Norwegian F-35s intercept Russian spy aircraft during NATO drill
The deep and distinctive rumble of warplanes echoed across the silent, mountainous terrain here in Evenes, where NATO is running Cold Response 2026.
Asia Pacific
Japan shrugs off GCAP delays, fast-tracks export rules for future warplane
Reports indicate that costs have tripled, but it’s unclear if the Japanese government under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi would augment this year’s budget.
Australia deploys early-warning aircraft to the Middle East amid Iran attacks
Australian leaders have said the country won’t be a protagonist in Israel and U.S. combat operations.
US Air Force seeks sources for Stand-in Attack Weapon compatible with F-47, B-21
This marks the first time the F-47 has appeared by name in a public Air Force acquisition document tied to a specific weapon system.
US B-1B Lancers arrive at RAF Fairford as strikes on Iran intensify
The U.K. Ministry of Defence confirmed Saturday that U.S. forces had begun using the British base for “specific defensive operations."
Turkey sends six F-16 fighters to Northern Cyprus amid Iran missile threats
The deployment adds to the buildup of forces in the region following Iranian drone and missile attacks there.
Air Force test launches Minuteman III with multiple reentry vehicles
The launch was scheduled years in advance and was not in response to current world events, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.
NORAD intercepts 2 Russian maritime patrol aircraft near Alaska, Canada
NORAD detected and tracked two Russian Tu-142s operating within the Alaskan and Canadian Air Defense Identification Zones on Wednesday.
Novel interceptor drones bend air-defense economics in Ukraine’s favor
Artificial intelligence plays no role yet in interception missions — today it is still manual ramming or close-in detonation.
French-German fighter program on life support as Dassault blames Airbus
“If Airbus maintains its position of not wanting to work with Dassault, the matter is dead,” said Dassault boss Eric Trappier.
The US Air Force just used its oldest bomber to attack Iran
U.S. Central Command confirmed that a fleet of B-52s was used to target ballistic missile and commander control posts in Iran.
Israeli F-35 notches first kill of a manned fighter in downing of Iranian Yak-130
In another first, the U.K. reported that its Royal Air Force’s F-35B jets had intercepted Iranian drones above Jordan.
Pending tanker purchase spotlights choice for Poland: buy European or US?
Warsaw is lining up military acquisitions under an EU loan scheme that comes with a preference for European vendors as a prerequisite.
US Air Force wants more armored transporters for ICBM warheads
As America’s Minuteman III missile force ages, the U.S. Air Force is facing another problem: obsolete transport vehicles.
Greece deploys warships, jets to Cyprus after drone strikes on UK air base Akrotiri
The U.K. also is considering sending one of its own air-defense warships to the region, The Times of London reported.
UK taps Leonardo for $1.3 billion medium-lift helicopter deal
British officials have portrayed the contract as the beginning of a renaissance for British helicopter manufacturing, crewed and uncrewed.
Germany, Austria complete ‘Alpine triangle’ for airspace surveillance
Under a new law, both countries will be allowed to quickly pursue “non-military” airspace violations or unknown threats across their shared border.
