US military intelligence reports chaotic Ukrainian strikes on Russia, while continuing F-16 pilot training. EU prepares for energy crisis amid Iran conflict. Russia-Latin America trade grows, and Russia plans responses to alleged drone attacks from Latvia. Germany's rearmament sparks concern.
A new US Congress report confirms the United States is continuing to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets. The training is coordinated by a coalition led by the US, Denmark, and the Netherlands. A $310 million package for F-16 training and sustainment was approved in May 2025.
The US has awarded Northrop Grumman a $488 million contract to upgrade Pakistan's F-16 radar systems under the foreign military sales programme. The April 2026 deal comes amid heightened tensions after India's Operation Sindoor and while Pakistan hosts US-Iran peace talks. India is concerned as its Air Force squadron numbers have dropped to 29 against a required 42 for two-front warfare. The contract also includes other beneficiary nations including Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, and Türkiye, with completion expected by March 2036.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia will treat F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine as nuclear threats, adding that during combat operations the military will not verify whether each jet is equipped to carry nuclear weapons. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions over Western military support for Ukraine.
Peru's defense and foreign ministers have resigned after the country's president stalled a $3.5 billion deal for U.S. F-16 fighter jets
Peru’s foreign and defence ministers resigned on Wednesday in protest over the decision by the government to stall a US$3.5 billion deal for the purchase of 24 US F-16 fighter jets. The ministers said Peru’s reputation was in jeopardy after interim president Jose Maria Balcazar said on Tuesday that he would leave it up to the winner of June’s presidential run-off to finalise the agreement. Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela told RPP radio he stood down “because the political decision made by Mr...
Belgium and Spain will each provide Ukraine with €1 billion in military assistance this year, according to Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov. Belgium also reiterated its intention to supply F-16 fighter jets and spare parts.
