Fixed-wing
-
NewsNigeria outlines M-346FA delivery schedule
Nigeria anticipates receiving its first of 24 Leonardo M-346FAs in early 2025, with six examples of the light-attack variant of the advanced jet trainer already in production.
-
NewsLockheed begins production of Finnish F-35s
Finland is expected to receive its first stealth fighter next year, with aircraft arriving in the Nordic country in 2026 after pilot and maintainer training in the USA.
-
NewsUK to take first TR-3-standard F-35, as Lockheed targets full 138-unit commitment
The UK is poised to receive its first Lockheed Martin F-35B produced in the stealth fighter’s new Technical Refresh 3 (TR-3) standard, while the airframer steps up its campaign to secure a follow-on production order from the nation.
-
In depthUS manufacturers ramp solid rocket motor production amid surging munitions demand
After years of decline left the US aerospace industry with just a single independent producer of rocket motor engines to power critical missiles, a global surge in munitions purchases has spurred major defence manufacturers to develop new production capacity.
-
NewsCzech Republic signs contract for two KC-390 airlifters
The Czech air force will receive its first Embraer KC-390 tactical transport/tanker next year, after Prague signed a two-unit order on 25 October.
-
NewsF-35s team with uncrewed jet in latest USMC exercises
The US Marine Corps successfully teamed an XQ-58 Valkyrie autonomous jet with four F-35Bs, with the uncrewed Valkyrie providing forward threat targeting data to the flight of stealth fighters.
-
NewsLow production rate impacts Saab on T-7A jet trainer programme
Saab expects to be negatively impacted by its role in the Boeing T-7A advanced jet trainer programme for the “next couple of years” before seeing its involvement rewarded, the Swedish company says.
-
In depthHow ELT Group is staying on guard as electronic warfare threats evolve
Electronic warfare specialist ELT Group is expanding the self-protection capabilities of current and future platforms, ensuring that military operators can keep clear of hostile threats.
-
InterviewWhy ex-Tornado navigator Nicola Steevenson is on a mission to encourage others
Inspired to fly by a British Airways newspaper advert, Nicola ‘Rosie’ Steevenson served as a navigator in the Royal Air Force and now focuses on human factors, safety, and encouraging others.
-
In depthBoeing will not ‘walk away’ from financially challenged defence contracts, Ortberg says
Despite punishing financial losses on several military contracts, with no end in sight, Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg says his company remains committed to delivering on its full portfolio of defence programmes.
-
NewsMultiple dead in terrorist attack at Turkish Aerospace
At least four people are known to have been killed in an attack against Turkish Aerospace in Ankara, which leaders in Turkey are describing as a terrorist incident.
-
NewsGermany’s first Pegasus SIGINT jet takes flight
Germany’s new Bombardier Global 6000-based Pegasus signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft has performed its first flight from the airframer’s site in Wichita, Kansas.
-
NewsAmerican weapon manufacturers report record orders at home and abroad
Surging orders for long-range missiles and air defence systems has driven backlogs to record levels, according to US arms manufacturers.
-
NewsF-35 deliveries ramp up but full combat certification remains elusive
While F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin has resumed delivery of the globally important fifth-generation fighter, certification of the newest jets for full combat operations continues to pose technical challenges.
-
NewsSaab ready to advance Gripen E contract discussions with Thailand
Saab is entering into contract discussions with Thailand over a proposed purchase of Gripen E/F combat aircraft, as the Swedish manufacturer eyes additional international sales opportunities.
-
NewsUS Navy designates E-6B replacement the E-130J
The US Navy’s fleet of E-6B Mercury nuclear missile command and control jets will be replaced by a Lockheed Martin C-130J-based platform, now designated the E-130J.
-
NewsJapan inaugurates second aircraft carrier with landing of US F-35B
Short take-off and landing stealth fighters from a US Navy test squadron made the F-35’s first landing on the JS Kaga – a converted helicopter carrier officially labelled as a multi-functional destroyer by Tokyo and Washington.
-
NewsMilitary operators increasingly turn to business jets for specialty missions
Drawn by reliability and affordability, militaries are increasingly turning to business jets to fill niche roles within their aviation fleets including intelligence collection and electronic warfare.
-
NewsRAF’s first Wedgetail receives service markings
The UK’s first Boeing E-7 Wedgetail has received its service markings, ahead of the surveillance aircraft’s delivery to the Royal Air Force (RAF) next year.
-
NewsUS B-2 stealth bombers strike targets in Yemen
The USA’s military headquarters for the Middle East oversaw air strikes, including those conducted by B-2 stealth bombers, against weapons storage sites in Houthi-controlled Yemen.