South Korea has shown the future of air warfare: the KF-21 now flies in conjunction with "smart" stealth drones

 

South Korea is taking a decisive step into the future of aerial combat. The country is actively approaching the deployment of a new unmanned aircraft system that will fly in conjunction with the new KF-21 Boramae fighter. The goal is not just to add another drone, but to create a real "family" in the sky, where man and machine work as one, expanding the capabilities of the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) by orders of magnitude.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the developer of the KF-21, recently released a demo video that looks like footage from an action movie, but it's a real concept for the future of combat. The simulation shows how a transport aircraft releases a group of inconspicuous drones, which then rush forward, escorting a KF-21 fighter jet. It's not just flying in formation, it's a combat team.

Imagine: one pilot in the cockpit of a KF-21, and around him — four drones, the so-called "wingmen" (loyal wingmen). They fly ahead, scan space, find targets, attack enemy radars and planes, while risking not the pilot, but the equipment. The fighter itself is keeping a safe distance at this time, commanding drones and delivering decisive strikes when the situation clears up.

This is a new level of human-machine interaction: the pilot becomes the "conductor of the orchestra," and the drones become his eyes, ears, and fists. This approach makes it possible to significantly reduce the risks for the crew, increase the control area and strike more accurately and faster.

The drones in the video look like compact, stealth-optimized vehicles — stealthy, maneuverable, with their own radars and weapons. They are able to operate autonomously, but under the control of the KF-21 pilot, which makes the entire group flexible and resilient. Even if one drone fails, the rest will continue the mission.

This concept directly competes with similar developments in the USA (for example, Skyborg), Great Britain (Tempest) and China. South Korea, therefore, is not just catching up — it is showing that it can create advanced solutions on its own. And the KF-21 with drones is not a fantasy on paper, but a real stage in the development of national defense.

In the coming years, such "pilot-drone tandems" may become the norm. In the meantime, South Korea has already shown what the air war of tomorrow will look like: one man in the cockpit, and an army of smart cars in the sky.

Raytheon has received a major contract for the supply of AIM-9X-4 Block II missiles for the US Navy and Air Force and allies

AIM-9X-4 Block II

Raytheon, a division of RTX Corporation, has received a significant contract from the US Navy for the production of a new batch of AIM-9X-4 Block II All Up Round (AUR) air-to-air missiles. The deal includes the delivery of 492 missiles to the U.S. Navy, 456 to the U.S. Air Force, and 808 to partners in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, underscoring the important role of this missile in modern air combat for both the U.S. armed forces and allies.

The AIM-9X-4 Block II is the latest version of the Sidewinder missile family, equipped with a highly sensitive infrared homing head with improved signal processing and counter-countermeasures. The missile is capable of capturing targets at high angles and has high maneuverability thanks to the thrust vector control system.

In addition, the AIM-9X-4 supports the "capture after launch" (LOAL) function, which allows it to hit targets outside the direct line of sight of the pilot, which is especially important in modern dynamic aerial combat. The missile integrates with various platforms, including the F-35, F/A-18, F-15EX and F-16 fighter jets.

F-35A fighters of the Royal Netherlands Air Force participate in the Baana 25 exercises in Finland

Fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighters of the Royal Netherlands Air Force took part in the international Baana 25 exercises taking place in Finland. This year, for the first time, the exercises include operations on the highway, an important element of preparation for combat operations in conditions of limited infrastructure.

The Dutch F-35A operated in conjunction with Finnish Air Force aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornets, combat training Hawks and light transport Learjet. The exercises are aimed at working out the interaction of various types of aircraft in difficult conditions, including rapid deployment and the use of roads as runways.

The Baana 25 demonstrates a high level of coordination and compatibility between NATO allied forces and partners, which is especially important in the northern regions with their unique climatic and geographical features. The use of the F-35A makes it possible to practice modern air combat tactics and integrate advanced technologies into joint operations.

Finland, which recently joined NATO, is actively developing cooperation with its allies, and the Baana exercises serve as a platform for strengthening defense readiness and sharing experiences between countries.

