Singapore will permanently base 12 F-35Bs at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, while eight F-35As will operate from Tengah Air Base, balancing overseas training with a local fifth-generation fighter capability.
Defense
Canada’s F-35 fighter program has taken an unusual political turn, with former Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot Stephen Fuhr now playing a senior role in defence procurement after once becoming one of the aircraft’s most outspoken Canadian critics.
Lockheed Martin’s first F-35A Lightning II built for Germany has completed its maiden flight, marking a major step toward the Luftwaffe’s introduction of the fifth-generation fighter.
The U.S. destroyed five Iranian oil tankers after repeated missile attacks on a Navy warship. Iran retaliated against Jordan as Washington deployed more F-35s and F-16s and expanded sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation network.
France plans to have at least 47 Rafale fighter jets in the new F5 configuration by 2035 as Paris accelerates the modernisation of its combat aviation and nuclear deterrence capabilities.
The U.S. Air Force is accelerating plans for a low-cost successor to the MQ-9A Reaper as combat losses increase pressure to field more affordable unmanned aircraft.
Trump plans to fly Qatar-gifted Boeing jet to Ireland after security upgrades raised questions over presidential aircraft protection.
Pratt & Whitney (PW) is investing $25 million to expand its facility in Niepołomice, Poland (NIE), strengthening production of precision components for commercial and military engines.
China is rapidly expanding the remote Lop Nur flight-test complex in Xinjiang with oversized hangars, new taxiways, aircraft pads, and possible fuel infrastructure. The scale and design of the new facilities point to a future role supporting larger and more advanced aircraft, while the possible connection to the H-20 remains unconfirmed.
India’s push to develop a homegrown fighter engine has intensified as Britain’s Rolls-Royce and France’s Safran compete to support the country’s next-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.