{"id":5975,"date":"2021-12-20T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-20T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2021\/12\/14\/year-in-review-top-stories-from-2021\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T22:24:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T22:24:54","slug":"year-in-review-top-stories-from-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/global\/2021\/12\/20\/year-in-review-top-stories-from-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Year in review: Top stories from 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"6396\" height=\"4264\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4328\" data-id=\"4328\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1235251926.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1235251926.jpg.jpg 6396w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1235251926.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1235251926.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1235251926.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1235251926.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1235251926.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 6396px) 100vw, 6396px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Taliban fighters check the cockpit of a damaged Afghan Air Force helicopter at a hangar at the airport in Kabul on Sept. 14, 2021. Once the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan\u2019s airfield in Kandahar in August, it didn\u2019t take long for photos to appear on social media showing militants posing with military helicopters, including American-made Black Hawks and Soviet-made Mi-17s. (Karim Sahib\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"5472\" height=\"3648\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4346\" data-id=\"4346\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Evans_Reception_Area_Nov2018.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Evans_Reception_Area_Nov2018.jpg.jpg 5472w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Evans_Reception_Area_Nov2018.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Evans_Reception_Area_Nov2018.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Evans_Reception_Area_Nov2018.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Evans_Reception_Area_Nov2018.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Evans_Reception_Area_Nov2018.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Michele Evans, who led Lockheed Martin\u2019s Aeronautics business since 2018, died on Jan. 1, 2021. Evans spent 34 years working at Lockheed and, before she experienced medical issues, was seen as a top contender to replace Marillyn Hewson as the company\u2019s chief executive. (Lockheed Martin)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2700\" height=\"1882\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4357\" data-id=\"4357\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/f135-testing-at-tullahoma.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/f135-testing-at-tullahoma.jpg.jpg 2700w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/f135-testing-at-tullahoma.jpg.jpg?resize=300,209 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/f135-testing-at-tullahoma.jpg.jpg?resize=768,535 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/f135-testing-at-tullahoma.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,714 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/f135-testing-at-tullahoma.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1071 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/f135-testing-at-tullahoma.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1428 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2700px) 100vw, 2700px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Raytheon Technologies CEO Greg Hayes said in October the U.S. Air Force might decide it can\u2019t afford to build an entirely new, advanced engine for its F-35A aircraft and instead stick with the F135, made by Pratt &#038; Whitney. Two months later, lawmakers are pushing for military reports on how either an upgraded F135 or a different propulsion system would affect the Joint Strike Fighter&#8217;s combat effectiveness, sustainment costs and air refueling needs. (PRNewsfoto\/Pratt &#038; Whitney)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3000\" height=\"1335\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4367\" data-id=\"4367\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/635797472852564071-pakistan-jf17-afpjpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/635797472852564071-pakistan-jf17-afpjpg.jpg 3000w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/635797472852564071-pakistan-jf17-afpjpg.jpg?resize=300,134 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/635797472852564071-pakistan-jf17-afpjpg.jpg?resize=768,342 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/635797472852564071-pakistan-jf17-afpjpg.jpg?resize=1024,456 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/635797472852564071-pakistan-jf17-afpjpg.jpg?resize=1536,684 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/635797472852564071-pakistan-jf17-afpjpg.jpg?resize=2048,911 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3000px) 100vw, 3000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Argentina insisted in September that reports the country is buying the JF-17 Thunder aircraft are premature, but analysts said it could still succeed where other fighter types failed \u2014 mostly as a result of British pressure. Speculation arose after media reports highlighted a request in Argentina\u2019s fiscal 2022 draft budget for $664 million to purchase 12 JF-17s from Pakistan. The U.K. previously pressured suppliers to cancel deals with Argentina, or sabotaged them by embargoing critical British components. (Aamir Qureshi\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"5076\" height=\"3384\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4393\" data-id=\"4393\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Trump-Iran.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Trump-Iran.jpg.jpg 5076w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Trump-Iran.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Trump-Iran.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Trump-Iran.