Flashpoints

China responds to US complaint over aircraft intercept

The U.S. military said a Chinese J-16 fighter jet pilot flew in front of the nose of the RC-135 conducting routine operations in international airspace.

2 days ago

A TV screen shows a file image of North Korea's rocket launch during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

North Korea says attempt to launch first spy satellite ends in failure

North Korea said its attempt to put the country’s first spy satellite into orbit has failed.

2 days ago

Pallets of 155 mm shells ultimately bound for Ukraine are loaded by the 436th Aerial Port Squadron, April 29, 2022, at Dover Air Force Base, Del.

New US aid package for Ukraine will total about $300 million

U.S. officials say a military aid package for Ukraine that is expected to be announced this week will include additional munitions for drones.

Video shows Chinese fighter jet flying close to US aircraft

The U.S. military says a Chinese fighter jet flew aggressively close to a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft over the South China Sea.

2 days ago

KFOR soldiers set up a security fence in front of a municipal building after yesterday's clashes between ethnic Serbs and troops from the NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping force, in the town of Zvecan, northern Kosovo, Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

NATO to send 700 more troops to Kosovo to help quell violent protests

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said an additional reserve battalion would be put on high readiness in case additional troops are needed.

3 days ago

This satellite picture by Planet Labs PBC shows activity at a launch pad at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station near Tongchang-ri, North Korea, Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

Images show North Korea’s launch pad as it prepares its spy satellite

Satellite images taken Tuesday analyzed by The Associated Press showed activity at a main pad at North Korea's Sohae Satellite Launching Station.

3 days ago

NATO intel chief: Russia’s war on Ukraine and a hybrid war aimed at us

The speed, scale and intensity of Russian hybrid activities has increased in recent years, notes David Cattler.

3 days ago

Drones damage Moscow buildings in pre-dawn attack blamed on Ukraine

Russia's defense ministry said five drones were shot down and the systems of three others were jammed.

3 days ago

In this Feb. 11, 2016 file photo, Iranian drone Shahed-129 is displayed at a rally in Tehran, Iran.

Russia launched ‘largest drone attack’ on Ukrainian capital

The attack lasted more than five hours, with air defense reportedly shooting down more than 40 drones.

5 days ago

In this Dec. 17, 2019, file photo provided by Xinhua News Agency, the Shandong aircraft carrier is docked at a naval port in Sanya in southern China's Hainan Province.

Taiwan says Chinese warships pass through Taiwan Strait

Taiwan's defense ministry said it detected three ships from the Chinese navy, including the Shandong aircraft carrier, passing through the Taiwan Strait.

5 days ago

Members of the Oath Keepers extremist group stand on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.

Army vet, Oath Keepers leader gets 18 years for plotting Jan. 6 attack

Lengthy jail sentences show judges will hold those responsible for deadly violence of Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

7 days ago

Oath Keepers founder gets 18 years for Jan. 6 seditious conspiracy

Rhodes called himself a “political prisoner” and said his only crime is opposing those who are “destroying” the country.

8 days ago

Russian private army chief says handing off Bakhmut to main army

Wagner chief Prigozhin says he lost 20,000 troops in the fight for the industrial city.

8 days ago

South Korea launches first commercial-grade satellite

The domestically built three-stage Nuri rocket lifted off with a payload of eight satellites, including one to verify radar imaging technology.

8 days ago

Austin hopes F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots will begin in weeks

F-16 jets will bolster Ukraine in the long run but not necessarily as part of a spring counteroffensive against Russia.

8 days ago

Airmen with the 436th Aerial Port Squadron place 155 mm shells on aircraft pallets ultimately bound for Ukraine, April 29, 2022, at Dover Air Force Base, Del.

Half of US public approves of Washington’s arms deliveries to Ukraine

A new survey finds American support for Washington's backing of Ukraine has ebbed slightly since the war began 15 months ago.

8 days ago

Wagner Group boss says more than 20,000 of his troops died in Bakhmut

The head of the Russian private army Wagner says his force lost more than 20,000 men in the drawn-out battle for the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

9 days ago

Biden shift on F-16s for Ukraine came after months of internal debate

Over the past three months, Biden officials shifted toward the view that it was time to provide the aircraft for Ukraine's long-term security.

10 days ago

Russia fights alleged incursion from Ukraine for second day

Russia accuses Ukraine of attacking a border town for a second day. Kyiv blames Russian partisans.

10 days ago

Flashpoints

The latest news from Air Force Times about global conflict, terrorism and U.S. military affairs

The U.S. military said a Chinese J-16 fighter jet pilot flew in front of the nose of the RC-135 conducting routine operations in international airspace.

North Korea said its attempt to put the country’s first spy satellite into orbit has failed.

U.S. officials say a military aid package for Ukraine that is expected to be announced this week will include additional munitions for drones.

The U.S. military says a Chinese fighter jet flew aggressively close to a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft over the South China Sea.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said an additional reserve battalion would be put on high readiness in case additional troops are needed.

Satellite images taken Tuesday analyzed by The Associated Press showed activity at a main pad at North Korea's Sohae Satellite Launching Station.

The speed, scale and intensity of Russian hybrid activities has increased in recent years, notes David Cattler.

Russia's defense ministry said five drones were shot down and the systems of three others were jammed.

The attack lasted more than five hours, with air defense reportedly shooting down more than 40 drones.

Taiwan's defense ministry said it detected three ships from the Chinese navy, including the Shandong aircraft carrier, passing through the Taiwan Strait.

Lengthy jail sentences show judges will hold those responsible for deadly violence of Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Rhodes called himself a “political prisoner” and said his only crime is opposing those who are “destroying” the country.

Wagner chief Prigozhin says he lost 20,000 troops in the fight for the industrial city.

The domestically built three-stage Nuri rocket lifted off with a payload of eight satellites, including one to verify radar imaging technology.

F-16 jets will bolster Ukraine in the long run but not necessarily as part of a spring counteroffensive against Russia.

A new survey finds American support for Washington's backing of Ukraine has ebbed slightly since the war began 15 months ago.

The head of the Russian private army Wagner says his force lost more than 20,000 men in the drawn-out battle for the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

Over the past three months, Biden officials shifted toward the view that it was time to provide the aircraft for Ukraine's long-term security.

Russia accuses Ukraine of attacking a border town for a second day. Kyiv blames Russian partisans.