US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon 'Super Squadron' in South Korea to target North Korea and China; here's what it means
"These F-16s are the first of many being temporarily reassigned to Osan AB for Phase II of the test, the temporary transfer supporting Seventh Air Force's efforts to maximize capabilities and increase combat effectiveness on the Korean Peninsula," the US Air Force stated in a press release.Also Read: Aliens coming, interstellar object 3I/ATLAS may be their ship and we have no defense; this Harvard astrophysicist is almost 100% sure'Osan is receiving additional F-16s as part of the Air Force's Super Squadron Test Part II initiative, which is a force-optimization test designed to see if a larger, consolidated squadron can generate more combat power and operate more efficiently,' said US Air Force Captain Bryce Hughes, 51st Maintenance Group Officer and Sortie Generation Flight commander, as per the same press release.Along with the approximately 31 F-16s, the US Air Force will also move 1,000 airmen from Kunsan AB to Osan AB for the start of Phase II. The reassignment of the airmen will start October 2025. US Air Force personnel stationed at the Osan AB are training with the 36th Fighter Generation Squadron (FGS) to gain experience in maintaining the F-16s and help maximize combat airpower generation.
As part of the Super Squadron Test, the US Air Force in October 2024 moved nine F-16s and 150 airmen to the 36th Fighter Squadron and FGS at Osan AB. "Phase II of the test is expected to continue through October 2026, capitalizing on data from the first phase and assessing focus areas like maintenance, manpower and logistics requirements at a larger scale,: the US Air Force stated.'We're working hand-in-hand with the Wolfpack to ensure a smooth transition of both personnel and equipment in preparation for Phase II. The 51st Fighter Wing is leading the charge on the Super Squadron Test. I'm proud of what the Mustangs have accomplished already, and I look forward to testing the limits of what we can do over the next year," said Colonel Ryan Ley, 51st Fighter Wing commander.In order to enhance its combat effectiveness in the Korean Peninsula, the US Air Force has taken several steps in the last few years. The force began replacing its older fighters with newer and more potent variants, including removal of F-15C/Ds from Kadena Air Base in Japan. The place of the phased out jets will be taken up by the new F-15EXs. To maintain its operational readiness, the force has rotated in F-15Es and F-22s in the interim period.The US has been facing an increasingly assertive China in East Asia. The Chinese defense forces have in the last couple of decades modernized and expanded rapidly. It is now actively challenging the US in many regions of the Pacific Ocean, South China Sea and near Taiwan.Also Read: China's robot army's new addition - missile-firing and flying turtle; signs of preparation for World War III?A couple of months back in June 2025, two Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy aircraft carriers carried out a joint military exercise in the Pacific, near the Japanese island of Iwo Jima. China's aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong launched Shenyang J-15 fighters during day and night, as well as carried out multiple combat maneuver. China's guided-missile destroyer Wuxi and supply ship Hulunhu were also part of the military drill.China's third and most advanced aircraft carrier, Fujian, which is undergoing sea trials, recently demonstrated its ability to launch fighters using an electromagnetic catapult, breaking one more ceiling and moving closer to the US in terms of naval technology. A six-and-a-half minute long video of the Fujian sea trial was shown on Chinese state media CCTV where several J-15T fighters were shown.China is armed with multiple nuclear tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles, fifth generation stealth fighters like the Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon and Shenyang J-35 (which has two variants - one for the air force and other for the navy) and the worls's largest naval force.
Its recent advancement in space and satellite technology has given the US one more reason to worry which is now actively looking at its adversaries possessing offensive capability from beyond the earth. Kim Yo Jong, who usually issues statements on behalf of her brother Kim Jong Un, on July 29 stated that while the North Korean leader and US President Donald Trump's relationship is 'not bad', her country possesses nuclear weapons and will not give them up.
