Air Forces (Page 4)

Latest in Air Forces

Image of a Royal Air Force Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, seen here flying over RAF Lossiemouth. In a training flight conducted over the Moray Firth a Poseidon (P-8A) aircraft operated by 120 Sqn, based at RAF Lossiemouth, dropped a recoverable exercise variant of the Mark 54 Lightweight Torpedo, simulating an attack on a submarine. At just under 3m long and 32cm in diameter, the Mk 54 torpedo is small and light enough that five can be carried in the Poseidon's internal weapons bay. the high-explosive warheads on the live torpedoes pack a devastating punch sufficient to destroy enemy submarines that the Poseidon crew can locate and track using state-of-the-art equipment. The successful release of a torpedo is the latest milestone in the rapid development of the Poseidon in RAF service. Five Poseidon MRA1s are based at RAF Lossiemouth with a further four set to be delivered by the end of this year. The station, which is situated in close proximity to one of the aircraft's most frequent area of operations, is benefiting from a multi-million pound investment programme bringing significant economic benefits to the Highlands & Islands and Morayshire communities. The Poseidon is fitted with advanced, state-of-the-art, Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare sensors which will provide global protection to UK, NATO and our Allies' submarines and warships in an increasingly dangerous world.
Royal Air Force

British P-8 Poseidon Flies Unusual Overland Mission Along Polish Border

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Posted on Sep 15, 2025

The last MC-12W Liberty turboprop surveillance aircraft under U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command's (AFSOC) umbrella have been retired.
U.S. Air Force

Last Special Operations MC-12W Surveillance Planes Retired

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 15, 2025

Royal Danish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons fly off the wing of a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force Europe 25-1 mission over the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, Nov. 15, 2024. Multinational exercises enhance interoperability with NATO forces, strengthening the collective ability to respond to global threats.
Polish Air Force

Fighters, Frigate To Help Defend Poland From Drones Under New NATO Operation

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Posted on Sep 12, 2025

We now have our first look at the U.S. Air Force's two flying B-21 Raider stealth bombers together at Edwards Air Force Base.
U.S. Air Force

Two B-21 Raider Stealth Bombers Photographed Together For The First Time

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 12, 2025

The last of the venerable Sukhoi Su-22 Fitter swing-wing strike aircraft in Europe have been officially withdrawn from service. At one time, the Su-22 was a backbone of Warsaw Pact offensive airpower on the continent, with the final examples having been flown by the Polish Air Force, which had flown these impressive jets since the first example was delivered more than 40 years ago.
Polish Air Force

Poland’s Su-22 Fitter Swing-Wing Strike Jets Pass Into History

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 11, 2025

We now have our first full look at a modified 2,000-pound-class GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition, or JDAM, optimized for use as an anti-ship munition as part of the U.S. Air Force's Quicksink program.
U.S. Air Force

USAF’s Quicksink Ship-Killing Smart Bomb Seen In Detail Like Never Before

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 10, 2025

New satellite images provided by Planet Labs shows the precision of the Israeli strike on the Hamas Qatar compound.
Israeli Air Force

Aftermath Of Israeli Strike On Qatar Compound Targeting Hamas Seen In New Satellite Imagery

By Howard Altman

Posted on Sep 10, 2025

An air-to-air view of an F-15 Eagle sent to identify an aircraft which is possibly hauling drugs as detected by the Southern Regional Operations Center. The F-15 is part of Coronet Night Hawk, an all-guard mission using F-16s or F-15s on 24-hour alert status.
U.S. Air Force

Deploying Fighter Jets To Hunt Drug Smugglers In The Caribbean Isn’t New

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Sep 10, 2025

Authorities in Poland say they have assessed that the incursions were not accidental. Polish and Dutch fighters shot down several of the intruding uncrewed aircraft.
Polish Air Force

After Unprecedented Night Of Downing Drones Over Poland, NATO Reports No Posture Changes (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 10, 2025

Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems have teamed up to develop a range of uncrewed air systems (UAS), all based on a common design, for which concept artwork has now been presented. The effort sees two of the world’s biggest defense companies joining forces, and entering a growing field of less expensive and more expendable drones and munitions.
U.S. Air Force

Lockheed Martin Joins Forces With BAE Systems On New Ultra-Adaptable Drone

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 9, 2025

A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 164th Airlift Wing, Memphis Air National Guard, Tennessee departs from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska providing airlift support for 11th Airborne Division soldiers participating in Talisman Sabre 25, July 13, 2025. Talisman Sabre 25 is a bilateral exercise with multinational participation hosted by Australia, in partnership with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The Talisman Sabre series is the principal Australian-U.S. military training activity focused on mid-intensity, high-end war fighting to ensure our forces are capable, interoperable, deployable on short notice and combat-ready.
U.S. Air Force

