April, 2025 Military Aviation News

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

04/24/2025

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.

04/24/2025

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

04/24/2025

During the most recent meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, held in Brussels and attended by more than 50 countries, the Netherlands confirmed the transfer of another batch of F-16 fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force. The announcement was made by the country’s Minister of Defense, Ruben Brekelmans, who also reported the delivery of a Patriot system and new commitments to supply I-Hawk air defense systems, aimed at strengthening Kyiv’s ability to withstand Russian attacks.

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

04/24/2025

Following the release of its Q1 2025 financial results on April 23, 2025, Lockheed Martin announced a pivotal enhancement to the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jet program: the integration of a system of next-generation infrared sensors aimed at increasing the aircraft’s survivability and lethality. This strategic move reinforces Lockheed Martin’s commitment to maintaining U.S. air superiority and highlights the continued evolution of the F-22 as a dominant force in modern aerial warfare.

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

04/24/2025

After building the world’s largest maritime fighting force, China has gained a 1.2 to 1 production rate advantage over the US in fighter jets. Together with modern fifth-generation combat aircraft and advanced ‘long-range’ air-to-air missiles, Beijing can prevent the US from achieving air superiority within the key first island chain, a top US Commander has warned.

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

04/23/2025

Uncrewed aircraft manufacturer Kratos is modifying one the company’s marquee offerings to match the US Air Force’s (USAF’s) growing ambitions for autonomous fighter jets. The San Diego-based firm has revealed a rendering of its XQ-58 Valkyrie uncrewed jet aircraft featuring a new piece of kit: landing gear.

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

04/23/2025

South Korea and the UAE have signed a letter of intent for comprehensive cooperation on the development and operation of Seoul’s KF-21 Boramae fighters. The agreement was signed by the Republic of Korea Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Young-su and UAE Air Force (UAEAF) Major General Rashid Mohammed al-Shamsi, allowing UAEAF personnel to take part in future exercises and air drills involving the aircraft.

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

04/23/2025

The United States has made yet another verbal offer for the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II stealth aircraft to India. This announcement comes just two months after President Donald Trump first offered the aircraft to India during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This time, however, the offer is more subtle, as it comes from Vice President JD Vance in a speech made during his ongoing visit to India.

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

04/23/2025

Lockheed Martin will not protest the Air Force’s selection of Boeing for the Next-Generation Air Dominance fighter contract, company president and CEO Jim Taiclet said April 22, explaining that the company now hopes to insert the technology it developed for NGAD into its fifth-generation F-35 and F-22 fighters. “We are not going to protest the NGAD decision of the U.S. government,” Taiclet said on a company earnings call.

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

04/22/2025

As part of its efforts to open new markets in the Middle East, South Korean company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is advancing the international promotion of its new KF-21 Boramae fighter jet, specifically targeting the United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAEAF). The UAE is seeking alternatives to the U.S.-made fifth-generation F-35A, following Washington’s reluctance to authorize a potential sale.

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

04/22/2025

A photograph circulating on social media has raised eyebrows among defense analysts and observers of global military dynamics. The image, posted by the open-source intelligence account MenchOsint on April 20, 2025, shows Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force [PLAAF] J-10 fighter jets flying over King Fahd Port in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. In this key logistical hub, U.S. Navy ships dock to resupply the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman.

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

04/22/2025

South Korea is well-known for electronics and automobiles. It is now slowly emerging as a top defence producer in the world. Recently, South Korea has signed a deal with Indonesia to produce jointly advanced fighter jets starting in 2026. South Korea is aimed to produce 20 KF-21 fighter jets, The Korean Times newspaper reported.

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

04/22/2025

Vietnam may be set to purchase F-16 Fighting Falcon jets, according to a report. The deal would make Vietnam the fifth government in the Asia-Pacific region to acquire F-16 fighter aircraft, as militaries look to strengthen their capabilities amid rising territorial tensions with China, ruled by President Xi Jinping.

RAF fighter jets intercept Russian aircraft flying close to Nato airspace

04/21/2025

RAF fighter jets have intercepted two Russian aircraft flying close to Nato airspace over the Baltic Sea. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said two RAF Typhoons were scrambled from Malbork Air Base in Poland on Tuesday to intercept a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M “Coot-A” intelligence aircraft. On Thursday, another two Typhoons were scrambled from the base to intercept an unknown aircraft leaving Kaliningrad air space close to Nato airspace.

