3/26/2026

On J-10’s 28th Anniversary, PLA Pushes J-10C Into Network-Centric Warfare — System-of-Systems Drills Signal China’s Expanding Airpower Capability

The J-10C is no longer operating as a standalone combat aircraft, as the fighter now functions within a networked combat architecture integrating airborne early-warning platforms, radar, ground-based air-defense units, and electronic warfare elements, according to state broadcaster CCTV News and Chinese military experts.

3/26/2026

Air Force validates open architecture, expands Collaborative Combat Aircraft ecosystem

The Air Force continues accelerating its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program by implementing the government-owned Autonomy Government Reference Architecture across multiple vendor platforms. This effort validates a cornerstone of the service’s acquisition transformation: using a modular, open-systems approach to supercharge the defense industrial base.

3/26/2026

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

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.

3/26/2026

First Gripen E fighter produced in Brazil is unveiled

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.

3/26/2026

South Korea Rolls Out First KF-21 Boramae Fighter Jet

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.

3/25/2026

Unclear when Ottawa will complete fighter jet review: Saab CEO

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.

3/25/2026

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

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.

3/25/2026

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

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.

3/25/2026

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

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.

3/25/2026

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

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.