Category -- Air -- The Defense Post

Sep- 2026 -

24 September

Lunching ceremony of the first KF-21 Boramae fighter jet. Photo: Korea Aerospace Industries

S. Korea Accepts First KF-21 Boramae Production Fighter Jet

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has officially received its first mass-produced KF-21 Boramae system, marking a major milestone in the nation's multi-decade drive to field a domestic combat aircraft.

24 September

No 3 Squadron Joint Strike fighters A35-09 and A35-11 taxi out for a night sortie from RAAF Base Williamtown. *** Local Caption *** Two F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft from No. 3 Squadron conducted night flying at RAAF Base Williamtown as part of pilot familiarisation training.

Rojoef Manuel

US-Bound Australian F-35 Parts End Up in China After Shipping Mishap

Chinese authorities have taken possession of F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft components after a shipment was rerouted to Hong Kong during transit from Australia.

24 September

A Ukrainian service member operates a drone as part of the country’s Drone Line project. Sparc AI has launched its Overwatch positioning network in Ukraine. Image: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

Rojoef Manuel

Calian, SkyFall to Embed Ukrainian Drone Tactics Into NATO Training

Canadian defense firm Calian Group and Ukraine’s SkyFall have signed a strategic partnership to deliver advanced drone training for NATO and allied forces.

24 September

The Guardian unmanned aerial system. Photo: Powerus

Rojoef Manuel

Florida Drone Maker Expands Asian Presence With Pakistan Defense Order

US drone manufacturer Powerus has secured a limited procurement order from Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence for unmanned aerial systems and related support, expanding the company’s international defense footprint.

24 September

Jodesz Gavilan

Honeywell Gives F-35 Fighters a Cooling Boost

Honeywell Aerospace has launched an upgrade designed to give F-35s more cooling capacity as new sensors and hardware increase demand for thermal management.

24 September

Designed to operate in tomorrow's high-end threat environment, the B-21 will play a critical role in ensuring America's enduring airpower capability.

Jodesz Gavilan

US Air Force Adds $13.7M Weapons Facility for B-21

The US Air Force is adding a new weapons facility at Whiteman Air Force Base as Missouri prepares to host the B-21 Raider.

24 September

Christine Casimiro

Mexico Acquires Second C-130J Super Hercules From Lockheed Martin

The Mexican Air Force has acquired its second C‑130J‑30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter from Lockheed Martin.

23 September

A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft representing No. 11, No. 12, and No. 292 Squadrons (centre), an MQ-4C Triton from No. 9 Squadron (left), and an MC-55A Peregrine from No. 10 Squadron representing the Air "ISR Family" of jets in No. 92 Wing at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. This image has been digitally altered. *** Local Caption *** On Tuesday 22 September 2026, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Honourable Richard Marles MP, accompanied by Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC, CSC, OAM, visited RAAF Base Edinburgh to announce a series of significant milestones for Australia's Air Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (Air ISR) capabilities. The Acting Prime Minister announced the achievement of Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the MQ-4C Triton and MC-55A Peregrine, the completion of major upgrades to the first two P-8A Poseidon aircraft in Australia's fleet in the United States, and the forthcoming commencement of upgrades to the remaining fleet at the recently opened Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility at RAAF Base Edinburgh. These milestones represent a significant enhancement to the Royal Australian Air Force's ability to deliver persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance effects across Australia's primary area of military interest. RAAF Base Edinburgh is the Royal Australian Air Force's principal Air ISR hub and home to No. 92 Wing, which operates the P-8A Poseidon, MQ-4C Triton and MC-55A Peregrine through Nos. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 292 Squadrons. Built through years of collaboration between Defence, industry and the United States, Australias integrated Air ISR fleet continues to grow.

Rojoef Manuel

Australia Reaches Key ISR Milestones Across Triton, Peregrine, and Poseidon Fleets

The Royal Australian Air Force has declared initial operational capability for its MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial systems and MC-55A Peregrine jets, alongside the completion and upgrade of the military’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission fleet.

23 September

U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75, shoots flares while flying over the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN) 71 during a friends and family day cruise, Aug. 8, 2026. Theodore Roosevelt’s friends and family day cruise showcases carrier strike group capabilities and the professionalism of the crew. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Tyler Harstad)

Rojoef Manuel

US Authorizes $425M Seahawk Helicopter Package for Denmark

The US State Department has cleared a $425-million foreign military sale of three MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission helicopters and ancillary equipment to Denmark.

23 September