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Air (Page 2)

Latest in Air

A pair of previously unseen missiles slung beneath the wings of a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Mitsubishi F-2 fighter underscores the progress Tokyo is making on expanding its long-range strike arsenal. While the weapon has not been officially identified, its size, configuration, and timing strongly suggest it could be the air-launched version of Japan’s new Type 25 Surface-to-Ship Missile (25SSM).
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Japanese F-2 Fighter Appears With New Large Stealth Cruise Missile Under Its Wings

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 30, 2026

The U.S. Air Force says a prototype jet engine developed under the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program could be ready for integration onto an actual aircraft in 2030.
F-47

Will The F-47 Have To Fly Initially With Inferior Engines?

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 29, 2026

Rolls-Royce delivering critical propulsion milestones and utilising lessons learnt through the Orpheus demonstrator to progress the design of the GCAP engine demonstrator.
Fighters

Singapore Reportedly Looking Toward 6th Gen Fighter Future With Interest In GCAP Program

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 29, 2026

The U.S. Marine Corps just received the last of its 359 MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.
MV-22

USMC Just Took Delivery Of Its Last MV-22 Osprey

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 28, 2026

China's DF-41 nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles are seen during a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on October 1, 2019, to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. (Photo by GREG BAKER / AFP) (Photo by GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images)
Air

A Guide To China’s Growing Long-Range Nuclear Missile Arsenal 

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 28, 2026

Boeing has taken a fresh $280 million loss on work to deliver two newly converted and fully equipped VC-25B Air Force One presidential aircraft to the U.S. Air Force.
Air Force One

Boeing Has Now Eaten $3B In Air Force One Cost Overruns

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 28, 2026

The U.S. Air Force is "threaded in tight" with the work Australians are doing with the MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed aircraft, according to the service's top officer in the Pacific.
MQ-28

Australian MQ-28 Ghost Bat Fighter Drones Could Be Commanded By U.S. Pilots

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 27, 2026

Aerostar High-Altitude Balloons Being Turned Into Drone Motherships
Unmanned

Aerostar High-Altitude Balloons Being Turned Into Drone Motherships

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 27, 2026

BARB is a robot that helps build Pratt & Whitney engines.
Air

Meet BARB, The Robot That’s A Glimpse At Future Jet Engine Assembly

By Hope Hodge Seck

Posted on Jul 26, 2026

Unlike artist’s renderings, which offer few clues about scale, the factory-floor photograph includes technicians, assembly tooling, work platforms, and production fixtures that immediately provide useful reference points. Even allowing for perspective effects, the demonstrator’s center fuselage appears exceptionally broad and deep, giving the aircraft a physical presence that is difficult to appreciate in computer-generated imagery.
Fighters

More Of The UK’s Stealth Fighter Demonstrator Revealed In New Images

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 24, 2026

An agreement to ramp up production of the B-21 Raider was indeed structured to open the door to orders for more of the bombers, according to prime contractor Northrop Grumman.
B-21

Pathway To Larger B-21 Raider Fleet Was Baked Into Production Ramp-Up Deal

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 24, 2026

Helicopter take centerstage in Navy sinkex in the pacific.
AH-64

Helicopters Just Took Center Stage In Rim Of The Pacific Sinking Exercises

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 23, 2026

Two EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare jets arrived at RAF Fairford amid a new buildup of U.S. forces as tensions with Iran mount.
U.S. Air Force

EA-37Bs Arrive At RAF Fairford As Iran Threatens To Attack The UK Air Base

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 23, 2026

Operational and test units are laying the groundwork for F-15EXs to also take on air-to-ground missions.
F-15

Air-To-Ground Capabilities Are Already Creeping Into The F-15EX’s Mission Set

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 22, 2026

A Ukrainian F-16 has shot down a Russian fighter jet for the first time, according to the highest-ranking U.S. military officer. If confirmed, it would represent a significant development in the air war over Ukraine.
F-16

Ukrainian F-16 Scored First Air-To-Air Kill Against A Russian Fighter: Top U.S. General

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 22, 2026

Farnborough International Airshow, 2026 Combat Air launch Client : BAE Systems Picture date: Tuesday July 21, 2026
Collaborative Combat Aircraft

Brontanax Fighter Drone Is The UK’s Big Leap Into Collaborative Combat Aircraft

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 22, 2026

BAE Systems is exploring how the Eurofighter Typhoon could control uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) as part of a broader effort to introduce new capabilities for the jet. The company is currently pursuing concepts to integrate CCAs with the Typhoon to expand ‘combat mass’ and better address emerging threat environments. Ultimately, however, the experience gained here will be ported over to the future Tempest combat jet — designed to work closely with drone from the outset.
Collaborative Combat Aircraft

