The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor passed the penultimate test criteria for an initial production decision to be taken by the US Department of Defense, when the fourth prototype completed critical radar cross section testing on 31 January. The final requirement is for a sixth test aircraft to fly, which is expected shortly.
Source: Flight International
MBDA is on target to add an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven collaborative capability to its precision-guided weapons range, and has named the developmental Spear missile as the first to benefit.
Lockheed Martin believes it could attract orders for potentially another 300 F-16s, with prospective buyers for new-build jets currently including the Philippines, Thailand and Turkey.
Northrop Grumman continues to chase international sales opportunities for its E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance aircraft, as it simultaneously introduces upgrades to both platforms.
