Lawmakers grill military leaders at V-22 hearing

American military leaders faced intense scrutiny from lawmakers on Feb. 9 over the V-22 Osprey’s troubled safety record, with accident rates spiking nearly 90 percent above historical averages and 20 service members killed between fiscal years 2022 and 2024.

U.S. Marines take off in an MV-22B Osprey at Norwegian Air Force Base Bodø during Exercise Cold Response 2022, Norway, March 26, 2022. The Marines are assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing. Exercise Cold Response ’22 is a biennial exercise that takes place across Norway, with participation from each of its military services, as well as from 26 additional North Atlantic Treaty Organization allied nations and regional partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elias E. Pimentel III)

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Buddy Squadron exercises in South Korea cut in half

The number of annual “Buddy Squadron” joint air training exercises between the United States and South Korea has been reduced from eight to four sessions per year, according to reporting by Chosun Ilbo, raising questions about whether the change reflects the Lee Jae-myung administration’s efforts to scale back military drills that have drawn criticism from North Korea.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Ethan Smith, 36th Fighter Squadron pilot, greets Republic of Korea Air Force pilots after landing at Osan Air Base, ROK, Dec. 16, 2025 for Buddy Squadron 26-1. Buddy Squadron is a unique recurring bilateral exercise held several times a year across the Peninsula that strengthens integration between U.S. Air Force and ROKAF forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tylir Meyer)

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India, Thailand air forces conduct joint exercise near Malacca Strait

The Indian Air Force and Royal Thai Air Force will conduct a joint air exercise near the Strait of Malacca on Feb. 9, deploying fighter aircraft and support assets as part of an effort to strengthen operational coordination between the two countries.

An Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighter aircraft lands at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 16, 2016. Indian Air Force airmen arrived at Eielson in preparation for RED FLAG-Alaska 16-1. On average, more than 1,000 people and up to 60 aircraft deploy to Eielson during the two-week exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Turner)

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