Air (Page 3)

Latest in Air

Jordan, where U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles are base, says the U.S. cannot launch an attack from its country.
U.S. Air Force

Washington-Tehran Talks Planned As U.S. Military Buildup Continues

By Howard Altman

Posted on Feb 3, 2026

KestrelX KX-2s flew to simulate drone threats at Sentry Savannah exercise.
Air Combat Exercises

These Planes Are Mimicking Enemy Shahed-136 Drones In U.S. Military War Games

By James Deboer

Posted on Feb 2, 2026

The U.S. Air Force has released details of a live-fire test of the Rusty Dagger, one of two new Extended Range Attack Munitions (ERAM) being developed under a crash program. The milestone suggest that Ukraine is a step closer to getting its hands on thousands of air-launched ERAMs that will provide the country with a powerful new and relatively low-cost standoff strike capability. The event is also significant in terms of the Pentagon’s focus on rapidly developing and bringing into operational service new weapons that can be built at scale.
Ukrainian Air Force

Rusty Dagger Low-Cost Cruise Missile Hits Its Target

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Feb 2, 2026

The initial production representative MQ-25 Stingray tanker drone for the U.S. Navy has completed its first low-speed taxi test.
MQ-25

MQ-25 Stingray Has Begun Taxi Tests (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 30, 2026

As both sides in the war in Ukraine continue their campaigns of long-range drone attacks, the Ukrainian government’s internal security agency has released a compilation of strikes directed against Russian airbases.
Russian Air Force

Ukrainian Drone Strikes On Parked Russian Aircraft Seen In “Greatest Hits” Video

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 30, 2026

F-35s land in the Azores.
U.S. Air Force

USAF F-35s Redeploy Across Atlantic From Puerto Rico, Final Destination Unknown

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jan 29, 2026

Lockheed Martin has offered a very rare confirmation of the RQ-170 Sentinel stealth drone's operational exploits, in this case, in support of the recent mission to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro.
RQ-170

Lockheed Confirms RQ-170 Sentinel Spy Drones Took Part In Maduro Capture Mission

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 29, 2026

The Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black and an Air Force spy plane joined a growing for in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran.
RC-135

Destroyer, Electronic Surveillance Jet Joins U.S. Forces Massing In Middle East

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jan 28, 2026

F/A-XX is critical as the Navy's "ability to fly with impunity" using non-stealthy types like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, even against smaller nation-state adversaries like Iran and non-state actors, is now "fleeting."
F/A-XX

F/A-XX Naval Fighter Needed For Adversaries Like Iran, Not Just China and Russia: Navy Boss

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 28, 2026

Boeing's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet production line is one major step closer to shuttering with the completion of the last batch of fuselage sections and vertical tails for those jets by Northrop Grumman.
EA-18G

Last New F/A-18 Aft Fuselages Built As Super Hornet Production End Approaches

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 28, 2026

A camera placed in the cockpit of a Ukrainian Air Force Su-25 Frogfoot close air support jet recorded the dramatic demise of the aircraft, after it was reportedly struck by a Russian long-range air-to-air missile. This is not the first time in the Ukrainian conflict that we’ve seen the destruction of a combat jet at such close quarters. However, with the death of the pilot confirmed by Ukrainian authorities, the footage is a sobering reminder of the huge risks faced by aircrew in some of the most lethal airspace in history.
Su-25

Ukrainian Su-25 Shoot-Down Seen In Harrowing Onboard Video

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 28, 2026

One of the most enigmatic weapons in the arsenal of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), the PL-17 very long-range air-to-air missile, appears to have been shown for the first time at close quarters.
J-20

China’s Massive PL-17 Air-To-Air Missile Seen Up Close

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 28, 2026

RF-4C Phantom reconnaissance aircraft from the 152nd Tactical Reconnaissance Group, Reno, Nev., prepare for a mission during Operation Desert Shield.
F-4