Swiss revolt against F-35 deal sparks U.S. defense concerns

04/21/2025

In Switzerland, a nation renowned for its steadfast neutrality and fiscal prudence, a growing wave of public and political opposition is challenging the country’s decision to purchase 36 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jets.

Chinese J-10 fighter jets arrive in Egypt

04/21/2025

China has officially confirmed the purpose behind last week’s unexpected arrival of a fleet of Xi’an Y-20 strategic transport aircraft in Egypt. According to a statement from the Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) dispatched a full detachment, including J-10 fighter jets, to Egypt to participate in the joint air force exercise titled “Eagles of Civilization 2025.” The exercise is scheduled to run from mid-April t

Awaiting Rafales, Boeing Sweetens F-15EX Deal For Indonesia; Offers To Produce 85% Of Fighters Locally

04/21/2025

US defense giant Boeing is courting Indonesia to acquire its F-15EX fighter jets by making the deal much more attractive. According to new reports, Boeing promised that if Indonesia decides to buy the F-15EX fighters, the company will produce 85% of the aircraft locally. This commitment was made by Boeing South East Asia President Penny Burtt during a media briefing on April 15.

Ukraine converts MiG-29UB trainer jets for combat missions

04/19/2025

In a bold move reflecting the dire realities of the ongoing war, Ukraine has converted nine of its MiG-29UB Fulcrum-B aircraft, originally designed for training, into combat-ready jets to counter intensifying Russian air attacks.

Advanced Fighter Market Update

04/19/2025

While major powers like the USA, Europe, and China push forward with 6th-generation fighter concepts, significant global interest and procurement activity remain focused on advanced 4th-, 4.5-, and 5th-generation platforms. Nations balance sophisticated capability requirements against acquisition costs, operational sustainment, and industrial participation goals.

Egypt nears $1B deal for South Korea’s FA-50 jets

04/19/2025

Egypt is on the verge of signing a major defense contract with South Korea for the acquisition of up to 100 FA-50 light combat aircraft, in a deal estimated to be worth over $1 billion. According to DefenseWeb, Egyptian Ambassador to South Korea Khaled Abdelrahman confirmed that negotiations with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) are nearly complete, and the agreement will include technology transfer.

State of the Air Force 2025

04/19/2025

The Air Force is prepping for a potential showdown with China, seeking cutting-edge technology like stealthy jets and AI-powered drone wingmen. Just two months into the new presidential administration, it learned it will have a new weapon in its arsenal: the first sixth-generation fighter jet. President Donald Trump, flanked by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a rendering of the F-47 peeking through a shadowy background, called the jet “virtually unseeable” with “unprecedented power.”

Berlin blocks fighter jet sale to Turkey over Ekrem Imamoglu’s arrest

04/19/2025

Germany’s outgoing government is said to have blocked a British proposal to sell dozens of Eurofighter Typhoon combat jets to Turkey after the arrest of the mayor of Istanbul, potentially creating significant ­tensions between London and Berlin. Britain is understood to have been ­finalising a deal for about 40 of the jets after John Healey, the defence secretary, visited his counterpart in Ankara.

With Over Fifty Aging MiG-29s and Su-27s, Uzbekistan Seeks Replacement From China, Not russia

04/18/2025

Uzbekistan is looking to replace its aging Soviet-era aircraft, and despite plans to order the French Rafale in late 2023, the acquisition hasn't seen much progress since then. Now, Uzbeks may be looking towards China instead, as russian media report with apparent frustration.

Portugal approaches Saab to purchase Gripen fighter jets following withdrawal from US F-35 program

04/18/2025

On April 6, 2025, Saab Chief Executive Officer Micael Johansson confirmed during an interview with Dagens Industri that negotiations are ongoing with Portugal and Canada regarding the potential acquisition of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen. This confirmation follows Portugal’s cancellation of its planned procurement of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II and reflects a shift in Lisbon’s defense planning priorities amid evolving geopolitical circumstances.

Turkey seeks return to F-35 programme, considers redirecting USD 1.4 billion from F-16 deal

04/18/2025

According to Turkish defence website TurkDef, which cites senior officials from Turkey’s Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, Ankara is seeking to rejoin the F-35 Lightning II programme and acquire the fifth-generation fighter jets. The report states that Turkey is considering diverting USD 1.4 billion—originally allocated to the F-16 programme—towards the F-35, contingent on approval from the Trump administration for the aircraft sale.

