Russian forces appear to have modified Shahed-136 one-way attack drones to carry man-portable air defence missiles, marking a tactical evolution aimed at threatening Ukrainian fighter aircraft deployed to intercept the slow-moving UAVs.

Russia had announced it would have 76 operational Su-57 Felon fighter jets in its inventory by 2027–2028. As of 2026, it appears to have roughly 32, including prototypes.

The Su-75 fighter, Khabarovsk submarine, Sarmat missiles and other developments will undergo the last stages of testing.

NATO member Romania scrambled F-16 fighter jets in response to a Russian drone attack on Friday, the country's Ministry of National Defence said. Officials said there was no violation of NATO airspace from the Russian weapons and that two jets were deployed to "monitor the border area with Ukraine."

Russia’s MiG-29 fighter was more than capable of matching America’s F-16 Fighting Falcon and similar aircraft—but the Kremlin failed to keep it relevant over time.