China rolls out first stealth fighter built for export, widening options for African countries beyond U.S. F-35 and Russian Su-57 jets
China has unveiled its first stealth fighter built specifically for export, a development that could widen fifth-generation fighter jet options for African countries beyond America’s Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57.
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Why Russia Built a Two-Seat Su-57 While America Never Needed One for the F-22 or F-35
Russia has officially presented a two-seat version of its Su-57 fighter jet, designated the Su-57D, marking the first known trainer-combat variant developed for an aircraft Moscow classifies as a fifth-generation fighter. According to Defense Express on May 20, Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) released official footage and images of the aircraft after earlier photos circulating online had been dismissed by some Russian commentators as fake.
Report to Congress on U.S. Aircraft Combat Losses in Operation Epic Fury
The following is the May 13, 2026, Congressional Research Service report, U.S. Aircraft Combat Losses in Operation Epic Fury: Considerations for Congress. On February 28, 2026, the United States, in coordination with Israel, initiated military operations against Iran under the designation Operation Epic Fury (OEF). The conflict has involved air, maritime, and missile combat engagements across the Middle East. The pace of combat activity declined amid a ceasefire in April. Within weeks, some strikes resumed, and conditions remain fluid.
Pentagon Warned Trump: Iran Can Now Track U.S. Fighter Jets as Russian-Backed Air Defense Shift Threatens American Air Dominance
Classified Pentagon assessments reportedly warned that Iranian forces significantly improved their ability to detect and anticipate American combat aircraft operations, raising strategic concerns that Russian intelligence support and battlefield adaptation may be reshaping future U.S. airpower assumptions across the Middle East.
U.S. Department of State approves possible $236 million Joint Strike Missile sale to Belgium for F-35A fleet
The U.S. State Department has approved Belgium’s request for a possible purchase of AGM-184 Joint Strike Missiles for its Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II multirole combat aircraft. The proposed package has a maximum estimated value of $236 million.
NATO fighter downs drone over Estonia in second Baltic incursion in 48 hours
One of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing fighter jets shot down an intruding drone over Lake Võrtsjärv in southern Estonia on May 19, 2026, after the Estonian Defense Forces issued an air threat alert covering six counties. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said debris fell on land near the village of Kablaküla, close to Põltsamaa, with no civilian damage reported.
The rising cost of Operation Epic Fury: US aircraft losses could hit $7bn
The US has lost billions of dollars of aircraft so far during its Operation Epic Fury (OEF) in Iran, according to a recently published Defence and Intelligence report prepared for Congress. The report lists 42 fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft, including uncrewed aircraft (drones), that were reportedly lost or damaged in OEF, based on news reports and statements from the Department of Defence and US Central Command (CENTCOM).
Marine Corps to Retire Hornet Fleet by 2030 in Shift to All F-35 Fighters
A recent Marine administrative message (MARADMIN) confirmed the service will fully phase out the F/A-18 Hornet by 2030 while pushing Marines in Hornet-related maintenance fields to transition into F-35 specialties and other critical aviation jobs. The transition has been underway for years, but recent Marine Corps planning documents and force restructuring announcements show the service is now entering the final stages of consolidating tactical aviation almost entirely around the F-35B and F-35C Lightning II platforms.
Indonesia’s Rafale Power Shift: Prabowo Unveils New Air Combat Shield as Jakarta Quietly Rewrites Southeast Asia’s Military Balance
President Prabowo Subianto’s public handover of Rafale fighters, Meteor missiles, A400M transports and advanced surveillance systems signals more than military modernization, revealing a calculated effort to reshape Indonesia’s strategic posture across Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.
Germany orders more Kongsberg Joint Strike Missiles for its future F-35A Lightning II fighter jet fleet
Germany has signed a follow-on contract with Kongsberg for additional Joint Strike Missiles intended for its future F-35A Lightning II fighter fleet. The May agreement is valued at about NOK 3.5 billion and continues Berlin’s procurement of the Norwegian-made strike missile.
