China for the first time will show the J-20 fighter jet up close at the Changchun Air Show

J-20 on static display is an unprecedented step

For the first time, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLAAF) Air Force will allow the general public to see its most advanced fifth-generation fighter jet, the J-20, in close proximity. The aircraft will be on static display at the International Airshow, which will be held from September 19 to 23, 2025 in Changchun, Jilin Province.

Until that moment, the J-20, known by the nickname "Mighty Dragon," could only be observed in the air — during military parades, demonstration flights, or closed-door exercises. This step indicates China's growing confidence in its military and technical achievements.

Changchun Airshow: demonstration of strength and technology

The Changchun event will become one of the key platforms for the presentation of achievements of the Chinese defense industry. In addition to the J-20, other advanced systems are expected to be shown at the airshow, from drones to J-16 and J-10C multirole fighters.

Placing the J-20 in a static parking lot gives viewers and foreign observers the opportunity to study in detail its shape, lines, antenna groups and elements of stealth design, which was previously unavailable.

Symbolism of the event: 80th anniversary of liberation from Japanese occupation

The airshow is timed to coincide with an important historical date — the 80th anniversary of China's liberation from Japanese occupation at the end of World War II. This gives the event not only technical, but also deep ideological significance. The J-20, as a symbol of the country's modern power, juxtaposes the past, highlighting China's transformation from a weakened state into a technological and military leader.

This combination of memory and show of force is part of Beijing's strategic communication.

The evolution of the J-20's accessibility to the public

Since its first public appearance in 2011, the J-20 has gone from a closed project to a symbol of national pride. The gradual expansion of access to information and visual inspection of the aircraft indicates China's intention to use it not only as a combat unit, but also as a tool of soft power to strengthen its image in the eyes of both domestic and international audiences.

The static display may be the beginning of a new tradition — open demonstrations of advanced systems at national and international exhibitions.

Switzerland may buy fewer F-35s due to rising costs and pressure on duties

Switzerland continues to consider the possibility of purchasing American fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, but the volume of supplies may be revised. According to reports, the government of the country still supports the choice in favor of these aircraft, but amid rising costs and external pressure on the issue of duties, Defense Minister Martin Pfister admitted that Bern may purchase fewer machines than originally planned.

The initial plan called for the acquisition of 36 F-35A fighters to replace the outdated F/A-18 fleet. However, recently the discussion around the project has reached a new level — not only the total cost of the program is growing, but also the political tension associated with trade issues and the demands of the United States to protect its own industry.

Although the government's official position remains in support of the F-35 as the most suitable option in terms of combat performance and compatibility with allied forces, the issue of financial feasibility now requires a more thorough analysis. Possible reduction of the order is considered as one of the ways to keep the project within the budget.

A decision on the total number of aircraft to be purchased is expected after additional consultations and an assessment of all factors, including long-term operating costs and geopolitical risks.

Egypt has officially joined the Turkish fifth-generation fighter Kaan program: joint production and technological transfer

Kaan

Egypt has received official approval to join Turkey's fifth-generation Kaan fighter development program, becoming a partner in the project and participating not only in the procurement, but also in the production of this modern combat aircraft. This is an important step in the bilateral defense cooperation between Egypt and Turkey, which gives Cairo access to advanced next-generation aerospace technologies, allows it to increase technological independence and modernize its own armed forces.

The agreement includes technology transfer, the creation of joint production lines, and plans for future deliveries of Kaan fighter jets to the Egyptian Air Force. The Turkish Kaan fighter (formerly known as TF-X) has been under development by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) since 2017 and is a promising fifth-generation twin-engine fighter with a high level of stealth, advanced radar and electronic systems. The first prototype has already made its maiden flight in February 2024, and mass production and deliveries are planned by the end of the 2020s.

As part of the Kaan project, Turkey is working closely with international partners and expanding its partnership, including with Egypt, which underscores the strategic importance of the program and its potential to enhance the defense capabilities of both countries.

The F-35 will be taught to avoid collisions in the sky — the new system is already being tested at Edwards Air Base

F-35

American and British engineers and pilots are now actively testing a new safety system for the fifth-generation F—35 Lightning II fighter jet - and it is designed to solve one of the most dangerous problems in aviation: the risk of an airborne collision. The Collision Avoidance Manual Deconfliction (CAMD) system is called, and its main purpose is to help the F-35 pilot safely maneuver in congested airspace, especially where both military and civilian aircraft fly.

The tests are being conducted at Edwards Air Force Base in California, the holy of holies of American aircraft development, where the most advanced technologies are tested. There, experts simulate complex aerial scenarios: sudden maneuvers, rendezvous with other aircraft, and flights near civilian routes. CAMD analyzes radar data, warning systems, and position data from other aircraft in real time, and then tells the pilot how to safely change course or altitude to avoid a collision.

What is important is that the system is being developed jointly by the United States and the United Kingdom. British specialists are actively involved in the design and testing, because the F-35 is an international project, and the UK is one of the key partners. Such cooperation accelerates implementation and increases compatibility between the allied Air forces.

Although the F-35 is already equipped with advanced surveillance and warning systems, CAMD goes further.: It doesn't just signal a threat, but suggests specific de—escalation actions, such as "descend 500 feet" or "make a 30-degree right turn." This is especially critical during training flights, near borders or in conditions of limited airspace.

