UK F-35 on HMS Prince of Wales

In depth

UK military’s F-35B shortcomings laid bare by spending watchdog

The UK National Audit Office (NAO) has detailed the challenges faced by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Royal Navy (RN) in fielding the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, while projecting that the nation’s through-life spend on the stealth fighter programme could potentially top £70 billion ($94 billion).

Ukraine air force F-16 livery

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Babcock eyes military training expansion and hails Ukraine contribution

UK aviation services provider Babcock has highlighted the ongoing success of its contribution to the training of Ukrainian air force pilots, as it eyes further expansion of its training business across Europe.

JH-7 near YS-11EB

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Chinese JH-7s in “unusual” approaches against Japanese YS-11EBs

Tokyo has protested close passes of Chinese Xian JH-7 strike aircraft near NAMC YS-11EB surveillance aircraft in international airspace.

CC-330 c Canadian DND

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Canada begins air base upgrades as A330 tanker fleet expands

The C$850 project at CFB Trenton includes resurfacing the existing runway, aprons and taxiways, plus construction of a new hangar, fuel depot, and ramp extension as Ottawa prepares to field a new fleet of Airbus multi-role tanker transports.

V-Bat Dutch navy

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Dutch navy picks Shield AI’s V-Bat for maritime surveillance duties

Shield AI has secured a contract to supply the Netherlands with eight V-Bat unmanned air systems for maritime surveillance duties.

F-16C with XQ-58A c USMC

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F-15E and F-16C fighters control four XQ-58s in US Air Force tests

The successful use of legacy fourth-generation fighters to control the uncrewed jets is a significant advancement for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft concept, which has largely focused on pairing the autonomous platforms with fifth-generation and emerging sixth-generation designs.

Texas ANG MQ-9A

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MQ-9s deployed in search and rescue effort following deadly Texas floods

State-level authorities in Texas say MQ-9A remotely piloted aircraft, operated by the Air National Guard, have been deployed to heavily flooded areas to support search and rescue operations.

RAF Protector RG1

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RAF opens Protector training centre at Waddington base

The UK Royal Air Force has opened a new training centre for its General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Protector RG1 remotely piloted air system, with the facility also available for use by allied nations.