Ukraine and Sweden move toward deal on Gripen aircraft supply
Ukraine, together with Swedish partners, is working to strengthen its aviation and air defense capabilities. In Stockholm, Ukrainian Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov held a meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and a separate discussion with Swedish Minister of Defence Pål Jonson. During talks with his Swedish counterpart, Mykhailo Fedorov discussed the process of providing Ukraine with Gripen fighter aircraft. Strengthening air defense and aviation capabilities is one of the key priorities for implementing Ukraine’s defense strategy and protecting its airspace.
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Taiwan tracks 8 Chinese military planes and 8 ships
The Ministry of National Defense tracked eight Chinese military aircraft, six naval vessels, and two official ships between 6 a.m. on Friday and the same time Saturday. The ministry reported all eight of the sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s central, southwestern and eastern air defense identification zone, or ADIZ. In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems.
Canada weighs Saab, Boeing and L3Harris early warning aircraft for future surveillance fleet
Canada is preparing to select a new fleet of airborne early warning and control aircraft as part of a military modernization effort focused on detecting threats such as hypersonic and cruise missiles. The program, valued at more than $5 billion, aims to acquire about six aircraft equipped with advanced radar and surveillance systems capable of operating at altitudes above 10 kilometres.
Italian Air Force 6th Wing Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighters Reach 5,000 flight hours
The Italian Air Force’s 6th Wing has surpassed 5,000 flight hours with its Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the unit’s transition to fifth-generation air operations. The achievement was recognised during a ceremony held on 17 April at Ghedi Air Base.
Pratt & Whitney hits key readiness mark on next-gen fighter engine
Pratt & Whitney completed a fully digital assembly readiness review for its XA103 NGAP adaptive engine, with physical hardware testing expected in the late 2020s. The Department of War awarded Pratt & Whitney and GE Aerospace each $975 million in August 2022 for NGAP technology maturation and risk reduction services.
Pakistan Unveils J-35 Stealth Fighter Deal With China, Triggering New South Asia Airpower Crisis Against India
Pakistan’s announcement that it is pursuing four major Chinese combat aviation procurements has intensified strategic concern across South Asia because the initiative directly links stealth airpower, long-range strike capability, and network-centric warfare into a unified modernization architecture following the May 2025 India-Pakistan aerial clashes.
Marines to phase out F/A-18 Hornet, maintenance jobs tied to the plane by 2030
The Marine Corps will complete a switch from the F/A-18 Hornet to the new fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II by 2030, the service said this week. An internal administrative message issued Tuesday said the Hornet will be retired from Marine service, and maintenance jobs tied to the F/A-18 Hornet fighter attack plane will be eliminated.
Belgium Plans to Transfer All 53 F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine by the End of 2029
The Belgian Ministry of Defense plans to transfer all of the promised F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2029. This was reported by Le Soir, citing information published in the newspaper Le Vif. The majority of the aircraft are scheduled to be delivered during the final year of the current legislative term. Overall, the transfer of the aircraft will be carried out in conjunction with the delivery of new F-35A fighter jets from Lockheed Martin to the country.
Spain Can Ditch Most Advanced Fighter Jet in the World
Spain has opened preliminary negotiations with Türkiye over a possible purchase of the Kaan stealth fighter, marking a major shift in Madrid’s (MAD) combat aviation strategy away from dependence on United States-controlled defense ecosystems. Turkish Aerospace Industries confirmed the discussions during the SAHA 2026 exhibition, as reported by Infodefensa on May 7, 2026.
Türkiye Inks Deal for 20 KAAN Jet Fighters
The contract covers 20 KAAN aircraft in the Block-10 configuration, with the first delivery planned for 2028 and the full batch scheduled for completion by the close of 2030, according to reporting by Ulus Savunma. The Block-10 designation indicates an initial production standard - a configuration baseline that typically precedes more capable Block variants incorporating additional systems, weapons integrations, and software upgrades that mature as the program develops.
