Special Purpose

Military Aviation News Archive

America’s F-22 Raptors Are Finally Getting an Upgrade

03/26/2026

For the first time in decades, the F-22 Raptor has received a visible upgrade. New stealth pods and stealth tanks (the Low Drag Tank and Pylon or LDTP) were spotted on the aircraft recently, marking the biggest external change to the F-22’s distinctive silhouette since its debut in 2005. The change is substantive in nature, aimed at keeping the F-22 relevant as competing Chinese fifth-generation threats emerge.

First Gripen E fighter produced in Brazil is unveiled

03/26/2026

On 25 March, Saab, Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) officially presented the first supersonic fighter aircraft produced in Brazil during a ceremony held at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State.

South Korea Rolls Out First KF-21 Boramae Fighter Jet

03/26/2026

State-run Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has unveiled the first mass production model of the Republic of Korea Air Force’s KF-21 Boramae combat aircraft. The launch follows more than two decades after Seoul outlined a strategy for a domestically developed fighter jet. Development began in 2015, with the first prototype unveiled in 2021 and its maiden flight in 2022.

Unclear when Ottawa will complete fighter jet review: Saab CEO

03/25/2026

More than a year after the Liberal government launched a review of plans to buy a fleet of F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, even the competition doesn't know when exactly Ottawa will reach a final decision. Prime Minister Mark Carney opened Canada to the prospect of acquiring a mixed fighter fleet last year, when he announced on March 14, 2025 that Ottawa would take a second look at its plans to purchase the U.S.-made F-35 jet amid the ongoing trade war with President Donald Trump.

GKN delivers first upgraded RM12 engine for Gripen C/D fighter jet

03/25/2026

GKN Aerospace has delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to the Swedish Armed Forces as part of the RM12EP (Enhanced Performance) program for the JAS 39 Gripen C/D fleet. The delivery forms part of a SEK 400 million ($43 million) effort to improve the performance and long-term supportability of Sweden’s legacy Gripen engines.

Dutch F-35 fighters join U.S. and Japan in first joint air exercise at Misawa to strengthen interoperability in Indo-Pacific

03/25/2026

The deployment includes five Dutch F-35 fighter aircraft and one A330 tanker aircraft. Japan is also operating F-35s, while the United States is participating with both F-35 and F-16 aircraft. The exercise, named Kazaguruma Guardian, aims to strengthen cooperation between the three countries. It also demonstrates the Dutch Air Force’s ability to deploy and operate globally.

Furious Colombian president criticises secondhand military aircraft after dozens killed in crash

03/25/2026

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has sharply criticised the use of secondhand military aircraft by the nation's armed forces, following a transport plane crash that killed at least 66 soldiers. The incident, which occurred on Monday in southwestern Colombia, has prompted an official investigation into the disaster.

Anduril starts YFQ-44 prototype assembly at Arsenal-1 facility as U.S. Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft program progresses

03/25/2026

Anduril said on March 23 it has begun assembling additional prototypes of its autonomous YFQ-44 fighter at a newly opened Arsenal-1 production complex near Columbus, Ohio. The move marks an expansion of production efforts for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.

Russia Offers Dual-Seat Su-57 With Full Technology Transfer to India — Stealth Fighter Deal Could Shift Indo-Pacific Air Power Balance Before AMCA Era

03/25/2026

Russia’s proposal for a twin-seat Su-57 with full technology transfer, drone-swarm control capability, and local production rights is seen as a strategic attempt to restore Moscow’s aerospace dominance in India while bridging the gap before the AMCA stealth fighter enters service.

Poland scrambles fighter jets over Russian missile strikes on Ukraine

03/25/2026

Poland scrambles fighter jets over Russian missile strikes on Ukraine24.03.2026 08:38 On Tuesday morning, Poland scrambled combat aircraft and put ground reconnaissance and air defense systems on high alert due to Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian territory. The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces announced this on X, Ukrinform reports.

NATO eastern flank: Germany withdraws Eurofighters from Poland

03/25/2026

The German Air Force is withdrawing its Eurofighters from Poland, bringing its mission there to an end. Around 150 Bundeswehr personnel - including pilots, technicians, logistics specialists, security forces and military police - have left the Malbork base in the north of the country and are returning to Germany.

Intensive deployment causing Russian jets to glitch (Ukraine Battlefield update, day 1,488)

03/24/2026

Every day, the Ukraine Battlefield update newsletter offers a clear look at how the war is unfolding on the ground, highlighting key developments along the frontline and the shifting dynamics of the conflict. This offers readers regular and detailed information to better understand the implications of the war for the country and the whole continent.

Spain hints F-18 Hornet fighters could stay in service until 2040

03/24/2026

Spain’s government has indicated that the Spanish Air and Space Force’s F-18 fleet could remain in service until as late as 2040, a sign that Madrid is preparing to keep at least some of its legacy fighters flying longer than previously expected.

