I am sorry, but the provided text does not contain information about a Russian politician threatening to supply the US with nuclear weapons. It details Poland intercepting a Russian reconnaissance plane, China restricting drone component deliveries to ukraine, Ukrainian drone supply chain efforts, and recent drone attacks on Moscow. Therefore, I cannot fulfill your request to rewrite the text focusing on that specific, absent topic.
Navy Aircraft Crash in South China Sea in Separate Incidents
Two U.S. Navy aircraft – a helicopter and a fighter jet – crashed in the South China Sea on Oct. 26, the Navy’s Pacific Fleet reported. All personnel involved were safely recovered.
A MH-60R Seahawk helicopter whent down at approximately 2:45 p.m.local time “while conducting routine operations from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz,” according to a Navy statement posted on social media. The helicopter was assigned to the “Battle Cats” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73. Search-and-rescue crews rescued all three crew members.
Following the helicopter incident, an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet, assigned to the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, also crashed in the South China sea “while conducting routine operations from Nimitz.” Both crew members of the fighter jet successfully ejected and were recovered.
“All personnel involved are safe and in stable condition,” the Navy stated. The cause of both incidents is currently under investigation.
The USS Nimitz, one of the largest warships in the world and the oldest American aircraft carrier in active service, is on the return leg of its final deployment before decommissioning in 2026. The carrier departed the West Coast on March 26 and entered the South china sea on Oct. 17, according to USNI News, the nonprofit news service of the Naval Institute.
Maryland Air National guard Loses Final A-10 Aircraft, Becomes first Guard unit Without Planes
The Maryland Air National GuardS 104th Fighter Squadron has been left without aircraft after the final A-10 thunderbolt IIs departed from Warfield Air National Guard Base, marking a historic low for the unit and making Maryland the only Air National Guard state without assigned fighter planes. The move, finalized despite significant opposition, effectively grounds one of the nation’s oldest Air National Guard units.
The decision to retire the A-10s stems from a broader Air Force modernization plan, but its impact on Maryland is uniquely severe. The 104th Fighter Squadron, tracing its roots back to 1947, will now focus on retraining as a cyber warfare unit-a transition met with resistance from state lawmakers and concerns about maintaining Maryland’s defense capabilities. The loss also prompted a failed attempt to secure replacement F-16s through a deal linked to a proposed NFL stadium in Washington, D.C., as reported by Military.com on March 31, 2025.
The A-10’s popularity among maryland’s Air Guard personnel and the community fueled a bitter contest against its dissolution. The aircraft has been a mainstay of the 175th Wing for decades, providing close air support to ground troops and serving as a visible symbol of the state’s military presence.
Maryland officials explored options to avert the aircraft loss, including seeking new planes. A complex proposal emerged that would have seen the transfer of F-16s in conjunction with the development of a new NFL stadium at the RFK stadium site in Washington, D.C. Though,the White House ultimately rejected this plan,according to reporting from Military.com.
The 175th Wing will now transition to a cyber warfare mission,a shift reflecting the Air Force’s evolving priorities. While cyber warfare is a critical component of modern defense,the loss of the 104th’s traditional flying mission represents a significant change for the Maryland Air National Guard and raises questions about the state’s future role in national defense.
Indonesia is evaluating the potential purchase of Chinese-made fighter jets as it seeks to modernize its air force, a move driven by strategic considerations and cost-effectiveness, sources confirmed September 22, 2025. The prospective acquisition comes as Jakarta balances its defense needs with budgetary constraints and navigates complex geopolitical relationships in the Indo-Pacific region.
The modernization effort, initially championed by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, aims to integrate and enhance the capabilities of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI). A key component of this initiative focuses on upgrading the Air Force’s weaponry, restructuring its command structure, and investing in personnel progress. While other options are being considered, Chinese aircraft have emerged as a viable option due to their competitive pricing and increasingly refined technology.
The National Conversion System (NTS), launched under Prabowo subianto’s leadership, mandates the Air Force to modernize its weapons systems, streamline commands and units, and improve its human resources.This push for modernization is occurring against a backdrop of rising regional tensions and Indonesia’s growing assertiveness in safeguarding its maritime interests. The potential acquisition of Chinese fighter jets would represent a meaningful shift in Indonesia’s defense procurement strategy, traditionally reliant on Western suppliers.
The Jakarta Post offers a newsletter delivered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning, providing a curated briefing on key issues including politics, culture, and society. Subscribers receive a concise overview of the day’s most important developments directly in their inbox.
WARSAW, Poland – The United Kingdom has deployed fighter jets to poland as part of a strengthened NATO air defence mission, the Ministry of Defence announced today. The move reinforces the alliance’s presence in Eastern Europe amid heightened tensions following russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
the deployment includes Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, and personnel from various RAF squadrons. they will work alongside Polish and German forces, contributing to the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission and enhancing the alliance’s ability to monitor and respond to potential threats in the region.
This comes as tensions remain high following recent airspace violations. Earlier this week, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets breached Estonian airspace, remaining there for 12 minutes according to Estonian Foreign Minister. Russian pilots ignored signals from Italian jets responding from NATO’s Baltic air Policing Mission during the violation, a senior Estonian military official said on saturday. Russia’s Defence Ministry denied the violation, claiming its jets flew over neutral waters, a claim dismissed by Estonian officials who cited radar and visual confirmation.
Colonel Ants Kiviselg, commander of Estonia’s Military Intelligence Center, stated, “Why they didn’t do it, that’s a question for the Russian pilots.” He also noted the russian jets “must have known that they are in [Estonian] airspace” and did not pose a “military threat.”
NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission was established in 2004 to safeguard the airspace of its Baltic member states - Estonia, Latvia, and lithuania – which lack their own self-reliant air defence capabilities. The mission involves rotating deployments of fighter aircraft from various NATO member nations.
U.S. Military Strikes Vessel Allegedly Carrying Drugs from Venezuela, Third Incident This Month
The U.S. Air Force has reportedly attacked another vessel originating from Venezuela,claiming it was carrying drugs destined for the United States. This marks the third such incident in the past month, escalating tensions between the two nations and raising questions about the legality and justification of the U.S. actions. President Trump has publicly announced each attack, framing them as necessary measures to combat drug trafficking and terrorism.
These escalating military actions come as the Trump administration seeks to disrupt the flow of narcotics into the U.S. and has designated the Venezuelan gang,Aragua,as a terror organization. The U.S.alleges Aragua is under the control of Venezuelan President Maduro and involved in drug trafficking and murder, even within the United States. maduro, in turn, claims the U.S. aims to remove him from power.the incidents highlight a deepening crisis in U.S.-Venezuela relations, with potential ramifications for regional stability and international law.
On September 2nd, a U.S. attack resulted in the deaths of eleven people aboard a boat, which the U.S. claimed was linked to the Aragua gang. The Venezuelan government disputes this, stating none of the deceased were associated with the group. Last Monday, a second attack killed three individuals, whom Trump labeled as “terrorists.” In both instances, the U.S. has not provided evidence of the vessels’ cargo.
The Trump administration believes these military actions are essential to curb the drug supply and has offered a $50 million reward for details leading to Maduro’s arrest, accusing him of collaborating with drug lords.The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation and continued diplomatic fallout.
