AIM-120 AMRAAM

Ukrainian F-16 Downs Russian Su-35 Fighter Jet

A Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet, aided by a Swedish reconnaissance aircraft, reportedly shot down a Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jet in northeastern Ukraine. This operation, described as a “historic first,” involved the Swedish plane providing targeting data for the F-16 to launch an AIM-120 missile. The downed Su-35 crashed in Russian territory, marking a significant advancement in Ukrainian air capabilities. Confirmation of this event awaits independent verification, but several sources, including military analysts, have highlighted the implications for future air combat.

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US Approves $1.33 Billion Missile Sale to Poland: Boosting NATO Defense or Fueling Tensions?

The US State Department approved a $1.33 billion sale of 400 AIM-120D3 AMRAAM missiles to Poland, bolstering Polish air defense capabilities and strengthening NATO. These advanced missiles, boasting a 50% longer range than previous versions, will initially equip Poland’s F-16s and later its incoming F-35s. Polish officials lauded the deal as a significant step in modernizing the country’s armed forces and a testament to strong Polish-US relations. The purchase is seen as crucial for addressing a major air defense deficit in Europe.

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