NATO

Italian Eurofighter Typhoons scrambled to block a specialized Tupolev Tu-134UBL.

Fourth-generation Saab Gripen-E to support the country’s war defense.

Pentagon spokesperson says a crack in the windshield forced the turnaround.

New aircraft is part of a NATO plan to establish a more advanced, streamlined air defense network across Europe.

The country received its first few Vipers in late July and expects it will have around 20 fighter pilots ready for combat by the end of the year.

The fighter jets are initially expected to operate well out of harm’s way, targeting drones and conducting defensive operations.

The first-of-its-kind competition challenged combat pilots from the U.S., U.K., Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, and Germany.

For most of its first century the RCAF has generally punched above its weight in terms of capability and influence.

A date has reportedly been set for the Nordic country to officially join the alliance.

The $54.3 million refurbishment of the Soviet-era airbase is meant to strengthen the alliance’s presence in the Western Balkans.