Special Purpose

Military Aviation News

Polish F-16s intercept Russian spy plane over Baltic Sea

04/10/2026

According to the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces, the jets identified and escorted an Ilyushin Il-20 conducting a mission in international airspace. The aircraft did not enter Polish airspace but was monitored and guided out of the area. Officials emphasised that such interceptions are routine measures used to maintain airspace security and identify aircraft that fail to comply with international aviation rules.

UAE Mirage-2000-9 Jets Accused of Striking Iran’s Lavan Island Refinery, Threatening Collapse of Strait of Hormuz Ceasefire

Unverified Iranian claims that UAE-operated Mirage-2000-9 fighter jets struck the Lavan Island refinery have intensified fears of a wider Persian Gulf conflict, placing the Strait of Hormuz, global oil markets and the fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire under immediate pressure.

US Navy Overhauls Carrier Pilot Training: First Landings Now Required in Combat Aircraft

The United States Navy has fundamentally restructured its carrier aviator training program, marking a decisive departure from protocols established over multiple decades. Under the revised framework, naval aviators will now conduct their maiden carrier landings while operating advanced combat aircraft—specifically the F/A-18 Super Hornet or F-35C Lightning II—rather than transitioning through traditional trainer platforms.

S. Korea, US to hold joint Freedom Flag air drill

South Korea and the United States will conduct the joint “Freedom Flag” air drill starting Friday, the South Korean Air Force said Thursday. Freedom Flag is a large-scale bilateral air exercise held twice a year in the first and second halves. This edition will run through April 24, according to the Air Force. A range of air assets will be mobilized, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, aerial refueling tankers, airborne early warning and control aircraft, and unmanned aerial systems.

F-35 PILOTS, NAVY COLLABORATIVE COMBAT AIRCRAFT HONE TACTICS IN JOINT SIMULATION ENVIRONMENT

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) achieved a milestone in integrating the F-35 Lightning II with the Navy’s emerging Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) during a recent tactical demonstration inside its Joint Simulation Environment (JSE). The event demonstrated how advanced modeling and simulation can accelerate the development of tactics and strategies for fifth-generation aircraft operating alongside uncrewed combat systems

Taiwan tracks 10 Chinese ships, 2 military aircraft

The Ministry of National Defense tracked nine Chinese naval vessels, two military aircraft, and one official ship around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Tuesday and the same time Wednesday. The two People’s Liberation Army aircraft both crossed the median line and entered the country’s northern and southeastern air defense identification zone, according to the MND. In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor the PLA activity.

Kazakhstan Opens Skies to Turkish Military Aircraft

Kazakhstan has approved a law allowing the transit of Turkish military personnel and equipment through its airspace, marking a new step in defense cooperation with Türkiye. The decision was adopted at a plenary session of the Mazhilis (parliament), The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

U.S. AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT FACTSHEETS

Read about the capabilities, development, and operational history of the aircraft used by the Air Force across a wide range of mission requirements. Scroll through the different airframe types and click the airframe to view it's Factsheet.

UK Trials BAE Systems APKWS-Guided Rockets on Typhoon Fighter Jet to Counter Rising Drone Threat at Lower Cost

On April 8, 2026, BAE Systems announced that a Royal Air Force Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft had successfully fired an APKWS-guided weapon during a trial at a UK military range, opening a new path for the Eurofighter’s adaptation to the low-cost drone threat.

A New Device Gives the A-10 Warthog Another Way to Refuel

Virginia Airmen Strengthen Interoperability Across Platforms

Pentagon approves F-35 software upgrade for Israel

FACTBOX - Iran war: US military aircraft damage and losses

Ukraine slashes fighter jet upgrade timelines to one month to counter Shahed drone threat

The F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighter Costs $85,000 Every Hour It Flies. The Air Force Just Spent $11 Billion To Keep It In The Air. Here’s Why.

Uncrewed combat aircraft flight testing paused after take-off incident

Indonesia to get first KF-21 fighter jet from South Korea

Taiwan tracks 9 Chinese ships, 1 military aircraft

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

How US operation to rescue air officer from Iran unfolded