Chinese jets train with Egypt in bold Middle East military move

04/18/2025

In a move that signals a deepening of military ties in an already volatile region, China and Egypt have embarked on their first-ever joint air exercise, dubbed Civilization Eagle 2025. This unprecedented collaboration, which began in mid-April and is set to continue until early May, involves the Chinese People’s Liberation Army [PLA] Air Force and the Egyptian Air Force conducting coordinated flights and tactical training.

Poll shows majority of Swiss oppose purchase of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets

04/17/2025

Switzerland’s decision to acquire 36 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, under a contract signed in 2022, has led to ongoing political debate within the country. The aircraft are scheduled to replace the Swiss Air Force’s F/A-18 Hornet and F-5 Tiger jets from 2027 onwards.

Is the UAE preparing to purchase the South Korean KF-21 Boramae fighter jet for its Air Force?

04/17/2025

As reported by Yonhap on April 15, 2025, the United Arab Emirates and South Korea held a joint air defense exercise on Emirati territory involving the South Korean Cheongung-II medium-range surface-to-air missile system. The activity marks the first publicly confirmed instance of operational integration of this system in a Middle Eastern setting. Discussions are ongoing regarding a potential UAE acquisition of the KF-21 Boramae multirole fighter.

Italian Air Force conduct missile firing campaigns in the UK

04/17/2025

The Italian Air Force practiced missile firings from Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft at the UK Ministry of Defence’s Hebrides Range in Scotland. Their campaign assessed the viability of firing Meteor and AMRAAM beyond visual range air-to-air missiles from the Typhoon’s weapon system.

Italy says Britain is not sharing technology on fighter project

04/16/2025

Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has said Britain is not fully sharing technologies with Italy and Japan in a major project to develop a new fighter jet and urged London to bring down the "barriers of selfishness". In an interview with Reuters, Crosetto emphasised the importance of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which aims to develop by 2035 an aircraft that incorporates the most advanced technologies.

The Swedish Parliament authorizes the signing of agreements with Peru for the sale of 12 JAS-39 Gripen E/F fighter jets

04/16/2025

Building on the recent selection of the JAS-39 Gripen E/F by the Colombian Aerospace Force, Sweden is stepping up its efforts to position Saab’s fighter jet as a strong contender for other air forces in the region. This is reflected in the latest budget proposal submitted to the Swedish Parliament, aimed at securing authorization for the government to sign an intergovernmental agreement with Peru for the sale of up to 12 Gripen fighter jets, along with other military equipment.

It’s time to fully fund the Air Force’s collaborative combat aircraft

04/16/2025

As Defense Department leaders build their fiscal 2026 budget request, they must prioritize Air Force modernization. Three decades’ worth of chronic underfunding, paired with high combat demand, have worn the service’s aircraft so hard that the capacity and capability of the Air Force have declined to dangerous levels. It is well past time for a reset. Top leaders will only be able to successfully deter and, if necessary, defeat adversaries if they have sufficient and capable forces to do both.

South Korea, with its 'cheaper' version of the F-35, watches as Canada reviews U.S. fighter deal

04/16/2025

The reception hall at Korean Aerospace Industries Ltd. is, in many respects, every plane and helicopter lover's dream. Filled with model aircraft, there's one in particular that stands out. At first glance, you'd be forgiven for confusing it for the now politically infamous — at least in Canadian terms — F-35 fighter. The KF-21 Boramae (Hawk) has the same angled twin tails and similar sleek lines. When pointed out, a senior KAI manager sheepishly acknowledged the "stealthy design" resemblance.

F-16 Shootdown: Why U.S. Could Be Behind The 2nd Confirmed Crash Of Ukraine’s Fighting Falcon: OPED

04/16/2025

On April 12, 2025, the Ukrainian Air Force reported the loss of an F-16 fighter jet during a combat mission in eastern Ukraine—marking the second confirmed F-16 loss since the aircraft’s operational induction in August 2024. Unusually, the incident was acknowledged within hours, following initial reports on social media around 1:00 PM Kyiv time. At 2:42 PM, Acting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly confirmed the loss on X.com, posting:

Belgium asks Italy to produce its future F-35 fighter jets as alternative to US assembly line in Texas.

