Russia has released footage showing its Mi-28NM attack helicopter launching a suspected long-range cruise missile during operations linked to the war in Ukraine. The weapon could be the S8000 Banderol or Dan-T, two relatively inexpensive Russian developments designed to expand standoff strike capabilities. Their potential use across helicopters, drones and combat aircraft highlights Russia’s effort to diversify its long-range weapons inventory.
Defense
An extraordinary Airbus A320 fitted with a Eurofighter Typhoon nose has completed five commissioning flights in Germany.
Canada has received its first two F-35A fighter aircraft, but uncertainty over its planned 88-aircraft purchase continues. With the CF-18 Hornet fleet approaching retirement in 2032, Ottawa faces pressure to finalise its replacement strategy while evaluating Saab’s Gripen E proposal and preparing for future sixth-generation combat aircraft.
The US Air Force is seeking $4.25 billion in fiscal 2027 funding to address critical spare-parts shortages after only eight of 24 aircraft fleets met supply readiness standards. The investment targets bombers, tankers, fighters and trainers, while the service faces a wider $14 billion supply deficit and a recovery timeline of up to 5 years.
The U.S. Air Force is expanding free high-speed Wi-Fi in military dormitories through an AAFES contract with Boingo Wireless. The program is operational at 25 individually identified installations, while Boingo reports 28 initial locations. Holloman Air Force Base is also preparing for activation as additional deployments move forward.
The US Air Force is seeking defence contractors capable of producing more than 1,000 Extended Range Attack Munitions for Ukraine.
White House rejects Tucker Carlson’s Iran nuclear strike claim; experts warn of fallout and wider global security risks.
USS Enterprise CVN 65, the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, has begun its final journey to Alabama. After 51 years of service and 25 deployments, the historic warship will undergo dismantling under a $418.5 million Navy contract.
US Air Force F-16 fighters returned to air defense alert duty at Eareckson Air Station on Alaska’s remote Shemya Island in October 2026. The deployment brought together American and Canadian fighter units under NORAD, strengthened coverage across the North Pacific and demonstrated the strategic value of the island’s runway and Cobra Dane radar installation.
Russia expects to eventually secure a Pantsir-S1 air defense agreement with Azerbaijan as Moscow and Baku rebuild military relations.