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Trump-Iran.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Trump-Iran.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 5076px) 100vw, 5076px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">A mockup of former President Donald Trump&#8217;s preferred livery for the VC-25B was on display during a June 2019 meeting between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. One of the first queries posed to President Joe Biden\u2019s new administration was whether the president would seek to undo the change to the iconic Air Force One paint scheme proposed by his predecessor. (Evan Vucci\/AP)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"5760\" height=\"3840\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4410\" data-id=\"4410\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6393796.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6393796.jpg.jpg 5760w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6393796.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6393796.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6393796.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6393796.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6393796.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 5760px) 100vw, 5760px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B launches from Britain&#8217;s HMS Queen Elizabeth. A video circulating on Twitter in November purported to show a British F-35B crashing into the sea while attempting to take off from the aircraft carrier in the eastern Mediterranean. (1st Lt. Zachary Bodner\/U.S. Marine Corps)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1224\" height=\"740\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4424\" data-id=\"4424\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Planet_Liancheng_J-6_UAVs_Sept_2021.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Planet_Liancheng_J-6_UAVs_Sept_2021.jpg.jpg 1224w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Planet_Liancheng_J-6_UAVs_Sept_2021.jpg.jpg?resize=300,181 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Planet_Liancheng_J-6_UAVs_Sept_2021.jpg.jpg?resize=768,464 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Planet_Liancheng_J-6_UAVs_Sept_2021.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,619 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1224px) 100vw, 1224px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">China for the first time showed off retired 1950s-era fighter jets that were converted to unmanned drones, with satellite photos of two of its east coast bases near Taiwan showing a large number of the jets on site. Here, a group of converted J-6 unmanned aircraft sit on the tarmac at China&#8217;s Liancheng airbase on Sept. 15, 2021. (Planet Labs)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1709\" height=\"1042\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4436\" data-id=\"4436\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PLAAF_J-16D_EA_EW.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PLAAF_J-16D_EA_EW.jpg.jpg 1709w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PLAAF_J-16D_EA_EW.jpg.jpg?resize=300,183 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PLAAF_J-16D_EA_EW.jpg.jpg?resize=768,468 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PLAAF_J-16D_EA_EW.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,624 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PLAAF_J-16D_EA_EW.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,937 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1709px) 100vw, 1709px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">China debuted its dedicated electronic-attack aircraft, dubbed the Shenyang J-16D, at the Zhuhai airshow, which ran Sept. 28-Oct. 3. (Screen grab from Chinese state CCTV footage)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3963\" height=\"2052\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4449\" data-id=\"4449\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/TSTO03.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/TSTO03.jpg.jpg 3963w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/TSTO03.jpg.jpg?resize=300,155 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/TSTO03.jpg.jpg?resize=768,398 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/TSTO03.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,530 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/TSTO03.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,795 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/TSTO03.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1060 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3963px) 100vw, 3963px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">U.K.-based hypersonic propulsion company Reaction Engines, backed by Rolls-Royce, Boeing and BAE Systems, took a step closer to developing an engine capable of powering combat jets and other aircraft at speeds of up to Mach 5 following tests of two subsystems vital to the success of the design. The firm has worked for decades on its Sabre synergetic, air-breathing rocket engine for aerospace applications; one potential use is illustrated in this artist&#8217;s rendering. (Reaction Engines)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1199\" height=\"629\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4459\" data-id=\"4459\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/F-35.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/F-35.jpg.jpg 1199w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/F-35.jpg.jpg?resize=300,157 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/F-35.jpg.jpg?resize=768,403 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/F-35.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,537 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1199px) 100vw, 1199px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Lockheed Martin\u2019s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter emerged victorious in Switzerland\u2019s $6.5 billion fighter competition, beating out entrants from Eurofighter, Dassault and Boeing. Over the course of the program, Switzerland plans to spend up to roughly $6.5 billion to buy 36 F-35A conventional-takeoff-and-landing models to replace its aging Hornet fleet, the government announced in June. (Senior Airman Kristine Legate\/U.S. Air Force)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Taliban weapons seizures, aircraft competitions and Chinese military modernization projects: Here are the top stories from the year. (And <a href=\"https:\/\/www.defensenews.com\/global\/2020\/12\/21\/year-in-review-top-stories-from-2020\/\" target=\"_blank\">click here<\/a> to see what made the 2020 list!)