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Military Aviation News

Saudi Arabia weighs U.S. F-15EX and F-35 fighter jets to build Middle East's most powerful air force

11/18/2025

As reported by Aviation Week on November 16, 2025, Saudi Arabia is once again at the center of Boeing’s export strategy as the company promotes the F-15EX Eagle II as a candidate for the Kingdom’s next fighter jet review. Ahead of the Dubai Airshow, Boeing indicated that it aims to secure new F-15EX orders in the Middle East and that Saudi Arabia remains a primary focus for both upgrades of existing F-15C/D airframes and possible new-build acquisitions.

Ukrainian Mirage 2000 Fighter Jet Displays Six Russian Cruise Missile Kill Markings

On 17 November 2025, the Ukrainian Air Force published a new video on its official X account showing a Mirage 2000 on an active combat mission. The clip is accompanied by the caption: “Mirage 2000 of the Ukrainian Air Force flies on a combat mission, awaiting good news from France.” The short sequence offers an unusually clear view of the aircraft, its weapons loadout and a series of kill markings under the cockpit.

US to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, Trump confirms

President Donald Trump said the US will sell the advanced F-35 stealth fighter jet to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in American defense policy in the Middle East. “We’ll be selling the F-35s,” Trump told reporters on November 17, 2025. The planned sale comes on the eve of the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, further underscoring the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia to Washington.

F-22 Pilot Controls ‘CCA Surrogate’ Drone from Cockpit

An F-22 pilot controlled an MQ-20 drone from the fighter’s cockpit last month, General Atomics announced Nov. 17—a preview of the Air Force’s vision for Collaborative Combat Aircraft. General Atomics partnered with F-22 maker Lockheed Martin and L3Harris, which provided radios and data links, for the self-funded demonstration, which took place Oct. 17 at the Nevada Test and Training Range.

Canada considers diversifying fighter jet purchases beyond F-35 deal: Defense minister

Canada is considering diversifying its fighter jet purchases from multiple companies to meet defense requirements as a review of F-35 fighter jets purchases continues, Defense Minister David McGuinty said Sunday. The government is "grateful for any forthcoming offer" and open to joint ventures that create Canadian jobs, McGuinty told the Canadian CTV news.

Russia displays Su-57E next-generation stealth fighter for the first time at Dubai Airshow 2025

Russia displays the Su-57E export variant of the fighter jet at the Dubai Airshow 2025, marking the stealth fighter’s first public appearance in the Middle East and signaling Moscow's bid to become a key competitor in the global stealth fighter market.

Russian Combat Aviation Industry Vulnerable, Says Think Tank

Russia’s combat aircraft industry is struggling to sustain itself, with the sanctions impacting exports at the eye of the storm, according to a new report. On the eve of the influential Dubai Airshow 2025, the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) has pointed to supply chain issues and a lack of funding for research and development. Amid these difficulties, China has sought a constructive relationship with states that would have previously been the key customers of Russian suppliers.

The Brazilian Air Force receives a new F-39E Gripen fighter aircraft from Sweden

At the end of yesterday, the Brazilian Air Force received its new F-39E Gripen fighter aircraft, registration FAB 4111, manufactured by SAAB AB and transported from Sweden by sea. The aircraft arrived in Navegantes, on the coast of Santa Catarina, after completing the Atlantic crossing aboard the Dutch-flagged vessel Fortunagracht. The journey, which began in Norrköping, took nearly 20 days.

Rafale or Mirage: Zelensky Announces Historic Agreement with France

President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the signing of a “historic agreement” with France to strengthen Ukraine’s air capabilities. He stated this in a morning address. According to Zelensky, the “historic agreement” with France to bolster combat aviation and reinforce the protection of Ukrainian airspace will be signed on Monday, November 17.

U.S. official says the 'table is being set' for possible military action against Venezuela

Turkey grounds all C-130 military aircraft after Georgia crash kills 20

China’s Missile Trap: Inside The U.S. Navy’s New Plan To Survive At Sea

Gulf States' Airpower Capabilities Are Still Evolving

Colombia signs $3.6B deal for Gripen fighters

KC-390 Millennium Tanker Joins Gripen E Fighter Jet In Brazil’s New Aerial Duo

Ukraine finalizes another historic military aviation deal, says Zelenskyy

Venezuela Conducts F-16 And Su-30 Fighter Jet Drills Projecting Deterrent Power Against U.S. Forces.

U.S. Officials Raise Concerns About Saudi Arabia’s Bid for F-35 Jets

French Rafale fighter jets conduct joint operations with Norwegian F-35s from Ørland Air Base

Global Combat Air Program Builds Momentum