The Unusual Asymmetry Of The C-17 Globemaster III

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 7, 2025

Evidence has emerged that Ukraine has topped up its hard-worked fleet of MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters from a somewhat surprising source: Azerbaijan. While the number of aircraft involved is not considerable, any addition to the MiG-29 fleet will be welcome for the Ukrainian Air Force, which has also received Fulcrums donated by Poland and Slovakia and which has suffered steady attrition since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.
Ukrainian Air Force

Ukraine Now Flying Former Azerbaijani MiG-29 Fulcrum

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 4, 2025

We now have our first look at a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike actually firing air-to-air optimized variants of the laser-guided 70mm Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) rocket.
U.S. Air Force

F-15E Strike Eagle Fires Drone Killing Laser-Guided Rockets In New Images

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 4, 2025

The massive military parade in Beijing yesterday has provided us with a much closer look at some of the country’s new air combat drones, the gradual emergence of which, in the run-up to the event, prompted much discussion. Of these drones, one, in particular stands out, this being a stealthy tailless design that is also notably large, and which is overall indicative of high performance.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China Unveils Large Unmanned Stealth Fighter Design During Military Parade

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Sep 3, 2025

The U.S. Air Force's top officer in the Pacific says a key takeaway from China's huge military parade tomorrow will be that "we are not deterred."
U.S. Air Force

Top USAF General In Pacific “Not Deterred” By Drones, Missiles To Be Showcased At Huge Chinese Parade

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 2, 2025

First Look At Ukraine’s New Glide Bomb On A MiG-29
Russian Air Force

First Look At Ukraine’s New Glide Bomb On A MiG-29

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Sep 2, 2025

Yak52 drone hunters
Ukrainian Air Force

This Is How Ukrainian Yak-52 Crews Hunt Russian Drones

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 30, 2025

The U.S. Air Force is hoping to finally kick off flight testing of the new AN/APQ-188 radar for the B-52 shortly.
U.S. Air Force

B-52 Radar Upgrade Flight Testing Expected To Finally Begin Soon

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 28, 2025

YFQ-42 ‘Fighter Drone’ Collaborative Combat Aircraft Has Flown For The First Time
U.S. Air Force

YFQ-42 ‘Fighter Drone’ Collaborative Combat Aircraft Has Flown For The First Time

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 27, 2025

USAF Hopeful Second B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Will Fly Before Year End
U.S. Air Force

USAF Hopeful Second B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Will Fly Before Year End

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 27, 2025

Three nozzle binding incidents have cost the Air Force nearly $27 million.
U.S. Air Force

KC-46’s Refueling Boom “Nozzle Binding” Issues Are Costing The USAF Tens Of Millions In Damage

By Howard Altman

Posted on Aug 25, 2025

Washington has approved the transfer of thousands of Extended Range Attack Munitions (ERAM) to Ukraine, which will provide the country with a powerful new and relatively low-cost standoff strike capability, it has been reported. However, it’s unclear whether Kyiv will be able to use the new air-launched weapon to strike targets deep within Russia, with unnamed U.S. officials telling the Wall Street Journal that these are off-limits, at least for the U.S.-donated Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).
Ukrainian Air Force

Ukraine Will Receive First Of Thousands Of New U.S. Made Standoff Missiles In The Coming Weeks

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 25, 2025

The Israeli Ministry of Defense has said it will seek to buy two more Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tankers from the United States, as it invests in its fleet of inflight refueling tankers, heavily utilized in the recent campaign against Iran, as well as for other long-range combat missions. While Israel has already committed to buying four KC-46s, it currently relies on a dwindling fleet of veteran Boeing 707 tankers. The 12-day war against Iran earlier this year, in particular, led to questions about Israeli Air Force (IAF) aerial refueling capacity and the U.S. government was forced to deny that it had provided additional tanker support for the operation.
Israeli Air Force

Israel Wants More KC-46 Pegasus Tankers To Boost Overworked Aerial Refueling Fleet

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 24, 2025

Newly published footage shows an ADM-160 Miniature Air Launched Decoy (MALD) fitted to a Ukrainian Air Force Su-27 Flanker fighter. The video confirms that the store is used by both this and Ukraine’s MiG-29 Fulcrum jets and also that it is carried on the same specially adapted underwing pylon that is used for various Western-supplied guided munitions.
Ukrainian Air Force