Flying F-4 Reconnaissance Phantoms Unarmed And Unafraid In Desert Storm

By James Deboer

Updated on Jan 27, 2026

A U.S. Air Force EA-37B Compass Call aircraft assigned to the 55th Electronic Combat Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, is parked at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as part of its first stop in the European theater for a scheduled road show, Jan. 26, 2026. The aircraft is also slated to visit Spangdahlem AB, Germany, and RAF Mildenhall, England, marking the platform’s introduction to Airmen, units and NATO Allies in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo)
U.S. Air Force

New EA-37B Compass Call Electronic Warfare Jet Makes Maiden Voyage To Europe

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jan 27, 2026

One of NASA's high-flying WB-57F research aircraft went skidding down the runway on its belly at Ellington Airport in Houston, Texas, today.
Air

NASA WB-57F Canberra Jet Makes Fiery Belly-Landing In Houston (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jan 27, 2026

The U.S. Air Force general who oversees America's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) force sees a long future ahead for the new LGM-35A Sentinel after it eventually enters service, but has also acknowledged challenges.
U.S. Air Force

Troubled Sentinel ICBM Program Still Being Restructured Nearly Two Years After Cost Breach

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman

Posted on Jan 27, 2026

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 912th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare to recover the second B-21 Raider to arrive for test and evaluation at Edwards AFB, Calif., Sept. 11, 2025. The arrival of a second test aircraft provides maintainers valuable hands-on experience with tools, data and processes that will support future operational squadrons. (U.S Air Force photo by Kyle Brasier)
B-21

B-21 Raider Future Insights From Global Strike Command’s Top General

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jan 27, 2026

The U.S. Air Force is in the process of taking back responsibility for the Airborne Command Post (ABNCP) mission, better known by the nickname Looking Glass.
E-6

New E-4C Doomsday Plane Could Take On Airborne ICBM Launcher Role

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman

Posted on Jan 27, 2026

The Navy is now flying F-35As for test and evaluation purposes.
F-35A

Navy Is Flying Air Force F-35A Joint Strike Fighters

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jan 27, 2026

NASA’s newest F-15Ds arrived at the Armstrong Flight Research Center late last month.
F-15

Legacy F-15 Eagles Boost NASA Test Fleet

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 24, 2026

Anduril's bolt-m drone that will be used by the USMC
Loitering Munitions

Inside Anduril’s Bolt-M Kamikaze Drone Program

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jan 23, 2026

A new defense spending bill making its way through Congress would add $240 million to the U.S. Army's budget for the purchase of more MQ-1C Gray Eagle drones.
Q-1

MQ-1C Drones The Army Has Called “Obsolete” Added In New Budget Plan By Congress

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 22, 2026

Australia has taken the next step in its wide-ranging program to overhaul its air force with the arrival of its first MC-55A Peregrine. The platform, configured for “airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare” (AISREW), is a highly modified version of the Gulfstream G550 business jet, an increasingly popular choice for adaptation for these kinds of specialist missions.
Royal Australian Air Force

Australia Just Took Delivery Of One Of Its Most Powerful Weapons

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 22, 2026

President Donald Trump has brought up the possibility of changing the designation of the U.S. Air Force's F-47 sixth-generation stealth fighter if the program gets to a point where "I don't like it."
F-47

Possible Change To F-47 6th Generation Fighter’s Designation Raised By Trump

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 21, 2026

A new draft defense spending bill making its way through Congress seeks to boost funding for the U.S. Air Force's E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft to $1.1 billion for the current fiscal year.
E-7

E-7 Wedgetail Radar Jet The Pentagon Tried To Cancel Gets Over $1B In New Defense Bill

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 21, 2026

P-8 Poseidon flew over the college national championship to protect the president.
P-8

Navy P-8 Poseidon Used For Rare Presidential Combat Air Patrol Mission

By Howard Altman

Updated on Jan 20, 2026

The House and Senate Appropriations Committees have negotiated a draft defense spending bill that includes nearly $900 million for the U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX next-generation carrier-based combat jet program.
F/A-XX