Typhoons Paired With CCA Fighter Drones Armed With Meteor Missiles Eyed By UK

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 21, 2026

Anduril's YFQ-44A heads to creech for CCA ACE testing.
Collaborative Combat Aircraft

Fury Loyal Wingman Arrives At Creech AFB For Agile Combat Deployment Trials

By Tyler Rogoway, Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 21, 2026

A new hybrid-electric heavy-lift cargo drone has been unveiled by the defense arm of U.S. company Beta Technologies.
Helicopters

MV250 Hybrid-Electric VTOL Combat Cargo Drone Unveiled

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 21, 2026

The U.S. Air Force's new VC-25B Bridge aircraft will receive additional upgrades that will result in its capabilities being "maxed out," according to President Donald Trump.
Air Force One

New VC-25B Air Force One Will Be Pulled From Service To Be “Maxed Out” With Upgrades

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 20, 2026

Anduril has revealed a new hybrid-electric-powered tiltrotor combat drone called Thunder, which it has developed in partnership with Archer Aviation.
Loyal Wingman

Anduril Brings The Thunder With Autonomous Tiltrotor Attack Drone Concept

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 20, 2026

Jordan base targeted by Iran.
U.S. Air Force

Two U.S. Troops Killed In Iranian Barrage On Base In Jordan (Updated)

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 18, 2026

The U.S. is sending more aircraft to the Middle East amid increasing fighting with Iran.
U.S. Air Force

U.S.-Iran Fight Heats Up With Mutual Strikes On Infrastructure Targets

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 17, 2026

The U.K. Royal Air Force has launched a new collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) program, named Storm Fighter, reviving a British push into the autonomous ‘loyal wingman’ arena as the service seeks to build what officials describe as “Europe’s first sixth-generation air force.” The announcement, made by a senior government official today, marks a renewed effort to field uncrewed combat aircraft designed to operate alongside crewed combat jets after earlier British CCA initiatives lost momentum.
Collaborative Combat Aircraft

UK Unveils Storm Fighter Loyal Wingman Program

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 16, 2026

The U.S. Navy is envisioning a future force of carrier-based uncrewed aircraft capable of attacking enemy forces at least 1,000 nautical miles away from the ship.
Collaborative Combat Aircraft

Navy Wants 1,000 Mile Combat Radius For Carrier Based Tactical Drone Fleets

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 16, 2026

Saudi Arabia has been cleared for a $2 billion deal to buy up to 20,000 APKWS II systems.
Royal Saudi Air Force

Saudis Cleared To Buy A Whopping 20,000 Laser-Guided Rockets

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 16, 2026

F-35A will be bought by UK's RAF for training.
F-35

UK “Did Not Buy” F-35A For Nuclear Role: RAF

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 15, 2026

Anduril's YFQ-44A Fury Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone has live-fired a munition for the first time in a test conducted from Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Collaborative Combat Aircraft

YFQ-44A Fury ‘Fighter Drone’ Has Fired Its First AIM-120 AMRAAM Missile

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 15, 2026

How many J-20s does china have?
J-20

How Many J-20 Mighty Dragon Fighters Does China Actually Have?

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Jul 15, 2026

The Pentagon has reached new framework agreements with three defense contractors as part of a strategy to acquire thousands of lower-cost air-launched cruise missiles in the coming years.
U.S. Air Force

USAF Plans To Buy 28,000 Low-Cost Cruise Missiles In Five Years Advance With New Deals

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 15, 2026

Israel is restricting the number of U.S. Air Force refueling tankers at Ben Gurion International Airport.
KC-135

Will USAF Tankers Getting The Boot From Israel’s Biggest Airport Impact Combat Capabilities?

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 14, 2026

Trump’s Threat To Strike Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain Bunker’s “Front Door” Underscores Targeting Challenges
Bunker Busters

Trump’s Threat To Strike Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain Bunker’s “Front Door” Underscores Targeting Challenges

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 14, 2026

Canada’s Bombardier Defense announced today that its Global 6500 had been selected for South Korea’s second special mission aircraft program. The aircraft have been acquired by Korean Air, which will modify them for the electronic warfare role. Specifically, these will be standoff jammer (SOJ) aircraft, intended to disrupt enemy electromagnetic signals from a safe distance.
Republic of Korea Air Force

South Korea To Get Huge Electronic Attack Boost With Global 6500 Jammer Jets

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 14, 2026

The Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), the French government defense procurement and technology agency, announced the successful integration of the 68mm laser-guided rockets on the Rafale. The tests began in February.
Rafale

Rafale Fighter Adds Cheap Drone Killing Rocket To Its Armory

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 13, 2026

The U.S. Army has announced that its future fleet of ME-11B High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) aircraft will be based at Fort Hood in Texas.
Q-1

