21 h. ago Investigations reveal combat stress a key factor in costly US Navy mishaps

New investigative reports into a series of high-profile and costly US Navy mishaps during a US-led campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels reveal that the most intense running sea battle that the military service has faced since World War II took a toll on ships and personnel. The four reports released on Thursday cover a “friendly fire” incident in December 2024 that saw the cruiser USS Gettysburg shoot at two fighter jets from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, downing one, as well as...

Economics

4 d. ago North Korea’s Kim flaunts daughter, air power in hunt for Russian fighter jets

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s daughter was thrust back into the spotlight late last week at a military spectacle that analysts say was as much about succession planning and extracting concessions from Russia as it was about unveiling new missiles. Ostensibly held to mark the 80th anniversary of the North Korean air force, the ceremony on Friday seemingly served two other purposes: pressing Russia for advanced military technology in return for Pyongyang’s help in the Ukraine war, and acting...

Politics

4 d. ago Kim flaunts daughter, missiles as North Korea eyes Russian jets

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s daughter was thrust back into the spotlight late last week at a military spectacle that analysts say was as much about succession planning and extracting concessions from Russia as it was about unveiling new missiles. Ostensibly held to mark the 80th anniversary of the North Korean air force, the ceremony on Friday seemingly served two other purposes: pressing Russia for advanced military technology in return for Pyongyang’s help in the Ukraine war, and acting...

Events

4 d. ago North Korea unveils new missiles, angles for Russian jets amid Ukraine war deal

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s daughter was thrust back into the spotlight late last week at a military spectacle that analysts say was as much about succession planning and extracting concessions from Russia as it was about unveiling new missiles. Ostensibly held to mark the 80th anniversary of the North Korean air force, the ceremony on Friday seemingly served two other purposes: pressing Russia for advanced military technology in return for Pyongyang’s help in the Ukraine war, and acting...

Events

6 d. ago North Korean air force to gain ‘strategic assets’ amid heightened tensions

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced the country’s air force would be equipped with “new strategic military assets”, state media said on Sunday. Kim made the announcement at an event marking the 80th anniversary of the North Korean air force on Friday, accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae, who is understood to be his recognised successor. The country’s expectations for the air force, which “will play a role in the exercise of the nuclear war deterrent”, are truly “great”, state media KCNA...

Events

1 week ago The China factor behind Trump’s decision to upgrade Saudi air power

The US is poised to supply Saudi Arabia with its most advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets, a move that analysts say reflects a new era of Middle East policy in which countering Chinese influence is fast becoming as important for Washington as maintaining Israeli military superiority. It would make Saudi Arabia only the second country in the region, after Israel, to operate the fifth-generation jet. US President Donald Trump announced the decision following a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s visiting...

Politics

1 week ago ‘Dramatic failure’: Tejas crash deals blow to India’s jet export ambitions

The crash of India’s Tejas fighter in front of global arms buyers at the Dubai Air Show is the latest blow to a key national trophy, leaving the jet reliant on Indian military orders to sustain its role as a showcase of home-built defence technology. The cause of Friday’s crash was not immediately known but it capped a week of jockeying for influence at the event, attended by India’s arch-rival Pakistan six months after the neighbouring foes faced off in the world’s largest air battle in...

Events

2 w. ago China displays latest UAV and fighter jets at the Middle East’s largest air show

China is offering a glimpse of some of its latest drones and fighter jets at the Middle East’s biggest air show this week, seizing an opportunity to promote the country’s aviation products in the region. Among those displaying their advanced aircraft at the Dubai Air Show is China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (Catic), a major state-owned Chinese defence company. Its offerings include a full-scale model of the Wing Loong-X unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), an export variant...

Politics

3 w. ago Beijing criticises first Taiwan arms deal since Trump’s return to White House

Beijing has strongly criticised the latest possible US arms sale to Taiwan, accusing Washington of grossly violating the one-China principle. On Thursday, the Pentagon announced that the US had approved a deal to sell US$330 million worth of fighter jet parts to the island. It is the first arms deal with Taipei since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. Beijing’s foreign ministry said the deal seriously violated the one-China principle and “gravely infringed upon...

Politics

3 w. ago India’s Tejas fighter jet gets US engines to battle Pakistan’s Chinese air power

India has secured a contract with the US to supply engines for its indigenous Tejas fighter jets, reinforcing defence ties despite trade tensions – even as military analysts say that Pakistan’s superior Chinese-supplied warplanes remain a formidable threat. State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday announced it had signed an agreement with US-based General Electric Company (GE) for the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines and a support package for India’s Tejas Mk1A light combat...

Events

3 w. ago PLA shows first footage of Chinese drone collaborating with crewed J

The Chinese air force has released video of its GJ-11 stealth attack drone flying alongside and linked to the J-20 fighter jet in what is the first footage of the country’s crewed and uncrewed aircraft working together. The footage appeared in a promotional video released by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force on Tuesday to mark the 76th anniversary of its founding. It shows the drone flying in formation with the J-20, China’s most advanced fighter jet, as well as the J-16D fighter, a...

Events