Air Battle between India and Pakistan: Lessons for world aviation and air warfare strategies

The air battle between India and Pakistan, which took place in early May 2025, became one of the largest and longest in the modern history of aviation. About 125 fighters from both sides participated in the battle, which exchanged blows for more than an hour without leaving the airspace of their countries. The exchange of missile strikes took place at distances exceeding 160 kilometers, which indicates the use of modern means of air combat and tactical techniques.

This conflict, caused by the escalation of tension after the terrorist attack in the Jammu and Kashmir region, led to significant losses, including the downing of Indian fighter jets. At the same time, the parties avoided crossing the border, probably taking into account the experience of previous incidents and trying to prevent the direct capture of pilots and political complications.

Douglas Barry, a senior researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), noted that this air battle will be the subject of close attention from the military communities of China, the United States and Europe. An analysis of tactics used in combat, the effectiveness of missile systems and strategies will allow us to gain valuable experience in improving air operations in modern conflicts.

Of particular interest is which methods and systems have been successful and which have not, which will help adapt weapons and tactics for future combat operations. This battle has actually become an indirect clash between China and the West through the prism of the regional conflict, which underlines its global significance.

Thus, the air battle between India and Pakistan not only reflects regional contradictions, but also serves as an important testing ground for testing and developing modern concepts of air warfare, influencing the strategic decisions of the leading world powers.

Pakistan announced the use of Chinese J-10C fighter jets against the Indian Air Force — the first combat victory is possible

According to reports from the Pakistani military, during a recent incident involving the Indian Air Force, Chinese Chengdu J-10C multirole fighters were involved, supplied to Pakistan as part of a program to modernize its air fleet. Islamabad claims that it was with the help of these aircraft that  five Indian military aircraft were shot down on approach to Pakistani airspace.  

If the information about the involvement of J-10C in these interceptions is confirmed, it will be  the first officially documented aerial victory of this type of fighter in real combat. Prior to this, the J-10C had already demonstrated its capabilities in joint exercises between China, Egypt and other countries, but direct combat use had not previously been confirmed.  

The J-10C fighter, developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation of China, is equipped with modern radars, electronic warfare systems and air-to-air weapons, including the PL-15 long-range missile with a range of more than 193 km. This modification is actively exported by China — in addition to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt and other countries wishing to modernize their fleet are showing interest in it.  

Reports of the use of the J-10C in the conflict between India and Pakistan are increasing interest in this machine as a serious competitor to its Western counterparts. Pakistan's possession of such weapons could change the balance of power in the region and affect Delhi's strategic calculations.

Tragedy in the sky: The last flight of the F-16 pilot Pavel Ivanov

 

F-16 pilot Pavel Ivanov

The story of Pavel Ivanov, the pilot of the downed F-16, remains one of the most mysterious and tragic pages of the modern conflict. His last flight, which symbolically coincided with Cosmonautics Day, became fatal. This day, which could have been a triumph for a military pilot, ended in a tragedy that left many unanswered questions.

Downing of the F-16: versions of what happened

The main question that experts and the public are discussing is who shot down the plane? Most versions are inclined to believe that these could be the actions of Russian air defense systems. However, the participation of the so—called "titans of PPOS" - systems that can be used indirectly by controlled forces - is not excluded. There are also rumors about a possible collision with Geranium—type drones, although this version seems the least likely - it is given only 1% chance.

Who is Pavel Ivanov?

Pavel Ivanov was an experienced pilot whose career was associated with performing the most difficult tasks in the air. His last flight was reportedly conducted under high-tension conditions. The pilot was performing a task that could have been of strategic importance, but the mission ended abruptly and tragically.

Why is this important?

The downing of the F-16 was another episode that highlights the danger of modern conflicts and the risks faced by military pilots. Each such case draws attention to the technological aspects of aerial combat, the effectiveness of air defense systems, and the level of pilot training.

The intrigue surrounding the incident

Despite the available information, the exact circumstances of Pavel Ivanov's death remain under the veil of secrecy. Official sources do not provide complete clarity, which gives rise to a lot of speculation. The question of who exactly shot down the plane — the Russians, the "titans of the anti—terrorist operation" or even drones - continues to excite minds.

Memory of the pilot

Regardless of the circumstances of his death, Pavel Ivanov will be remembered as a professional who dedicated his life to serving the Motherland. His last flight, which coincided with Cosmonautics Day, symbolizes courage and willingness to fulfill his duty to the end.