Military Aircraft Procurement   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
Air & Space Forces Mag • Steve Losey

USAF rotates F-22 Raptors to Kadena AB to bridge delayed F-15EX Eagle II arrival

Additional F-22 Raptor stealth fighters from squadrons in Alaska and Virginia have deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, within 400 miles of Taiwan, supporting rotational air-superiority coverage. The move fills gaps created by the delayed introduction of the F-15EX at Kadena and the drawdown of F-15C/D.

Also: nationalsecurityjournal.org, defence-blog.com and war.gov
2026-05-06T12:12:46.530151-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Policy  
Unmanned Airspace • Philip Butterworth-Hayes

US Joint Interagency Task Force 401 selects five directed-energy C-UAS pilot programme sites

By Unmanned Airspace: The US Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has selected five installations to participate in the directed-energy counter-unmanned aircraft systems pilot programme included in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

Also: dronelife.com
2026-05-07T10:46:31.051446-07:00
Middle East   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Boeing  
AeroTime • Ian Molyneaux

Qatar-gifted Air Force One to arrive ahead of Fourth of July

By AeroTime: A Boeing 747-8i gifted to the United States by Qatar is expected to make its grand entrance as Air Force One before the US’ historic 250-year anniversary.

2026-05-07T05:29:16.933424-07:00
Helicopter   Military Aircraft Procurement   Policy & Regulation   Defense Deals  
Aviation Week • Chen Chuanren

U.S. OKs Philippines For Bell 505 Helicopter Training Package

By Aviation Week: The U.S. State Department has approved the Philippines’ request for a Bell 505 Jet Ranger X training package, valued at approximately $150 million.

Also: Aviation Week and 4 more
2026-05-06T11:00:30.678477-07:00