New Jets, Drones Will Transform Fort Hood Into Army’s Aerial Intel Hub

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 13, 2026

Ukraine says it has attacked nearly 50 ships in the Sea of Azov over the past five days.
Unmanned

Ukraine Claims Scores Of Russian Ships Struck In Sea Of Azov

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 11, 2026

The U.S. Air Force has officially decided that the B-21 Raider will be flown by a crew consisting of two pilots, just like the B-2 is today.
B-21

USAF Decides Against Flying B-21 Raiders With Just One Pilot

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 10, 2026

The U.S. Navy is evaluating new ways to ensure it can still conduct carrier landing touch-and-go training, at least in the virtual realm, as it moves ahead with plans to replace its T-45 Goshawk fleet.
T-45

Carrier Qualifications Still Happening For A Few Navy Fighter Pilots In Training

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 10, 2026

Russian Ilyushin Il-76, carrying the first batch of equipment of S-400 missile defense system, arrives at Murted Air Base in Ankara, Turkey on July 12, 2019 as S-400 hardware deployment started. Following protracted efforts to purchase an air defense system from the U.S. with no success, Ankara signed the supply contract in April 2017 to purchase the Russian S-400s.
F-35

Russia Confirms Talks With Turkey Over Fate Of S-400s Amid F-35 Push

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 10, 2026

Ten F-22 Raptors arrived at RAF Fairford on Friday from Ovda Air Base in Israel, where they took part in Operation Epic Fury.
F-22

F-22 Raptors Arrive In England After Deployment To Israel For Iran War

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 10, 2026

Apparently for the first time, an image has appeared showing a Chinese J-15T carrier-based fighter launching while carrying four anti-ship missiles. The photo offers the clearest indication so far that China’s rapidly evolving carrier force is overcoming one of its longstanding operational constraints: getting heavily loaded strike fighters airborne from its flattops.
Flankers

Chinese J-15 Fighter Seen Launching From A Carrier With Four Anti-Ship Missiles For First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 9, 2026

Why Does The F-47’s Design Look So Different Than What Many Expected?
F-47

Why Does The F-47’s Design Look So Different Than What Many Expected?

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 9, 2026

President Donald Trump has left Turkey on an older VC-25A Air Force One jet. The U.S. Air Force’s new VC-25B Bridge aircraft had brought Trump to that country yesterday for the NATO Summit, but left without him on board earlier today.
Air Force One

Trump Unexpectedly Swaps New Air Force One Jet For Old In Sudden Trip To British Base

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 8, 2026

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Porter (DDG 78), front, USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), USS Carney (DDG 64) and USS Ross (DDG 71) are moored at Naval Station Rota, Spain.
U.S. Air Force

What The U.S. Military Could Lose If Trump Cuts Off Trade With NATO Ally Spain

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 8, 2026

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) says low availability of unnamed "legacy" aircraft has created hurdles for flight testing of the new AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear-armed cruise missile. The B-52 is the only platform known to be involved in this effort.
B-52

Poor B-52 Readiness Creating Testing Challenges For New AGM-181A Nuclear Cruise Missile

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 7, 2026

The next NATO airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform will be Saab’s GlobalEye, as announced today during the alliance’s summit in Ankara, Turkey. The decision to buy up to 10 GlobalEyes for NATO comes after Sweden, France, and Canada all selected the platform, and amid a flurry of new orders for military equipment as part of a wider alliance defense spending drive.
Airborne Radar

NATO Picks Saab GlobalEye To Replace Aging E-3 AWACS Fleet

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 7, 2026

President Donald Trump announced that he will build a granite helipad on the South Lawn to protect it from the intense exhaust heat and rotor wash of the VH-92A "Marine One" helicopter.
VH-92

VH-92 Patriot Getting Granite White House Helipad Will Finally Allow VH-3D Sea King To Retire

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 7, 2026

NASA-affiliated aircraft, including F-5 Tiger IIs jets, will kick off roughly seven hours of flyovers above Washington, D.C., to mark the Fourth of July.
U.S. Air Force

This Is The Massive Aerial Armada That Is About To Fly Over The Capital

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 3, 2026

The search is on for a missing crewmember after an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter crashed into the Arabian Sea.
MH-60/AH-60

U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk Goes Down In Arabian Sea (Updated)

By Howard Altman

Updated on Jul 3, 2026

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) says concerns it raised last year about the U.S. Navy's E-130J Phoenix II program "have morphed into realities."
C-130

Navy’s New ‘Doomsday Plane’ Delayed As Watchdog Says Developmental Concerns Are Now Realities

