China’s latest air-to-air missile, the PL-16, has drawn global attention as military analysts compare it with the United States’ next-generation AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM).
defense
When discussing the world’s top combat aircraft in 2026, the conversation often centers on fighter jets such as the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, or China’s J-20.
The US Air Force’s F-35A recorded the highest full mission-capable rate among all F-35 variants in fiscal 2025, yet only 28.5 percent of the jets could perform all assigned missions at any given time, according to a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report.
Unlike older aircraft that expected close-range dogfights, these next-generation jets are designed to destroy threats from long distances while remaining undetected.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center is moving to acquire a Boeing 737-73W from the U.S. Air Force to build a new reduced-gravity testbed aircraft.
France and Germany have officially ended the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a €100 billion European fighter jet program that was once expected to deliver a sixth-generation combat aircraft for European allies by 2040.
A recent demonstration at Edwards Air Force Base (EDW), California, showed the method could update an F-22 Raptor in minutes rather than the months legacy aircraft often wait.
Saab unveils the first Gripen F fighter for Brazil, enhancing pilot training, combat readiness, and defence cooperation.
Two United States Navy EA-18G Growler fighter jets collided during an aerial demonstration at Mountain Home Air Force Base (MUO), Idaho, on May 17, destroying aircraft collectively valued at approximately $136 million.
Italy has officially signed a major defense aviation contract with Airbus for the procurement of six A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft in a deal valued at approximately €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion).