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Military Aviation News

Focus: F-35B Fighter Jets Deliver Unmatched Air Power Aboard British Navy Aircraft Carrier HMS Prince of Wales

04/26/2025

In a striking reaffirmation of British global defense posture, the United Kingdom has launched Operation HIGHMAST on April 23, 2025, a wide-ranging multinational deployment spearheaded by the British Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS Prince of Wales. Central to the potency of this Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is the deployment of the UK’s most advanced stealth fighters—the F-35B Lightning IIs—from the Royal Air Force’s 617 Squadron and the Royal Navy’s 809 Naval Air Squadron.

“Iniochos 2025”, Report on a large military exercise

“Initiated in the late 1980s, Iniochos has evolved into a comprehensive training platform designed to simulate modern air warfare challenges. The exercise provides participating air forces with opportunities to plan and execute combined air operations (COMAO) in a high-tempo environment, reflecting the complexities of contemporary combat situations”.

Inside the fighter-jet school where virtual technology is your wingman

Wishing a fighter pilot a good flight isn’t the done thing, apparently. Stefano Centioni, a former Italian Air Force (IAF) pilot who now works for the country’s largest defence contractor, Leonardo, winces at the suggestion. “That’s the sort of thing that you say to a Ryanair pilot,” he says. We’re at the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Sardinia, a collaboration between the public and private sectors that is aiming to become top gun in the niche of fighter-pilot training.

USAF Doubles Down on More F-16 Fighters near North Korea

The U.S. Air Force will ramp up its presence near North Korea by sending more than two dozen additional F-16 fighters to Osan Air Base, South Korea, creating a second “super squadron” there.

421st EFS bolsters Kadena’s fighter presence

F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, touched down at Kadena Air Base, April 24, 2025, completing the latest round of U.S. Air Force fighter deployments to the Pacific. As the Keystone of the Pacific, Kadena is a pivotal hub for Agile Combat Employment, which allows squadrons like the 421st EFS to project combat power in concert with U.S. allies and partners.

Lockheed Martin to Incorporate NGAD Upgrades Into F-22 and F-35

Can the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II—commonly regarded as two of the greatest planes in the world—become even more powerful? The CEO of Lockheed Martin, the famed aerospace giant that built both planes, thinks so. The defense and aerospace giant and manufacturer of the U.S. military’s two stealth fighter jets intends to buff the aircraft with cutting-edge technology initially intended for the F-47 sixth-generation stealth fighter jet.

French Air Force launches surprise dispersal drill and Sweden deployment

The French Air and Space Force simultaneously conducted two high-profile exercises demonstrating its operational versatility and strategic reach. While one operation tested the force’s ability to disperse combat aircraft rapidly across the French mainland without prior notice, the other projected French air power into northern Europe in cooperation with NATO allies.

Chinese J-10C Fighters Drill In Egypt Amid Speculation That Cairo May Opt For Vigorous Dragons Over Upgrading Fighting Falcons

For the first time, China has deployed its cutting-edge aircraft, including the J-10C, for the “Eagles of Civilization 2025” joint air drills that kicked off on April 19 in Egypt. The deployment comes amid speculations that the Egyptian government is considering purchasing the aircraft. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced the China-Egypt joint air force training, code-named “Eagles of Civilization 2025,” from mid-April to early May, on April 16.

Flash News: Portugal Air Force Chief Confirms U.S. F-35 as Only Fifth-Gen Fighter Jet Fit to Replace F-16s.

Portugal has taken a decisive step toward modernizing its air force by affirming its intent to acquire the U.S.-built F-35 Lightning II fighter jet as the successor to its aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons. The announcement, delivered by General João Cartaxo Alves, Chief of the Air Force General Staff (CEMFA), during the Portuguese National Defense Conference on April 22, 2025, marks a significant evolution in the country’s defense strategy.

The Netherlands has confirmed the transfer of another batch of F-16 fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force

Exclusive: U.S. F-22 Raptor Fighter Jet Upgraded with Infrared Sensors to Shoot Down Enemies Before Detection.

China “Outproducing” U.S. In Fighter Jets; Can “Deny” Air Superiority In First Island Chain: Top Commander

Kratos adding landing gear-equipped XQ-58 to inventory amid growth in uncrewed fighter scope

UAE Signs KF-21 Boramae Fighter Cooperation Deal With South Korea

F-35: After Trump, Vance Makes “Verbal Offer” For F-35 Stealth Jets To India; Will Delhi Bite The Bullet?

Lockheed Will Not Protest NGAD Award to Boeing, Looks to ‘Supercharge’ F-35 Instead

KAI aims to position its KF-21 fighter jet as an option to equip the United Arab Emirates Air Force, competing against the U.S.-made F-35

Chinese J-10 fighter fly over US Navy port in Saudi Arabia

South Korea Planning To Export 100 FA-50 Fighting Eagle Light Attack Aircraft to Egypt – OpEd

China's Neighbor Could Buy F-16s in Blow to Xi