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AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Taiwan searches for missing F-16V pilot after jet crashes into sea during training

Taiwan's air force launched a search on Jan. 6 for a pilot believed to have ejected after a ROCAF F-16V crashed into the sea off the island's eastern coast during a routine training sortie from Hualien; authorities suspended F-16 flights amid reports of persistent software faults and readiness concerns.

2026-01-07T01:17:08.771825-08:00

ch-aviation

S7 in talks to firm-order 100 Tupolev Tu‑214s, a potential lifeline for Russian production

2026-01-06T19:51:45.519997-08:00

ch-aviation

Yemenia to launch international flights from Socotra Island

2026-01-07T00:10:08.446659-08:00

FlightGlobal

Russia fits Shahed/Geran‑2 loitering munitions with MANPADS and small air‑to‑air missiles

2026-01-06T13:55:10.665852-08:00

News Timeline

The War Zone

U.S. Forces Seize Russian‑Flagged Tanker Marinera (ex‑Bella 1) After Weekslong North Atlantic Pursuit U.S. special operations and aviation assets launched a boarding of the Russian‑flagged, sanctioned oil tanker Marinera (formerly Bella 1) in the North Atlantic after a weekslong pursuit. U.S. air units were repositioned to the U.K. and Russian naval forces were reported nearby as the seizure unfolded.

2026-01-07T06:11:38.641179-08:00

U.S. Forces Seize Russian‑Flagged Tanker Marinera (ex‑Bella 1) After Weekslong North Atlantic Pursuit

AeroTime

Taiwan searches for missing F-16V pilot after jet crashes into sea during training Taiwan's air force launched a search on Jan. 6 for a pilot believed to have ejected after a ROCAF F-16V crashed into the sea off the island's eastern coast during a routine training sortie from Hualien; authorities suspended F-16 flights amid reports of persistent software faults and readiness concerns.

2026-01-07T01:17:08.771825-08:00

Taiwan searches for missing F-16V pilot after jet crashes into sea during training

ch-aviation

Yemenia to launch international flights from Socotra Island Yemenia plans to start scheduled international services from Socotra Island, re‑establishing direct overseas connectivity for the Yemeni archipelago. The carrier's announcement signals network expansion from an isolated airport even as operations elsewhere in Yemen remain disrupted and air connectivity is volatile.

2026-01-07T00:10:08.446659-08:00

Yemenia to launch international flights from Socotra Island

Reuters

Pakistan and Bangladesh air chiefs hold talks on defence pact, potential JF-17 sale Pakistan's and Bangladesh's air force chiefs held talks on a potential defence pact that could include the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighters to Dhaka, Pakistani military sources said. The discussions form part of Islamabad's effort to broaden arms exports and deepen military ties with Bangladesh.

2026-01-06T23:33:07.447053-08:00

Pakistan and Bangladesh air chiefs hold talks on defence pact, potential JF-17 sale

ch-aviation

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S7 in talks to firm-order 100 Tupolev Tu‑214s, a potential lifeline for Russian production S7 Airlines is in talks to firm-order 100 Tupolev Tu‑214s, a potential landmark commitment that would provide a major boost to Russian aircraft production and underpin wider use of domestically produced types. The report gives no details on pricing, delivery schedule or financing.

2026-01-06T19:51:45.519997-08:00

S7 in talks to firm-order 100 Tupolev Tu‑214s, a potential lifeline for Russian production

The War Zone

US stages CV‑22 Ospreys, ISR and special‑ops helicopters from UK as pursuit of sanctioned tanker Marinera continues CV‑22B Ospreys from the 7th Special Operations Squadron conducted fast‑rope and rescue drills at RAF Fairford while ISR platforms, a UK RC‑135 and a USCG cutter shadow the sanctioned, Russian‑flagged tanker Marinera steaming northeast in the North Atlantic. A US special‑operations helicopter was also photographed alongside the vessel.

2026-01-06T15:40:53.668526-08:00

US stages CV‑22 Ospreys, ISR and special‑ops helicopters from UK as pursuit of sanctioned tanker Marinera continues

FlightGlobal

Russia fits Shahed/Geran‑2 loitering munitions with MANPADS and small air‑to‑air missiles Russian forces have modified Iran‑designed Shahed‑136/Geran‑2 loitering munitions to carry Verba MANPADS and small air‑to‑air missiles, converting one‑way attack drones into airborne short‑range anti‑air assets. The change aims to threaten intercepting fighters and defeat enemy suicide UAVs, marking a tactical shift in C‑UAS employment.

2026-01-06T13:55:10.665852-08:00

Russia fits Shahed/Geran‑2 loitering munitions with MANPADS and small air‑to‑air missiles

asiatimes.com

US revives WWII Pacific airfields to enable island‑hopping, disperse airpower against China As the U.S. races to 'island‑hop' its airpower back across the Pacific, the military is restoring WWII‑era airfields to support and protect dispersed air assets in a potential conflict with China. The effort seeks to sustain operations from austere, dispersed sites and stay ahead of China’s sharpening Pacific kill chain.

2026-01-06T11:37:46.234198-08:00

US revives WWII Pacific airfields to enable island‑hopping, disperse airpower against China

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Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact News

Taiwan searches for missing F-16V pilot after jet crashes into sea during training

S7 in talks to firm-order 100 Tupolev Tu‑214s, a potential lifeline for Russian production

Yemenia to launch international flights from Socotra Island

Russia fits Shahed/Geran‑2 loitering munitions with MANPADS and small air‑to‑air missiles

News Timeline