04/15/2025

In an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws on April 14, 2025, Belgium’s Defense Minister, Theo Francken, formally proposed that future F-35 fighter jets ordered by Belgium be assembled in Italy rather than in the United States. The minister also revealed that he had already made the request to his Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto. Francken emphasized that this initiative could create jobs within Europe and help align Belgium’s defense investments with broader European industrial and strategic ob

Defence minister hopes to order extra F-35 fighter jets in Italy

04/15/2025

Belgian Defence minister Theo Francken has asked his Italian counterpart whether the extra F-35 fighter jets Belgium wants to order could be built in Italy, and not in the US. The move would create jobs in Europe, Francken said on Monday in an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws.

Philippines Cleared For Purchase of F-16 Fighter Jets

04/15/2025

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced that a proposed purchase of twenty F-16 Falcon fighter jets was approved by the US State Department. The total estimated cost of the sale comes in at $5.58 Billion and will include 20 airframes, twenty four F110-GE-129D or F100-PW-226 engines, twenty two AN/APG-83 AESA radars and other assorted equipment and systems in or related to the F-16, including weapon systems, avionics, computers and targeting equipment.

Bulgarian Air Force receives first F-16 Block 70 fighter jet

04/15/2025

The Bulgarian Air Force has officially received its first Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft into service following a ceremony at the Third Air Base in Graf Ignatievo. The aircraft is the first of 16 fighter jets that will be delivered to the nation. Bulgaria signed its first Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for eight F-16s in 2019, followed by a second LOA for an additional eight jets in 2022.

For $1.04 Billion, the U.S. authorizes the sale of the most advanced AMRAAM missiles to equip the Royal Australian Air Force’s fighter jets

04/15/2025

The United States government has authorized the potential sale of 400 new long-range air-to-air AMRAAM missiles to equip the Royal Australian Air Force’s fighter aircraft. This information comes from the latest notification submitted by the U.S. State Department to Congress for approval of the transaction through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

Lockheed Martin to supply Morocco with F-16 fighter planes and air defence systems

04/14/2025

The multinational company Lockheed Martin has announced that it will supply F-16 fighter planes and air defence systems to Morocco, following a statement made during the visit of a delegation from the US defence giant to Moroccan territory. he visit was arranged with the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), the organisation responsible for promoting investment throughout the North African country.

Exclusive: U.S. Marine Corps VMFA-312 Conducts Daily F/A-18C Fighter Jet Operations in Panama.

04/14/2025

According to information published by the U.S. Department of Defense on April 8, 2025, U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 took off from Panama Pacifico Airfield, Panama, marking the continuation of the squadron's day-to-day operations in support of an expanded strategic security partnership with the Republic of Panama.

Uzbekistan picks Chinese jets to replace old Soviet air fleet

04/13/2025

Reports surfaced recently that China has greenlit the sale of advanced fighter jets to Uzbekistan, a move that signals a deepening military partnership between Beijing and the Central Asian nation. According to sources close to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Defense, cited by regional defense outlets, the deal could involve modern aircraft such as the JF-17 Block III, J-10C, or even the fifth-generation J-35, though no official confirmation has pinned down the exact model.

Turkiye successfully tests indigenous radar signal detection pod for its F-16 fighter jets

04/13/2025

Turkiye has successfully completed testing of its indigenous radar signal detection and tactical electronic support pod, known as EDPOD, which was integrated into F-16 fighter jets, the country’s industry and technology minister announced Friday.

Ukraine Just Lost Another F-16

04/13/2025

Ukraine lost a Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter and its pilot, Capt. Pavlo Ivanov, on or just before Saturday. It’s the second loss of an F-16 and pilot since the single-engine, supersonic fighter—85 of which a Belgian-Danish-Dutch-Norwegian consortium has pledged to Ukraine—entered front-line service in Ukraine back in August.

Japan Jets Scrambled at Chinese Drones Up Threefold On-Year

04/12/2025

Japan scrambled jets in response to Chinese drones 30 times during the past year, the military said, up over threefold year-on-year as Beijing bolsters its air force. “Overall, we are seeing the trend staying at a high level,” Japan’s military chief of staff Yoshihide Yoshida said at a press conference on Thursday. In the financial year to March 31, Japan scrambled fighter jets 704 times to intercept foreign aircraft.

