The 2026 budget reignites the debate: does France want 286 Rafale aircraft?
The 2026 budget mentions 286 Rafale aircraft, compared to 225 today. Is this just a publicity stunt or a real turning point? Production rates, deadlines, […]
The F-22’s “Mickey Mouse ears”: stealth… in visible mode
The F-22 sometimes flies with Luneburg lenses. Why make a stealth aircraft visible, and what this says about civilian radar, security, and secrecy. In summary […]
YFQ-42A “Dark Merlin”: the drone set to change aerial combat
General Atomics has named its YFQ-42A “Dark Merlin.” Behind the name lies a key milestone: testing mission autonomy and USAF integration. Summary On February 23, […]
F-35s recalled to Iran: an imminent strike?
Washington withdraws F-35s from Cold Response in Norway, prioritizing the Middle East. What this means for NATO’s Arctic training. In summary The United States has […]
Kaliningrad: Moscow simulates a strike on NATO’s C2
In Kaliningrad, Su-30SM2 and Su-24M aircraft rehearsed strikes against command posts. What this reveals about NATO’s flank. Summary In Kaliningrad, Su-30SM2 and Su-24M crews from […]
AVIC presents Yunying: simple inspiration or copy of Shield AI’s V-BAT?
AVIC presents Yunying, a tail-sitter VTOL drone with a ducted turbine, very similar to Shield AI’s V-BAT. Innovation, imitation, and ISR challenges. Summary The Chinese […]
UK bases unavailable: Washington must rewrite its plan against Iran
If London refuses Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford, Washington loses logistical “shortcuts” for its bombers, and the Iran option becomes more difficult. In summary Press […]
The United Kingdom joins forces with Europe to accelerate low-cost anti-drone defense
London joins five European partners to rapidly produce cheaper anti-drone defenses, drawing on lessons learned in Ukraine, and fill a capability gap. In summary The […]
Colombia: U-turn on the €3.2 billion Rafale deal
Bogotá suspends the purchase of the Rafale at the last minute and reopens the competition with the F-16 and Gripen. Analysis of the reasons and […]
Germany considers 35 more F-35s while SCAF derails
Berlin discusses a second batch of F-35s for nuclear sharing, while SCAF gets bogged down. Costs, trade-offs, and political turmoil. Summary On February 19, 2026, […]