Four crew members involved in a mid-air collision of military jets at an air show ejected safely Sunday outside Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, according to the U.S. Navy. Two E/A-18G Growler jets collided approximately two miles from the base during the two-day Gunfighter Skies Air Show, stated Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, Pacific Fleet.
The collision occurred while performing an aerial demonstration around 12:10 p.m. MDT, with all four crew members ejecting successfully. The incident is now under investigation, and additional details will be provided as they become available, Umayam noted.
Following the crash, the air base was placed under lockdown, as reported on Mountain Home’s Facebook page. The official air show website lists the U.S. Navy’s E/A-18G “Vikings” Growler Demo Team as one of the scheduled acts. The jets involved belonged to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 from Whidbey Island, Washington.
This was the first Gunfighter Skies Air Show in eight years; the previous event in 2018 ended tragically with the death of a hang glider pilot during a crash. Emergency response teams from Mountain Home Fire Department, Mountain Home Police, and Elmore County did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The U.S. Air Force has extended the operational life of its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft through 2030, maintaining its combat readiness even as the aging fleet continues to support recent operations in the Strait of Hormuz. During heightened tensions with Iran, one aircraft was lost under contested circumstances, with Iran claiming it was shot down, while U.S. officials described it as a crash, still under investigation.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink announced that this extension aims to sustain combat capabilities while the defense manufacturing sector increases the production of newer aircraft models. This move continues a long-standing debate about the future of the A-10, which first took flight in 1976 and has been considered for retirement for more than twenty years.
The A-10 has been actively employed in current conflicts with Iran, notably using its powerful nose-mounted guns against ships in the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. Central Command. Some members of the Air Force argue the aircraft is outdated, slow, and costly to maintain, suggesting that retiring it could free up funds for modern weapon systems like hypersonic missiles. Critics, however, warn that eliminating the fleet without implementing a suitable replacement would leave ground forces vulnerable due to a lack of effective close air support.
The aircraft’s political resilience plays a significant role in its longevity. The majority of the fleet is based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, a location that bolsters the local economy and ranks among the top employers in the region. Arizona, a critical swing state, has become increasingly influential in national elections.
In 2021, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona successfully opposed a Biden administration proposal to retire dozens of A-10s by securing language within defense legislation that blocked such retirements. Kelly emphasized the necessity of maintaining the aircraft until a suitable replacement is available for close air support missions.
While the Air Force has expressed concerns about the strain on maintenance personnel from preserving the entire fleet, the recent extension indicates that preserving combat capacity remains a priority, at least for the moment.
A suspected Iranian attack caused a US F-35 stealth fighter to make an emergency landing at a Middle Eastern air base, reports indicate. The pilot is reported to be in stable condition, and officials confirm the aircraft landed safely. US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins stated, “The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot remains in stable condition,” though he did not verify specific media reports. The incident is currently under investigation.
Historically, the US has experienced the loss of multiple aircraft during heightened conflicts, including three F-15s accidentally shot down by Kuwaiti forces and a KC-135 refueling tanker that crashed in Iraq. However, there’s no confirmed record of any aircraft previously being struck by Iranian fire.
In response to Iran’s military activities and significant troop buildup in the region—featuring F-35s—the US and Israel have launched extensive air campaigns targeting Iran. Since hostilities ignited on February 28, thirteen US service members have lost their lives—six in a KC-135 crash and seven in early Iranian attacks. Additionally, about 200 US military personnel have been wounded across seven Middle Eastern countries; most have returned to duty.
Meanwhile, sources suggest that President Trump is contemplating deploying thousands more troops to the Middle East amid ongoing violence that has resulted in over 2,000 deaths worldwide. However, on Thursday, Trump stated, “I don’t plan to send ground troops anywhere.” Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu later confirmed that Israel conducted a solo operation bombing Iran’s South Pars gas field, despite Trump previously requesting Israel to hold off on such strikes.
Despite US and Israeli air assaults leaving Iran “decimated” after 20 days, effectively crippling its uranium enrichment and missile capabilities, Netanyahu emphasized that a revolutionary change within Iran would require ground intervention, not just airstrikes. Concurrently, Iran launched a fresh missile attack targeting Israel, according to military statements from both sides.
The Dubai Airshow 2025 kicked off at Al Maktoum International Airport on Monday, gathering global aviation leaders, defense officials, and industry experts for one of the region’s biggest aerospace events.
