U.S. F-22 Stealth Fighters Operated Near South China Sea to Reinforce Allied Air Combat Strategy
U.S. F-22 Raptors operated from Basa Air Base in the Philippines during Cope Thunder 26-1, placing fifth-generation stealth airpower close to the South China Sea, the Luzon Strait, and the Taiwan contingency environment. The deployment strengthens forward air combat readiness as China expands military pressure across the first island chain.
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Ukraine Receives First Mobile F-16 Pilot Training Simulators
The Ukrainian Air Force has received its first mobile simulators designed to train pilots flying F-16 fighter jets. The Ministry of Defense announced the delivery. These systems are expected to make pilot training more effective and enhance the overall capabilities of Ukraine’s air force.
Hungary takes delivery of two new Gripen C fighter jets
The Hungary Defence Forces (HDF) has taken delivery of two new Gripen C fighter jets at its Kecskemét Air Base, Hungary. This is the first arrival from a February 2024 order for four additional aircraft, with another two aircraft to be delivered this summer. The new Gripen C fighter jets will be operated by the HDF’s 101st Aviation Wing, Saab said in a statement on 30 April 2026.
12,000-Hour Viper: Why The Air Force Is Giving The F-16 Fighter “F-35 Brains”
As far back as 2019, Air Force weapons developers said the fighter had received massive structural upgrades to its upper wing skin and fittings, upper and lower bulkhead, and canopy sill longeron. These adjustments extended the F-16’s service life by up to 4,000 flight hours, increasing its operational capability from 8,000 to 12,000 flight hours.
Given Many Countries Face Choice Between Swedish Gripen, American F-35, Chile Exercises Will Be Interesting in Context of These Fighters' Confrontation
Chilean Air Force from June 28 to July 12 this year in country's north will conduct Salitre 2026 multinational exercises, in which besides F-16 Block 50 fighters and American fifth-generation F-35 fighters, Brazilian F-39 Gripen E fighters will also participate, supported by Embraer KC-390 multirole aircraft.
Taiwan tracks 10 Chinese military aircraft and 12 ships
The Ministry of National Defense tracked 10 Chinese military craft, 11 naval ships, and one official ship between 6 a.m. on Tuesday and the same time Wednesday. The defense ministry reported nine of the sorties entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and eastern air defense identification zones, or ADIZ. In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor Chinese activity.
NATO looking at Canadian aircraft for its new airborne warning fleet
Canada’s aerospace industry could be in for windfall with news that NATO has selected a new fleet of airborne warning planes based on Canadian aircraft outfitted with Swedish technology. The French defence publication La Lettre and the German press agency DPA are reporting NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency selected Sweden’s Saab and Canada’s Bombardier to replace the alliance’s current fleet of U.S.-built airborne warning and control aircraft.
Chinese fighter jet sales rise after their use in India-Pakistan conflict: report
Chinese firms that manufacture fighter jets saw their sales rise after gaining prominence during last year’s India-Pakistan's conflict, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. The Chengdu-based company, China’s AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Co., said its revenue climbed to 75.4 billion yuan ($11 billion) in 2025, marking a 15.8 percent increase from the previous year, while profits rose 6.5 percent to 3.4 billion yuan, both the highest in its history.
Checkered Flag exercise returns to Tyndall, bringing joint airpower integration
The 325th Fighter Wing is set to host Checkered Flag 26-2, one of the U.S. military’s largest aerial exercises at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, April 28 – May 14, 2026. This large-scale air-to-air exercise brings together 14 units across the U.S. Air Force and Navy as they integrate fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft in a dynamic training environment aimed to enhance aviators’ and maintainers’ mobility, deployment and employment capabilities.
First USMC MQ-58 Valkyrie CCA Drones To Arrive In 2029
The U.S. Marine Corps wants to field its first conventional takeoff and landing Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones in 2029, and is also looking at the possibility of fielding similar drones with short takeoff and landing capabilities. The news comes soon after the service outlined its plans for Kratos’ XQ-58 Valkyrie, and potentially other CCAs, to be paired with its F-35s as a “bridge” to an entire family of next-generation air combat capabilities, which could include a sixth-generation crewed fighter. You can read more about the implications of that in our previous coverage.
