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Military Aviation News

NGAD Vs China’s 6th-Gen Fighter: U.S. Official Says NGAD ‘Best Bet’ Against PLAAF’s Sixth-Gen J-36 Aircraft

03/05/2025

As the United States enters the era of next-generation aerial combat, a top US Air Force (USAF) official said at a symposium that China’s sixth-generation aircraft is likely intended as an air superiority aircraft. The participating officials also affirmed that the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program was irreplaceable.

Russian fighter jet provokes French Reaper drone over Mediterranean, French Defense Minister says

A Russian Su-35 fighter jet engaged in a dangerous provocation against a French Reaper drone over the Mediterranean Sea on March 2, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu reported on March 4. "The Russian Su-35 fighter jet behaved dangerously toward the French Reaper drone... Three consecutive approaches could have led to the loss of control of the drone," Lecornu posted on X.

US eyes Euro-Japanese next-gen fighter program

A Trump administration envoy’s push for US involvement in a Euro-Japanese fighter jet program has sparked new intrigue, skepticism and strategic questions about transatlantic defense ties. This month, Defense News reported that Paolo Zampolli, a close associate of US President Donald Trump and US special envoy to Italy, proposed US participation in the Euro-Japanese Global Combat Air Program.

US Navy fighter competition ejects Lockheed, sources say

The U.S. Navy will eliminate defense giant Lockheed Martin Corp, opens new tab from the competition to build its next-generation carrier-based stealth fighter - a key part of plans to confront China on its home turf, people familiar with the decision said.

First Mirage 2000-5F fighter jet possibly spotted in Ukrainian airspace following French transfer

On March 3, 2025, the Telegram account Sunflower shared a video reportedly showing a French Mirage 2000-5F in flight over Ukraine, possibly marking the first verified sighting of this aircraft in Ukrainian airspace. The transfer of these fighter jets follows France’s decision to provide Ukraine with additional air combat capabilities, modifying the aircraft to meet operational requirements and training Ukrainian personnel for their use. Initially designed as an air superiority fighter.

A Philippine fighter jet and 2 pilots are missing on a mission against insurgents

A Philippine fighter jet with two pilots on board has lost contact during a night combat assault in support of ground forces battling communist insurgents in a southern province, and an extensive search is underway, officials said Tuesday. The FA-50 jet lost communication during the mission with other air force aircraft around midnight Monday before reaching a target area. The other aircraft were able to return safely to an air base in central Cebu province after carrying out assaults.

Air Force designates CCA drones as first unmanned fighter aircraft

“Maybe [it’s] just symbolic, but it’s telling the world that we are leaning into a new chapter of aerial warfare," Gen. David Allvin said. The Air Force has officially given aircraft designations for its first two Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) prototypes ahead of the platforms’ first flights scheduled for this summer, according to the service’s top official.

Ireland plans €2.5bn fighter jet purchase, first acquisition in 50 years

Ireland’s planned purchase of combat jets and the development of a long-overdue national radar system mark a historic turning point in the country’s approach to air defence, ending decades of reliance on the United Kingdom to protect Irish skies.

Turkey’s Kizilelma Unmanned Fighter Tests More Powerful Engine

The Turkish unmanned fighter aircraft Bayraktar Kizilelma has completed its first flight tests with a new afterburning engine, Baykar announced in a press release. The third production prototype, the Kizilelma PT3, made a test flight at medium altitude for 53 minutes. It is reported that the aerodynamic system was successfully tested during the flight.

Iran Has Long Lagged Behind Neighbors In Joint Fighter Jet Production

Navy Secretary Nominee Touts Service’s NGAD, with Improved Range and Capacity

Starmer: Britain Is Ready to Send Peacekeepers And Fighter Jets To Ukraine

China denies selling Egypt J-10 fighter jets

The 56th Fighter Wing Is Ending F-16 Training—And Starting On The F-35

Chinese military patrols Scarborough Shoal amid rising tension

U.S. Air Force Tests Harpoon Missile Integration on F-16

Taiwan spots 45 Chinese aircraft in 24 hours

The F-15EX Can Hold Its Own Against Fifth-Gen Fighter, Claims Annual Report

What Do Fighter Jet “Generations” Actually Mean?

A joint project? Turkey’s KAAN fighter program attracts Gulf interest, exec says