Taiwan shares F-16V Sniper pod image of Chinese J-16
The Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday released footage showing an Air Force F-16V fighter equipped with a Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod monitoring a Chinese aircraft, along with photos of Navy ships tracking Chinese vessels. The MND said it detected 22 Chinese military aircraft, including J-10 and J-16 fighter jets and KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft, operating near Taiwan on Tuesday morning. Eleven crossed the Taiwan Strait median line while coordinating with Chinese naval vessels.
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Romanian F-16 shoots down unmanned aircraft over Estonia during NATO Baltic Air Policing mission
According to the ministry, two Romanian F-16s were scrambled from an air base near Šiauliai in Lithuania after an unidentified flying object was detected entering Estonian airspace. The pilots identified the target and, after receiving authorisation to open fire, one of them launched an air-to-air missile to destroy the threat while seeking to minimise possible damage on the ground.
Türkiye Begins Development of Naval Hürjet for MUGEM Aircraft Carrier
TAI has begun development of a carrier-capable Hürjet variant for the MUGEM aircraft carrier, with STOBAR/CATOBAR compatibility, reinforced landing gear, arrestor hook, and increased wing area. Spanish defence media are already examining it as an option for Madrid's future naval air wing.
China rolls out first stealth fighter built for export, widening options for African countries beyond U.S. F-35 and Russian Su-57 jets
China has unveiled its first stealth fighter built specifically for export, a development that could widen fifth-generation fighter jet options for African countries beyond America’s Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57.
Why Russia Built a Two-Seat Su-57 While America Never Needed One for the F-22 or F-35
Russia has officially presented a two-seat version of its Su-57 fighter jet, designated the Su-57D, marking the first known trainer-combat variant developed for an aircraft Moscow classifies as a fifth-generation fighter. According to Defense Express on May 20, Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) released official footage and images of the aircraft after earlier photos circulating online had been dismissed by some Russian commentators as fake.
Report to Congress on U.S. Aircraft Combat Losses in Operation Epic Fury
The following is the May 13, 2026, Congressional Research Service report, U.S. Aircraft Combat Losses in Operation Epic Fury: Considerations for Congress. On February 28, 2026, the United States, in coordination with Israel, initiated military operations against Iran under the designation Operation Epic Fury (OEF). The conflict has involved air, maritime, and missile combat engagements across the Middle East. The pace of combat activity declined amid a ceasefire in April. Within weeks, some strikes resumed, and conditions remain fluid.
Pentagon Warned Trump: Iran Can Now Track U.S. Fighter Jets as Russian-Backed Air Defense Shift Threatens American Air Dominance
Classified Pentagon assessments reportedly warned that Iranian forces significantly improved their ability to detect and anticipate American combat aircraft operations, raising strategic concerns that Russian intelligence support and battlefield adaptation may be reshaping future U.S. airpower assumptions across the Middle East.
U.S. Department of State approves possible $236 million Joint Strike Missile sale to Belgium for F-35A fleet
The U.S. State Department has approved Belgium’s request for a possible purchase of AGM-184 Joint Strike Missiles for its Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II multirole combat aircraft. The proposed package has a maximum estimated value of $236 million.
NATO fighter downs drone over Estonia in second Baltic incursion in 48 hours
One of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing fighter jets shot down an intruding drone over Lake Võrtsjärv in southern Estonia on May 19, 2026, after the Estonian Defense Forces issued an air threat alert covering six counties. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said debris fell on land near the village of Kablaküla, close to Põltsamaa, with no civilian damage reported.
The rising cost of Operation Epic Fury: US aircraft losses could hit $7bn
The US has lost billions of dollars of aircraft so far during its Operation Epic Fury (OEF) in Iran, according to a recently published Defence and Intelligence report prepared for Congress. The report lists 42 fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft, including uncrewed aircraft (drones), that were reportedly lost or damaged in OEF, based on news reports and statements from the Department of Defence and US Central Command (CENTCOM).
