Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth operations have been awarded several significant contracts by the U.S. government this June. The largest of these is a $2.2 billion contract modification specifically for the maintenance and global sustainment of the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet fleet. This funding will

Despite its continued strategic importance, restarting production for the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is considered practically impossible. The production line in Long Beach, California, was shut down in 2015 after the final aircraft was delivered, due to a lack of new orders. The primary obstacle to a restart is

The ongoing debate over the world's fastest fighter jet often points to the Soviet-era MiG-25 Foxbat, renowned for its ability to exceed Mach 3. While the SR-71 Blackbird holds the absolute speed record for an air-breathing aircraft, it is a reconnaissance platform, not a

Europe's ambitious Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a €116 billion sixth-generation fighter program, is on the brink of collapse due to a major dispute. The project's main industrial partners, France's Dassault Aviation and Germany's Airbus, are deadlocked over workshare and leadership

An air force is the branch of a nation's armed forces primarily tasked with conducting aerial warfare. Its principal mission is to gain control of the air, which enables effective operations for ground and sea forces. Core functions include strategic bombing, tactical air support, air defense, and reconnaissance

India is developing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), its indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet. The program aims to produce a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth multirole aircraft. Key planned features include advanced stealth, supercruise capabilities, and superior maneuverability. The aircraft is being designed by the Aeronautical Development

The U.S. Air Force is set to retire its entire fleet of iconic U-2 "Dragon Lady" reconnaissance aircraft in 2026, as confirmed by the fiscal year 2025 budget request. This decision marks the end of service for a platform that has been a cornerstone of high-

Private adversary air provider Top Aces will support the Royal Danish Air Force's new fleet of F-35A Lightning II fighters. The company has been contracted to supply aggressor training services from Skrydstrup Air Base. For these missions, Top Aces will utilize its fleet of classic Douglas A-

The German Air Force, known as the Luftwaffe, is the aerial warfare branch of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). Re-established in 1956, it has been a fully integrated component of NATO's air defense structure throughout its history. The force currently operates key aircraft such as the Eurofighter

The Hungarian Air Force has officially received the final two Saab Gripen C fighter jets, marking a significant milestone in its fleet expansion program. This delivery completes the nation's contracted order, bringing its fighter squadron to full strength. The arrival of the aircraft at Kecskemét Air Base concludes

A new analysis provides a comprehensive ranking of the world's top ten stealth fighter jets. The list highlights premier American aircraft like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, noted for their superior low-observability and advanced avionics. It also evaluates formidable competitors, including Russia'

The MiGFlug blog features a collection of articles offering deep dives into military aviation for enthusiasts. The content explores the history of iconic design bureaus like Mikoyan-Gurevich and profiles specific aircraft such as the L-39 Albatros. It also provides direct comparisons between legendary fighters, including the MiG-29

The United States Air Force is proposing a significant pay increase for its pilots, potentially up to 30%, by 2026. This measure is a direct response to a critical and ongoing pilot shortage, with the service currently facing a deficit of approximately 1,650 pilots. The proposed salary hike aims

The United States Air Force is postponing the delivery of new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets to the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field, Oregon. Originally planned for 2025, the arrival of the advanced aircraft has been pushed back to at least 2027. This significant delay is attributed to

A civilian aircraft triggered a military response after violating the restricted airspace near the Camp David presidential retreat. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) immediately dispatched an F-16 fighter jet to intercept the plane. To gain the pilot's attention, the F-16 deployed signal flares as

Argentine President Javier Milei commemorated Fighter Aviation Day, highlighting the recent acquisition of 24 F-16 fighter jets as a pivotal moment for the nation's defense. During a ceremony at the VI Air Brigade in Tandil, Milei described the purchase as the "rebirth of Argentine fighter aviation.

The United States Air Force is planning to equip its fleet of KC-46 Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft with active defense systems. This initiative aims to protect these high-value assets from increasing threats posed by advanced missiles and unmanned drones. In modern conflict scenarios, tankers

A detailed report outlines the salary structure for pilots in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), highlighting the significant financial compensation offered to retain skilled aviators. By 2026, the highest-ranking officer, an Air Marshal, is projected to earn a base salary of over A$460,000. The pay scale

Airbus has revealed its new "Wingman" concept, a loyal wingman drone designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets. This unmanned aircraft, part of a project named Ravenstorm, is intended to support platforms like the Eurofighter Typhoon. Its primary roles will include high-risk missions such as reconnaissance, electronic

The SEPECAT Jaguar, an Anglo-French attack aircraft, is the subject of a feature on The Defense Watch. Originally developed for the British Royal Air Force and the French Air Force, the aircraft was a key asset for close air support and tactical strike missions. The Jaguar was also successfully

A look back at some of the most iconic US Air Force fighter jets reveals a deep sense of nostalgia among the pilots who flew them. While these aircraft are now retired from service, their legacies endure. The list includes legendary planes like the F-4 Phantom II and the

The North American B-45 Tornado holds a significant place in aviation history as the United States' first operational jet-powered bomber. Developed in the final stages of World War II, it entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 1948, becoming a key asset in the early

Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota is in the midst of a significant construction project to become the first main operating base for the new B-21 Raider. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is overseeing the development of several critical facilities. These include a specialized low-observable

A new analysis ranks the ten most formidable air force combat aircraft in the world for 2026. The list evaluates these advanced warplanes on a combination of stealth, avionics, firepower, and overall air superiority. Unsurprisingly, fifth-generation fighters from the United States, such as the F-35 and F-22,

The war in Ukraine has become a live-fire laboratory for new aerial combat tactics, revealing an unexpected role for helicopters. Ukrainian aircrews are now using Soviet-era Mi-24 Hind helicopters to actively hunt and destroy Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones. This tactic positions the helicopters as a cost-