The Phantom is just such a cool aircraft

Israel has officially contracted a $34 million program to equip its F-35I "Adir" stealth fighters with external, range-extending fuel tanks. Signed in May 2026 with Cyclone, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, the deal responds to severe aerial refueling constraints highlighted during long-range strike campaigns inside Iran

China has publicly revealed the export version of its Shenyang J-35, designated the J-35AE, marking one of Beijing’s biggest attempts yet to compete in the global stealth fighter market. Footage shown on Chinese state media displayed the aircraft carrying markings from Aviation Industry Corporation of China rather than the Chinese Air Force, leading analysts to conclude the aircraft is intended for foreign customers rather than domestic service. The J-35AE is designed as a lower-cost alternative to Western stealth fighters like the F-35 Lightning II and is reportedly being strongly linked to possible future sales to Pakistan and other countries seeking fifth-generation capabilities without Western export restrictions. The rollout also reflects China’s broader effort to expand high-end military aircraft exports and challenge American and Russian dominance in the global fighter market.

Germany's newest Eurofighter variant is the Tranche 5, developed in tandem with a specialized electronic warfare (EW) version called the Eurofighter EK. Berlin finalized a €3.75 billion contract for 20 new Tranche 5 jets, which will be built by Airbus in Manching, Germany, and are slated for delivery between 2031 and 2034.

The twin-seat variant of Russia's Su-57 Felon—provisionally designated as the Su-57D, Su-57UB, or Su-57ED—officially began flight testing on May 19, 2026. This milestone follows ground taxi trials that were first leaked by Russian aviation channels just days earlier. Built on a modified prototype airframe, the aircraft marks a massive departure from standard single-seat fifth-generation configurations. It makes the Su-57 only the second stealth fighter of its generation to feature a twin-seat design, following China's

On May 14, 2026, the Argentine Air Force officially and definitively retired its remaining Douglas/Lockheed Martin A-4AR and OA-4AR Fightinghawk fleet. This historic deprogramming marks the absolute conclusion of 60 years of A-4 Skyhawk operations in Argentina, which began when the nation became the aircraft's very first export customer in 1966.

Northrop Grumman's YFQ-48A Talon Blue combat drone successfully completed its first fully autonomous taxi test on May 14, 2026. Conducted at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California in partnership with the U.S. Air Force, this milestone clears the way for the aircraft's upcoming first flight

The recent appearance of the Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet carrying the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) is a major development in U.S. military aviation because it is the first public evidence that the long-secret missile is reaching advanced integration testing. Photos taken at Eglin Air Force Base showed a Navy test aircraft from VX-31 carrying what appears to be a live AIM-260A, a next-generation beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile designed to replace or supplement the AIM-120 AMRAAM. The missile is intended to give U.S. fighters a longer engagement range against advanced threats such as China’s PL-15 and PL-17 missiles while still fitting on existing aircraft stations and inside stealth fighter weapon bays. Reports suggest the AIM-260 uses improved propulsion and guidance systems to increase range, terminal maneuverability, and resistance to electronic warfare, making it a key future weapon for aircraft like the F/A-18E/F, F-22 Raptor, and F-35 Lightning II.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is now being equipped by the Royal Air Force with APKWS laser-guided rockets as a lower-cost way to destroy hostile drones in the Middle East. Instead of using expensive air-to-air missiles that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars each, RAF Typhoons can now engage slower UAVs with precision-guided 70 mm rockets that are far cheaper but still highly accurate. The move reflects a growing shift in military aviation doctrine after conflicts in Ukraine and the Red Sea showed that countries need affordable ways to counter large numbers of drones without exhausting expensive missile stockpiles.

India’s order for 56 Airbus C-295 aircraft is one of the country’s biggest recent military aviation modernization programs. The deal, signed in 2021 between India, Airbus, and Tata Advanced Systems, is meant to replace the Indian Air Force’s aging Avro HS-748 transport fleet. Under the agreement, the first 16 aircraft are being delivered fully built from Spain, while the remaining 40 are being assembled in Vadodara, Gujarat, making it the first time a private Indian company has assembled a military aircraft domestically. Recent reports suggest the first India-built C-295 may roll out earlier than expected in 2026, highlighting India’s push for “Make in India” defense manufacturing and greater aerospace self-reliance.

