In 2025, defence aviation continued to evolve through a series of technological advancements, procurement decisions, and geopolitical developments. The year saw significant focus on sixth-generation fighters, with the United States advancing its Next Generation Air Dominance program, expected to produce the F-47. This platform emphasizes autonomy, networking, and survivability over traditional metrics, setting a benchmark for future combat aircraft.
Meanwhile, the US Navy remained undecided on its F/A-XX program, but disclosures emphasized priorities like range, carrier compatibility, and teaming with uncrewed systems. Congressional action on the NDAA 2026 reflected political tension, with efforts to block retirement of legacy aircraft amidst capacity concerns. Thailand’s selection of the Saab Gripen over the US F-16 highlighted the shifting global procurement landscape, driven by cost, sovereignty, and flexibility factors.
India’s successful morphing wing tests by the Defence Research and Development Organisation marked a notable indigenous breakthrough, informing future adaptive aircraft structures. Conversely, Russia faced challenges with sanctions, supply chain issues, and delays eroding its once-dominant combat aircraft sector, illustrating a transition in the global airpower balance.
European and military operations also saw notable developments, such as the French Air Force deploying an Airbus A400M to Greenland, and the Royal Navy’s F-35Bs arriving in Florida for corrosion treatment, emphasizing NATO’s Arctic readiness and sustainment challenges. Incidents involving legacy aircraft, including the Turkish C-130 Hercules breaking apart and the crash of the Antonov An-22, underscored ongoing concerns about aging fleets.
Overall, these events encapsulate an airpower landscape in transition—where ambitious next-generation efforts coexist with significant sustainment and affordability challenges, shaping the outlook as the industry moves into 2026.
