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Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force J-16 fighters have begun simulated air-to-air engagements with Egyptian Air Force Rafale and MiG-29M fighters as part of the Eagles of Civilisation exercises, which began on August 22. The exercise marks the first deployment of the J-16 outside Asia, with at least six of the long range fighters flying roughly 6,000 kilometres to Egypt.

Two Russian Aerospace Forces Su-57 fifth generation fighter aircraft played a central role in strikes on the Ukrainain port city of Odessa on August 23, as the expansion of the fleet has allowed them to contribute to operations across the frontlines. Odessa has been intensively targeted throughout August, with drones and missiles having primarily been directed  against port, transport, energy and logistics infrastructure.

Great news. Your family survived the move with minimal damage or loss and the house is mostly unpacked. There’s only a dozen big ones left that will take some time to sort, but you got this. The grocery store is close, you’ve figured out which gate to use, located the nearest ice cream shop, and have only cried twice because you’re overwhelmed while trying to figure out your kids’ new school routines.
Then comes the tedious school registration: Name. Address. Phone number. Parent information. Three emergency contacts.

Iran has announced the discovery of a new natural gas field at a far from convenient time, as the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian fuel leaving the Strait of Hormuz remains in place and the country faces an economic crisis.

Oil Minister Mohsen Paknehad said on Sunday, August 23, that a field in the southern Fars province contains more than 7.5 trillion cubic feet of gas, with roughly 5.7 trillion cubic feet deemed recoverable. The ministry says that more than 72% of the gas could ultimately be extracted, and would therefore become a valuable form of revenue for the struggling Islamic regime.

A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon long range anti-submarine warfare aircraft transited the Taiwan Strait on August 21, in a significant show of force through one of the world’s most significant geopolitical hotspot. The aircraft was monitored throughout its passage by mainland Chinese forces. Although designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, the P-8 although it is also capable of  intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue operations, and can carry a limited armament for striking surface targets. Approximately 125 currently in service in the U.S. Navy.

The U.S. Navy has publicly revealed a previously undisclosed very long-range air-to-air missile designated the AIM-424 Malice, with official imagery showing the missile being carried by both an F-18E/F and F-35C fighters. The Navy describes the AIM-424 as a next-generation weapon intended to provide a substantial increase in range, lethality and survivability against advanced airborne threats.

Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Ali Abdollahi has provided new insight into the state of the country’s ballistic missile industry, visiting an underground facility involved in production as part of an apparent effort to send a direct message to adversaries. This appears to respond to Western claims that Iranian missile production has been degraded, particularly in the field of solid-fuel ballistic missiles.

China’s newJ-35 fifth generation fighter has appeared in recent photographs with an unusually reflective, silver-like surface, prompting speculation that China may be evaluating a new surface treatment intended to improve the type’s advanced radar evading capabilities against advanced sensors. The new coating is substantially more reflective than the subdued grey finishes normally associated with low-observable combat aircraft. Light appears to reflect strongly from portions of the fuselage, wings and empennage, giving the aircraft an almost polished-metal appearance.

A Marine Corps fighter squadron received a rare Air Force award this month for actions in the Middle East in the spring and summer of 2025.
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542 received the Department of the Air Force’s Gallant Unit Citation for actions between March 15-Oct. 7, 2025, according to an Aug. 19 Marine Administrative Notice on new awards.

The Korean People’s Army is reportedly sending a specialised contingent of drone operators to Russia, potentially marking a significant expansion of North Korea’s direct involvement in the ongoing Russian war effort in the Ukrainian theatre. Ukrainian intelligence officials reported that among the estimated 8,500 North Korean military personnel in Russia, around 400 were drone operators. The latest contingent reportedly also includes approximately 1,000 engineers and sappers, most of whom are deployed in Russia’s Kursk region.