Demanding the US to accept the reality of nuclear North Korea, Kim Yo Jong called the situation in 2018 and '19 during Trump's first term as the US President vastly different for that in 2025.Also Read: A UN report on UN reports' declining readership: Surprising truth behind the world's most ignored document 'The year 2025 is neither 2018 nor 2019. The recognition of the irreversible position of the DPRK as a nuclear weapons state and the hard fact that its capabilities and geopolitical environment have radically changed should be a prerequisite for predicting and thinking everything in the future,' she said.Isolated and facing crippling sanctions from the US-led western powers and many other countries, North Korea has been increasingly dependent on China and Russia for its economic and military needs.Kim Jong Un has sent military supplies including troops and artillery shells to Russia to fight the Ukraine war. The move to power the Russian war machinery has come under severe criticism from the US and its allies.
Russia and North Korea recently started the first direct passenger flight between Pyongyang and Moscow in decades.
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Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Trump's 25% tariff on India: What it means for students and skilled workers
Last week, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order updating 'reciprocal' tariff rates that had been paused since April. Nearly every American trading partner now faces tariffs ranging from 10 per cent to 50 per cent. For India, the rate stands at 25 per cent, with a further risk of penalties tied to its trade dealings with Russia. The question many are now asking—how will this trade war impact Indians planning to study or work in the United States? President Trump's tightening grip on immigration and foreign students has become a cause of concern. Dreamers, international students applying for visas, and those hoping to work in the US post-graduation are all feeling the squeeze as the administration clamps down on universities and pushes back against global talent. 'Everything is so interconnected these days. India's soft power itself is a major advantage, a trade plus, if you will, that the country enjoys over others. So, yes, I do believe the current situation could escalate and spill over into various policy areas—not just F-1, H-1B, or B-1/B-2 visas. It could even touch EB categories. EB-5, I'm not entirely sure, but most other categories are likely to get caught up. They'll end up being affected, directly or indirectly,' said Ajay Sharma, founder of Abhinav Immigration Services, speaking to Business Standard. While the tariff hikes themselves don't directly target Indian students, Sharma explained that the damage often lies in perception. 'There's no direct impact from the tariff hikes. But what tends to happen in such scenarios—and this is quite unfortunate—is that the destination starts getting a negative image,' he said. 'That perception really influences students' future plans. We saw this with Canada recently, and the same could unfold with the US. Already, students are stuck waiting endlessly just to get a visa appointment. Add to that the overall uncertainty, and it's not a good look,' Sharma added. The rupee's weakening against the dollar adds another layer of financial strain, though Sharma believes it's not the most critical hurdle. 'The rupee's depreciation will, of course, hit students' pockets, but perhaps not as severely. That's because the rupee is weakening against most major currencies, not just the dollar. So while it's a factor, it might not be the biggest hurdle for students eyeing the US. What's more worrying is the combination of rising costs, bureaucratic delays, and the growing sense of diplomatic friction between India and the US. That mix creates a perception problem, and once that sets in, it becomes a serious deterrent for students and even businesses,' he said. Nikhil Mudgal, founder and CEO of Lorien Finance, echoed similar concerns. 'With the rupee continuing to weaken and the recent tariff adding to the cost of education in the US, Indian students are indeed feeling the financial pinch,' he said. Mudgal added, 'The need of the hour is transparent, cross-border financing options that don't add to the burden, but genuinely enable global aspirations.' US campuses losing their appeal? Fanta Aw, CEO of the international education group NAFSA, painted a grim picture of the mood among students. 'International students and their families seek predictability, security, and a welcoming environment when choosing where to study,' said Aw in a blog post on NAFSA. 