Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Iran no longer possesses the capacity to enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles following recent attacks. He also denied 'dragging' the US into the Middle East conflict and dismissed Iran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz.
WorldFTAl Jazeeracbc+17vgdigi24index-hrobservadordnevnik-bghotnewsluxemburger-wortTimes of India+9 more1h ago20 sources
US President Donald Trump stated he had informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to carry out further attacks on Iran's natural gas fields, after Israel had 'retaliated violently' out of anger, and received assurances that Iranian energy infrastructure would not be targeted, adding that Israel should not attack unless Iran targets 'innocent' countries.
An American F-35 fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing at a Middle East base after reportedly being hit by Iranian forces, an incident currently under investigation by the US Central Command.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that its air defense systems struck and seriously damaged a U.S. F-35 fighter jet over central Iran.
The F-35 fighter jet program is encountering new obstacles in implementing a critical software update, which is compromising its combat capabilities while development costs continue to rise.
The British Ministry of Defence announced that Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets carried out overnight missions to protect British interests amidst the latest developments in the Middle East, with the UK defence secretary stating British forces are operating '24/7'.
A senior IDF official reportedly told the 'Post' that the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei and top military officials was an 'incredible operation' involving F-16s, F-35s, F-15s, and Israeli intelligence.
In the USA, we contracted, among others, Abrams tanks, F-35 aircraft, but also Patriot batteries and missiles for them. There is a risk that the deliveries of the latter may be delayed.
Switzerland is reportedly planning to purchase six fewer F-35 fighter jets than initially intended, indicating a potential adjustment in its defense procurement strategy.
Swiss Defense Minister Martin Pfister announced plans for a comprehensive army overhaul, including reducing F-35 jet purchases, increasing air defense capabilities, and raising VAT, in response to the current geopolitical climate.
Israel said one of its F-35 fighter jets, known as an Adir, had downed another crewed plane over Tehran, the Iranian capital. Iran did not immediately comment.
Two Russian TU-142 aircraft were detected near Alaska and intercepted by US F-35 and F-16 fighters, along with Canadian forces, to monitor and escort them out of the area.
Marine Le Pen, leader of France's National Rally party, stated that European allies must purchase French military equipment if they wish to be protected by France's nuclear umbrella, calling the purchase of American F-35 jets contradictory.
These things usually appear in memoirs, long after wars and battles end. One such moment likely unfolded today, if the details shared by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) are true.
British warplanes and military have shot down several drones in the Middle East, and Great Britain claims it will send a warship and Royal Navy helicopters to better defend its forces...
Britain has deployed radar systems, air defence assets and F-35 jets to its bases in Cyprus, Downing Street said on Tuesday, as it faces questions over whether it will send a warship to bolster defences at RAF Akrotiri following drone strikes on the base, according to a BBC report. The prime minister’s official spokesperson confirmed […]
The United States unleashed an array of weaponry against Iranian targets on Saturday, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, stealth fighters, and for the first time in combat, low-cost one-way attack drones modelled after Iranian designs. US Central Command released photographs showing Tomahawk missiles, F-18 and F-35 fighter jets alongside details of the strikes on Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury.
Artificial intelligence
The Pentagon used artificial intelligence services from Anthropic,...
Turkish media reports suggest that Ankara is close to signing a multi-billion dollar energy agreement with the United States to unlock the F-35 fighter jet deal.
PoliticsfazTimes of IndiaDawn+2japan-timespunch-ng21d ago5 sources
A former elite US military fighter pilot has been arrested in Indiana on suspicion of training members of the Chinese armed forces without the required US government authorization.
The proposed Czech defense budget of 155 billion crowns, including 5 billion for F-35 jets, has drawn criticism, with a significant increase of 60 billion expected next year, despite opposition from some parties.
Lockheed Martin has successfully tested an AI-powered system designed to summarize combat data for targeting purposes on F-35 jets, aiming to enhance pilot efficiency in combat identification.
Ambassador John Arrigo told CNN Portugal late on Sunday that he aimed to draw on his business experience to help Portugal ramp up defence spending to NATO's target of 5% of gross domestic product.
China’s push to sell its J-35 fifth generation fighter jet in the Asia-Pacific was likely to face stiff competition from US rival the F-35 as well as cheaper alternatives, military analysts said after the plane featured at this year’s Singapore Airshow.
They said political and economic considerations apart from performance would weigh on potential buyers, and questioned how many countries would want to buy the Chinese plane.
In Singapore this month, the booth operated by China National...
The Dutch Secretary of Defense has likened gaining software independence for the nation's F-35 jet fighters to 'jailbreaking an iPhone,' in response to concerns over proprietary software control.
CNN reports that a US F-35 stealth fighter jet on a combat mission over Iran was hit, forcing it to make an emergency landing. A US Central Command spokesperson confirmed the aircraft landed safely and the incident is under investigation.
