Special Purpose

Military Aviation News

Taiwan tracks 9 Chinese ships, 1 military aircraft

04/07/2026

The Ministry of National Defense tracked eight Chinese naval vessels, one military aircraft, and one official ship around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Monday and 6 a.m. on Tuesday. The People’s Liberation Army aircraft entered the country’s southwestern air defense identification zone, according to the MND. In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity.

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

In April 2026, the FY2027 Procurement Programs P-1 document confirmed that the U.S. Air Force is set to receive 38 F-35A Lightning II fighters under the new defense budget request, placing the aircraft once again at the center of American tactical airpower planning.

How US operation to rescue air officer from Iran unfolded

United States President Donald Trump has announced that the US military has rescued a missing American fighter jet crew member in Iran. The Air Force officer went missing in a remote part of Iran after the downing of his F-15 jet on Friday. Its two crew members ejected from the plane. The pilot was quickly rescued by US forces, but a search had to be launched for the F-15’s weapons systems officer.

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

The Trump administration released a record-breaking $1.5 trillion defense budget proposal Friday, comprising $1.15 trillion of discretionary funds for FY27 and $350 billion from a future reconciliation bill. The request would allocate $30.6 billion in total for Air Force aircraft procurement, which for the first time includes the CCA program.

Footage emerges of three US military aircraft destroyed in Iran

Newly surfaced footage appears to show three US military aircraft destroyed in Iran's Isfahan Province, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident. The aircraft were reportedly involved in a search-and-rescue operation for a missing US airman. A spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the aircraft included two Black Hawk helicopters and a C-130 transport plane.

US military loses seventh aircraft in ongoing West Asia conflict

The United States has lost another aircraft in the ongoing war in West Asia. With this, it has been confirmed that at least seven US military aircraft have been destroyed during this conflict. Recently, debris from a US fighter jet, allegedly shot down by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has also been made public.

Russian Su-30 fighter crashes in occupied Crimea — fourth Russian military aircraft loss in four days

A Russian Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet crashed in occupied Crimea during a training flight on 3 April, Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed. Both crew members ejected and were recovered safely, making it the second Russian military aircraft to crash in occupied Crimea and the fourth overall in four days.

‘Safe and sound’: How a U.S. Airman Shot Down in Iran Was Rescued From a Mountain Crevice

A United States Air Force member who was missing behind enemy lines for more than 24 hours after his F-15E fighter jet was shot down in Iran on Friday has been rescued, President Donald Trump announced early Sunday morning. “WE GOT HIM!” Trump wrote on Truth Social shortly after midnight. "The U.S. Military sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the World, to retrieve him. He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine," Trump wrote.

US Forces have rescued missing crew member of F-15E jet downed by Iran in daring mission, intense fighting: reports

US forces have successfully extracted a downed American airman from Iran, with the rescued crew member and the special operations team now “safely out of Iran,” according to reports. The airman was one of two aboard an F-15E Strike Eagle shot down earlier this week. Both had ejected over southwestern Iran, triggering a high-risk rescue mission.

How the US military rescues pilots after aircraft losses in combat

Second US combat aircraft crashes in Persian Gulf area, pilot rescued - Media

US F-15E fighter jet shot down over Iran

Guard, Reserve Leaders Flag Concern over Recapitalizing Fighter Fleet

Italy turns away Middle East-bound US military aircraft from Sicily stopover

WORLD: Air Warfare Symposium 2026

GE Misses March 2026 Engine Deadline, Triggering Fresh Tejas Mk1A Crisis as India’s Fighter Fleet Modernisation Falters

Canada Signals First Shift From US Fighter Jets Since 1946 With New Sixth-Gen Tempest Program

Edgewing receives first GCAP next-gen fighter international contract to boost design activities

U.S. Quietly Arms Australia With 450 AIM-260A Missiles in US$3.16 Billion Deal, Giving RAAF a Powerful New Edge Against China’s PL-15

Iran issues stark warning to Bulgaria over US aircraft access