Key developments across global Air Power

From historic bomber restorations to new stealth export fighters

Here is a roundup of separate military aviation news stories from May 2026.

Argentina acquires F-16 Fighting Falcons

Argentina finalized a deal to procure 24 Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets from the Royal Danish Air Force. The aircraft were shown for the first time in full Argentine Air Force markings during the signing ceremony, marking a major leap in the country’s air combat capabilities. The first operational F-16s were received by Argentina in November of the same year.

China launches J-35 from a carrier using EMALS

China successfully launched the J-35 stealth fighter from an aircraft carrier using an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), becoming the first country in the world to achieve this feat with a fifth-generation stealth aircraft. The J-35 was China’s second fifth-generation fighter with full stealth capabilities, following the J-20.

B-1B Lancer structural repair completed at McConnell AFB

A B-1B Lancer underwent a major structural repair at McConnell Air Force Base as part of the BackBONE Project, which involved replacing a critical component in the aircraft’s upper spine section. Originally estimated to take a full year, the team completed the work ahead of schedule thanks to digital engineering and a high-fidelity digital twin, returning the bomber to service three-and-a-half months early.

Retired B-1B “Apocalypse II” returns to the active fleet

A second B-1B Lancer, previously stored at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) in the Arizona desert, was successfully regenerated and returned to the US Air Force bomber fleet. The effort was led by Tinker Air Force Base, where more than 200 Airmen and civilians from the 567th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron worked extended shifts over nearly two years. The aircraft, named “Apocalypse II” in honor of a World War II bomber crew lost over Burma in 1942, departed Tinker AFB in April and rejoined the fleet at Dyess Air Force Base.

May 4, 2026 — US Navy launches Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz

US Central Command (CENTCOM) initiated Project Freedom to ensure freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The mission supported merchant vessels seeking to transit the vital international trade corridor and involved ships, aircraft, and service members. On the same day, US Navy Sea Hawk and US Army AH-64 Apache helicopters were used to neutralize Iranian small boats that had been threatening commercial shipping in the area.

May 6, 2026 — US Navy disables Iranian oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman

The US Navy disabled the Iranian-flagged oil tanker M/T Hasna in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel attempted to sail toward an Iranian port in violation of a US blockade. American forces issued multiple warnings that the tanker’s crew failed to comply with, after which a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fired on and disabled the ship’s rudder. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, operating in the Arabian Sea as part of Operation Epic Fury, was among the units active in the region.

Argentina acquires KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft

Argentina purchased two KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, further boosting the Argentine Air Force’s strategic capabilities as part of a broader modernization effort led by the government of Javier Milei. The acquisition was confirmed by the head of the General Staff, Gustavo Javier Valverde, during an anniversary ceremony. The KC-135s were intended to strengthen transport aviation and provide in-flight refueling to extend the combat range and operational performance of Argentina’s growing fighter fleet, including its recently acquired F-16s. Argentina was also reported to be purchasing Embraer ERJ-140 aircraft as part of the same modernization push.

US Navy declares IOC for P-8A Poseidon increment 3 Block 2

The US Navy declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the modified P-8A Poseidon Increment 3 Block 2, following successful testing by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VX-1). Rear Admiral Michael Wosje stated that the upgraded variant significantly enhanced Naval Aviation’s Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting capabilities.

The new configuration introduced a suite of improvements, including enhanced computer processing, a higher security architecture, a wideband satellite communication system, anti-submarine warfare signals intelligence capability, a track management system, and upgraded communications and acoustics systems. The Increment 3 Block 2 represented the culmination of a spiral development strategy aimed at delivering improved capability to the Fleet. The aircraft continued to benefit from its commonality with the commercial Boeing 737 airframe, reducing support costs and enabling global logistics.

VC-25B Bridge aircraft completes flight testing

The VC-25B Bridge Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747–8 intended to serve as an interim presidential transport, completed flight testing and began being painted in a new red, white, and blue livery. The Bridge program was developed to deliver critical airborne command post capabilities more quickly while the permanent VC-25B fleet—originally scheduled for delivery in 2024 but now expected in 2028—continued through development. Air Force Chief of Staff General Ken Wilsbach reaffirmed the service’s commitment to providing a secure and reliable airborne command post for the President.

B-52J engine modernization and critical design review

The B-52J Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) held its Critical Design Review, a key milestone in the effort to replace the bomber’s original 1960s-era TF33 engines with modern, fuel-efficient F130 engines. Following the review, Boeing began modifying the first two B-52H aircraft into the B-52J configuration at its Texas facility.

The modernization program also included a new APG-79B4 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, offering fighter-quality situational awareness and improved capability for coalition operations. Flight testing with the new radar commenced, with initial operational capability expected by 2027 and the upgraded aircraft anticipated to be available for operational use before the end of the decade.

China unveils J-35AE export stealth fighter

China unveiled the J-35AE, the export variant of its carrier-based stealth fighter, featuring advanced sensor technology. Pakistan was reported to have signed a deal to acquire approximately 40 of the jets as part of a broader defense package, which would make the J-35AE Pakistan’s first fifth-generation fighter acquisition.

April 10, 2026 — First F-15 Eagle pilot Irving Louis Burrows Jr. passes away

Irving Louis Burrows Jr., the first pilot to fly the F-15 Eagle, passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 98. A distinguished veteran, Burrows flew 100 combat missions during the Korean War and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals. He joined Boeing in 1956 as a data engineer and later served as chief test pilot from 1974 to 1976. On July 27, 1972, he piloted the historic maiden flight of the F-15 Eagle. A lone F-15 performed a flyby during his funeral service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery as a final tribute.

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