Global Partnership in Action: Belgian Pilots Train in US for F-35 Future with Simulation Event

04/12/2025

As Belgium prepares to transition to the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet with the arrival of its first aircraft later this year, its pilots are getting a head start on mastering fifth-generation air power. Belgian fighter pilots recently participated in an F-35 Manned Tactical Simulation (MTS) education and training event at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas, March 31-April 4, marking an important milestone for the country’s future arrival of F-35 aircraft.

Dassault CEO strikes dark tone on Europe’s sixth-gen fighter progress

04/12/2025

Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier slammed the cooperation with Airbus on developing a European sixth-generation fighter jet, telling French lawmakers that working together is “very, very difficult” amid continued bickering over work share. “Something is not working,” Trappier said in a hearing of the National Assembly defense committee here on Wednesday. “So it needs to be reviewed.

After U.S. Air Force’s F-47, Now U.S Navy Is Preparing For 6th-Gen Fighter Jet That Can Fight In The Pacific!

04/12/2025

The US’s quest to counter China’s growing military prowess in the Indo-Pacific has brought traction to the development of sixth-generation fighter jets. After Boeing won the contract for the US Air Force’s F-47, competition is heating up between Northrop Grumman and Boeing for the US Navy’s sixth-generation carrier-based fighter, F/A-XX.

Modernised Mirage 2000D enters operational service with French Air and Space Force

04/11/2025

On 9 April, the French Air and Space Force officially marked the entry into operational service of the upgraded Mirage 2000D combat aircraft during a ceremony held at Nancy-Ochey Air Base. The upgrade project, commissioned by the French defence procurement agency (DGA), involved the modernisation of 50 aircraft previously dedicated to precision strikes against ground targets using conventional weaponry.

US Air Force officially retires the legendary F-15C Eagle air superiority fighter jet after more than 40 years of service.

04/11/2025

On March 26, 2025, the Kadena Air Base announced that the U.S. Air Force has officially retired the F-15C from its active-duty inventory, marking the end of more than four decades of service for the air superiority fighter. The decision, part of a broader effort to modernize U.S. airpower, culminated in the permanent retirement of the F-15C/D Eagle fleet from Kadena.

Saab Makes Gripen Offer To F-35 Customer; MoD Says New Offer More Cost Effective, Enticing: Reports

04/11/2025

As it hunts for new customers for its latest Gripen variant, SAAB is also looking to keep the older customers hooked. The Swedish manufacturer has made a new offer to extend the lease of Gripen fighter jets for the Czech Republic. In 2004, the Czech Republic leased 12 single-seat and two double-seat Gripen versions. The delivery of all aircraft was concluded by 31 August 2005, when the last two landed at the Caslav Air Base. This lease was to expire in 2027.

Indonesia’s shift to Turkey’s KAAN fighter jet stirs buzz

04/11/2025

On April 10, 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced his country’s interest in joining Turkey’s ambitious KAAN fighter jet program, a next-generation combat aircraft still in development, while also expressing a desire to leverage Turkey’s growing defense industry for Indonesia’s submarine efforts.

Turkey reportedly aims to produce KAAN fighter jet for Brazil

04/10/2025

The agreement between Embraer and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), signed in early April, officially involves a potential collaboration in the production of E2 commercial jets, but the Turkish media sees the partnership as having a broader scope. The two companies could theoretically support each other in defense projects, where they work in a complementary manner.

Satellite Captured russia Bring Su-35 to Algeria and Revealed the Number of Operational Su-57s

04/10/2025

Latest satellite imagery brings two important news at once. First, at least one Su-35 fighter jet has been delivered to Algeria from Komsomolsk-on-Amur, sourced from the batch originally ordered by Egypt but never accepted. There are signs of several more fighters being in preparation for shipment. Second, satellite monitoring has confirmed that the russian Aerospace Forces currently possess 19 Su-57 multirole fighters, but slow production rates continue to hinder export potential.

Inside the Navy’s Upcoming “Terminator” AI Fighter Jets

04/10/2025

In April, three F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets arrived at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, to take part in the “Viper Experimentation and Next-gen Operations Model—Autonomy Flying Testbed”?program (VENOM-AFT). n total, the Air Force is planning on converting six F-16s to autonomous aircraft to test the viability of the project.

