Two Boeing EA-18G Growler aircraft belonging to the US Navy collided mid-air during a live aerial demonstration at an air show in Idaho near Mountain Home Air Force Base. The dramatic crash forced all four crew members to eject moments before the aircraft spiraled toward the ground and exploded on impact. Videos captured by spectators showed the two advanced warplanes appearing to touch mid-air before descending in flames. The EA-18G Growler is one of the most advanced airborne electronic attack aircraft in the world, designed for radar jamming, electronic warfare and suppression of enemy air defences. Each aircraft costs around $67 million, while fully equipped variants can exceed $120 million.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his six-day, five-nation tour with a high-stakes visit to the UAE as tensions continue to rise across West Asia. In a dramatic gesture, UAE F-16 fighter jets escorted Air India One into Abu Dhabi airspace before PM Modi held crucial talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. With the Strait of Hormuz crisis disrupting global oil and gas supplies, India and the UAE signed major agreements on LPG supplies, strategic petroleum reserves and defence cooperation. The UAE also announced a massive $5 billion investment push into India covering infrastructure, banking and housing sectors.