'The US government's recent actions have created an atmosphere of fear and confusion that has students, scholars, and their families understandably concerned about their safety and future in the United States. These actions by the government will likely result in prospective students choosing to study elsewhere and current students accelerating the completion of their degrees so they can return home sooner. Students have many options when it comes to study destinations,' Aw added. Impact on global student mobility may be deeper than it looks Market intelligence group ICEF Monitor expects the fallout from Trump's policies to ripple across global student flows. They note several possible shifts: • Less demand for studying in the US, as students fear visa refusals, revocations, or even detentions if an ICE officer finds their views or activities to be 'contrary to US interests'. • Rising hesitation among students from minority backgrounds, including non-white, LGBTQ+, and other marginalised groups, due to Trump's assault on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programmes. • A broader slump in study abroad volumes, as the administration's reduction of aid to developing countries forces governments to divert funds from education to health sectors. • Student interest moving to alternative destinations, including Canada, Europe, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and even Russia, as the US's global standing continues to wobble. A year ago, IDP Education data had shown the US regaining student demand lost by Australia, Canada, and the UK due to their restrictive visa policies. ICEF believes that trend may now reverse. 'The US may join those other leading destinations in losing share of international students. Great numbers of Asian students may favour other Asian countries, including China, for study abroad, and more EU students may choose to stay within their region as well,' ICEF Monitor noted. Indian workers in tariff-hit sectors could face indirect job hurdles The ripple effects aren't limited to students. Indian workers, especially in sectors like manufacturing or IT hardware—industries directly hit by tariffs—could face subtle disadvantages when it comes to visa sponsorships or job placements. Sharma believes companies aren't planning their hiring purely around visa constraints, but geopolitical strains do make a difference. 'You know, it's not all Indians, because the way I see it, the technology companies do not work or plan their hiring by only visa situations. As the recent layoffs indicate and statements from companies like Microsoft and Google show, when they laid off people, it included not only Americans but even hedge fund workers. So they need people to work, and for how long they'll survive without India's soft power?' Sharma said.
Economic Times
3 hours ago
- Economic Times
H-1B visa tension rises amid US lawmaker's call to curb Indian tech hiring
NYT News Service A social media post by US Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has intensified political scrutiny over the H-1B visa programme, widely used by Indian professionals. On August 4, Greene wrote on X, 'End Indian H-1B visas replacing American jobs instead,' while reposting former President Donald Trump's call for higher tariffs on Indian exports over its oil trade with statement, though not tied to any legislative move, has drawn strong reactions from Indian students, legal professionals, and tech workers in the United States. It also coincides with remarks from Trump's aide Stephen Miller, who in a Fox News interview accused India of undermining US interests on trade and immigration.'India portrays itself as being one of our closest friends in the world. But they don't accept our products, they impose massive tariffs on us. We also know they engage in a lot of cheating on immigration policy,' Miller said. India continues to be the top source of H-1B visa recipients. According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), nearly 70% of all H-1B visas approved in FY 2024 were granted to Indian nationals. The programme is often a key step for international students transitioning from academic training to full-time employment in the US. Greene's statement emerged in the context of rising US-India trade tensions, with Trump demanding tariff retaliation for India's energy imports from Russia. While Greene tied her comment to American job losses, Miller's interview offered further criticism of India's economic and immigration practices. Though no new visa restriction has been introduced, the political messaging has prompted concern. US lawmakers have recently debated reforms such as more transparency in the H-1B lottery, better wage protection for domestic workers, and broader access for STEM graduates trained in US institutions. No policy change yet, but messaging matters As of August 2025, the F-1 visa and the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programmes remain operational. Indian students and professionals applying for H-1B visas continue to follow the existing process. However, experts advise staying informed through USCIS updates and seeking legal or academic guidance for long-term Greene and Miller's remarks do not carry immediate policy consequences, they reflect growing scrutiny around skilled migration programmes and outsourcing. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Can Coforge's ambition to lead the IT Industry become a reality? BlackRock returns, this time with Ambani. Will it be lucky second time? Amazon is making stealthy moves in healthcare, here's why! The trader who blew the whistle on Jane Street Stock Radar: Globus Spirits breaks out from 9-month consolidation; check target & stop loss for long positions Weekly Top Picks: These stocks scored 10 on 10 on Stock Reports Plus These large-caps have 'strong buy' & 'buy' recos and an upside potential of more than 25% Stock picks of the week: 5 stocks with consistent score improvement and upside potential of up to 36% in 1 year
India.com
3 hours ago
- India.com
Neither F-35 nor Su-57... Why is India not buying 5th Gen fighter jets? Will Pakistan benefit from this?
