France: first operational deployment of the Rafale F4.1 fighter
On February 16, 2024, Rafale 4.1 fighter jet undertook its first operational mission from Mont-de-Marsan Air Base.
French scramble for visual identification of Russian aircraft off Estonian coast
The French fighter pilots approached the Russian aircraft under standard procedures, conducted a routine identification and escorted it before returning to the NATO Air Policing base at Šiauliai.
![Turkey: maiden flight of Kaan fifth-generation fighter [VIDEO]](https://defence-industry.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Turkey-maiden-flight-of-Kaan-fifth-generation-fighter-VIDEO-300x200.jpg)
Turkey: maiden flight of Kaan fifth-generation fighter [VIDEO]
The first fifth-generation fighter jet developed by Turkey, named Kaan, successfully completed its maiden flight on February 21, 2024.
Finnish Air Force to test operational concept in winter conditions
The Finnish Air Force will arrange the Hanki 24 air exercise from 26 February to 2 March 2024. Approximately 40 aircraft and 3,800 airmen will participate in the exercise.
Czech Air Force conducts first Gripen air-to-fir refueling exercise
Czech Air Force pilots from Čáslav Air Base successfully completed their first air-to-air refueling exercise with a JAS-39 Gripen fighter jet and an Airbus A330 MRTT tanker.
BAE Systems to provide electromagnetic warfare systems for U.S. Air Force EA-37B fleet
BAE Systems will provide advanced electromagnetic warfare (EW) mission systems for aircraft 7-10 in the U.S. Air Force’s growing fleet of EA-37B aircraft.
USAF advances precision with new LITENING Large Aperture targeting pod
Northrop Grumman's LITENING Large Aperture (LA) targeting pod, which incorporates significant enhancements in electro-optical/infrared sensing and processing capabilities, has been tapped by the U.S. Air Force.
Pratt & Whitney completes key design review on Next-Generation Adaptive Propulsion offering
Pratt & Whitney has completed a critical assessment of its Next-Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) offering with the U.S. Air Force.
Poland to sign agreement for Mid-Life Upgrade of its F-16 fleet
Poland plans to sign a contract for the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) of its F-16 fleet this year, stated the Chief of the Polish defence procurement agency (Armament Agency), General Artur Kuptel.
Military experts convene at the DACCC to discuss Air Offensive Operations
More than twenty participants from several NATO Nations convened for discussions revolving around the deployment of highly manoeuvrable stealth […]
Demonstrating cohesion, NATO jets train across borders
NATO jets from Belgium, France and Poland honed their skills during cross-border flying training practicing aerial manoeuvres and Air Policing drills.
Netherlands opens F-35 maintenance facility at Woensdrecht Air Base
The Netherlands has inaugurated the F-35 National Air Vehicle Depot at Woensdrecht Air Base, positioning itself as one of the first European countries to independently perform major maintenance on F-35 fighter jets.