2/15/2026

Chinese fighter jets in 800-meter range tangle with foreign stealth aircraft, PLA claims

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) claims that one of its fighter jets was able to radar-lock a “foreign” stealth aircraft at close range. Initially reported by the PLA Daily (China’s official military paper), the incident reportedly occurred at a distance of 2,624 feet (800 meters).

2/15/2026

Why Is Russia Amassing Su-57 Felon Fighters Near the Chinese Border?

Reports online indicate that the Russian Aerospace Forces have massed most of its Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO reporting name “Felon”) fifth-generation fighter fleet at Dzyomgi Air Base in the Khabarovsk region of Russia’s Far East, approximately 280 kilometers (174 miles) from the border with Manchuria (Heilongjiang). Satellite imagery shared by OSINT air analyst AviVector on social media showed multiple Su-57s at the remote facility.

2/15/2026

Counting military pilots, not fighter jets: The hidden metric behind US air power dominance

Few air forces list their military pilot strengths, so estimating the number is difficult and requires estimates, sometimes broad estimates. But when doing so, an unmistakable picture of the US dominance emerges.

2/14/2026

Belgium wants additional F-35 jets to be ‘as European as possible,’ says defense minister

As part of discussions between Belgium and US giant Lockheed Martin for a potential deal covering 11 additional F-35A fifth-generation fighter jets, Brussels is pushing hard for hefty domestic industrial returns, according to the country’s defense minister.

2/14/2026

U.S. Marine Corps details 2026 aviation plan, sets final AV-8 Harrier flight for June 3 at MCAS Cherry Point

The U.S. Marine Corps has released its 2026 organizational plans, outlining future steps for its aviation branch as units transition to new combat platforms and retire legacy aircraft. As part of an intensive modernization effort across the armed forces, the Corps will phase out the AV-8 Harrier vertical takeoff aircraft, which will fully give way this year to the F-35B.

2/14/2026

Saudi Arabia’s Aging F-15 Eagle Fighters Could Get a Huge New Upgrade Soon

Even as one door has closed for aerospace giant Boeing in recent weeks, another has opened. Only days after Indonesia announced it would not proceed with a deal to acquire the F-15ID variant of Boeing’s upgraded F-15EX Eagle II twin-engine multi-role fighter, reports circulated that Saudi Arabia had expressed interest in the aircraft instead. Riyadh has been a loyal customer of Boeing for many years.

2/14/2026

KAAN's crossroads: Saudi Arabia to choose between buying 20 jets or building them

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is in the "final stages" of negotiations with Saudi Arabia over the kingdom's potential participation in Türkiye's next-generation KAAN fighter program, with a decision expected this year, the company's CEO told Breaking Defense on Feb. 12. "It is in the final stages of decision-making process," Turkish Aerospace Industries General Manager Mehmet Demiroglu said at World Defense Show (WDS) 2026.

2/14/2026

Air Force Working with Collins, Shield AI to Build Autonomy Software for CCAs

The Air Force is working with Collins Aerospace and Shield AI to develop the software Collaborative Combat Aircraft will use to fly missions alongside manned fighters, the service revealed Feb. 12—and drone-maker General Atomics was quick to announce it has already flown its YFQ-42A aircraft with Collins’ system.

2/14/2026

Canada Pays for F-35 Long-Lead Items Despite Ongoing Fighter Jet Review

Canada has reportedly begun making payments for “long-lead items” tied to 14 additional F-35 fighter jets despite a contract review triggered by US trade tensions and sovereignty concerns. The purchases involve key components that must be ordered before the delivery of a fully assembled aircraft and were made to ensure that Ottawa maintains its place in the long queue for the stealth aircraft, according to unnamed sources quoted by CBC News.

2/13/2026

Swedish Air Force to deploy Gripen fighters to NATO’s Arctic Sentry operation in High North

Sweden will contribute JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft to the newly established NATO operation Arctic Sentry, aimed at strengthening security in the Arctic and the High North, the Swedish Ministry of Defence said. The operation brings together ongoing and future NATO activities in the region to reinforce deterrence and stability.