Today In Defense
Last Updated: Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, 12:18 PM PDT
2025-08-02T12:18:27.390268-07:00 2025-08-02T12:18:27.390268-07:00 (2025-08-02T12:18:27.390268-07:00)

How Pakistan shot down India's cutting-edge fighter using Chinese gear
By Reuters: The downing of the Rafale, the jewel of India's fleet, surprised many in the military community and raised questions about the effectiveness of Western military hardware against untested Chinese alternatives.

Ukraine says it hit Russian oil facilities, military airfield
By Reuters: Ukraine's military said on Saturday that it had struck oil facilities inside Russia, including a major refinery as well as a military airfield for drones and an electronics factory.

Responding to Ukrainian Drone Strikes: Russia Builds Hardened Aircraft Shelters to Avoid Future Losses

Raytheon secures largest-ever order for AMRAAM missiles
By FlightGlobal: A $3.5 billion order for Raytheon's Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile will cover deliveries of the combat proven munition to the US Navy and Air Force, plus 19 overseas customers.

Joby and L3Harris will fly military VTOL aircraft this year
By Axios: Paul Sciarra, Joby's executive chairman, described L3Harris as "an especially nimble prime.".

U-2 Just Set New Records On The 70th Anniversary Of Its First Flight (Udated)
By The War Zone: Though targeted for retirement by the U.S. Air Force, the U-2 still brings a lot of capabilities to the table.

Northrop Grumman and USAF Test-Fire Sentinel ICBM’s Stage-Two Rocket Motor
By The Aviationist: Northrop Grumman tested the motor in the vacuum chamber in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, continuing the development of the Minuteman III’s.

China Teases First Catapult Launches From Its New Carrier Fujian
By The War Zone: Launching jets in an operational manner would be a critical milestone for China's first catapult-equipped aircraft carrier.