Ukraine Shows Off ADM-160 Miniature Air Launched Decoy On Su-27

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Aug 22, 2025

A recently emerged image shows a very large, low-observable, flying-wing aircraft flying in China. While the identity of the aircraft cannot be definitively established, it matches, in many respects, the appearance of the huge drone that TWZ was first to identify in satellite imagery dating from earlier this summer, and which you can read more about here.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Large Stealth Flying Wing Aircraft Photographed Over China

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 20, 2025

F-22 Raptor stealth fighters are among a new wave of aviation assets heading to the Middle East.
U.S. Air Force

No U.S. Peacekeeping Forces On The Ground In Ukraine, Air Support Possible: Trump

By Howard Altman

Posted on Aug 19, 2025

The U.K. Royal Air Force F-35B stealth jet that was forced to make an emergency diversion to Japan last week is still there, the U.K. Ministry of Defense has told TWZ.
Royal Air Force

UK F-35B Still Stranded In Japan Is Awaiting Spare Parts

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Aug 14, 2025

Taiwan is testing a new external electronic countermeasures pod, reportedly due to be integrated on its F-CK-1 Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF). The multirole combat aircraft has undergone a comprehensive upgrade in recent years, but until now has not had anything approaching a comprehensive electronic warfare self-protection capability. This requirement is now even more urgent, as the threat from the China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) continues to grow.
Republic Of China Air Force (Taiwan)

Electronic Warfare Pod For Taiwan’s F-CK-1 Fighter Is In Testing

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Aug 14, 2025

A backseat passenger on an Air National Guard F-15 accidentally ejected while on the ground.
U.S. Air Force

F-15 Ride-Along Passenger Accidentally Ejects While On The Ground (Updated)

By Tyler Rogoway, Howard Altman

Updated on Aug 14, 2025

South Korea is looking to develop a new air-launched ballistic missile, joining a group of nations that are looking to introduce this capability, or which already have systems of this kind in operational service. If successful, the program would likely see the weapon fielded on South Korea’s locally developed KF-21 fighter jet, which you can read more about here.
Republic of Korea Air Force

South Korea Has An Air-Launched Ballistic Missile Program

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 13, 2025

Bizarre footage has emerged from Russia, showing what’s claimed to be part of an experiment to integrate a counter-uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) interceptor drone on a MiG-29 Fulcrum jet fighter. On closer inspection, the quadcopter drone is lashed to the fighter using zip ties and, even if that weren’t the case, the overall practicality of the solution is extremely questionable — to say the least.
Russian Air Force

Russian MiG-29 Fitted With An “Interceptor Drone” Is A Laughable Mess

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 11, 2025

The turboprop-powered Zlin Z-137 Agro Turbo is seen swooping low over a Ukrainian cornfield, very much its traditional operating environment. In this case, however, it sports a single R-73 air-to-air missile under each wing. The agricultural plane also appears to have received a military-style dull gray overall paint scheme, with white identification stripes on the rear fuselage to reduce the risk of ‘friendly fire.’ Details of the date and location of the video are not immediately available.
Ukrainian Air Force

Crop Duster Armed With Air-To-Air Missiles Appears In Ukraine

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 8, 2025

For all the new capabilities the B-21 Raider will bring as an individual aircraft, the U.S. Air Force's top bomber officer says he is most excited about the sheer numbers of those aircraft that are set to enter service in the coming years.
U.S. Air Force

For B-21, Quantity Is Its Most Critical Quality Top Bomber Officer Says

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 7, 2025

Cybertrucks Wanted By Air Force As Missile Targets
U.S. Air Force

Cybertrucks Wanted By Air Force As Missile Targets

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Aug 7, 2025

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has provided us with a look at the future, stealthier version of its KF-21 fighter, which is now known as the KF-21EX. Concept artwork of the refined version of the jet has been released, with internal weapons carriage being its distinguishing feature. This is part of an effort to make the KF-21 more survivable in the face of ever more capable air defense systems, although the resulting aircraft will not offer the same level of low observability as the F-35, which is also operated by South Korea.
Republic of Korea Air Force

