2/23/2026 The future of the Argentine Air Force’s A-4AR fighter-bombers: between doubts, certainties, and uncertainty heading into 2026  Nearly two years after their last flight, the future of the Argentine Air Force’s A-4AR Fightinghawk fighter-bombers continues to raise questions amid postponed decisions, budgetary constraints, and growing expectations over time. With the objective of restoring 18 aircraft, current planning aims to preserve the aerospace operational capability of the V Air Brigade, based in Villa Reynolds, San Luis. |
2/23/2026 Airbus Lacks Independent 4th-Gen Fighter Capability, Yet Claims Readiness for Solo 6th-Gen Development .jpg) The European aerospace giant, Airbus, stated its readiness for any potential bifurcation of the joint German-French-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project into two separate aircraft. The company claims it could independently realize a sixth-generation fighter if necessary, despite currently producing fourth-generation platforms only through international cooperation. |
2/23/2026 Lockheed Martin highlights ASCO Canada’s manufacturing role in F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter program  Lockheed Martin has spotlighted the contribution of Canadian industry to the F-35 program, highlighting the role of ASCO Aerospace Canada in producing complex machined parts. Approximately 30 Canadian companies are currently supplying specialized parts, technology or equipment for the F-35, described as the most advanced, connected and combat-proven fighter aircraft in production. |
2/22/2026 While it has yet to decide between the F-16 Block 70, the Gripen E, or the Rafale, Peru has authorized the first funds for the purchase of new multirole fighters  The Peruvian government has taken a new step toward modernizing the combat aviation branch of the Peruvian Air Force (FAP) by authorizing the first funds allocated for the acquisition of new multirole fighters, in a process that has yet to determine whether it will select the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70, the Saab Gripen E, or the Dassault Rafale. |
2/22/2026 F-16s Heading To Middle East Equipped With Angry Kitten Electronic Warfare Pods  A group of Block 52 F-16CJ Vipers belonging to the South Carolina Air National Guard was recently spotted heading east across the Atlantic as part of a huge build-up of U.S. forces ahead of potential strikes on Iran. Each of the Vipers was notably seen carrying an Angry Kitten pod, a new electronic warfare system that helps defend against anti-air threats, and that may now be headed for its first use in real combat. |
2/22/2026 Another Tejas light combat aircraft lost in accident, pilot safe  The Indian Air Force's Tejas fighter jet fleet is under scrutiny following a recent crash during landing. This marks the third significant incident involving the aircraft, with the pilot escaping unharmed but the jet sustaining severe damage. Investigations are underway as the Air Force awaits delayed deliveries of an upgraded variant. |
2/22/2026 Doomsday Planes, J-20s & F-22s: The Iran Escalation Explained  Iran is currently on the edge as a new phase of escalation takes shape through aircraft movements and deployment patterns. This shift is not a matter of speeches but the quiet geometry of power projection across the region. Satellite imagery has recently identified the presence of the Ilyushin IL-80, often called Russia’s “doomsday aircraft”. This plane serves as an airborne command post built for survivability during high-intensity conflict. |
2/22/2026 Amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge achieves milestone as F-35B Lightning II jets conduct first flight operations  Sailors assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) marked a significant milestone this week when F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters from Marine Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 542 landed on the ship’s flight deck on February 10, 2026. The event represents the first time F-35B Lightning IIs have conducted operations aboard Kearsarge. |
2/21/2026 US F-16's and Chinese Fighters Engage in Brief Aerial Standoff Over Yellow Sea  US fighter jets stationed in South Korea and aircraft from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were involved in a brief aerial standoff over the Yellow Sea earlier this week, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency on February 20. The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 18, when several US Air Force F-16s operating from Osan Air Base in western South Korea were conducting routine training flights over international waters. |
2/21/2026 As aging Air Force AWACS heads to Middle East, where is its replacement?  When Air Force E-3 Sentry aircraft arrived in the Middle East this week, it marked the latest chapter in a nearly 50-year flying history for the venerable jets. Better known as AWACS, for Airborne Warning and Control System, the E-3s play a crucial role as eyes in the sky and command and control platforms for U.S. and allied aircrews in combat zones around the world. |