Special Purpose

Military Aviation News

S. Korea, US to hold joint Freedom Flag air drill

04/10/2026

South Korea and the United States will conduct the joint “Freedom Flag” air drill starting Friday, the South Korean Air Force said Thursday. Freedom Flag is a large-scale bilateral air exercise held twice a year in the first and second halves. This edition will run through April 24, according to the Air Force. A range of air assets will be mobilized, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, aerial refueling tankers, airborne early warning and control aircraft, and unmanned aerial systems.

F-35 PILOTS, NAVY COLLABORATIVE COMBAT AIRCRAFT HONE TACTICS IN JOINT SIMULATION ENVIRONMENT

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) achieved a milestone in integrating the F-35 Lightning II with the Navy’s emerging Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) during a recent tactical demonstration inside its Joint Simulation Environment (JSE). The event demonstrated how advanced modeling and simulation can accelerate the development of tactics and strategies for fifth-generation aircraft operating alongside uncrewed combat systems

Taiwan tracks 10 Chinese ships, 2 military aircraft

The Ministry of National Defense tracked nine Chinese naval vessels, two military aircraft, and one official ship around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Tuesday and the same time Wednesday. The two People’s Liberation Army aircraft both crossed the median line and entered the country’s northern and southeastern air defense identification zone, according to the MND. In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor the PLA activity.

Kazakhstan Opens Skies to Turkish Military Aircraft

Kazakhstan has approved a law allowing the transit of Turkish military personnel and equipment through its airspace, marking a new step in defense cooperation with Türkiye. The decision was adopted at a plenary session of the Mazhilis (parliament), The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

U.S. AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT FACTSHEETS

Read about the capabilities, development, and operational history of the aircraft used by the Air Force across a wide range of mission requirements. Scroll through the different airframe types and click the airframe to view it's Factsheet.

UK Trials BAE Systems APKWS-Guided Rockets on Typhoon Fighter Jet to Counter Rising Drone Threat at Lower Cost

On April 8, 2026, BAE Systems announced that a Royal Air Force Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft had successfully fired an APKWS-guided weapon during a trial at a UK military range, opening a new path for the Eurofighter’s adaptation to the low-cost drone threat.

A New Device Gives the A-10 Warthog Another Way to Refuel

The Air Force has developed a probe refueling adapter that could give the aging A-10 Thunderbolt II more options for refueling. The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center led the effort, along with multiple other organizations, to provide the A-10 with probe-and-drogue air refueling capability in addition to its flying boom option, according to a release.

Virginia Airmen Strengthen Interoperability Across Platforms

In the high-stakes world of fifth-generation warfare, mission success can hinge on how quickly a fighter jet returns to the fight. For Airmen of the 192nd Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, that means being ready to generate combat power across platforms—not just the F-22 Raptor they operate every day.

Pentagon approves F-35 software upgrade for Israel

The U.S. Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin an $11.4 million contract modification to develop additional software for Israel’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter fleet, the Pentagon announced April 7, 2026. The modification adds $11,437,794 to a previously awarded contract numbered N0001921C0040. The work is fully funded through Foreign Military Sales customer funds — meaning Israel, not the U.S. taxpayer, is financing the effort.

FACTBOX - Iran war: US military aircraft damage and losses

Ukraine slashes fighter jet upgrade timelines to one month to counter Shahed drone threat

The F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighter Costs $85,000 Every Hour It Flies. The Air Force Just Spent $11 Billion To Keep It In The Air. Here’s Why.

Uncrewed combat aircraft flight testing paused after take-off incident

Indonesia to get first KF-21 fighter jet from South Korea

Taiwan tracks 9 Chinese ships, 1 military aircraft

U.S. Requests 38 F-35As for Air Force in New Budget Proposal Under 85-Aircraft Plan to Reinforce Stealth Power

How US operation to rescue air officer from Iran unfolded

Air Force wants almost $1B to buy first CCA drones in 2027

Footage emerges of three US military aircraft destroyed in Iran

US military loses seventh aircraft in ongoing West Asia conflict