<\/p>\n\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/air\/2021\/08\/17\/the-taliban-has-access-to-us-military-aircraft-now-what-happens\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"173\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/3809418.jpg_940216.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">The Taliban have access to US military aircraft. Now what happens?<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">Numerous photos have surfaced on social media of Taliban fighters posing with Black Hawk helicopters, A-29 attack planes and other aircraft from the Afghan air force fleet.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/industry\/2021\/01\/02\/lockheed-aeronautics-chief-michele-evans-has-died\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Evans_Reception_Area_Nov2018.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">Lockheed aeronautics chief Michele Evans has died<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">Evans has led Lockheed&#039;s largest business unit since 2018.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/air\/2021\/10\/26\/raytheon-ceo-air-force-may-not-be-able-to-afford-new-f-35-engine\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/F135-engine.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">Raytheon CEO: Air Force may not be able to afford new F-35 engine<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">The proposed adaptive engine for the F-35A is intended to deliver better fuel efficiency and thrust by using a third stream of air.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/global\/the-americas\/2021\/09\/28\/could-britain-stop-argentina-from-buying-the-jf-17-warplane\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"134\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/635797472852564071-pakistan-jf17-afpjpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">Could Britain stop Argentina from buying the JF-17 warplane?<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">The fourth-generation JF-17 is jointly developed and produced by China\u2019s Chengdu Aerospace Corporation and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/air\/2021\/01\/25\/with-new-air-force-one-planes-still-bare-it-will-be-up-to-biden-to-choose-between-the-jets-classic-livery-or-a-fresh-paint-scheme\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Trump-Iran.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">With new Air Force One planes still bare, Biden will choose between the jet\u2019s classic livery or a fresh paint scheme<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">No paint has been ordered for the new presidential aircraft, leaving it it possible that the iconic blue and gold design may be continued.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/global\/europe\/2021\/11\/30\/leaked-crash-video-of-british-f-35b-shows-jet-dropping-off-carrier-ramp\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"195\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AP21148305514421.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">Leaked crash video of British F-35B shows jet dropping off carrier ramp<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">The video shows the jet attempting to take off from the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth in the eastern Mediterranean.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/global\/asia-pacific\/2021\/10\/20\/china-shows-off-drones-recycled-from-soviet-era-fighter-jets\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Planet_Liancheng_J-6_UAVs_Sept_2021.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">China shows off drones recycled from Soviet-era fighter jets<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">China has for the first time showed off retired 1950s era fighter jets that have been converted to unmanned drones, with satellite photos of two of its east coast bases near Taiwan showing a large number of the jets on site.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/global\/asia-pacific\/2021\/09\/24\/china-to-show-off-its-new-electronic-attack-jet\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"183\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PLAAF_J-16D_EA_EW.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">China to show off its new electronic-attack jet<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">A single example of the type, which is officially designated the Shenyang J-16D, has been parked at the static display area of the airshow in Guangdong Province ahead of the upcoming Zhuhai airshow.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/global\/europe\/2021\/03\/15\/reaction-engines-chases-the-elusive-prospect-of-a-hypersonic-fighter-jet\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"155\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/TSTO03.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">Reaction Engines chases the elusive prospect of a hypersonic fighter jet<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">After successful tests of three subcomponents by the British company, now comes the hardest part: putting it all together.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/air\/2021\/06\/30\/lockheeds-f-35-topples-competition-in-swiss-fighter-contest\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"157\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/F-35.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">Lockheed\u2019s F-35 topples competition in Swiss fighter contest<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">The F-35 beat out the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale and Boeing&#039;s Super Hornet.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Taliban weapons seizures, aircraft competitions and Chinese military modernization projects: Here are the top stories from the 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