Male dragonflies defending territory engage in aerial "dogfights" with complex maneuvers, mirroring human fighter pilot tactics. Research suggests simple rules drive this behavior, potentially informing drone development.
The Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a stealth-oriented multirole drone, will participate in Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, its first large-scale multinational deployment, to refine manned-unmanned teaming tactics alongside US and allied forces.
The US Air Force is developing the Air Force Long Range Weapon (AFLRW) program, aiming for a next-generation air-launched standoff missile with a minimum range of 1,850 km. This ambitious project, driven by the vast distances of the Pacific and China's missile advancements, will be discussed at a closed-door meeting with defense industry representatives in August 2026 at Eglin AFB.
India and France have elevated their defense partnership to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, focusing on co-design and co-production of advanced defense platforms. A key area of discussion is a potential collaboration on a sixth-generation fighter jet, with India seen as a natural partner following France's split with Germany on a similar project.
South Korea's Air Force has begun its annual Soaring Eagle exercise, a week-long aerial combat drill involving F-35A stealth fighters and other assets, to enhance operational capability and combat readiness against potential threats.
The US is developing the AIM-260 JATM missile, exceeding Mach 5 with a range over 200 km, to counter China's PL-15 and PL-17. India is also advancing its Astra Mk-2 and Mk-3 missiles, aiming for similar long-range capabilities.