Pilots note that CAMD makes flights not only safer, but also less stressful, especially when there is a lot of equipment around and the situation is developing rapidly. The system works as a "second opinion" from a computer that can save lives.

While CAMD is undergoing the final stages of testing, it is already clear: This is an important step towards ensuring that the F-35 can fly confidently where previously strict restrictions were required.

China accelerates serial production of J-35 fighter jets: CCTV 13 showed footage from the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation factory

J-35 in the background of the frame

On July 8, 2025, China's state television channel CCTV 13 broadcast a program dedicated to aviation, presenting footage from the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation production facility, which captured several fifth-generation J-35 fighters in advanced assembly stages. These shots were an important confirmation that the J-35 has moved beyond the prototype stage and has begun mass production.

The video showed at least five or six J-35 airframes at various stages of configuration. Some of the aircraft had identifiers such as "040070", which indicates that they belong to the fourth production batch and indicate the transition of the project from an experimental to a full-fledged production stage. This aroused considerable interest from military experts and analysts, as there had previously been doubts about the pace of development and scale of production of this promising multi-role fighter.

The J-35 fighter jet, also known as FC-31 outside China, is positioned as a competitor to Lockheed Martin's F-35 and is designed for use on both ground bases and aircraft carriers. The program also demonstrated elements of its integration with new electronic warfare systems, AESA radars and new generation weapons.

These events are taking place against the backdrop of the active modernization course of the Chinese Air Force and Navy, including the development of the aircraft carrier fleet and the creation of new generation strike groups. It is assumed that the J-35 will be paired with the heavy fighter J-20 as part of the concept of network-centric warfare and air superiority.

Thus, the publication of such materials on the official state channel is a signal of both internal confidence in the project and an external demonstration effect in the context of increasing geopolitical tension in the Asia-Pacific region.

Israel and the United States modified the F-35 to increase the range of strikes against Iran without loss of stealth

F-35I Adir

Israel, together with the United States, modified the fifth-generation F-35 fighter, adapted for the Israeli Air Force under the designation F-35I Adir. The main feature of the upgrade was an increase in fuel reserves, which allows the aircraft to carry additional fuel for long—range strikes against targets in Iran, while maintaining the key advantage of stealth.

The F-35I Adir is a unique version of the F-35A, equipped with Israeli electronic warfare systems, avionics and integrated weapons of its own production. Modification of the fuel system made it possible to increase the flight range and time spent in the combat zone without the need for external suspensions, which usually worsen the stealth characteristics of the aircraft.

The Israeli Air Force actively uses the F-35I Adir in operations requiring high precision and stealth. The aircraft is capable of striking air, land and sea targets, combining the capabilities of a fighter and a front-line bomber. Thanks to the additional fuel, the F-35I can perform missions over significantly longer distances, which is especially important for operations against Iran.

The F-35I supply program for Israel began in 2016, and by now the country has received about 40 such aircraft. Further expansion of the fighter fleet is planned in the coming years, taking into account constant software updates and the integration of new weapons systems.

Thus, the modification of the F-35I Adir strengthens Israel's strategic capabilities, allowing effective operations in the region while maintaining the advantages of stealth technology.

Turkey is taking a step towards creating a fifth-generation fighter: the second prototype of the KAAN is under construction

KAAN

Company Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) announced the start of construction of the second prototype of the promising fifth-generation fighter KAAN, which marks an important stage in the implementation of the program to create a national stealth aircraft. This was announced by the CEO of TAI Mehmet Demiroglu, stressing that the new prototype will differ from the first by a number of significant changes in the airframe design.

In particular, the shape of the air intakes will be modified and structural improvements will be introduced aimed at improving aerodynamic performance and reducing radar visibility. These changes are the result of an analysis of the data obtained during the tests of the first prototype.

The second prototype is expected to be fully assembled  by the end of 2025, which will be an important step towards completing flight tests and subsequent mass production. The success of the program will allow Turkey to take its place among a limited number of countries with their own fifth-generation fighter jets.

The creation of KAAN is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country's defense capabilities through the development of the local aviation industry. As part of this strategy, TAI already has experience in the development and manufacture of unmanned aerial vehicles and helicopters.

The implementation of the KAAN project also opens up export opportunities, as TAI seeks to offer a new platform to countries interested in acquiring independent airpower solutions.

Russia presents Su-57 Felon at LAAD 2025 in Brazil

Su-57 Felon fighter

On April 1, the Russian state arms export agency Rosoboronexport will participate in the LAAD 2025 Arms and Aviation exhibition in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). At this major military event, Russia will present its advanced military equipment, including the fifth-generation Su-57 Felon fighter.

The Su-57 Felon is one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, with unique characteristics such as supersonic cruising speed, high maneuverability, and advanced weapons systems. Participation in LAAD 2025 will allow Russia to demonstrate its technological achievements and strengthen its position in the international arms market.

The LAAD 2025 exhibition is one of the largest platforms for the demonstration of military equipment in Latin America. Participation in it allows the participating countries to establish new contacts, conclude contracts and exchange experience in the field of the defense industry.