Special Purpose

Military Aviation News

F-16V Fighter Goes Missing Off Taiwan’s Eastern Coast, President Orders All-Out Search for Pilot

01/07/2026

Taiwan mounted a large-scale emergency response late Tuesday night after a frontline F-16V fighter jet disappeared from radar during a routine training exercise over the waters off its eastern coast. The incident triggered immediate concern at the highest levels of government, with President Lai Ching-te directing all agencies to focus on one goal: bringing the missing pilot home safely.

Bangladesh, Pakistan air chiefs discuss fighter jet purchase

Air chiefs of Pakistan and Bangladesh held detailed discussions on the ‘potential procurement’ of JF-17 Thunder aircraft, reported DAWN on Tuesday, quoting the Inter Services Public Relations of Pakistan. The JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter jointly developed by China and Pakistan has proved its combat capabilities during two military conflicts with India in 2019 and 2025, according to the report published online by the English language daily of Pakistan.

Ukraine revises F-16 combat tactics for frontline operations

Ukrainian Air Force pilots operating F-16 fighter jets were forced to revise NATO-taught air combat tactics after returning from training abroad, as the methods proved unsuitable for the realities of combat near the front line in Ukraine, according to a report published by Militarnyi citing official Air Force video footage.

Philippines requests KF-21 fighter jet delivery from South Korea between 2027 and 2029

On January 6, 2026, Reportera indicated that, according to a Korea Aerospace Industries official, the Philippines requested delivery of the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet between 2027 and 2029, aligning the timeline with the Philippine Air Force’s Horizon 3 planning cycle. This request is directly connected to ongoing FA-50PH procurement, production capacity considerations, sustainment planning, and the limited availability of fighter aircraft slots on the global market.

Ukrainian F-16 Pilot’s Account Of The Challenges Of The Air War

A newly published video interview with a Ukrainian Air Force fighter pilot sheds more light on the operations of the country’s F-16 fleet in its war with Russia. The interview with the pilot, whose name is not provided, is a rare first-hand opportunity to hear about how the Ukrainian Air Force has gone about introducing its first Western fighter jet. The Viper is now heavily engaged on various fronts, combating cruise missiles and drones, as well as striking ground targets.

Japan confirms Chinese aircraft fly through Okinawa corridor

Japan’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that Chinese military aircraft, including H-6 bombers, J-16 fighters, and a Y-9 intelligence-gathering aircraft, flew between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island into the Pacific Ocean on December 29, prompting an emergency response by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

RAF Typhoon and French Rafale strike ISIS targets in Syria under Operation Inherent Resolve

European air power was once again on display on 2 January 2026, as the United Kingdom and France conducted coordinated strike missions against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Syria. Operating under Operation Inherent Resolve, both nations deployed advanced multirole combat aircraft, precision-guided weapons, and aerial refuelling tankers to engage targets near Palmyra, hundreds of miles from their home bases.

Iraq, France prepare for Rafale fighter jet deal

Iraq is anticipated to sign a deal with France in 2026 to buy 14 Rafale F4 fighter jets for the Iraqi Air Force. According to Avions Legendaires, a French publication specializing in military aviation news, discussions between the two sides are approaching completion. Sources predict that the deal might be finished in the first half of 2026, while others merely say that it will take place next year.

America Is Selling Israel Another 25 F-15IA Fighter Jets. Not Everyone Is Happy

Earlier this week, the United States military’s Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (AFB), Ohio, awarded aerospace giant Boeing an $8.6 billion “hybrid cost-plus-fixed-fee, fixed-price incentive” contract for 25 F-15IA aircraft, the modernized variant of the F-15 for the State of Israel. The contract also included an option for 25 additional fighters.

NAWCAD simulation milestone advances F-35 Lightning II integration with U.S. Navy collaborative combat aircraft

150 aircraft, cyber effects and ‘overwhelming force:’ How the Venezuela operation unfolded

Why Does America Have an “Air National Guard”?

China’s stealth fighter jet approached key Taiwanese airbase without detection: Report

Saab CEO offers Germany fighter partnership as doubts grow over Europe’s air combat plans

U.S. Marine Corps F-35s neutralize Venezuelan air force assets

US engines secured for Turkey’s KAAN fighter jet

Ukrainian Air Superiority 2026 Status Update: Western Weapons Systems to Watch

U.S. Approves Possible FMS of 3 P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft to Denmark

Ukraine trained nearly 100 pilots in 2025 as aviation training scales up

How Fighter Pilots Use “Post-Stall Maneuvering” in Air Combat