South Korea’s KF-21 Fighter To Get Stealthier With Internal Weapons Bays

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 6, 2025

A 9th Reconnaissance Wing TU-2S Dragon Lady piloted by Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (RS) assigned flight safety officer and U-2 instructor pilot, and Lt. Col. “JETHRO”, 1st RS instructor pilot and U-2 chief pilot, lands at Beale Air Force Base (AFB), California, Aug. 1st, 2025. “ULTRALORD” and “JETHRO”’s flight took place on the 70th anniversary of the U-2’s first flight and broke the endurance records for the U-2, flying longer than 14 hours and traveled over 6,000 nautical miles. This flight tested the capabilities of the U-2 and its pilots to its limit and showcased Beale AFB’s capacity as a power projection platform to rapidly respond to adversary actions anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Frederick A. Brown)
U.S. Air Force

U-2 Pilot On What It Took To Make Record-Setting 14-Hour Flight A Reality

By Howard Altman

Updated on Aug 6, 2025

A fuel venting issue has emerged in some of the U.S. Air Force's new F-15EX Eagle II fighters, which has reportedly left them sidelined.
U.S. Air Force

F-15EX Fuel Venting Troubles Emerge, Boeing Testing Fixes

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 5, 2025

Another chinese stealthy tailless combat jet emerges.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

New Chinese Stealth Tactical Jet Breaks Cover

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Aug 5, 2025

U-2 dragon lady's 70th anniversary record setting.
U.S. Air Force

U-2 Just Set New Records On The 70th Anniversary Of Its First Flight (Updated)

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Aug 2, 2025

Some units within the U.S. Air Force's Air Combat Command (ACC) have now restricted the use of Sig Sauer M18 in the wake of a recent fatal incident.
U.S. Air Force

Sig M18 Pistol Restrictions Expand To USAF Air Combat Command Units

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 28, 2025

Russia appears to be using a new type of air-to-air missile in its war in Ukraine. Evidence is mounting that the R-77M — a significantly upgraded version of the R-77 beyond-visual-range missile known to NATO as the AA-12 Adder — is not only operational but being employed in combat. The arrival of the new weapon presents another major challenge for the Ukrainian Air Force, as well as other potential adversaries.
Russian Air Force

Signs Russia’s Using New R-77M Air-To-Air Missile In Ukraine

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 25, 2025

F-16I has taken part in all aspects of Israeli operations since the October 7th attacks.
Israeli Air Force

Israeli F-16I Navigator Opens Up About Striking Iran

By Howard Altman

Updated on Jul 25, 2025

With the U.S. Air Force's Global Strike Command (AFGSC) having instituted an indefinite “pause” on the use of Sig Sauer M18 pistols in the wake of a deadly incident at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, a question has emerged: what will the command's aircrews carry for self-defense in the meantime?
U.S. Air Force

What Gun Will Bomber Crews Fly With Now That The Sig M18 Is Pulled From Use?

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jul 24, 2025

The first Druze Israeli Air Force aviator opens up about breaking barriers.
Israeli Air Force

This F-16I Navigator Is The First Druze Aviator In Israeli Air Force History

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 23, 2025

Official roll out for first Oman Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet.
Turkish Air Force

Turkey Lines Up Eurofighter Typhoon As Its Next Fighter

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 23, 2025

U.S. Air Force's Global Strike Command (AFGSC) has ordered an indefinite "pause" in the use of M18 pistols following a recent fatal incident at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming.
U.S. Air Force

Sig M18 Pistols Pulled From Use By Air Force Global Strike Command (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 22, 2025

A Ukrainian Mirage 2000 fighter has crashed, the first loss of one of these French-donated jets.
Ukrainian Air Force

Ukraine Marks First Loss Of Mirage 2000 Fighter

By Howard Altman

Updated on Jul 22, 2025

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Thomas Clewell, 495th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, marshals an F-35A Lightning II aircraft at RAF Lakenheath, England, Nov. 19, 2024. The 495th FGS is essential to generating daily sorties, enabling pilots to train and maintain readiness to respond quickly and effectively when called upon.
U.S. Air Force

Major Indications Nuclear Bombs Are Back At USAF Air Base In England

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 21, 2025

A first rendering has been released showing the new fighter demonstrator being built in the United Kingdom as part of the Tempest next-generation air combat program. The crewed flight test vehicle, which is planned to take to the air in 2027, will feed into the design of the Tempest, which is being developed as a stealthy fighter for the U.K.’s Royal Air Force, as well as for Italy and Japan, and is expected to be in service by 2035.
Royal Air Force

This Is What The UK’s New Stealth Fighter Demonstrator Will Look Like

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 17, 2025

Israeli just bombed the Syrian Defense Ministry and presidential palace in Damascus claiming support for the Druze community in southern Syria.
Israeli Air Force

