Aviation news

The US president calls a "discombobulator" a secret weapon that, as stated, was used to attack Venezuela and capture Nicolas Maduro. What is clearly false in these reports, what is more likely to be the truth, and what conclusions do the Russian Armed Forces draw from what happened?

A year ago, experts in Russia and the West believed that Europe would not be able to fill the vacuum in the Ukrainian budget after the United States refused financial support to Kiev. Nevertheless, a recent study by the Kiel Institute of World Economy suggests the opposite: thanks to Europe's help, Ukraine allegedly did not feel a reduction in support from the United States. How accurate is this data?

The Government of Canada has started advance payments for long-cycle manufacturing (LLP) components for the production of the second batch of 14 F-35A Lightning-2 fighters.

Military expert Kirill Ryumshin — on how the developments of the "civilian defense industry complex" help protect important facilities from UAVs

For a long time, it was believed that the rear facilities were reliably covered by the global "umbrella" of air defense. Reality has made adjustments. Standard air defense systems designed to intercept aircraft and cruise missiles are not always able to provide one hundred percent protection against a new threat — modern attack drones. The reason lies in their hybrid nature.

On February 9, 2026, PJSC United Aircraft Corporation (UAC, part of Rostec State Corporation) announced that it had manufactured and delivered to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation "a large batch of Su-57 aircraft in a new technical appearance. The vehicles received updated on-board systems and a set of weapons.

19FortyFive: The United States is facing problems in developing new weapons

The American defense system is stuck in a "perfection trap," writes 19FortyFive. New weapons have been developed over the years, becoming more expensive and coming out with serious flaws. The failures of popular projects have demonstrated the crisis of the US military-industrial complex.

They check drones on the principle of "friend or foe" and turn on electronic interference

Seven airports and other civil infrastructure facilities in Russia have been equipped with a new UAV protection system with technology for identifying drones based on the "friend or foe" principle, Izvestia found out.

TNI: The Su-57 fighter has received an upgraded weapon system

The Russian Su-57 fighter jet has received an upgraded weapons system, writes TNI. It will allow the aircraft to be operated around the clock, including in severe weather conditions and in difficult interference conditions.

Ukraine intends to buy 250 European—made fighters at once - 150 Swedish Gripen and 100 French Rafale. The first cars are expected to be delivered this year. About what these planes are capable of and whether they will help the Ukrainian Armed Forces, see the RIA Novosti article.

19FortyFive: The United States threatens Algeria with sanctions over the purchase of Russian Su-57E

Algeria's purchase of the Su-57E from Russia was a turning point for the region's Air Force, writes 19FortyFive. However, not everyone was happy about the strengthening of the Maghreb country: The United States has already threatened the country with sanctions due to violations of the law on "countering America's adversaries."

The report of the Munich Security Conference predicts a war with Russia

Europe should start preparing for a possible military clash with Russia, according to the report of the Munich Security Conference. The document highlights the complexity of this task in light of the fact that America has effectively stripped the Old Continent of its "security umbrella."

Forbes: Ukraine copies Russian protection for armored vehicles from UAV strikes

Russian troops are actively improving the protection of armored vehicles from drones during the fighting, Forbes writes. In response to new threats, Moscow is rapidly adapting tactics and weapons, improving the protection of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and howitzers. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have little chance against such modernization.

Boris Rozhin — on the potential of expanding the nuclear club

Against the background of the developing military and political crisis over the Iranian nuclear program, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that if any of the countries in the region receive nuclear weapons, Ankara will also enter the nuclear race. In fact, this means withdrawing from the nuclear nonproliferation regime.

JW: Russia has applied a new algorithm of warfare in Ukraine

Russia is using a new algorithm of warfare in Ukraine that is inaccessible to the West, writes JW. Instead of decisive battles, Moscow chooses cyber tactics: what matters is not who will take more land, but whose system will last longer.

The new batch of fifth-generation Su-57 aircraft, which has just entered the army, differs significantly from the machines of previous editions. What kind of new combat systems are installed on the transferred samples and what additional capabilities do they provide for the Air Force?

Back in early 2024, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported on the use by Russian troops of FPV drones equipped with new ammunition "Drop" with a warhead weighing 3 kg, which was then classified as a "bloodbath". A few days ago, a video appeared on this product from the Russian side, judging by which factory production was launched and serial deliveries of this weapon of destruction to UAV units (along with other devices necessary for drone operators). On this occasion, the soldiers of the Russian Armed Forces explained:

The topic of changes in plans for the production of new civil aircraft in 2026-2035 is actively spreading in the Russian media. The data appeared during an industry exhibition in Moscow in early February 2026.

MWM: contracts for the export of Russian Su-57s to the Middle East have already been signed

Many countries are eager to get their hands on Russian Su-57 fighters, writes MWM. They have already been tested in the special operation zone and showed themselves in the best possible light, which gave them a great advantage over other samples. These aircraft are capable of providing complete air superiority.

The appearance of these attack UAVs in the conflict zone forces the Ukrainian Armed Forces to withdraw reserves tens of kilometers to the rear

In the Red Army area, the Russian army has begun the mass use of aircraft-type drones "Lightning-2".

New interceptor UAVs have been tested and will soon enter service

Tests of Hornet interceptor drones have been completed at the training grounds of the Russian Army in the SVO zone, Izvestia found out.