Rafale jet and the Eurofighter planes used by Germany and Spain.

With the deployment of A-29 Super Tucano and F-5M aircraft, the Brazilian Air Force continues to strengthen airspace control in border regions

01/01/2026

Within the framework of efforts to strengthen aerospace surveillance and control tasks, as well as to combat illicit incursions, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has intensified its interdiction operations in coordination with Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal), through the deployment of F-5M Tiger II aircraft and A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft.

90 Chinese aircraft cross Taiwan Strait median line during drill

12/31/2025

From 6am yesterday until 6am today, 14 Chinese warships, eight government vessels and 130 military aircraft, including unmanned aerial vehicles, were detected around Taiwan, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said. The ministry said China's People’s Liberation Army (PLA) sent 130 warplanes and drones during the 24-hour period to "harass" Taiwan, with 90 of them crossing the Taiwan Strait's median line and flying into Taiwanese airspace.

Strategic Reach: Poland Selects Airbus A330 MRTT+ to Power its Future Fighter Fleet

12/31/2025

The contemporary evolution of the Republic of Poland‘s defense posture, specifically within the framework of the Polish Air Force (Sily Powietrzne), represents a sophisticated pivot toward integrated regional hegemony and strategic autonomy within the NATO eastern flank, necessitated by the deteriorating security architecture of Eastern Europe as of December 30, 2025.

China flexes blockade capabilities near Taiwan on second day of military drills

12/31/2025

China's People's Liberation Army staged a second day of large-scale military drills around Taiwan on Tuesday, unleashing a live-fire show of force as part of what it called "Justice Mission 2025" to demonstrate its ability to deter any external armed support for the self-ruled island that it has long insisted is part of its sovereign territory.

Spain Selects Turkish HÜRJET Jet Trainer and Light Combat Aircraft in €2.6bn Deal

12/31/2025

Spain has officially selected the Turkish-built HÜRJET advanced jet trainer for its next-generation pilot training program, committing to a €2.6 billion acquisition covering aircraft, simulators, and long-term support. The decision marks a major milestone for Türkiye’s defense industry and reflects shifting procurement dynamics within NATO.

Israel Rearming Its Eagle Force With The New F-15IA

12/31/2025

New-build F-15 Eagle fighters are headed to Israel again, with a contract for 25 new F-15IA aircraft placed with Boeing. These will be the first new Eagles that the country has acquired since 1999, when it received the last of its F-15I Ra’am jets and continues the enduring legacy of the F-15 in Israeli Air Force service.

Taiwan tracks 11 Chinese ships, 2 military aircraft

12/29/2025

The Ministry of National Defense tracked two Chinese military aircraft, nine naval vessels, and two official ships around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Sunday and 6 a.m. on Monday. The two People’s Liberation Army did not cross the Taiwan Strait median line, according to the MND. In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity.

Turkish unmanned fighter KIZILELMA achieves world 1st autonomous close-formation flight

12/29/2025

Turkish defense company Baykar announced on Sunday that two prototypes of its Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned combat aircraft have successfully carried out the world’s first fully autonomous close-formation flight by jet-powered drones.

Lockheed Martin awarded $3.6 billion contract for logistics support of global F-35 fighter fleet

12/29/2025

On 19 December, the United States Department of War announced the signing of another contract with Lockheed Martin for the provision of logistics support services for the global fleet of multirole combat aircraft from the F-35 Lightning II family. The December agreement is valued at USD 3.6 billion and is to be completed by the end of 2026, with an initial tranche of USD 1.8 billion released at the time of signing.

Japan responds to China with unprecedented number of F-2 Fighters with anti-ship missiles

12/29/2025

On 9 December 2025, at Tsuiki Air Base of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), at least 16 F-2 fighter aircraft were observed conducting training flights with each jet carrying four ASM-2 air-to-ship missiles mounted under their main wings. The ASM-2 is an indigenously developed Japanese anti-ship missile with a range exceeding 140 km. It employs an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker and is equipped with infrared counter-countermeasures (IRCCM) as well as target discrimination capabilities.

Ukrainian Saboteurs Destroy 4 Russian Fighter Jets

12/28/2025

Last weekend, the Ukrainian Security Service and Ukrainian Military Intelligence were on the hunt for Russian fighter jets. In two separate operations, the Ukrainian forces claimed to have destroyed four Russian aircraft (a Su-27 Flanker and three Su-30 Flankers). The four aircraft cost approximately $170 million. On Saturday, the GUR used a saboteur to attack the Russian air base in Lipetsk. In a post released by the Ukrainian Military Intelligence, the Ukrainians called the operation “unique.

Advanced AI sustainment solutions to boost effectiveness of US combat aircraft fleet

12/28/2025

A Maryland-based company is set to integrate advanced AI-driven sustainment solutions into the U.S. combat aircraft fleet. For this, Lockheed Martin has partnered with MANTECH, which provides mission-focused technology solutions and services for U.S. defense, intelligence and federal civilian agencies.