Dutch F-35s visit Hill AFB to integrate and train with 388th FW

03/24/2026

For much of March, a contingent of Dutch F-35A Lightning IIs, along with support personnel from across the RNLASF Air Combat Command, have been deployed to Hill Air Force Base for exercise Lightning Forge – flying and training alongside their U.S. Air Force F-35 counterparts from the 388th Fighter Wing. The primary goal is to sharpen combat skills in a realistic, contested environment, with a focus on integration between the NATO allies.

USAF Pilot Suffered Shrapnel Wounds after F-35 Hit Over Iran

03/24/2026

A U.S. Air Force F-35A pilot suffered shrapnel wounds after their aircraft was damaged during a combat mission over Iran on March 19, people familiar with the matter told Air & Space Forces Magazine.

U.S. Army announces arrival of first AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade

03/23/2026

On March 12, the U.S. Army announced that the 1st Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, known as the “Iron Dragons,” received its first AH-64E Apache helicopters at Biggs Army Airfield. The delivery marks the beginning of the Combat Aviation Brigade’s transition to the latest Apache variant.

All seven on board Qatar military helicopter killed in crash

03/23/2026

All seven people on board a Qatari military ?helicopter, including three Turkish nationals, have been killed in a crash in the Gulf state’s territorial waters, authorities ?said. The Qatari and Turkish defence ministries on Sunday said the helicopter crashed after suffering a ?technical malfunction, which the Qatari ministry said happened during a “routine duty”.

Dutch F-35 fighters conduct joint training with U.S. Air Force at Hill AFB During exercise Lightning Forge

03/23/2026

Dutch F-35A fighter jets and personnel have deployed to Hill Air Force Base in Utah to train alongside U.S. Air Force units during exercise Lightning Forge. The deployment, involving the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force Air Combat Command, marks the largest F-35 deployment by the Dutch service to date.

Taiwan Expected to Receive Long-Delayed U.S. Fighter Jets This Year

03/23/2026

Taiwan’s defense ministry announced that long-awaited F-16V fighter aircraft from the United States will finally begin arriving this year, with manufacturing now operating at maximum capacity following a high-level visit to the production facility. The island nation, which confronts growing military pressure from China, has expressed frustration over recurring postponements of weapons deliveries from the U.S., its most crucial international ally and primary arms provider.

US rejects Iran's claim of hitting F-35

03/23/2026

US Central Command on Sunday rejected Iran's claims that it shot down a fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet over central Iran. "US forces have flown more than 8,000 combat flights during Operation Epic Fury. No US fighter aircraft have been shot down by Iran," CENTCOM said on US social media company X. Before the post, a spokesman of CENTCOM told Anadolu that they had no comment at that time regarding Iran’s claim that it had “shot down an F-15.”

Taiwanese officials shown 1st F-16V jet due this year

03/22/2026

Taiwanese officials were shown the first of 66 F-16V fighter jets purchased by Taiwan from the United States, the Ministry of National Defense said yesterday, adding the aircraft has completed an initial flight test and is expected to be delivered later this year. A delegation led by Deputy Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien visited Lockheed Martin’s F-16 C/D Block 70 (also known as F-16V) assembly line in South Carolina on March 16 to view the aircraft.

Israeli fighter jet targeted by surface-to-air missile over Iran

03/22/2026

An Israeli fighter jet was targeted by a surface-to-air missile during operational activity over Iran but was not damaged and completed its mission, the Israeli army said on Saturday. The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, also announced that strikes against Iran will "significantly escalate" this week, as Iranian media reports drone attacks on fuel infrastructure at Ben Gurion Airport.

All the special mission aircraft flown by the USAF and what they do

03/22/2026

The United States Air Force (USAF) operates a range of military aircraft for various special missions, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. The 2026 Flight Global Report states that the USAF currently operates 167 special mission aircraft, accounting for over 27% of the active fleet operated by various US military divisions. This article explores the USAF special mission fleet and the roles these aircraft serve.

Taiwan tracks 8 Chinese naval ships and 2 military aircraft

03/22/2026

The Ministry of National Defense tracked eight Chinese naval vessels and two military craft around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Friday and the same time Saturday. One of the sorties reportedly crossed the median line and entered the eastern part of Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, or ADIZ. In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor Chinese activity.

Ukraine Seeks Mirage 2000-5 Jets From Qatar in Exchange for Drone Cooperation

03/21/2026

Ukraine is seeking used Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from Qatar in exchange for help with interceptor drones, sources told Intelligence Online. According to the report, cooperation between Kyiv and Doha on counter-drone efforts has stalled due to disagreements over the Mirage fleet. Qatar has been trying for several years to sell its fleet of nine single-seat Mirage 2000-5EDA aircraft and three two-seat Mirage 2000-5DDA jets, which it purchased back in the 1990s.