F/A-XX Naval Fighter Rescued From Purgatory In New Defense Spending Bill

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 20, 2026

With much of the world’s attention on the growing rift between the United States, Denmark, and its allies over Greenland, the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) became the latest NATO operator to retire the iconic F-16 fighter.
F-16

Denmark Retires F-16 After More Than Four Decades Of Service

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 19, 2026

The U.S. Army has confirmed to TWZ that it plans to start fielding its new MV-75 tiltrotors in 2027.
Future Vertical Lift

Army Punches Its MV-75 Tiltrotor Program Into Overdrive

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman

Posted on Jan 16, 2026

An Israeli CH-53 Sea Stallion military helicopter transporting the released Israeli hostages formerly held captive in Gaza since the 2023 October 7 attacks by Palestinian militants is pictured above the helipad at Sheba Tel-HaShomer Medical Centre in Ramat Gan on October 13, 2025.
UH-60

Israeli CH-53 Dropping Stricken UH-60 During Sling-Load Mishap Caught On Video

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 16, 2026

F-15EX from the 142nd fighter wing roars out of pDX in a huge vapor cloud as it climbs at the end of the runway.
F-15

This Is The Greatest F-15EX Photo Yet

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jan 15, 2026

The U.S. military is looking at replacing all of the different versions of the famous Minigun in service today with a new standardized type that would be designated the GAU-24/A.
Aircraft gun systems

New Common Minigun Variant To Replace All Existing Versions Eyed By U.S.

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 15, 2026

U.S. forces were prepared to destroy three airfields if it appeared that fighters belonging to the Venezuelan Air Force were attempting to scramble and intercept the force sent to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro earlier this month.
Special Operations Aviation

U.S. Was Primed To Destroy Three Venezuelan Airfields If Fighters Attempted To Launch

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jan 15, 2026

A U.S. plane with a civilian-style outward appearance and the ability to launch munitions from within its fuselage carried out the first controversial strike on an alleged drug smuggling boat, according to multiple reports.
Air-To-Ground

Let’s Talk About The Mysterious “Civilian-Style” Plane Used To Strike A Drug Boat

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 14, 2026

The Ukrainian Armed Forces using the U.S.-made V2X Tempest, a high-mobility vehicle with a launcher for AGM-114 Hellfire missiles that is optimized for the counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) role. Mounting Hellfires on a high-mobility vehicle provides a valuable new means of employing these weapons, not only against drone threats, but potentially also other targets, too.
Ukrainian Air Force

Hellfire-Armed Drone-Killing Buggy Appears In Ukrainian Service

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jan 12, 2026

The latest iteration of Russia’s Geran long-range one-way attack drone features a jet engine and is apparently being considered for launch from aircraft, to boost its range. The new drone, apparently first used at the beginning of this year, underlines Russia’s continued development of these drones, which bear the brunt of its relentless strikes on Ukraine, which ramp up during the winter months. It further points to Russia seeking to field drones that are better able to evade Ukraine’s air defenses, which are increasingly tailored to these kinds of threats.
Su-25

Russia’s New Geran-5 Long-Range Kamikaze Drone Could Be Air-Launched

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 12, 2026

Developed during the Cold War, the Hind-G1 was a dedicated NBC reconnaissance version of the Mi-24, first flown in prototype form in 1978.
Mi-24

The Story Of Ukraine’s Rare Mi-24 Hind Radiation Detection Helicopters

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 10, 2026

Kratos has confirmed to TWZ that the landing gear-equipped version of its XQ-58 Valkyrie drone being developed for the U.S. Marines will still be able to make rocket-assisted takeoffs from static launchers.
XQ-58

Marine XQ-58 Valkyries Will Launch Via Rockets Or Runways

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jan 9, 2026

PAC JF-17 Thunder multirole combat aircraft, a fighter jet made in China and Pakistan. The Pakistani plane is painted with the country's flag as it belongs to Pakistan Air Force. The aircraft performed a flight demo, flying demonstration at the 53rd Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport in France on June 2019. The advanced and sophisticated fighter jet is developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of China.
Royal Saudi Air Force

