A recent combat simulation has highlighted China's growing aerial capabilities, pitting its J-20 stealth fighter against the American F-22 Raptor. In the exercise, the J-20 operated as a command center, directing autonomous GJ-11 drone wingmen to engage the F-22s. This "loyal wingman&

The United States maintains a technologically advanced arsenal of fighter jets designed for air superiority and multi-role combat operations. This overview explores the evolution of these aircraft across five distinct generations, from foundational models to today's premier warplanes. Iconic aircraft such as the F-15 Eagle and

The United States Air Force has officially selected Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota as the first main operating base for the new B-21 Raider stealth bomber. The base is set to host the first operational B-21 squadron as well as the formal training unit for the

The black nose cones, or radomes, on many US fighter jets serve a critical function beyond simple aesthetics. A radome's primary job is to protect the sensitive radar antenna while remaining transparent to its radio waves. The black color is often the result of specific materials or coatings,

The global fleet of F119 engines, manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, has officially achieved the milestone of one million flight hours. This advanced engine is the exclusive powerplant for the U.S. Air Force's F-22 Raptor, a fifth-generation tactical fighter. The achievement underscores the F119'

In a significant and daring military exercise, a Russian Su-57 'Felon' fighter jet has reportedly shot down an S-70 Okhotnik-B, Russia's own top-secret stealth drone. The mission was a planned live-fire test designed to evaluate the Su-57's combat

The Israeli and Hellenic Air Forces have completed a significant joint military exercise in Greek airspace. The drill involved a variety of aircraft from both nations, focusing on complex aerial combat scenarios and long-range missions. This collaboration underscores the strengthening strategic and military partnership between Israel and Greece. The

The Pentagon has proposed significant pay raises for military personnel, which would impact salaries for US Army and Navy helicopter pilots. An analysis based on the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act projects potential earnings by 2026. Pilot compensation is complex, factoring in base pay, flight incentives, and housing allowances which

A UK Royal Air Force F-35B Lightning II has successfully landed on a highway in Finland for the first time as part of the Baana 23 exercise. This demonstrates the unique Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capability of the F-35B variant, which allows it to operate

Two U.S. Air Force F-117 Nighthawk stealth jets were intercepted while attempting to transit through neutral Austrian airspace. The American aircraft, designed to be invisible to radar, were on a mission likely related to operations in the Balkans. Despite their advanced technology, the F-117s were detected and

The US Air Force's B-52J modernization program has suffered a significant setback following the crash of a contracted test aircraft. The business jet was carrying the sole prototype of the new APG-79 radar system when it went down, completely destroying the hardware. The loss of this

Numerous airports globally function as joint civil-military facilities, where commercial airliners and military aircraft share essential infrastructure. This model involves co-locating civilian terminals with active military air bases, utilizing the same runways and air traffic control. Prominent examples include Charleston International in the US, RAF Brize Norton in

The U.S. Air Force's 354th Fighter Squadron has deployed twelve A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, to Alaska. This deployment, named 'Operation Slice Ice,' is a key readiness exercise designed to test the squadron's agile combat employment

A detailed analysis compares the potential career earnings for US Army Aviation Warrant Officers and US Air Force Commissioned Officer pilots. While Air Force officers generally start with higher base pay, Army Warrant Officers can begin their flight careers earlier, impacting long-term accumulation of flight pay. The report breaks

The United States Air Force is currently facing a critical shortage of approximately 1,000 fighter pilots, part of a wider deficit of 1,900 pilots across all roles. To retain its experienced aviators, the USAF offers significant annual bonuses of up to $50,000 for those who extend their

The U.S. Air Force has released new photos showing an F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet flying in formation with an uncrewed drone. The flight took place over the Pacific Ocean as part of the Valiant Shield 24 exercise. The drone is a modified aircraft acting as a testbed

The Brazilian Air Force has officially received its first Gripen E fighter jet assembled entirely within Brazil. The aircraft was completed at Embraer's facility in Gavião Peixoto as part of a major technology transfer program with Sweden's Saab. This milestone marks a significant advancement for Brazil&

The F-15EX Eagle II has returned to Kadena Air Base in Japan for a second rotational deployment. This visit comes as the U.S. Air Force continues to evaluate its long-term fighter presence at the strategic Pacific base. The deployment is part of a plan to fill the

The proliferation of drones, particularly in the war in Ukraine, has created a tactical 'trap' on the modern battlefield. This new reality of constant surveillance and precision strikes makes it extremely difficult for either side to mass forces for a decisive breakthrough, leading to a war of attrition.

The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is set to launch a new exhibit titled 'Secrets, Sacrifice, and Stealth.' This presentation will explore the classified history of stealth aircraft development. It will highlight the technological breakthroughs and clandestine missions that defined this era of aviation. The exhibit also aims

The Defense Watch website is offering a high-quality canvas print featuring the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. This product page details an artistic depiction of the advanced multirole combat aircraft. The prints are available to collectors and enthusiasts in various sizes and framing options. According to the description,

The U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team will be the headline act for the inaugural "Thunder on the Beach" Wildwoods Air Show. The new large-scale event is scheduled for September 12-13, 2026, in Wildwood, New Jersey. This will mark the F-22 team&

The U.S. Air Force's F-22 Raptor is renowned for its advanced low-observable, or stealth, characteristics, making it nearly invisible to enemy radar. However, this critical capability requires constant and meticulous maintenance to preserve its effectiveness. The specialized radar-absorbent materials and coatings on the aircraft&

Lockheed Martin has posted a job opening for an Avionics and Aircraft Systems Crew Chief to support the F-16 program. The position is located at Hill Air Force Base in Utah and is designated as a Level 3 role. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintenance, troubleshooting, and

The U.S. Air Force has awarded contracts to General Atomics and Anduril to develop its next-generation Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). This decision marks a critical step in the service's plan to field autonomous drones designed to fly alongside manned fighter jets. Both companies will now proceed