11/9/2025

HAL Signs Pact With GE Aerospace For 113 More F404-GE-IN20 Jet Engines To Power Tejas Mk1A Fleet

In a significant boost to India’s fighter jet programme, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday (7 November) inked an agreement with GE Aerospace to acquire 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), India Today reported. The deal comes amid improving India–US defence cooperation following recent tariff-related frictions.

11/9/2025

Gripen E/F vs Gripen C/D: Inside the key upgrades to Sweden’s new generation combat jet

Just as the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet was essentially an all-new fighter jet compared with the older F/A/18 Hornet, so too is the new Gripen E essentially a new aircraft over the Gripen C/D. In Russia, such upgrades would come with a higher number, implying a new aircraft (e.g., MiG-29 vs MiG-35 or Su-27 vs Su-35), but Saab retained the original brand with just an upgrade to the variant. Here is what to know about the dramatically improved capabilities of the new Saab Gripen E/F.

11/9/2025

Ukraine in talks with Sweden on Gripen jet supply and future local production from 2033

Ukraine is continuing discussions with Sweden regarding the supply of Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft, as well as the future localisation of their production in Ukraine, according to statements made by Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal. The minister made the announcement during a joint briefing with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following high-level meetings in Sweden.

11/9/2025

After Decades of Homeland Defense, Barnes ANG Base Bids Farewell to F-15s

U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles have roared out of Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., for the last time. The 104th Fighter Wing’s final three remaining F-15Cs departed the base Oct. 23 for the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., ending the aircraft’s era on the frontlines of homeland defense.

11/9/2025

Lockheed Martin aims to deliver 200 F-35 jets in 2025 as global demand reaches record high

At the company’s third-quarter earnings call, CEO Jim Taiclet stated Lockheed is on track to “manufacture one plane for every working day of the year.” The firm confirmed it had already delivered 143 jets by the end of Q3, surpassing its previous annual record of 142 set in 2022. If the target is met, Lockheed Martin could achieve its strongest F-35 delivery year of the decade, marking a 64% increase compared to 2023.

11/8/2025

Maldives to acquire military aircraft next year, inaugurates first dedicated air station

Maldives will acquire a military aircraft next year, President Mohamed Muizzu said as he inaugurated the national defence force's first dedicated air station. "The landmark event formalises a key component of the island nation's defence strategy, significantly expanding the capabilities of the newly constituted Air Corps," state-run Public Service Media (PSM News) said.

11/8/2025

China seeks to project power far beyond its coast with the new Fujian aircraft carrier

China has commissioned its latest aircraft carrier after extensive sea trials, state media reported Friday, adding a ship that experts say will help what is already the world’s largest navy expand its power farther beyond its own waters. The official Xinhua news agency said the Fujian had been commissioned Wednesday at a naval base on southern China’s Hainan island in a ceremony attended by top leader Xi Jinping.

11/8/2025

Ukraine’s first fighter jet factory: Swedish deal includes full domestic Gripen production

Ukraine and Sweden have agreed to begin localizing the production of Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets on Ukrainian territory, with plans to establish significant domestic manufacturing by 2033, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on 7 November, as reported by Ukrainian national broadcaster Suspilne.

11/8/2025

Europe And Canada Are Finally Saying No To The F-35 Stealth Fighter

European nations and Canada are “pushing away” from the F-35, motivated by a desire for “strategic autonomy” and political friction with the Trump administration. Spain officially canceled its F-35 purchase in August 2025, opting for European-built alternatives after PM Pedro Sanchez clashed with Trump over NATO spending. Switzerland, meanwhile, is now reviewing its 36-jet deal after being hit with a “shocking” $1.3 billion price hike and new 39% U.S. tariffs.

11/8/2025

Saudi Arabia to Buy 48 Most Expensive Fighter Jet in the World Worth $142 Billion

Saudi Arabia’s request for F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters is reportedly progressing within the Pentagon, according to sources cited by Reuters. The move could make Riyadh (RUH) the first Arab nation to field a fifth-generation stealth jet, breaking Israel’s exclusive control of the platform in the region.