Americas
The United States Marine Corps is undergoing a significant transformation of its aviation assets, as detailed in the recently released 2025 Marine Aviation Plan. The plan aims to maintain a lethal and responsive Aviation Combat Element (ACE) by transitioning to an all-5th generation tactical aircraft fleet and modernising all other aspects of the ACE. The plan encompasses a wide range of updates across fixed-wing, tiltrotor, rotary-wing, unmanned, and support aircraft, each playing a crucial role in the Corps’ future warfighting capabilities.
L3Harris has successfully tested its new Viper Shield system on an F-16 fighter jet for the first time. This test took place at Edwards Air Force Base in California.The Viper Shield is a advanced electronic warfare system that helps protect the F-16 from enemy threats. During the test flight, they checked if the system worked well with the plane’s computer and other equipment. They also made sure the Viper Shield could work together with a new radar called APG-83, which was made by another company, Northrop Grumman, to make the F-16 better.The US Air Force’s 412th Test Wing, which is in charge of testing new aircraft equipment, helped with this first flight.
Middle East & Africa
Iran has confirmed its purchase of Russian-made Sukhoi-35 fighter jets, marking a significant development in its military capabilities and its relationship with Russia. This announcement was made by Ali Shadmani, a senior official of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), on January 27, 2025.The acquisition of these advanced fighter jets is part of Iran’s efforts to strengthen its military forces. Shadmani stated, “Whenever necessary, we make military purchases to strengthen our air, land, and naval forces”. This move comes amid growing concerns from Western countries about the deepening military collaboration between Tehran and Moscow.
Europe
According to Defense Post, Rheinmetall has been contracted to provide a mobile communication/directional radio management system for the German Armed Forces. An integrated communication network, the Tactical Wide Area Network for Land Based Operations (TaWAN LBO), will be set up under the $1.96 billion contract. A German military division will be equipped with the system, with delivery taking place from the end of 2026 to the end of 2029.
Asia-Pacific
In a display of military cooperation, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) conducted a joint air exercise over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on February 4. The exercise involved three PAF FA-50PH aircraft and two USAF B-1 supersonic bombers. According to PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, the exercise included bilateral air patrols, air intercept training, and a photo opportunity. The drills are designed to enhance interoperability, improve air domain awareness and agile combat employment, and support shared bilateral air objectives. The aircraft rendezvoused off the west coast of the Philippines and flew within the Intensive Military Training Area (IMTA), which includes Bajo de Masinloc. The activities took place within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.