Iran has reportedly struck a US F-35 fighter jet during a combat mission over its territory, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing at a US base in the Middle East.
Ameriško lovsko letalo F-35 je zasilno pristalo v eni od ameriških letalskih baz na Bližnjem vzhodu, potem ko ga je zadel izstrelek iranske protizračne obrambe, sta za CNN sporočila dva vira,…
The Hellenic Air Force continues its 'We Come to You!' program, showcasing F-16 and F-35 aircraft simulators and virtual reality technology at the Lamia Cultural Center, allowing participants to experience fighter jet flight.
Canada is reportedly considering the Swedish Jas 39 Gripen as a leading alternative to the F-35 fighter jet, potentially benefiting Sweden as Canada shifts its focus from the U.S. to Nordic options.
A British F-35 pilot made history by downing the first targets in combat over Jordan, intercepting two Shahed drones detected by radar during a four-hour flight alongside two Typhoon jets.
Για τον πιλότο ενός ισραηλινού F-35, η αερομαχία ήταν σχεδόν άνιση. Μπροστά του πετούσε ένα ιρανικό Yak-130, υποηχητικό εκπαιδευτικό αεροσκάφος ρωσικής κατασκευής.
F-35 pilot based in Cyprus becomes first to destroy a target in combat – and celebrates with a single beer
In the clear skies above Jordan on Monday night, a British F-35 pilot made a small piece of history. Flying for four hours alongside two Typhoons, the radar picked up two Shahed drones. The squadron tactics instructor – whom the Guardian is not naming – hit the drones with two Asraam missiles.
In doing so he became the first pilot of the Royal Air Force’s stealth fighter jet to destroy a...
The Israeli army on Thursday released footage showing an Israeli F-35 fighter jet shooting down an Iranian fighter jet over Tehran, marking the first known instance of an F-35 downing an enemy aircraft...
Ο ισραηλινός στρατός δημοσίευσε βίντεο που δείχνει την πρώτη κατάρριψη επανδρωμένου αεροσκάφους από F-35 στον κόσμο, που έλαβε χώρα χθες στον εναέριο χώρο του Ιράν.
Ο ισραηλινός στρατός δημοσιεύει…
As Ottawa reviews its F-35 purchase, there's concern Washington holds a powerful lever — control of the secure Link 16 network used for NATO and NORAD operations.
Cyprus’s Foreign Ministry described the regional situation on Tuesday as difficult, requiring organisation, patience and cooperation, as diplomatic efforts continue in the wake of US and Israeli strikes against Iran. Foreign Ministry sources said diplomatic contacts had continued over the past 48 hours with EU member states, EU institutions and third countries, with ongoing analysis […]
Washington and Ankara are reportedly negotiating a multi-billion dollar energy deal, with implications for Greece, against the backdrop of F-35 fighter jet discussions.
Turkish news reports suggest a potential energy cooperation package between Ankara and Washington could pave the way for Turkey to re-enter the F-35 fighter jet program.
India is reportedly considering the Russian Su-57 as an interim fifth-generation fighter to bridge a capability gap before its indigenous AMCA is ready. Russia has proposed joint production and technology transfer, presenting the Su-57 as a more flexible option than the US F-35 due to its operational restrictions.
ARABIAN SEA: An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, prepares to launch from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. The US has subs
The USA is withdrawing large parts of its planned air forces, including modern F-35 fighter jets, from the Cold Response exercise, reports the newspaper Fremover.
Kremlin Mocks European 'Illusions' For Wanting Own Nuclear Umbrella
Currently France and Britain are in talks to potentially extend their nuclear arsenals to protect Europe as a defense 'umbrella' - at a moment some officials have questioned the United States commitment to leading NATO.
Politico wrote in the aftermath of the Munich Security Conference, "Multiple European countries are publicly backing talks on a homegrown nuclear deterrent to complement American atomic weapons following an erosion of trust in a Donald Trump-led US."
Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin has issued the Kremlin's reaction to these latest developments, asserting that the British ‘nuclear umbrella’ will fail to provide extra security to other NATO members.
Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin, via Al Jazeera screenshot.
The diplomat's words were captured in an interview with Russian newspaper Izvestia on Tuesday. Kelin described that it is "obvious that the British 'nuclear umbrella' will not be able to provide any additional material security guarantees" to Europe.
Moscow meanwhile continues to closely monitor the moves by "states pursuing an overtly anti-Russian policy" - he emphasized.
"The possibility of the expansion of nuclear safeguards will be taken into account in our military planning as well as in further discussions of the strategic stability issues," the ambassador added.
Kelin then took a swipe at Britain's hawkish stance in the context of the Ukraine war: "The strengthening of such potential apparently instills in London an illusory hope of leadership in ensuring European security," he said.
Moscow's growing concerns over British policy is in part related to plans to purchase a dozen F-35 fighter jets from the US, capable of carrying missiles tipped with nuclear warheads.