Israel Strikes At The Heart Of Syria’s Military Command In Dramatic Escalation (Updated)

By Howard Altman

Updated on Jul 16, 2025

KC-707 refueling F15 Baz.
Israeli Air Force

USAF Denies It Refueled Israel’s Fighters During War With Iran

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jul 16, 2025

Air Force KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling jets are experiencing problems with their auxiliary power units.
U.S. Air Force

KC-46 Crews Ordered To Drastically Curtail Use Of Jet’s Onboard Auxiliary Power Unit (Updated)

By Howard Altman

Updated on Jul 15, 2025

A U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II, assigned to the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., taxis on the runway after landing to participate in exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 at Andersen AFB, Guam, July 11, 2025. REFORPAC is a large-scale contingency response exercise, which prepares service members to maintain readiness and execute missions under stress.
U.S. Air Force

F-15EX Arrives In Japan For The First Time As Part Of Massive Pacific Exercise

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 15, 2025

Footage from a recent Russian bombardment of the Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi provides us with what is likely our best look so far at a Kh-101 cruise missile fitted with a cluster warhead. While Russian forces have made extensive use of a variety of cluster munitions in the conflict, resulting in many civilian deaths and serious injuries, it’s notable that the relatively high-end Kh-101 is also now being used in this capacity, suggesting it is finding favor as a terror weapon as Moscow steps up its campaign against cities across Ukraine.
Russian Air Force

Cluster Warhead Version Of Russian Kh-101 Cruise Missile Caught On Camera

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 14, 2025

Step Toward Blocking E-7 Wedgetail Radar Jet Program Cancellation Taken By Congress
U.S. Air Force

Step Toward Blocking E-7 Wedgetail Radar Jet Program Cancellation Taken By Congress

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 11, 2025

The Pentagon is waiting for comprehensive battle damage assessment to see how well the MOP worked against Iranian nuclear facilities and how it can be improved.
U.S. Air Force

GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator’s Results From Iran Strike Will Inform Its Future: Defense Officials

By Howard Altman

Updated on Jul 10, 2025

Image of HMS Vengeance returning to HMNB Clyde, after completing Operational Sea Training. The trials were conducted in Scottish exercise areas. HMS Vengeance is the fourth and final Vanguard-class submarine of the Royal Navy. Vengeance carries the Trident ballistic missile, the UK's nuclear deterrent.
French Air Force

UK And France To Join Forces For Nuclear Deterrence

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 10, 2025

An annual U.S. Navy wishlist sent to Congress reportedly includes $1.4 billion that would help keep its dreams of a next-generation carrier-based combat jet alive.
U.S. Air Force

Navy Puts Gutted F/A-XX Next Generation Fighter Program In Wishlist To Congress: Reports

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 10, 2025

The U.S. Air Force is moving ahead to add new external pylons onto its B-1B Lancer bombers after years of experimentation.
U.S. Air Force

B-1B To Finally Get New External Pylons Drastically Expanding Missile Carriage Potential (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jul 9, 2025

While the J-20S was officially unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow last year, there are rumors that it might be publicly unveiled as an operational PLAAF asset in September of this year, when the PLAAF marks the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s Two-Seat J-20 Stealth Fighter Poised To Enter Operational Service

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Jul 8, 2025

A South Korean AH-64 Apache helicopter fires rockets during a combined live-fire exercise between the South Korean and US armies at the Rodriguez Live Fire Complex in Pocheon on October 30, 2024. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP) (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)
Republic of Korea Air Force

South Korea Canceling AH-64 Apache Order A Sign Of What’s To Come

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jul 8, 2025

The unique RF-5E Tigergazer reconnaissance aircraft operated by the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) has been stood down from service. The retirement of Taiwan’s RF-5Es comes after the country bid farewell to its F-5E Tiger II fighters at the end of 2023, after almost half a century of operations. With high levels of tension between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China, the ROCAF’s future tactical reconnaissance needs will be handled by drones and pod-equipped F-16 fighters.
Republic Of China Air Force (Taiwan)

Taiwan’s RF-5 Tigergazer Reconnaissance Jets Have Retired

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 7, 2025

Chinese WIG aircraft.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s Mysterious Ekranoplan Seen In Full For First Time

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jul 5, 2025

F-22 Raptors Will Be First To Control ‘Fighter Drone’ Collaborative Combat Aircraft
U.S. Air Force

F-22 Raptors Will Be First To Control ‘Fighter Drone’ Collaborative Combat Aircraft

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jul 3, 2025