Special Purpose

Military Aviation News

For US$ 730 million, the U.S. authorizes the sale of more AIM-120C-8 missiles for Denmark’s F-35A fighters

12/08/2025

The United States government has authorized the sale of new AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles to equip the Royal Danish Air Force’s F-35A stealth fighters. This was disclosed in one of the most recent notifications issued by the U.S. Department of State to Congress, approving the operation under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and valued at US$ 730 million.

Norwegian F-35 fighters return home as joint NATO Air Policing Mission in Poland concludes

Norwegian F-35 fighter aircraft returned to Ørland Air Base on December 1, marking the end of their operational deployment in Poland. The mission formed part of a joint Norwegian–Dutch air readiness commitment under NATO command.

Bangladesh Turns To China For Fighter Jets After Rejecting European Options

After months of speculation and diplomatic manoeuvres, Bangladesh appears to have made its choice in the race to modernise its air force. Despite earlier interest in European aircraft, Dhaka is now leaning towards a deal with Beijing – a decision that could shift the balance of power in South Asia’s skies.

U.S. Marines Conduct F-35B fighter jet Landing Qualification in Pacific Ocean to Keep Combat Readiness

The U.S. Marine Corps says pilots and deck crews from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) wrapped up a fresh round of F-35B Lightning II fighter jet deck landing qualifications aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer while underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility. Unit officials described the evolution as a routine but essential step that keeps shipborne aviation procedures sharp, particularly as the MEU prepares for a busy operational cycle across the Pacific.

Chinese fighters target SDF jets with radar lock-on, Japan says

Chinese J-15 fighter jets launched from the Liaoning aircraft carrier “intermittently directed their radar" at ASDF F-15 fighters, the ministry said early Sunday. The F-15s had been scrambled as a response to a potential airspace intrusion, and came as the Chinese carrier and three missile destroyers were holding exercises.

The Spanish Air Force increases its combat and maritime surveillance capabilities

The Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Force (JEMA), General Francisco Braco, has revealed that the Spanish Air Force will take delivery of a total of six new aircraft in the first months of 2026: three Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets and three C295 VIGMA maritime surveillance aircraft, and that he is confident in the continuity of the NGWS/FCAS programme for the future European air combat system.

Meteor Air-to-Air Missile Successfully Integrated on U.S. F-35A Stealth Fighter Jet

MBDA, Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office have completed major ground integration tests to validate safe carriage and release of the Meteor missile from the F-35A’s internal bay. The step positions the program for flight trials and marks a significant shift in NATO air combat reach and readiness.

Argentina receives first six F-16 fighters after ten years without supersonic jets

Argentina has officially received its first six Lockheed Martin F-16A/BM Fighting Falcon fighters, ending a decade without a supersonic interceptor. The jets landed at the Río IV Material Area on Friday, December 5, after a weeklong trip from Skrydstrup, Denmark, with stopovers in Zaragoza, Gando in Spain, and Natal in Brazil.

Austria signs €1.5bn agreement for 12 of Leonardo’s M-346FA to replace ageing trainers

The Austrian Ministry of Defence confirmed on 29 November that it has finalised its purchase of 12 M-346FA (Fighter Attack) aircraft from the Italian aerospace/defence manufacturer, Leonardo. The finalisation of this acquisition – which has been inked as a government-to-government agreement – comes almost a year after Vienna initially announced its decision to procure 12 M-346FAs to replace the Austrian Air Force’s now-retired fleet of Cold War-era Saab J105Ö twin-engine jet trainers.

Saab and Airbus co-operate on unmanned fighter technology

South Korea Starts Domestic Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile Program for the KF-21 Fighter Jet

Ukrainian Intelligence Destroys Russian MiG-29 Fighter Jet in Bold Crimea Strike, Video

Navy releases investigation on 3 lost planes, including one to friendly fire

Project Talon: Northrop unveils new loyal wingman drone design

Saab details Brazilian Gripen E Meteor firings that confirm the fighter’s long range combat edge

Turboprop for Modern Warfare – Super Tucano is Becoming Even More Useful

Air Force F-35 Jets Deploy to Alaska for Arctic War Training

Thunderbirds F-16C Fighting Falcon Crashes in California

Finally, the Hellenic Air Force is set to move forward with upgrading its 38 F-16 Block 50 fighters to the Block 70 standard

In a first, Egypt locally manufactures Rafale Fighter Jet parts