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 2, 2026

RAF LAKENHEATH drone incursions were done by the Russians according to new report.
Air Forces

Russia “Highly Likely” Behind Drone Incursions Over U.S. Bases In England Report Concludes

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 2, 2026

The U.S. Navy has confirmed that it is at least exploring an alternative to the still-in-development AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER).
AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM)

Navy Already Looking For Alternatives To Its Brand New AARGM-ER Radar Busting Missile (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 2, 2026

MQ-28 and Strike Eagle II
MQ-28

F-15EX And Ghost Bat Team Up Over Pacific During Valiant Shield

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 2, 2026

B-52s departed RAF Fairford after deployment for Iran war.
B-52

B-52 Stratofortress Bombers Leave England After Iran War Deployment

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 2, 2026

Imagery has recently appeared showing a Russian Sukhoi Su-57 Felon fighter with an unusual external weapons load of short-range air-to-air missiles, as well as an apparently previously unseen type of targeting pod. While we cannot say for sure, we may just have gotten our first close look at a Su-57 equipped to counter the Ukrainian kamikaze drones that are now a regular menace to air defenses increasingly deep inside Russia.
Su-57

New Su-57 Weapons Configuration Points To Drone And Cruise Missile Defense Mission

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 1, 2026

A B-21 Raider rejoins with a KC-135 Stratotanker. The B-21 program exemplifies the Department of the Air Force's warfighting-focused acquisition mindset, leveraging digital engineering and modern production to deliver a mature, highly capable system at speed. The B-21's efficiency and flexibility will provide a survivable, unpredictable deterrent force, forming the backbone of America’s future bomber force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Schannuth, image altered for security)
B-21

B-21 Raider Not Appearing In Any America 250 Flyovers, Air Force Confirms

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 1, 2026

3D-Printing Engines To Power Hypersonic Weapons Is Fast Becoming A Reality

3D-Printing Engines To Power Hypersonic Weapons Is Fast Becoming A Reality

By Jamie Hunter

Posted on Jul 1, 2026

President Donald Trump is flying on the U.S. Air Force's new VC-25B Bridge jet for the first time.
Air Force One

VC-25B Bridge Aircraft Makes First Flight As Air Force One With Trump Aboard

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 1, 2026

Swedish defense firm Saab today announced that it had signed a contract to provide 16 Gripen E fighters to Ukraine. Once they arrive in the country, the jets will likely provide Ukraine with its most capable combat aircraft, and the development comes after Stockholm agreed to donate up to 16 of the previous-generation Gripen C/Ds to Ukraine. Handover of the Gripen C/Ds in Ukraine is slated to take place in early 2027, while the Gripen Es are scheduled for delivery starting in 2029.
Gripen

Gripen E Fighters Officially Ordered By Ukraine

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 30, 2026

Uncrewed systems will be at the heart of the UK Armed Forces in the future, under a more than $6.6-billion initiative that looks to transform all three services and the way they fight. Most dramatically, the new defense plan will see the Royal Navy switch to a “hybrid” format, with autonomous vessels and AI combined with crewed warships and aircraft. But there are equally far-reaching measures set to reconfigure the British Army and Royal Air Force (RAF) around uncrewed and autonomous capabilities.
Royal Air Force

UK Sacrifices Its Future Destroyer As Part Of Massive Bet On Drones Across Its Forces

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 30, 2026

Poland has halted the transfer of additonal MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters to Ukraine over claims that Kyiv would not provide Warsaw with drone technology.
MiG-29

MiG-29 Transfer To Ukraine Halted By Poland Over Claimed Drone Snub

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 30, 2026

Integration of the AGM-158C offers a huge boost in capability for the B-2, creating a penetrating fleet-killing platform that could be especially valuable in a future high-end fight in the Pacific against China.
B-2

Air Force Discloses B-2 Can Launch Stealth Anti-Ship Missiles In Surprise Announcement

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 30, 2026

A C-2A Greyhound, attached to the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40, approaches Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) while making the last ever arrested landing by a Greyhound on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Ocean, June 25, 2026. Nimitz is underway taking part in Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250, a series of structured multilateral training events at-sea, aimed at building cohesiveness, validating tactical procedures, and strengthening the interoperability of participating units—which include warships, aircraft, and crews from the U.S. and 13 partner and allied nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter K. McHaddad)
C-2

The C-2 Greyhound Has Made Its Last Landing Aboard A Carrier

By Howard Altman

Updated on Jun 29, 2026

The images of T-1 Nimitz still underscore just how big even the demonstrator design is compared to other aircraft in the Navy's carrier air wings.
MQ-25

MQ-25 Stingray Demonstrator Goes Aboard USS Nimitz For 250th U.S. Anniversary Celebrations

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 29, 2026