US rotates combat aircraft to Japan’s frontline base

04/10/2025

The U.S. Air Force has deployed F-35A Lightning IIs and F-15E Strike Eagles to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa as part of its continued rotational presence in the Indo-Pacific. The deployment includes F-35As from the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, based at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, and F-15Es from the 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron out of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.

India approves purchase of 26 French Rafale jets for navy, sources say

04/10/2025

India has approved the purchase of 26 Rafale fighter jets from France for its navy, two people aware of the decision said on Wednesday, a move aimed at deterring threats as rival China grows its naval presence in the Indian Ocean. A deal is expected to be signed over the next few weeks, the people said, requesting anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media, after the purchase was approved by India's cabinet committee on security affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Embraer-TAI deal may expand to include C-390 and 5th-gen fighter jet: Report

04/09/2025

Brazilian aerospace company Embraer and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that could significantly broaden their industrial collaboration. It could potentially include the co-production of the Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft and even joint development of a fifth-generation fighter jet, according to the report.

F-35 Office Seeks to Clarify $2.1 Trillion Cost Ahead of Budget Release

04/09/2025

For months now, a big number has been attached to the F-35: $2.1 trillion. That’s the new estimated lifetime costs for the program, a massive sum that has become an oft-cited figure in coverage about the fighter. Now, the F-35 Joint Program Office is trying to put context around that number, releasing a “clarification” April 8 explaining those costs.

Slovak Air Force receives two new F-16 Block 70 fighters as part of MiG-29 replacement program following donation to Ukraine

04/09/2025

Continuing with the established schedule, Lockheed Martin has completed the delivery of two new F-16 Block 70 aircraft to the Slovak Air Force. With the arrival of these two new units from the United States, the European country continues its program to replace its aging Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets, which were transferred to Ukraine.

Philippines to bolster air force with $5.6 billion fighter jet deal

04/08/2025

The Philippines plans to purchase a squadron’s worth of advanced U.S. fighter jets to shore up its air force, according to a recent Department of Defense notification of a proposed sale. The $5.58 billion package includes 20 Block 70/72 F-16 Fighting Falcons — 16 C models and four D models — along with spare parts, weapons and support systems, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a news release April 1.

Uzbekistan looks to buy Chinese fighter jets

04/08/2025

Uzbekistan is nearing a deal to purchase modern fighter aircraft from China, according to reports circulating across regional defense media. While no official confirmation has been issued by either government, a video shared on social media purportedly shows an Uzbek pilot in training on one of the Chinese platforms.

Europe, Japan Sixth Generation Fighter Program Gathering Steam

04/08/2025

Saudi Arabia has become the latest country to show interest in a joint U.K., Italy and Japan effort to build a sixth generation fighter within the next 10 years. The Global Combat Air Programme is a three-way split between BAE Systems in the U.K., Leonardo of Italy and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to develop the plane. All would have an equal share and no single country would control the program

‘Secretary-level and above’ officials ‘working’ F/A-XX fighter decision: Acting CNO

04/08/2025

The much-anticipated final decision on who will build the Navy’s next-generation fighter aircraft is currently under discussion by senior-most officials, the Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby said today. “It’s a decision at the secretary-level and above, and they’re working that now,” Kilby told reporters on the first day of the Navy-centric Sea Air Space exhibition outside of Washington, DC.

Nearly 70 F-16s set to transform Romania’s regional might soon

04/07/2025

Romania takes a significant step toward bolstering its air force capabilities as reports emerged from the Romanian outlet Defense Romania that the Netherlands is engaged in discreet negotiations to permanently transfer a fleet of F-16 fighter jets to the Eastern European nation by the end of the year.

After Brazil and Colombia, Saab eyes Peru’s Gripen order

04/07/2025

Although a contract does not yet exist, Saab is optimistic about the conclusion of the sale of Gripen E fighters to Colombia. Recently, the company’s CEO, Micael Johansson, was in the country alongside President Gustavo Petro during the announcement of the choice of the aircraft to replace the old IAI Kfir. After several years of evaluations, the Colombian government is expected to order up to 24 Gripen E jets, putting an end to uncertainties regarding the country’s air defense.

Defence Minister: Bulgaria’s second F-16 will arrive at end of April or early May

04/07/2025

The Bulgarian Air Force’s second F-16 multi-role fighter jet will arrive in the country at the end of April or in early May, Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov told public broadcaster Bulgarian National Television’s weekly Panorama programme.

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