Tejas Mk2 to Adopt Open Architecture Avionics with Three-Tiered Computing Hierarchy for Seamless Next-Gen Weapon Integration
The upcoming Tejas Mk2 fighter jet is set to feature a revolutionary Open Architecture Avionics (OAA) suite, marking a significant leap forward in India's aerospace capabilities. Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), this new framework transitions the aircraft away from restrictive, vendor-specific systems toward a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA).
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NATO fighters intercept Russian strike jet over Baltic
Portuguese Air Force F-16M fighters scrambled from Ämari Air Base in Estonia to intercept and escort a Russian Su-35 and An-12 aircraft, NATO Air Command announced on 6 May, marking the detachment’s sixth interception since 1 April under NATO enhanced Air Policing 2026.
Air Force MQ-9 fleet drops to 135 aircraft after Iran combat losses
The U.S. Air Force’s MQ-9 Reaper fleet has fallen to roughly 135 aircraft as combat attrition from Operation Epic Fury cuts into the service’s most heavily used remotely piloted asset, the deputy chief of staff for plans and programs told senators Tuesday. Lt. Gen. David Tabor told the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Airland that the fleet is “still able to fulfill our contract of 56 combat lines worldwide” despite the losses, and the service is seeking to backfill the inventory and field a cheaper, more expendable replacement. The 56 combat lines represent the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance orbits the Air Force maintains around the clock for combatant commanders worldwide.
The AIM-9 Sidewinder Missile Might Be Getting a Miniature Variant Soon
Despite its astonishing age, the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile is simple, cheap, and effective—and its upgraded variants will likely continue to rule the skies for decades to come. The US Navy and Air Force are working together on a project to produce a smaller version of the AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile for drones.
South Korea to retire F-5 jets by end of 2027 as KF-21 deployment nears
South Korea is preparing to retire its aging fleet of F-5 fighter jets by the end of 2027 as it moves closer to fielding its first domestically developed combat aircraft, the KF-21. The Korea Herald reported on May 14, 2026, that Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Son Seok-rak announced the accelerated retirement timeline during a press conference in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. Son said the military is working to ensure the F-5 retires “honorably” before the end of 2027. South Korea first acquired the US-built Northrop F-5A/B in 1965 and introduced F-5E variants in the 1970s.
Israel approves acquisition of new F-35 and F-15IA fighter squadrons as part of long-term military buildup plan
The approval was granted by the Ministerial Committee on Procurement as part of a broader modernization effort. The agreements, valued at tens of billions of shekels, include full fleet integration, sustainment, spare parts and logistics support. The procurement represents an initial step in implementing the Israel Defense Forces’ decade-long force buildup plan. The program operates under a dedicated 350 billion shekel budget approved by national leadership.
Quaker research helps trigger seizure of UK arms bound for Israel
A Quaker researcher has helped expose an illegal arms shipment from the UK to Israel, which has been seized by Belgian authorities and is now the subject of a criminal investigation. The cargo containing fire control systems and spare parts for military aircraft was intercepted at Liège Airport on 24 March 2026 following a tip-off from Declassified UK and other organisations.
Poland plans armed M28 Skytruck fleet to counter Shahed-style drones
Poland is moving to transform one of its most familiar utility aircraft into a dedicated counter-drone platform, reflecting how rapidly the war in Ukraine is reshaping military aviation thinking across Europe. The Polish Air Force has confirmed work is underway to arm the PZL M28 Skytruck for anti-drone missions, with the first prototype expected to undergo modification once a contract is signed between the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate and manufacturer PZL Mielec.
Poland Scrambles Jets During Russian Attack
Poland scrambled military aircraft and activated additional air defense measures during Russia’s large-scale overnight attack against Ukraine, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said on Wednesday, May 13. According to the military command’s statement on X, Poland launched operational flights in its airspace after Russia carried out a mass attack against Ukraine using a large number of drones.
Denmark's F-35s in the Netherlands
The Netherlands and Denmark previously collaborated intensively on the F-16. That cooperation continues with the F-35. Dutch F-35 pilots already trained with their Scandinavian counterparts in their airspace last week. Denmark provided support with F-35s and dropped practice targets from a C-130 transport aircraft. This allowed Dutch pilots to practice their procedures and deployment.
