US withdraws last Asia-based aircraft carrier as tensions with Iran take priority
The United States has temporarily withdrawn its last forward-deployed aircraft carrier from the Western Pacific, creating a gap in its military presence in a region where China has been steadily expanding its activities.
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U.S. Air Force plans cheaper MQ-9 Reaper successor after Iran combat use, targeting 2031 fielding and massed drone operations
The U.S. Air Force is developing a successor to the General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper after the drone played a leading combat role during Operation Epic Fury against Iran. The service wants a cheaper, modular and more easily produced aircraft that can operate in larger numbers and absorb combat losses in heavily defended airspace.
Air Force Tests Portable Ground Stations for Commanding and Controlling CCAs
The Air Force said Aug. 13 it recently tested prototypes for a portable ground station for commanding and controlling semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
KF-21 fighter to integrate a long-range South Korean air-to-air missile
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hyundai Rotem announced, on August 17, 2026, an agreement covering the development and integration of a long-range South Korean air-to-air missile on the KF-21 Boramae.
Northrop Grumman says LITENING brings fifth-generation-like sensing and networking capabilities to F-16 and other fourth-generation fighters
Northrop Grumman is positioning its LITENING targeting pod as a key part of efforts to bring fifth-generation-like capabilities to F-16s and other fourth-generation combat aircraft. The company says the approach combines advanced sensors, networking and mission-system upgrades to improve combat effectiveness and survivability against evolving threats.
Taiwan tracks 11 Chinese military aircraft and 10 ships
The Ministry of National Defense tracked 11 Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels, and two official ships between 6 a.m. on Saturday and the same time Sunday. In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems. Seven of the People’s Liberation Army aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the country’s northern and central air defense identification zones, or ADIZ, according to the ministry.
Greece Says Turkiye Is Systematically Violating Its Airspace With Drones but Fighter-Jet Interceptions Appear to Be Cost-Ineffective
Relations between Greece and Turkiye, both of which are NATO members, are once again becoming strained. Athens has reported a sharp increase in Turkish military aircraft incursions into Greek airspace. While such incidents previously involved fighter jets, Ankara is now increasingly relying on drones.
Malaysia Accelerates MRCA Plan as South China Sea Airpower Balance Shifts
South China Sea uncertainty and rapid fighter modernisation across Southeast Asia are pushing Malaysia to accelerate MRCA planning as the RMAF confronts an ageing combat fleet, widening capability pressures and a demanding two-theatre defence posture.
Qatar denies capturing three Iranian pilots after downing fighter jets
Iran has called for the release of three pilots it said were captured by Qatar after two of its fighter jets were hit by air defences during a military operation at the start of the US-Iran war. In a letter to the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Iran's Brig Gen Mohammad Bagherzadeh claimed the pilots - Javad Salehi, Abdul Majid Dashtian and Imran Behroshian - had been held captive for six months.
Spanish fighter jet downs drone breaching Romania's airspace
A Spanish fighter jet on Sunday shot down a drone that breached Romania's airspace near the border with Ukraine and Moldova, Romania's defence ministry said, in the latest incident to highlight the challenges facing NATO states bordering Ukraine.