JF-17 Thunder Fighter To Be Offered To Saudi Arabia: Report

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jan 8, 2026

Global Eye AEW for Canada.
Royal Canadian Air Force

Canadian NORAD Commander Explains Urgent Need For Better Sensing

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jan 8, 2026

The Marine Corps' pursuit of a fully missionized version of Kratos' stealthy XQ-58A Valkyrie drone has taken another step forward with a new announcement that Northrop Grumman is now aiding in the effort.
XQ-58

USMC XQ-58 Valkyrie Development Makes Leap Forward With New Contract (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 8, 2026

The Little Bird's small size and incredible transportability mean that it can appear from virtually anywhere, on land or at sea, and are among the capabilities that have long endeared the type to the U.S. Army’s elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR).
MH-6/AH-6

Night Stalker MH-6 Little Bird’s Ability To Appear Out Of Nowhere Highlighted In Tanker Raid

By Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jan 7, 2026

U.S. forces have secured the runaway Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, a U.S. official has confirmed to TWZ.
160th SOAR "Nightstalkers"

U.S. Forces Seize Fleeing Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker In North Atlantic (Updated)

By Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jan 7, 2026

Despite parallels drawn between the two operations, one asset that featured prominently in the Bin Laden mission in 2011 that looks to have been notably absent in the force that descended on Caracas over the weekend is stealthy Black Hawk helicopters.
MH-60/AH-60

Why Stealth Black Hawks Weren’t Used For Maduro Capture Mission

By Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jan 6, 2026

Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. Gen. Chris McKenna tells us how NORAD is helping defend the high north.
Royal Canadian Air Force

Canadian NORAD Commander On What It Will Take To Defend The High North

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jan 6, 2026

A newly published video interview with a Ukrainian Air Force fighter pilot sheds more light on the operations of the country’s F-16 fleet in its war with Russia. The interview with the pilot, whose name is not provided, is a rare opportunity to hear about how the Ukrainian Air Force has gone about introducing its first Western fighter jet. The Viper is now heavily engaged on various fronts, combatting cruise missiles and drones, as well as striking ground targets, including in close proximity to friendly troops.
F-16

Ukrainian F-16 Pilot’s Account Of The Challenges Of The Air War

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 6, 2026

Multiple video clips offer strong evidence that kamikaze drones were among the capabilities the U.S. military brought to bear during the operation to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro over the weekend.
Loitering Munitions

Did The U.S. Use Kamikaze Drones To Strike Venezuela?

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jan 6, 2026

Shahed-136 crashed with a shoulder-fired heat seeking missile attached.
Air

Russian Shahed-136 Kamikaze Drones Now Carrying MANPADS Missiles

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 6, 2026

U.S. Army MH-60 Black Hawks assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment approach Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic during a forward arming and refueling point exercise, MCOLF Atlantic, May 6, 2025. U.S. Army Soldiers and aircraft from the 160th SOAR utilized MCAS Cherry Point’s training area to conduct a FARP. This training is essential for enhancing the unit’s operational readiness and ensuring efficient support for rapid deployment, as Cherry Point provides the facilities and resources to simulate real world scenarios.
160th SOAR "Nightstalkers"

This Is What The Night Stalkers’ MH-60M Direct Action Penetrator Brought To The Venezuelan Op

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jan 5, 2026

A surge of aircraft from the U.S. to the U.K. has sparked speculation of a SOF aviation buildup.
AC-130

U.S. Special Ops Aircraft Arriving In UK Could Point To Looming Oil Tanker Boarding Operation

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jan 5, 2026

RQ-170 Sentinel Stealth Drone Supported Maduro Capture Mission
RQ-170

RQ-170 Sentinel Stealth Drone Supported Maduro Capture Mission

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 3, 2026

160th SOAR took part in operation to strike targets in Venezuela and capture Maduro.
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Has Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (Updated)