Neither F-35 nor Su-57... Why is India not buying 5th Gen fighter jets? Will Pakistan benefit from this? India's ambition to acquire fifth generation fighter jets is once again in the news, but there are several roadblocks. The indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is expected to be ready by 2035, but by then regional rivals, especially Pakistan and China, would have further strengthened their air power. Recently, India has sought the US's permission to acquire the fifth generation fighter jet.F-35 LightningII, while doubts also remain over Russia's Su-57. On the other hand, Pakistan has increased India's concern by planning to purchase China's J-35A stealth jets. In such a situation, the question arises: when will India have 5th Gen fighter jets, and will it be able to face regional challenges in time? India's ambition to modernise its military power and gain a strategic edge in the air is currently at a crossroads. The country's indigenous fifth generation fighter jet project, the Swadeshi Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is still at least a decade away. While Donald Trump is pressuring the US to sell the 5th Gen fighter jet F-35, there are also clouds of uncertainty over the Russian Su-57. On the other hand, Pakistan has increased India's concern by planning to purchase China's J-35A stealth jets. In such a situation, a very important question is being raised whether India will have fifth generation fighter aircraft in time? And will Pakistan leave India behind in this race? How much is the need for 5th Gen fighter jets? The strength of the Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently limited to 29 squadrons. The retirement of old MiG-21 aircraft and the delay in the purchase of new jets have further deepened this shortage. At the same time, the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is expected to be ready by 2035. The AMCA program is being developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). This twin-engine stealth jet will be equipped with features like AI-based electronic pilot, supercruise, and internal weapons bay, but the first flight of its prototype is possible only by 2027-28 and it will take more time for full production to begin. Meanwhile, India's neighbours are increasing their air power. China already has J-20 stealth jets, and is testing sixth-generation prototypes like the J-36 and J-50. Pakistan, on the other hand, plans to acquire 40 J-35A stealth jets by 2026-27. This is a serious challenge for India, especially after the recent Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, when tensions between India and Pakistan were at their peak. Why does India not want to buy F-35? Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump had offered India the F-35A Lightning II fighter jet. Trump had described it as the 'world's most high-tech stealth jet' and talked about strengthening India-US defense relations. However, India did not show any special interest in this proposal. According to a Bloomberg report, India has indicated to the US that it does not want to buy the F-35. There are many strategic and political reasons behind this cold attitude. The cost of an F-35 fighter jet is $80 million (more than Rs 700 crore). Then the cost of its maintenance and spare parts is also huge. America has full control over the software and stealth coatings of this jet, which can affect India's strategic autonomy. On the other hand, a large part of India's defense purchases comes from Russia. The US had already excluded Turkey from the F-35 program due to the use of the Russian S-400 defense system. In such a situation, India fears that purchasing the F-35 may affect its strategic relations with Russia. Why should India avoid the Russian Su-57E? Russia, on the other hand, hasSu-57E offerThe deal includes technology transfer and the promise of local production at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This is attractive to India because the existing infrastructure of the Su-30MKI can be used. But the Su-57's stealth capability is questionable, and in 2018 India decided to exit its co-development program (FGFA) because it did not live up to expectations. In addition, the Russia-Ukraine war and Western sanctions have affected the production of the Su-57. Is it Pakistan's ploy or India's strategy? Pakistan's claim of acquiring J-35A jets is a matter of concern for India. Pakistan, which imports more than 80% of its weapons from China, is now also discussing building KAAN aircraft with Turkey. This increases pressure on India's northern and western borders. Defense experts believe that India needs 5th Gen jets urgently, as waiting for 10 years for AMCA can be risky. The IAF recently made a presentation to the government, recommending the import of 2-3 squadrons (40-60 jets). A committee headed by Defence Secretary RK Singh also highlighted the need for 5th Gen jets to enhance readiness on the northern and western borders. But retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra says neither the F-35 nor the Su-57 are fully suitable for India. He advocated focusing on AMCA and involving the private sector.
