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Military Aviation News

Aero markets its Skyfox to African Air Forces

07/10/2025

Aero Vodochody, the Czech aircraft manufacturer renowned for its L-39 Albatross, has set its sights on the African continent with the introduction of its latest aircraft, the Skyfox. This light attack and trainer jet, officially designated the Aero L-39NG (“Next Generation”), represents the company’s effort to build on its long-standing relationship with African air forces.

Full batch of RAAF pilots pass Introductory Fighter Course for the first time

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has announced that a full batch of pilots graduated from the challenging Introductory Fighter Course (IFC) at the RAAF Base Williamtown’s 76 Squadron, on June 27, 2025. This is the first time that a single cohort has had a 100% pass rate – 10 out of 10 pilots – since the introduction of the Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter aircraft in the year 2000.

Gripen E triumphs over F-16 and Rafale as Peru commits to $3.5 billion fighter jet deal

Peru is set to acquire 24 Saab Gripen E multirole fighter jets for $3.5 billion, according to local outlet Perú21. The deal includes additional support packages and marks a significant step in modernising the country's ageing air force.

Navy’s Unfunded Priorities List Seeks $1.4B for Next-Gen Fighter Aircraft

U.S. Navy’s fiscal year 2026 Unfunded Priorities List, or UPL, includes a $1.4 billion funding request for a sixth-generation fighter aircraft program called F/A-XX. “This additional funding will enable Navy to award the 6th Generation Strike Fighter contract to industry,” the service branch wrote in its letter to lawmakers. “Navy’s 6th Generation Strike Fighter aircraft is a critical component of both the future Carrier Strike Group (CSG)” and the “air wing of the future.”

Denmark eyes additional F-35 fighter jets, Patriot aid breakthrough for Ukraine

In a wide ranging discussion this week, Denmark’s defense minister Troels Lund Poulsen expressed interest in acquiring more F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets, secured an agreement on behalf of European nations to buy and donate 10 Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, as well as lease hours on Norway’s P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).

Retired U.S. generals urge Congress to fully fund F-35 and E-7 programmes amid rising global threats

A group of senior retired U.S. Air Force generals has written to Congress urging full funding for 75 F-35A fighter jets and the E-7 Wedgetail airborne command aircraft in the Fiscal Year 2026 defence budget. The letter, sent on behalf of the 125,773 members of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA), warned that proposed cuts "will severely and unnecessarily undermine our service members’ ability to deter, and if necessary, prevail in future conflicts."

UK submits official offer to sell 40 Eurofighter jets to Turkey: report

The UK has formally submitted a proposal to sell 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey, in a move that signals growing momentum in Ankara’s efforts to modernize its air force and deepen defense ties with European partners, the Ekonomim news website reported on Tuesday.

Berlin says China military targeted German plane with laser over Red Sea

Berlin on Tuesday said the Chinese military had targeted a laser at a German aircraft participating in an EU-led mission to protect marine traffic in the Red Sea. “Endangering German personnel and disrupting the operation is entirely unacceptable,” the foreign ministry said on X, adding that Beijing’s ambassador to Berlin had been summoned for talks.

The F-35 Is Getting a Big New Upgrade: External Fuel Tanks

Drop tanks come with one notable drawback: they can degrade the F-35’s stealthy profile to the point of compromising it entirely. Range has been a key factor in combat aircraft effectiveness since their inception during the First World War. Extending the range of fighter or strike aircraft has been particularly challenging thanks to their small size and limited internal fuel capacity.

US Navy Eyes Thousands of Leonardo Decoys for F-35, F-18 Jets

Indonesia to Strengthen Air Force with Possible Purchase of 24 More French Rafale Fighter Jets

China “Inducts” J-35A Into Air Force? Becomes 2nd Country After The U.S. To Operate 2 Stealth Jets: Reports

US company to modernize 100 Russian MiG-29 fighter jets used by Indian Air Force in strategic agreement

Netherlands deploys F-35 fighter jets to Poland to guard NATO’s eastern flank

US fighter aircraft F-35 joins PAF patrol to mark annual air drills

Jordan deploys military aircraft to support Syria in wildfire containment

For US$118 million, the U.S. awarded a new support contract for Iraq’s fleet of F-16C/D Block 52 fighter jets

F-22 Raptors To Lead Drone Warfare For U.S. Air Force; May Become 1st Stealth Jet To Control CCA Drones

Commander of Polish Air Force takes test flight in KF-21 fighter jet prototype

Air force’s F-5 jets retired after 50 years service