By Tyler Rogoway, Howard Altman Howard Altman

Updated on Jan 3, 2026

Evidence that the United States employed AGM-114 Hellfire or AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) missiles in a covert strike on a target in Venezuela has now emerged.
Q-9

Missile Fragments Add To Evidence MQ-9 Reaper Drone Carried Out Venezuela Strike

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 2, 2026

A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon flies a routine mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 31, 2025. Equipped with state-of-the-art radars, sensors and an air-to-air refueling capability, the P-8A is scheduled to receive periodic future enhancements to keep pace with the submarine warfare threat.
P-8

Danish P-8 Sale Set To Boost Poseidon’s Northern Footprint

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 2, 2026

China has converted a cargo ship to a arsenal ship and drone carrier.
Naval Aviation

Chinese Cargo Ship Converted To Launch Advanced Combat Drones Emerges (Updated)

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jan 2, 2026

A picture has emerged that looks to show Iran's Mohajer-6 drone has entered service, at least on a limited level, with the Venezuelan military.
Unmanned

Iranian Strike-Surveillance Drones Are Now Operating In Venezuela

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jan 1, 2026

China’s latest live-fire drills around Taiwan appear to have prompted the movement of the island’s secretive Hsiung Feng IIE (HF-2E) land-attack cruise missile. While the development of this important weapons is understood to date back at least to the early 2000s, it has only very rarely been seen since then, which makes its public appearance now all the more interesting.
Republic Of China Air Force (Taiwan)

Secretive Taiwanese Land Attack Cruise Missile Seen On The Move

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 31, 2025

Pentagon announces $8.6 billion Boeing contract for F-15 jets for Israel
F-15

Israel Rearming Its Eagle Force With The New F-15IA

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 30, 2025

Over the past week or so, U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones have been spotted carrying increasingly greater numbers of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles on sorties from Puerto Rico.
Q-9

MQ-9 Reapers Flying With Unusually Heavy Weapons Loads Over Caribbean

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Dec 30, 2025

New imagery of Chinese catapult-capable low-observable combat drones, or possibly mockups thereof, together with some unusual trucks, may point to plans to launch them from the ground, as well as ships.
Loyal Wingman

Is This China’s Truck-Mounted Electromagnetic Catapult?

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Dec 30, 2025

TAIWAN - DECEMBER 29: (----EDITORIAL USE ONLY - MANDATORY CREDIT - TAIWAN'S MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE/HANDOUT' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS----) A screen grab from a video shows fighter jet as Taiwanâs Ministry of National Defense said the islandâs armed forces conducted rapid response exercises on Monday in response to aircraft and naval activity by Chinaâs Peopleâs Liberation Army in Taiwan on December 29, 2025. In a statement posted on social media, the ministry said the armed forces closely monitored the situation and carried out joint sea and air operations involving all service branches.The ministry said Taiwanâs Coast Guard also remained on high alert as part of the response. No further details on the scale or duration of the activities were immediately provided. China launched joint military drills Monday around Taiwan in a stern warning against 'Taiwan Independence' separatist forces and external interference, according to state-run media.The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) dispatched fighter jets, bombers and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in coordination with long-range rocket forces to conduct drills code-named 'Justice Mission 2025' in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, southwest, southeast and east of Taiwan Island, Xinhua news agency reported, citing Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the theater command.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China Launches Snap “Warning” Drills Around Taiwan Simulating A Total Blockade

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 29, 2025

In a phone call to ABC radio in New York, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed an attack inside Venezuela. The White House has yet to offer any proof.
MC-130

Trump Doubles Down On Claim U.S. Attacked Inside Venezuela (Updated)

By Howard Altman

Updated on Dec 29, 2025

Shenyang J-35
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Chinese Fighter Jet Exports Set To Grow Significantly

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 24, 2025

The presence of U.S. special operations forces is growing in the Caribbean.
AC-130

CV-22B Osprey, MC-130J Commando II Special Ops Aircraft Deploy To Puerto Rico

By Howard Altman

Posted on Dec 23, 2025