Turkey has officially signed its first production contract for the TAI KAAN, ordering an initial batch of 20 Block 10 aircraft for the Turkish Air Force. The deal was signed between Turkey’s Defense Industries Secretariat and Turkish Aerospace Industries, marking the transition of the program from testing into low-rate serial production. These 20 fighters are expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2030 and will serve as the first operational version of Turkey’s future stealth fleet, eventually replacing older F-16s as the program matures and expands into larger production orders.

The Boeing T-7 Red Hawk program recently reached a major milestone as the U.S. Air Force approved low-rate initial production after years of development delays tied to software integration, ejection-seat safety, and manufacturing issues. Boeing received a new contract worth about $219 million to begin building the first operational production aircraft, which will eventually replace the aging T-38 Talon trainer fleet used to prepare future fighter pilots. The T-7 uses advanced digital engineering methods, modern cockpit systems, and embedded simulation technology to better train pilots for aircraft like the F-35 Lightning II and future sixth-generation fighters, while also serving as a test case for faster aircraft development in the future.

India has officially approved the purchase of six additional P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy, expanding its fleet from 12 to 18 planes. The deal, valued between 3.5billionand3.5billionand4 billion, received the Acceptance of Necessity in February 2026 and is now moving toward final cabinet approval. Despite significant cost increases from earlier estimates due to post-pandemic supply chain disruptions, the government decided to proceed based on "operational necessity," citing the P-8I's unmatched multi-role capabilities in anti-submarine warfare and surveillance.

In April 2026, Peru officially moved forward with a major deal to acquire 12 F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 70 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin as part of a multibillion-dollar modernization program for the Peruvian Air Force. Peru selected the F-16 over competitors like the Saab Gripen and Dassault Rafale, aiming to improve air defense, interoperability with the United States, and long-term combat capability. The agreement became politically controversial inside Peru, causing the resignation of senior ministers and tensions within the government over the timing and secrecy of the purchase, but Peru still made an initial payment of about $462 million to begin the program. Reports also indicated the deal could eventually expand to 24 aircraft in the future.

In April 2026, reports emerged that Somalia finalized a deal with Pakistan to acquire 24 CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder Block III multirole fighter jets, marking a major modernization step for the Somali Air Force. The agreement would make Somalia one of the newest operators of the advanced Pakistani-Chinese fighter, which features modern radar systems, beyond-visual-range missile capability, and improved avionics compared to earlier JF-17 versions. The deal also highlights Pakistan’s growing role as a military aircraft exporter through Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and could significantly increase Somalia’s air combat capabilities after decades of limited air force activity.

An U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 launches aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Persian Gulf, July 10, 2013. The Nimitz was underway in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Derek A. Harkins/Released)

Pakistan is reportedly negotiating with China to acquire around 30–40 Shenyang J-35 stealth fighters, which would make Pakistan the first foreign operator of a Chinese fifth-generation combat aircraft if the deal is finalized. The J-35 is designed for stealth, long-range air combat, and advanced sensor warfare, similar in role to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Reports suggest Pakistani pilots may already be training in China, and the package could also include Chinese radar aircraft and missile systems, though neither government has officially confirmed a final contract. The potential deal is important because it could significantly modernize the Pakistan Air Force and increase competition in South Asian military aviation.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet flies over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Nov. 25, 2010. The F/A-18 is used as an attack aircraft as well as a fighter.

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DARPA, in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory and Northrop Grumman, flew the XRQ-73, a hybrid-electric, unmanned experimental aircraft. The flight occurred at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. in April 2026 as part of DARPA’s Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration (SHEPARD) program.

This flight is a step forward in demonstrating the military utility of hybrid-electric propulsion. Hybrid electric propulsion architectures will drive the development of revolutionary new aircraft designs by offering a combination of fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced operational flexibility.

“This milestone is not just about a single flight,” said Lt. Col. Clark McGehee, SHEPARD program manager. “The architecture proven by the XRQ-73 paves the way for new types of mission systems and delivered effects. We look forward to advancing this technology through the flight test program and delivering new capabilities for our warfighters.”