Special Purpose

Military Aviation News

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

03/22/2026

Taiwanese officials were shown the first of 66 F-16V fighter jets purchased by Taiwan from the United States, the Ministry of National Defense said yesterday, adding the aircraft has completed an initial flight test and is expected to be delivered later this year. A delegation led by Deputy Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien visited Lockheed Martin’s F-16 C/D Block 70 (also known as F-16V) assembly line in South Carolina on March 16 to view the aircraft.

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

An Israeli fighter jet was targeted by a surface-to-air missile during operational activity over Iran but was not damaged and completed its mission, the Israeli army said on Saturday. The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, also announced that strikes against Iran will "significantly escalate" this week, as Iranian media reports drone attacks on fuel infrastructure at Ben Gurion Airport.

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

The United States Air Force (USAF) operates a range of military aircraft for various special missions, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. The 2026 Flight Global Report states that the USAF currently operates 167 special mission aircraft, accounting for over 27% of the active fleet operated by various US military divisions. This article explores the USAF special mission fleet and the roles these aircraft serve.

Taiwan tracks 8 Chinese naval ships and 2 military aircraft

The Ministry of National Defense tracked eight Chinese naval vessels and two military craft around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Friday and the same time Saturday. One of the sorties reportedly crossed the median line and entered the eastern part of Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, or ADIZ. In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor Chinese activity.

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

Ukraine is seeking used Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from Qatar in exchange for help with interceptor drones, sources told Intelligence Online. According to the report, cooperation between Kyiv and Doha on counter-drone efforts has stalled due to disagreements over the Mirage fleet. Qatar has been trying for several years to sell its fleet of nine single-seat Mirage 2000-5EDA aircraft and three two-seat Mirage 2000-5DDA jets, which it purchased back in the 1990s.

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

The U.S. Army officially received a groundbreaking H-60Mx Black Hawk helicopter, extensively modified to fly with or without a pilot at the controls. This next-generation "Optimally Piloted Vehicle" (OPV) now enters a rigorous testing phase, marking a pivotal moment in the Army's push to build a safer, smarter, and more versatile helicopter fleet for the future.

Ukraine says attacks hit military aircraft factories in Russia

The Ukrainian military has hit two aircraft factories in Russia with airstrikes, the General Staff in Kiev announced on Wednesday. The Aviastar aircraft factory near Ulyanovsk on the Volga River was attacked on Sunday night, the military said in Kiev. An air-conditioned hangar and a parking area, as well as several aircraft, were damaged, it said.

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

South Korea’s first export of the KF-21 Boramae fighter to Indonesia signals a major shift in Indo-Pacific airpower dynamics as Seoul enters the global combat aircraft market with its first domestically developed 4.5-generation jet.

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

The Dutch Ministry of Defence has announced plans to take the next step in joining a U.S.-led Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme focused on developing unmanned aerial systems. State Secretary for Defence Derk Boswijk informed parliament that the Netherlands intends to sign a Letter of Acceptance to participate in the initiative.

Military Prepares to Accept F-35s Without Radars

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

A-10 Warthogs target Iranian fast-attack craft in Strait of Hormuz

The Netherlands accelerates access to CCA technologies for advanced unmanned air systems

Russia tests Estonia’s border again with a brief airspace violation

Poland looks to join rival to FCAS fighter jet programme

US F-35 Stealth Jet Forced Into Emergency Landing After Possible Iranian Strike

Germany marks April deadline to rescue FCAS fighter project from collapse: Reports

RAF Typhoons deploy to Romania to lead NATO Air Policing mission under Operation Biloxi 2026 on Alliance’s eastern flank

Marines plan ‘sunset’ salute for AV-8B Harrier II jet as it leaves service

Next Gen Propulsion – the Time Is Now