Fighter jets

Germany and France drop joint fighter jet project

As well as disputes over control of the next phase of development and access to intellectual property, the two sides had widely differing requirements for the aircraft.

Scale models of the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS / SCAF), Europe's next-generation fighter jet, are seen in Paris, France, February 20, 2020
 Latvian, French and NATO flags flutter in front of a French Rafale fighter jet of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission, in the Lielvarde air base, Latvia April 14, 2026.

French fighter jet shoots down Russian drone over NATO territory as security incidents escalate

British Defence Secretary John Healey walks to attend a cabinet meeting at Downing Street, the day before the State Opening of Parliament, in London, Britain, May 12, 2026.

Russia jams signal of RAF jet carrying UK's Defense Minister Healey after trip to Estonia - report

A Russian Su-27, flies over the Black Sea alongside an RAF Rivet Joint aircraft (not pictured) in April 2026.

Russian fighter jets intercept British RAF planes over Black Sea on two separate occasions


Palestinian NGO cannot appeal UK court ruling over F-35 parts to Israel

The UK Court of Appeal ruled that the export of F-35 components was a matter of national security for which the government, not an NGO, was responsible.

Protesters walk towards the corporate offices of Lockheed Martin, as they take part in a march and rally organised by Palestine Solidarity Campaign, highlighting British companies' involvement in manufacturing F-35 fighter jets used in Gaza, and demanding an arms embargo on Israel.

Herzl Budinger, architect of Israel’s air power in Lebanon, passes away at 82

IAF Commander Herzl Budinger (1992-96) passed away. A Yom Kippur War ace and "pilot's commander," he spearheaded long-range upgrades and admitted the first female pilot.

Herzl Budinger, Architect of Israel’s Air Power in Lebanon

Turkey's Erdogan seeks to purchase 40 fighter jets from Qatar - report

The deal, facilitated by the UK, is estimated to be worth several billion dollars.

A German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jet during an air display at the 55th International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 18, 2025.

Turkey pressing for Western fighter jets to claw back regional edge - analysis

Erdogan is expected to discuss a proposal to purchase second-hand jets from Qatar in an attempt to refresh their aging fleet.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is welcomed by Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Doha, Qatar

IAF eyes major overhaul of F-16s, used to strike Iran, to meet future combat needs

The decades-old F-16 "Barak" aircraft managed to strike in Iran without refueling, and added significant capacity to the Israel Air Force’s strike capability.

An Israeli F-16D; illustrative.

Germany, France, Spain to discuss fighter jet program in October, says Berlin

"National interests will need to be put aside by one or the other or all of us. It is clear we are damned to succeed; we need this project," Germany's defense minister said.

 An F-35 plane stands on the tarmac at Nevatim Air Force Base.

Trump administration considers buying stakes in defense giants after Intel deal

Following the acquisition of a 10% stake in Intel, US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick hinted at an even bolder move: direct state ownership in companies like Lockheed, RTX, Boeing, and others.

A Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet performs during the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA on the opening day at Schoenefeld Airport in Berlin, Germany June 5, 2024

Electronic warfare is redefining modern combat across air, land, and sea

Once viewed as a supporting tool for pilots to defend against missiles and radar locks, EW now shapes entire campaigns, determining the success or failure of complex operations.

IAI's Scorpius system

Spain shelves plans to buy F-35 fighter jets, El Pais reports

The government had earmarked 6.25 billion euros ($7.24 billion) in its 2023 budget to buy new fighter jets, El Pais said.

A Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet performs during the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA on the opening day at Schoenefeld Airport in Berlin, Germany June 5, 2024

F-35 fighter jet crashes in California, pilot ejects safely

No further details on the crash were provided. The cause of the crash is under investigation, the statement from NAS Lemoore said.

(illustrative) A Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet performs during the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA on the opening day at Schoenefeld Airport in Berlin, Germany June 5, 2024.