Opinion
The US Air Force needs more airpower — but not the kind it’s buying
Aircraft fly, but mass sails: The lengthy military buildup for a potential strike on Iran proves joint assets matter more than exquisite warplanes alone.
Europe
Massive US Air Force warplane movements in Bulgaria raise stakes for Iran talks
The U.S. buildup coincides with high-stakes nuclear diplomacy over Iran's nuclear program.
Navy seeks new anti-radar missile compatible with F-18, F-35 aircraft
The Navy is seeking a next-gen missile, compatible with F/A-18E/F, EA-18G and F-35 aircraft, for knocking out modern radar systems.
Airbus open to two-fighter option for FCAS to keep program alive
“The deadlock of a single pillar should not jeopardize the entire future of this high-tech European capability, which will bolster our collective defense."
BAE says its Eurofighter pipeline is filled until first GCAP assembly
Europe accounted for 32% of the BAE order book at the end of December, while accounting for 11% of sales in 2025, the company said.
US Air Force sees early 2030s rollout for revamped Sentinel nuclear missile
The LGM-35A ICBM program had its Milestone B status revoked during a Nunn-McCurdy review, but a new decision is expected by the end of 2026.
Australia prepares for next batch of ‘Ghost Bat’ warplane buddy drones
The Royal Australian Air Force is on track to have 10 operational Ghost Bat collaborative combat aircraft by 2028.
Saudi Arabia buys C-27 cargo planes fitted for armed maritime patrols
Candidates for weaponry aboard the Saudi aircraft could be the MBDA Marte-ER anti-ship missile and MU-90 lightweight torpedo made by Leonardo-owned WASS.
Slovakia in talks with US to buy four more F-16s
The additional jets would enable the country to shoulder its own air-policing missions, according to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
US Air Force buying more bunker-buster bombs after Iran nuclear strikes
The 30,000-pound guided bomb is designed to penetrate an estimated 200 feet through rock or other hard substances before destroying enemy labs or bunkers.
Philippines still eying F-16s, but costs are causing political headaches
A deal for new fighter jets is in limbo while officials in Manila seek ways to break the fiscal deadlock that has hounded the program.
India clears the way for landmark deal to acquire French Rafale jets
“India sees a kindred spirit in France because France also has always talked about retaining strategic autonomy," one analyst said.
US Air Force’s CCA program advances with auto-flying software integration
The service said integrating third-party autonomous software is a major step on developing drones that can fly themselves alongside jets like the F-35.
China’s new maritime combat drone poised for global success: analysts
Beijing is positioning itself as a drone provider for certain countries, while the country's next-gen fighter jet faces more uncertain export prospects.
Erdoğan pitches KAAN fighter jet as an alternative to Western warplanes
He described KAAN as a symbol of Turkey’s strategic autonomy, noting that discussions with Saudi Arabia included the possibility of shared investment.
Russian stealth jets have arrived in North Africa, as filmed by Algerian potato farmer
The U.S. government considers the deal problematic, threatening sanctions.
US Air Force needs 500 next-gen fighters, bombers to beat China, think tank says
"No more ‘divest to invest,’” aviation expert Heather Penney said, arguing that the Air Force needs to dramatically boost its F-47 and B-21 acquisition.