Aircraft from Pakistan and the UAE were parked side by side in the static display area, catching visitors’ attention with the close proximity of the two fleets. This setup was seen as a symbolic sign of the strong defense and aviation cooperation between the UAE and Pakistan.
Throughout the opening day, the skies were filled with vibrant aerobatic shows, as military and commercial jets showcased precise maneuvers. Crowds lined the runway and viewing stands, marveling at high-speed turns, formation flying, and signature stunts.
Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder multirole fighter remained a highlight. Its agility thrilled aviation fans during the aerobatic display and attracted large groups at the static exhibit. Many attendees paused to take photos with the aircraft and posed questions to Pakistan Air Force officials.
Pakistani pilots also drew praise, with visitors lining up for selfies after their performances. Their professionalism and display routine were hailed as some of the most crowd-pleasing parts of the day.
The five-day event continues with numerous defense announcements, aircraft showcases, and daily demonstrations from international manufacturers and air forces worldwide.
The Dubai Airshow, one of the most significant events in the global aviation industry, kicks off tomorrow (Monday), showcasing the latest in military and commercial aircraft from around the world. Organizers confirm that preparations are complete to host industry experts and aviation fans alike.
This year, attention will be on pilots from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), with aviation experts noting that their impressive recent operational performance has attracted international interest. PAF pilots have gained recognition from the global military aviation community for their precision, discipline, and operational expertise.
Visitors can expect spectacular flying displays including aerial demonstrations, formation flights, and aerobatic routines. Anticipated to be some of the most striking performances of the week, the PAF’s display will highlight Pakistan’s advancing air capabilities to an international audience.
Pakistan’s presence will also include a display of China’s sophisticated air defense technology, underscoring the country’s rising challenge to Western and U.S. defense systems. Russian aerospace companies will showcase various military aircraft and systems as well.
From Pakistan, the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) will feature its newest aviation technologies and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities. Additionally, the Pakistan Aerospace Council will represent the nation’s broader aerospace sector.
Industry insiders are also expecting a busy commercial segment, with predictions of approximately 300 new aircraft orders that could significantly influence the global aviation market.
A B-2 Stealth Bomber, the only military craft capable of deploying the GBU-57, lands at the Palmdale Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence in California on July 17, 2014. — AFP
The United States is relocating B-2 bombers to the Pacific island of Guam, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters on Saturday. This move comes as President Donald Trump considers whether to involve the U.S. in Israel’s military actions against Iran.
It’s still unclear if the deployment of bombers is related to tensions in the Middle East.
The B-2 is capable of carrying the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, weighing 30,000 pounds, which is designed to target deep underground facilities. This weapon could potentially be used against Iran’s nuclear sites, such as Fordow.
The sources, who chose to remain anonymous, did not provide further details. One official mentioned that no orders have been issued to move the bombers beyond Guam, nor did they specify how many B-2s were being deployed.
The Pentagon has yet to respond to requests for comments.
Experts and officials are watching closely to see if the B-2s will proceed to the U.S.-British military base on Diego Garcia, which is strategically positioned for operations in the Middle East.
B-2 bombers were stationed at Diego Garcia until last month when they were replaced by B-52 bombers.
Israel reported on Saturday that it had killed an experienced Iranian commander during the ongoing airstrikes, which have lasted over a week, as Tehran declared it wouldn’t negotiate over its nuclear program while under threat.
While Israel claims Iran is nearing the capability to develop nuclear weapons, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
Trump mentioned he would take up to two weeks to decide on U.S. involvement in the conflict alongside Israel, allowing time “to see whether or not people come to their senses,” as he put it.
Reuters was the first to report this week about the relocation of several tanker aircraft to Europe and additional military resources to the Middle East, including the deployment of more fighter jets.
An aircraft carrier from the Indo-Pacific is also making its way to the Middle East.
‘450 missiles’
Since the onset of Israel’s operation on June 13, targeting nuclear and military sites while also impacting residential areas, Iran has responded with numerous strikes, resulting in at least 25 reported deaths, according to Israeli authorities.
A hospital in Haifa, Israel’s port city, reported 19 injuries, including one person in serious condition, following the latest Iranian missile attacks.
More than 450 missiles and approximately 400 drones have been launched toward Israel, according to data from Israel’s National Public Diplomacy Directorate.
Conversely, Iranian state-run Nour News, citing health ministry figures, reported that Israeli strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 430 individuals, including military leaders, nuclear scientists, and civilians.
A U.S.-based NGO, the Human Rights Activists News Agency, provided a reported toll on Friday, stating that at least 657 have died in Iran, including 263 civilians.
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