Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth opposes the Navy's development of the F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter jet due to concerns about industrial capacity and overlapping programs, amid political support for the Air Force's F-47 jet and ongoing debates over defense spending and priorities.
A U.S. Navy helicopter and fighter jet both crashed in the South China Sea while operating from the USS Nimitz, but all personnel were safely recovered and are in stable condition; the causes are under investigation.
India has officially retired its iconic MiG-21 fighter jets after 62 years of service, marking the end of an era for the aircraft that played a crucial role in the country's military history, including combat with Pakistan and extensive domestic production and upgrades.
A Southwest Airlines flight from Burbank narrowly avoided a midair collision with a fighter jet, causing the plane to dive and injuring two crew members; passengers were shaken but no serious injuries were reported, and the flight landed safely in Las Vegas.
A Ukrainian Mirage 2000 fighter jet crashed due to technical failure, but the pilot ejected safely; the aircraft was part of a French aid package, and the incident highlights ongoing military support and internal political changes in Ukraine.
A Ukrainian Mirage 2000 fighter jet, donated by France, crashed on July 22, 2025, due to equipment failure, with the pilot safely ejecting; this marks Ukraine's first loss of this aircraft type, adding to previous losses of donated F-16s.
A Delta Airlines pilot had to perform an aggressive evasive maneuver to avoid a mid-air collision with a US fighter jet, believed to be a B-52 bomber, near North Dakota. The incident occurred during a flight from Minneapolis to Minot, and the pilot's quick decision was prompted by the aircraft's converging course and speed. The plane landed safely after a go-around, and both SkyWest Airlines and the FAA are investigating the event.
A new joint venture named Edgewing has been formed by BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement to develop the next-generation fighter jet for the GCAP program, aiming for an in-service date of 2035 and expected to operate beyond 2070, with operations spread across the UK, Italy, and Japan.
Ukraine's air forces claimed to have shot down a Russian Su-35 fighter jet during a military operation in the Kursk direction, with no further details provided and Russian forces not commenting. The Ukrainian security agency recently targeted over 40 Russian aircraft in a drone attack, damaging or destroying strategic bombers.
The UK, Japan, and Italy have formed a joint venture to develop the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) next-generation fighter jet, set to enter service in 2035. The venture, involving BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement, will act as the design authority and prime contractor, with manufacturing subcontracted to various firms. The project aims to replace existing fighter jets in the UK, Italy, and Japan, and is expected to last beyond 2070. The JV will be headquartered in the UK, fostering collaboration among the partner nations.
The UK, Italy, and Japan have formed a joint venture to oversee the development of a next-generation fighter jet under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), aiming for completion by 2035. The venture, equally owned by BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co, will manage the design, development, and delivery of the aircraft. Discussions are ongoing about potentially involving Saudi Arabia as a financial partner. The project seeks to enhance defense capabilities against threats from Russia and China, with a focus on digital design and innovative engineering to reduce costs and time.
China has unveiled its sixth-generation supersonic fighter jet, the 'White Emperor,' capable of operating in both atmospheric and near-space altitudes, as part of its Project Nantianmen. This advanced aircraft is seen as a response to the US Air Force's Next-Generation Air Dominance program, amid rising tensions between the two nations. Additionally, China showcased the J-35 fighter jet, which bears a resemblance to the American F-35, amid allegations of design theft. China is also reportedly developing high-powered microwave weapons capable of disrupting satellite systems.
A military F-35 fighter jet crashed near Albuquerque's international airport, injuring the pilot who managed to escape. The jet, en route from Fort Worth, Texas, to Edwards Air Force Base in California, crashed after refueling at Kirtland Air Force Base. This incident marks the second military plane crash in New Mexico within a month.
Ukraine claims that Russian forces accidentally shot down one of their own Su-27 fighter jets over Crimea due to a state of heightened combat readiness, with the pilot ejecting safely. This incident comes amid heavy aircraft losses for Russia's Air Force, while Ukraine anticipates a boost in its aviation capabilities with the impending operation of F-16 fighter jets supplied by allies. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that these jets would be legitimate targets for Russian pilots, despite dismissing speculation of attacking NATO members.
Russia's military aviation capabilities have suffered another blow with the crash of a Sukhoi Su-34 fighter jet in Ukraine's Kherson region, marking the ninth Russian aircraft lost in recent days. Additionally, a fire at a Moscow plant producing Sukhoi fighter jets was reported. Ukrainian forces claimed to have downed a Russian A-50U long-range radar detection aircraft near the Sea of Azov, while also stating that they had destroyed a total of 340 Russian jets since the start of the war. The Russian military has not commented on these claims.