Korea Aerospace signs deal to upgrade Philippines' FA-50PH fighter jets

12/27/2025

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), a Korean aircraft manufacturer, said Friday it has signed a deal with the Philippine defense ministry to upgrade the performance of its FA-50 fighter jets operated by the Philippine Air Force. The company said it will carry out a 93 billion-won ($64 million) performance upgrade program for 11 FA-50PH light attack aircraft through 2029.

Dassault completed the delivery of the first three new Rafale F4 fighters to the Indonesian Air Force

12/26/2025

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) officially received the first batch of new Rafale F4 fighters during a ceremony held on November 28, 2025, at Dassault Aviation’s facility in Mérignac, Bordeaux. The event, led by the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force (Wakasau), Air Marshal TNI Ir. Tedi Rizalihadi S., M.M., formally marks the start of the delivery schedule for a total of 42 new aircraft, of which 30 are single-seat and 12 are twin-seat, to be supplied by the French manufacturer.

Russian Tu-95 Bombers Carry Out ‘Scheduled’ Flight North of Scandinavia

12/26/2025

Russian nuclear-capable bombers conducted a “scheduled” flight over the Norwegian and Barents Seas, prompting “fighter jets of foreign countries” to escort them, Russia’s defense ministry said on Thursday, according to Russian news agencies. Neither the date of the Tu-95 flights nor the countries that deployed monitoring aircraft were specified.

No F-35A Fighter Debate: There Is No Way Canada Should Buy The JAS 39 Gripen

12/26/2025

Canada’s government is reconsidering its plan to buy 88 F-35A stealth fighters and is openly weighing Saab’s Gripen as a cheaper, less political alternative. Maj. Gen. Chris McKenna stresses Canada faces fifth-generation threats and needs “overmatch,” not compromise, especially in its NORAD role alongside the United States. His message is clear: politics may change, but Canada’s pilots still need the best jet available to defend North America.

Polish Fighter Jets Intercept Russian Reconnaissance Aircraft, while Weather Probes from Belarus Violated Polish Airspace

12/26/2025

Polish aviation intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea, and weather balloons from Belarus violated Polish airspace. The Operational Command of the Armed Forces of Poland (DORSZ) reported this. On the morning of December 25, 2025, Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the international waters of the Baltic Sea.

US military moves additional special-ops aircraft, troops into Caribbean as Trump hikes pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro

12/25/2025

The US military has moved a large number of special-operations aircraft, troops and equipment into the Caribbean as President Trump openly considers military action to oust Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, according to a new report. At least 10 CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, used by special-operations forces, arrived in the region Monday night from Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico, an official told the Wall Street Journal.

Editors’ picks for 2025: ‘Ukraine’s air force has survived. Taiwan’s almost certainly couldn’t

12/25/2025

The Ukrainian air force went to war against invading Russian forces in February 2022 with just 125 combat aircraft concentrated at around a dozen large bases. Given Russia’s overwhelming deep-strike advantage—hundreds of deployed warplanes and thousands of cruise and ballistic missiles—few observers expected the Ukrainian brigades to survive the first hours of the war. But they did survive. And 38 months later, they’re still surviving—and flying daily air-defence and strike sorties.

South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae fighter jet to gain full air-to-ground strike capability by 2027

12/25/2025

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration confirmed that the indigenous KF-21 Boramae fighter will receive full air-to-ground combat capabilities starting in 2027, years ahead of the original schedule. The accelerated timeline underscores rising confidence in the aircraft’s technical maturity and strengthens Seoul’s push for greater airpower independence.

Editors’ picks for 2025: ‘More F-35s, more tankers: a reliable way to strengthen Australian deterrence’

12/23/2025

If the Chinese navy’s task group sailing around Australia a few weeks ago showed us anything, it’s that Australia has a deterrence gap so large you can drive a ship through it. Waiting for AUKUS or hoping Australia’s troubled shipbuilding program will deliver—in the 2030s—is a recipe for annual panic about grey zone coercion as Chinese deployments become routine.

Lockheed?Martin?and?MANTECH?Partner To Advance AI Based Sustainment For U.S. Combat Aircraft Fleet

12/23/2025

Lockheed Martin and MANTECH today announced a strategic teaming agreement to integrate advanced AI driven sustainment solutions into the U.S. combat aircraft fleet. Through this effort, we will deliver real-time aircraft performance monitoring, predictive maintenance, optimized logistics support and improved mission availability across legacy and next-generation platforms, while adhering to the highest standards of security.

Air Force designates Northrop Grumman’s Talon prototype as YFQ-48A

12/23/2025

The U.S. Air Force announces the designation of YFQ-48A as the Mission Design Series for Northrop Grumman’s Project Talon, a semi-autonomous prototype aircraft. This designation marks a key step forward in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, underscoring the Air Force’s commitment to rapidly delivering next-generation capabilities that meet the urgent and evolving needs of the warfighter.

Russia begins flight tests of Su-57 fighter with new fifth-generation engine

12/23/2025

Russia has begun flight testing a new engine on its Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter as part of an effort to introduce a more powerful and efficient powerplant on future versions of the aircraft.