Ryan Finnerty
Ryan Finnerty is the Americas defence reporter for FlightGlobal.com and Flight International magazine, covering military aviation and the defence industry. He is a former United States Army officer and previously reported for America’s National Public Radio system in New York and Hawaii covering energy, economics and military affairs.
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NewsCanada announces second operating base for new tanker fleet
Ottawa will station a portion of its new Airbus A330-based aerial refuelling fleet at Edmonton International airport in Alberta province, expanding upon the existing tanker base in Trenton, Ontario.
NewsTextron secures $276m US Navy order for 26 additional T-54A trainers
The twin-engined turboprop is replacing the aged Beechcraft T-44C used by the navy as a training platform for multi-engined and tiltrotor pilot candidates.
NewsUS F-35Cs complete first known combat mission
Lockheed Martin F-35C fighters from the US Marine Corps took part in recent US strikes against targets in Yemen, marking the first known combat flight for the carrier-based variant of the stealth fighter.
NewsSouth Korea launches short take-off Gray Eagle UAV from amphibious assault ship
In a first of its kind flight, a General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Gray Eagle short take-off and landing uncrewed aircraft has launched from a South Korean amphibious assault ship, the equivalent of a light aircraft carrier
NewsTrump national security team takes shape with mix of insiders and outsiders
The returning president says he will nominate congressman and former US Army special forces officer Mike Waltz as national security advisor, while Army National Guard veteran and television news presenter Pete Hegseth has been selected to lead the Pentagon.
NewsNorthrop completes preliminary design review of E-2D Block II modernisation
The proposed series of Block II upgrades represents the most significant enhancements to the carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft since 2003, according to Northrop, including a complete technology refresh for the cockpit, mission computer and operations station.
In depthBell focused on future upgrades as FLRAA advances toward delivery of first prototype
The rotorcraft manufacturer says its Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) tiltrotor will be the first major Pentagon procurement programme to incorporate features designed to reduce the cost and time needed to incorporate potential new capabilities.
NewsF-35B flight trials conclude for Japan’s JS Kaga
Senior officials from the US Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force joined the crew of the JS Kaga, as F-35B pilots from the UK Royal Navy and US Marine Corps wrapped up flight trials aboard the ship.
NewsUS Navy completes first test flight using carrier-based uncrewed control station
As part of the evaluation, the navy controlled a General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-20 Avenger uncrewed aerial vehicle using the Lockheed Martin control station that will be installed in the service’s fleet of aircraft carriers.
NewsIsrael orders 25 of latest F-15 fighters from Boeing
The $5.2 billion purchase, which will see aircraft deliveries starting in 2031, marks Boeing’s first firm overseas order for its latest F-15EX variant.
AnalysisUncertain US defence partners congratulate Donald Trump on election win
With global tensions ranging from simmering to raging, leaders of the USA’s many security partners are lining up to congratulate former American president Donald Trump on re-election to the top office, amid significant uncertainty about his intended security policies.
NewsGripen E makes debut appearance at Brazil’s multinational fighter exercise
The latest version of the Saab multi-role fighter is flying with the Brazilian air force during the international CRUZEX 2024 air combat drills, which host Brazil describes as the largest operational war exercise in Latin America.
NewsBoeing and US Navy simulate MQ-25 carrier recovery using F-35 automated landing system
To land aboard US Navy aircraft carriers, Boeing’s unmanned MQ-25 Stingray tanker jet will make use of the Joint Precision Approach Landing System – a technology originally deployed to autonomously land Lockheed Martin F-35 fighters.
NewsBombardier delivers eighth E-11A communications jet to USAF
The Battlefield Airborne Communications Node is based on Bombardier’s Global 6000 business jet, with mission-systems integration and sustainment work performed by Northrop Grumman.
AnalysisTariffs, mergers, missiles and SAF: what Harris and Trump policies would mean for airlines and aerospace
The US presidential election on 5 November could determine much about the next four years for US airlines and aerospace manufacturers, leaving firms possibly facing major new policy shifts – or continuation of the status quo.
NewsUS approves nearly $1 billion weapons package to outfit Argentinian F-16s
Arms regulators in Washington have approved a weapons and support package valued at nearly $1 billion meant to help Argentina stand-up its planned fleet of used Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters.
NewsAudit claims Boeing overcharged for C-17 parts, including $149,000 for soap dispensers
The US Department of Defense inspector general initiated an investigation into the C-17 sustainment programme based on an anonymous tip, with the office concluding the US Air Force “did not pay fair and reasonable prices” for 26% of spare parts reviewed.
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.
NewsMystery buyers pick up Bell 412EPX helicopters for military use
Three Bell 412EPX civil helicopters were recently purchased through the Pentagon’s Foreign Military Sales system, although the buyers have not been disclosed by Washington.
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.