Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has warned that prolonged delays in fighter aircraft induction are weakening the force’s numerical strength, with the service now requiring 36-40 new combat aircraft every year for the next few years.
defense
Lockheed Martin is preparing to deepen its aerospace manufacturing footprint in India if its C-130J Super Hercules proposal is selected for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) 60-aircraft medium transport programme.
The F-35A deployment introduces a fifth-generation combat aircraft into the Indian exercise environment, where it is operating alongside Indian and foreign aircraft.
Dassault Aviation has formally entered the race to replace Portugal’s aging F-16 fighter fleet, submitting the Rafale to the Portuguese government and Air Force as Lisbon prepares for one of its most important military aircraft procurement decisions.
South Korea has delivered KF-21 No. 001 after 1,600 flight tests, beginning a plan for 40 fighters by 2028 and 80 more by 2032.
The European Defence Agency (EDA) is examining ways to preserve the continent’s ability to move oversized military cargo as the Antonov An-124 and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III fleets age and both aircraft types remain out of production.
In 2026, total military aircraft numbers continue to highlight which countries possess the most expansive and versatile aerial forces.
The U.S. Air Force is considering buying new F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters as it works to address capacity gaps in an aging fighter fleet.
The US Air Force (USAF) plans to use Exercise Emerald Flag in December 2026 for the first real large-force employment (LFE) of its own Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
The US Air Force is moving to make base defense a core combat function as missiles and drones expose vulnerabilities at American installations.