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Military Aviation News

Intensive deployment causing Russian jets to glitch (Ukraine Battlefield update, day 1,488)

03/24/2026

Every day, the Ukraine Battlefield update newsletter offers a clear look at how the war is unfolding on the ground, highlighting key developments along the frontline and the shifting dynamics of the conflict. This offers readers regular and detailed information to better understand the implications of the war for the country and the whole continent.

Spain hints F-18 Hornet fighters could stay in service until 2040

Spain’s government has indicated that the Spanish Air and Space Force’s F-18 fleet could remain in service until as late as 2040, a sign that Madrid is preparing to keep at least some of its legacy fighters flying longer than previously expected.

Dutch F-35s visit Hill AFB to integrate and train with 388th FW

For much of March, a contingent of Dutch F-35A Lightning IIs, along with support personnel from across the RNLASF Air Combat Command, have been deployed to Hill Air Force Base for exercise Lightning Forge – flying and training alongside their U.S. Air Force F-35 counterparts from the 388th Fighter Wing. The primary goal is to sharpen combat skills in a realistic, contested environment, with a focus on integration between the NATO allies.

USAF Pilot Suffered Shrapnel Wounds after F-35 Hit Over Iran

A U.S. Air Force F-35A pilot suffered shrapnel wounds after their aircraft was damaged during a combat mission over Iran on March 19, people familiar with the matter told Air & Space Forces Magazine.

U.S. Army announces arrival of first AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade

On March 12, the U.S. Army announced that the 1st Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, known as the “Iron Dragons,” received its first AH-64E Apache helicopters at Biggs Army Airfield. The delivery marks the beginning of the Combat Aviation Brigade’s transition to the latest Apache variant.

All seven on board Qatar military helicopter killed in crash

All seven people on board a Qatari military ?helicopter, including three Turkish nationals, have been killed in a crash in the Gulf state’s territorial waters, authorities ?said. The Qatari and Turkish defence ministries on Sunday said the helicopter crashed after suffering a ?technical malfunction, which the Qatari ministry said happened during a “routine duty”.

Dutch F-35 fighters conduct joint training with U.S. Air Force at Hill AFB During exercise Lightning Forge

Dutch F-35A fighter jets and personnel have deployed to Hill Air Force Base in Utah to train alongside U.S. Air Force units during exercise Lightning Forge. The deployment, involving the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force Air Combat Command, marks the largest F-35 deployment by the Dutch service to date.

Taiwan Expected to Receive Long-Delayed U.S. Fighter Jets This Year

Taiwan’s defense ministry announced that long-awaited F-16V fighter aircraft from the United States will finally begin arriving this year, with manufacturing now operating at maximum capacity following a high-level visit to the production facility. The island nation, which confronts growing military pressure from China, has expressed frustration over recurring postponements of weapons deliveries from the U.S., its most crucial international ally and primary arms provider.

US rejects Iran's claim of hitting F-35

US Central Command on Sunday rejected Iran's claims that it shot down a fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet over central Iran. "US forces have flown more than 8,000 combat flights during Operation Epic Fury. No US fighter aircraft have been shot down by Iran," CENTCOM said on US social media company X. Before the post, a spokesman of CENTCOM told Anadolu that they had no comment at that time regarding Iran’s claim that it had “shot down an F-15.”

Taiwanese officials shown 1st F-16V jet due this year

Israeli fighter jet targeted by surface-to-air missile over Iran

All the special mission aircraft flown by the USAF and what they do

Taiwan tracks 8 Chinese naval ships and 2 military aircraft

Ukraine Seeks Mirage 2000-5 Jets From Qatar in Exchange for Drone Cooperation

U.S. Army Takes Major Leap into Future of Aviation with Delivery of First Autonomous-Ready Black Hawk

Ukraine says attacks hit military aircraft factories in Russia

KF-21 Export Breakthrough: South Korea Sells 16 Fighter Jets to Indonesia, Shifting Indo-Pacific Airpower Balance as Mass Production Begins

Netherlands to join U.S. Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme to enhance future unmanned air capabilities and integration

Military Prepares to Accept F-35s Without Radars

Sri Lanka declined ground access to two US combat aircraft, president says