FCAS: France Turns to India Following the NGF Breakdown
Following the collapse of the Franco-German NGF, Paris is exploring a FCAS partnership with India. Technology, budgets, sovereignty, and the role of drones: what is […]
Month: August 2026
The F-35 Is Becoming the Air Standard of NATO’s Northern Flank
From Denmark to Canada, the F-35 is structuring NATO’s northern air defense, at the cost of growing American dependence and expensive MRO. Executive Summary The […]
U.S. CCAs Promise More Mass, but Their Cost Threatens the Concept
With the FQ-42A and FQ-44A, the USAF aims to build affordable combat mass. Yet stealth, autonomy, and survivability are already threatening the cost equation. Executive […]
China: The PLAAF Links Drones, AI, and Missiles into a Strike Network
China is combining the GJ-3A, WZ-10, WZ-7, and AI planning to shorten its kill chain, facing one major hurdle: surviving electronic jamming. Executive Summary China […]
India Negotiates 114 Rafales, Including 94 Built on Its Soil
Paris proposes 114 Rafales to India, including 94 produced locally, featuring industrial transfers, maintenance, and increasing integration of Indian technology. In summary In early August […]
Chinese H-6N Appears Carrying JL-1 Under J-20 Escort
Beijing showcases an H-6N carrying the JL-1 under J-20 escort, a sequence shedding light on the new air-based leg of its deterrent. In summary In […]
AI Pilots a Fighter: 27 Autonomous Interceptions with an Infrared Sensor
On August 4, 2026, Skunk Works revealed that the X-62A VISTA executed 27 autonomous interceptions driven by AI using the infrared Legion Pod. A technological […]
NGI passes a critical test on its second-stage motor
Lockheed Martin validates a second-stage motor burst test for the NGI. Technical risk recedes, but the schedule remains tight.* In summary Lockheed Martin announced on […]
France Faces Urgent Choice Between Rafale F4 and Rafale F5
The French Air Force is demanding more Rafales before 2033. The choice between the readily available F4 and the strategic F5 exposes tensions within French […]
China Unveils Three Drones for Joint Intelligence
With the GJ-3A, WZ-10, and WZ-7, the PLAAF aims to bridge tactical reconnaissance, strategic intelligence, and joint strikes. Executive Summary The joint presentation of the […]