Additionally, when the tiny but outspoken Baltic states - directly on Russia's doorstep - try to tout NATO 'nuclear deterrent' talking points, it seems natural that Moscow would be extremely concerned:
Estonia isn’t ruling out joining early-stage talks on a common nuclear deterrent in Europe, Deputy Defense Minister Tuuli Duneton said in an interview. "We are always open to discuss" with partners, she said, while emphasizing the U.S. was still "committed to providing nuclear deterrence for allied nations."
Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Siliņa echoed that. "Nuclear deterrence can give us new opportunities. Why not?" she said, while cautioning that any steps would have to be in compliance with "our international commitments."
NATO top leadership has still signaled no change in direction on the conventional US nuclear umbrella, however.
The United States nuclear umbrella, which has protected allies and cut down on the spread of nuclear weapons, is the "ultimate guarantor of freedom" in Europe, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte says.
"The ultimate guarantor is the nuclear umbrella from the United States," Rutte… pic.twitter.com/8GCU5oc4O6
February 17, 2026
In the backdrop is the fact that that the landmark New START nuclear treaty between Washington and Moscow has ceased to exist as of this month. Russia is offering that it won't expand its arsenal so long as the US does the same. But this is still dangerous, uncharted territory.
Tyler Durden
Wed, 02/18/2026 - 04:15
An American F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at a US airbase after being struck by suspected Iranian fire. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed responsibility for hitting the US F-35 jet over Iran and released footage, marking what would be the first instance of Iran striking a US aircraft in the ongoing conflict.
The Portuguese Air Force is urged not to base its future planning on promises for F-35 jets in 2040, emphasizing the need for immediate decisions within the current decade.
Norwegian F-35 fighter jets were scrambled for two consecutive days to intercept Russian military aircraft in international airspace off Finnmark, Norway's northernmost county.
China has expanded its export-control regimes to include more rare-earth elements, imposing new license requirements and compliance rules. This move is seen as a strategic leverage point against global supply chains, potentially impacting the production of advanced military hardware like the US F-35 jets without direct military engagement.
Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler stated that Turkey aims to maintain its Russian S-400 missile systems while also seeking reintegration into the F-35 fighter jet program.
The Swiss government plans to acquire fewer F-35 fighter jets than initially intended, reducing the number from 36 to around 30. Additionally, it is exploring a European air defense system and has initiated a consultation on a tax increase for the army.
The Israel Defense Forces released video of an F-35I “Adir" stealth jet downing an Iranian Yak-130 over Tehran, calling it a historic first for the aircraft.
Armata israeliană a publicat imagini cu momentul în care un avion F-35 de fabricație americană a doborât miercuri, deasupra Teheranului, un avion de luptă al Iranului, Yak-130, de fabricație rusească.
Israel’s military said an F-35I “Adir" stealth jet shot down an Iranian Yak-130 over Tehran, the first time the aircraft has destroyed a manned fighter in combat.
Any Iranian fighter jets could be problematic for Israeli and American drones and generally complicate the battle space, making it harder for close-range "stand-in" attacks.
British Royal Air Force F-35B Lightning II jets have scored their first-ever combat kill, shooting down drones over Jordan within the past 24 hours, marking a significant milestone for the UK's stealth fighter fleet.
A F-35 fighter jet flies during a graduation ceremony for Israeli Air Force pilots at Hatzerim Airbase, in southern Israel, June 29, 2023.
Amir Cohen/Reuters
Israeli Air Force F-35I planes struck…
A former F-35 Lightning II instructor pilot, Gerald Eddie Brown, Jr., has been arrested and charged by the US for allegedly training China's air force.
Gerald Brown, a 65-year-old former US Air Force fighter pilot, was arrested in Indiana upon returning from China, accused of training Chinese military personnel.
Friedrich Merz, the new German Chancellor, is attempting to overhaul defense policy by scrutinizing the allocation of colossal funds totaling 500 billion euros for armaments, aiming to redefine Germany's defense strategy.
Gli Stati uniti hanno rapidamente rafforzato la propria presenza militare vicino all’Iran, trasferendo oltre 150 velivoli verso basi in Europa e Medio Oriente dopo il secondo round di negoziati nuclea
It will remain for a few days until refueling – Crowd of F-35s at the U.S. air base in Souda
The post At Souda, the world’s largest aircraft carrier USS “Gerald R. Ford” (333 meters long) with 75 figh
The United States is escalating its military presence in the Middle East, deploying a large number of F-35 and F-22 fighter jets along with supply aircraft to Souda, as a clear warning to Iran.
The United States has withdrawn a significant portion of its planned air forces, including modern F-35 fighter jets, from the NATO exercise Cold Response.
PoliticsReutersYahooTimes of India28d ago3 sources
A Dutch Defense Minister has controversially claimed that F-35 fighter jets could achieve software independence, suggesting a 'jailbreak' similar to an iPhone is possible.