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Military Aviation News

Australia is sending an aircraft and personnel to the Middle East. Does this mean we are entering the war?

03/11/2026

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is off to another Middle Eastern war, which is likely a surprise to many given how contentious the country’s involvement in the Iraq war was. The Albanese government has decided to send a RAAF E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), along with 85 personnel and a supply of air-to-air missiles capable of shooting down drones.

Serbia Armed Its MiG-29 Fighter Jets with Chinese CM-400AKG Missiles

Serbia has purchased Chinese CM-400AKG air-to-surface missiles for its MiG-29 fighter jets. Analyst Danube Intel published a photo of the aircraft and suggested that the missiles could have been delivered as early as 2025. The MiG-29 fighters also received universal pylons from the Chinese company CATIC, which allow the integration of other missiles and guided bombs.

Iran War Provides Opportunity for Russia To Test U.S. Alaska Defenses

As the U.S.-led war against Iran’s clerical regime continues apace, Russia is testing American capabilities in another corner of the globe. Two Russian maritime patrol aircraft flew through the Alaskan and Canadian Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) on March 4. The pair of Tu-142 planes were met by 12 Canadian and American aircraft sent to monitor and intercept the Russian patrol, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

RAF fighter jets shoot down drones targeting UK allies in Middle East

RAF fighter jets carried out military action to defend Jordan and Bahrain overnight as fighting intensifies in the Middle East. The jets intercepted a drone heading towards Bahrain and took out an uncrewed aerial system to defend Jordan, the Ministry of Defence said. Defence secretary John Healey confirmed the military action and said fragments of a drone that struck the UK base at Akrotiri, Cyprus, were being examined for “foreign military equipment”.

African Air Forces Update Their Fleets

Some African air forces are overhauling their fleets while weighing affordability, the types of fighter aircraft to buy, and getting rid of older aircraft too expensive to maintain. The air forces are investing in advanced aircraft to deal with terrorists, criminal groups and regional security threats. They also are working toward defense partnerships with such countries as Italy, Türkiye and the United States.

On the flightline with Swedish fighter jets in Iceland, in Cold War 2.0

It’s harsh here, with blustery winds at the Icelandic air station that the US shut down two decades ago. The gray, hardened aircraft shelters in concrete give a true sense of Cold War 2.0. The six Swedish JAS 39 Gripen C fighters deployed here for Arctic air policing were grounded for two days when Breaking Defense visited the air station with a group of other media.

Australia to send military aircraft to the Gulf

Australia will deploy an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and 85 Defence personnel to the Gulf at the request of the United Arab Emirates to help protect Australians and others in the region, as 12 countries come under attack from Iran. Australian advanced and medium-range air-to-air missiles will also be provided to the UAE. The E-7A Wedgetail is one of Australia’s most sophisticated military planes, and will be deployed for an initial four weeks.

Turkish Deployment of F-16s in Occupied Portion of Cyprus Raises Tensions in Eastern Mediterranean

Using the regional turmoil sparked by the war against Iran’s clerical regime as a cover, Turkey has deployed six F-16 fighter jets to the occupied part of Cyprus. Turkey’s March 9 action represents a significant escalation in the militarization of the Eastern Mediterranean. It also raises serious legal questions over the export and end use of U.S.-made military equipment.

NCIST mulls Kratos drone collaboration

Taiwan’s state-run defense research group is mulling developing autonomous “loyal wingman” drones to support fighter jets in a potential collaboration with a US-based manufacturer, a source said. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a defense official said the National Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology (NCIST) has reached out to Kratos Defense in a bid to collaborate in building combat aircraft utilizing technologies featured in the latter’s XQ-58A Valkyrie.

China signals push for military aircraft exports

Sharp drop in Chinese military aircraft near Taiwan raises questions

UK preparing aircraft carrier for possible Middle East deployment

US transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation

Türkiye's biggest military move in years: F-16s deployed to Cyprus?

Israeli Air Force image shows F-16I Sufa fighter armed with four RAMPAGE stand-off missiles

US Iran Israel News: Israel Strikes Tehran Airport, Destroys 16 IRGC Aircraft; Over 80 Fighter Jets Strike Military Targets

UK confirms US military now using British bases for operations against Iran

Still More Fighters, Bombers Set to Join Iran Air War

Royal Air Force deploys additional Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Qatar to reinforce UK air presence

RAF Typhoon jets to help defend Bahrain, Starmer tells King Hamad