Fixed-wing – Page 3
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In depthCongress gives extra $3bn to Pentagon for aircraft procurement
Six months behind schedule, lawmakers in Washington have agreed to a spending plan for the US military that includes new P-8 maritime patrol jets from Boeing, more Combat Rescue Helicopters from Sikorsky and over $2 billion for a sixth-generation fighter programme.
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NewsChina continues work on carrier-capable KJ-600 AEW&C aircraft
The airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft for China’s next generation aircraft carrier is continuing with flight tests.
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NewsSaab gets Arexis contract for Germany’s Eurofighter EK update
Saab has received a contract to supply 15 Arexis electronic warfare systems for integration with the German air force’s future fleet of Eurofighter EK aircraft.
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NewsUS lawmakers call for recapitalisation of LC-130 Arctic transport fleet
The US Air National Guard in New York state operates the world’s only fleet of the unique “Skibird” C-130 variant equipped for take-off and landing on snow runways.
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NewsSweden starts future fighter analysis with concept study contracts for Saab and GKN
Sweden has begun the early stages of analysing its future fighter requirements with its Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) awarding contracts to Saab and GKN Aerospace to conduct concept studies for the aircraft and propulsion system, respectively.
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NewsSwitzerland begins turning over retired F-5 fighters to USA
The Swiss air force has begun the process of transferring 22 decomissioned Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighters to the US Marine Corps and US Navy, which operate the legacy type as an adversary air platform.
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NewsEDF seeks proposals for next phase of ‘A200M’ tactical transport programme
Europe’s defence industry is to continue maturing the technologies for a future tactical cargo aircraft under the latest phase of an EU-backed programme.
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NewsBoeing extends Super Hornet production to 2027 with final new-build order from USA
After a lengthy dispute that saw the Pentagon attempt to avoid purchasing new Super Hornet strike fighters that were already funded by Congress, the US Navy has agreed to a final production contract covering 17 new-build Block III F/A-18 jets.
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NewsNiger moves to expel US forces from West African airbase
The military junta that overthrew Niger’s elected government in 2023 has ordered American forces to vacate their last remaining air base in the country, which has been critical to counter-terrorism operations in the troubled Sahel region.
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NewsCanada highlights arctic aviation capability with far-northern drills
During a series of exercises known as Operation Nanook-Nunalivut, the Royal Canadian Air Force highlighted its ability to deliver ground forces and equipment on missions in high latitudes.
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NewsIndian navy retakes hijacked cargo ship with C-17 commando airdrop
The operation to free a pirate-controlled bulk carrier ship involved marine commandos parachuting from a Boeing C-17 strategic transport, supplemented with reconnaissance support from a Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol jet.
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NewsUS Navy takes delivery of first MQ-25 autonomous refueller
Marking the receipt of the service’s first-ever carrier-based without a pilot, the US Navy accepted delivery of the first MQ-25 Stingray tanker jet from Boeing.
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NewsCanada prepares $630m airfield upgrades as part of tanker acquisition
Improvements to runways and hangar facilities will support Ottawa’s planned fleet of nine Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport jets.
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In depthUS Air Force cuts fighter acquisition goals for 2025
In its fiscal year 2025 budget request, the US Air Force reveals it plans to acquire fewer F-15EXs, temporarily slow the pace of F-35 purchases and spend billions of dollars developing a sixth-generation fighter and autonomous jets to support the new platform.
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NewsPoland gets US approval for $3.7bn air-launched weapons package
Poland has secured US Department of State approval for a trio of air-launched weapon acquisitions with a potential combined value of almost $3.7 billion.
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NewsPentagon declares full-rate production on F-35, years behind schedule
The US Department of Defense has approved Lockheed Martin for full-rate production on the F-35 stealth fighter programme, years behind schedule and well after the airframer had already started assembling the jets at maximum capacity.
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NewsMBDA boosted by European spike in air-defence system demand
MBDA secured contracts worth €9.9 billion ($10.8 billion) last year, with increased demand for air-defence equipment dominating its business.
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NewsCanada retires Hawk jet trainers without replacements identified
The Royal Canadian Air Force says its fighter training squadron has entered a “period of hiatus” after the service retired its fleet of BAE Systems CT-155 Hawk trainer jets.
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NewsStratolaunch completes first powered flight of hypersonic test vehicle
While the first Talon-A flight did not break the Mach 5 hypersonic barrier, Stratolaunch says the vehicle achieved high supersonic speed before executing a planned water landing.
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NewsSweden formally becomes 32nd NATO member
Sweden has joined NATO as the western military alliance’s 32nd member, with its prime minister Ulf Kristersson having formally deposited its instrument of accession with the US government in Washington DC on 7 March.