Northrop’s Talon jet receives prototype designation as YFQ-48A
Defence manufacturer Northrop Grumman has secured official US Air Force recognition for its Talon uncrewed jet, receiving the YFQ-48A prototype designation under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme as the service expands its autonomous fighter development efforts.
‘Loyal wingman’ need drives EDF backing for new small turbofan design studies
A lack of suitable European-built small turbofan engines for ‘loyal wingman’ applications that are also free of export restrictions has pushed the EU to consider funding the development of a new powerplant.
USA approves $11.1bn Taiwan arms package including loitering munitions
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has outlined eight potential defence equipment sales to Taiwan totalling $11.1 billion, including $1.1 billion worth of Anduril loitering munitions and $96 million in spare parts for Bell AH-1W Cobra attack helicopters.
China reveals first flight of stealthy CH-7 UAV for long-range targeting mission
The tailless uncrewed jet contains several features associated with low-observable aircraft and is believed to play a role in the development of kill chains for the Chinese military.
UK launches low-cost cruise missile test flights for Brakestop requirement
The first test firing of a low-cost cruise missile candidate for the UK Ministry of Defence’s Brakestop programme has been conducted.
China completes first flight of Jetank ‘swarm carrier’ drone
China’s state-owned AVIC has completed the first flight of its Jetank drone swarm carrier, designed to deploy dozens of smaller uncrewed aircraft from an internal hive module.
Saab innovation unit details 2026 flight-test plan for Ruby vehicle with ‘software-defined fuselage’
Saab’s internal innovation start-up The Rainforest will fly an unmanned platform next year employing what it describes as “the world’s first software-defined aircraft fuselage”.
Australia awards CAE 10-year contract to deliver Future Air Mission Training System
CAE has been awarded a more than A$300 million ($200 million) contract to deliver the Royal Australian Air Force’s Future Air Mission Training System capability.
Beehive Industries planning flight trials for Frenzy turbojet in early 2026
US propulsion start-up Beehive Industries has completed high-altitude testing of its developmental Frenzy turbojet and plans to begin flight trials in the first quarter of 2026.
Skyeton Prevail plans further Raybird UAV demonstrations after Iron Titan exercise success
Anglo-Ukrainian joint venture Skyeton Prevail Solutions is planning further UK demonstrations of its Raybird uncrewed air vehicle (UAV) following its successful participation in the British Army’s recent Iron Titan exercise.