All articles by Ryan Finnerty
-
NewsSingapore to acquire Gulfstream G550 maritime patrol aircraft
Singapore will acquire an undisclosed number of Gulfstream G550 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft to enhance maritime domain awareness and complement its planned fleet of four Boeing P-8A Poseidon jets, the Ministry of Defence has announced.
-
In depthNew F-22 fuel tanks offer more range without compromising stealth or flight performance
Lockheed Martin has begun producing new F-22 external fuel tanks that it says extend the air superiority fighter’s range but do not hinder its stealth characteristics and aerodynamic performance.
-
NewsUS Air Force confirms selection of first autonomous fighter coming by year-end
The US Air Force will select a winner for its first Collaborative Combat Aircraft increment by the end of 2026, choosing both an uncrewed fighter design and mission autonomy software provider as the service accelerates towards production of autonomous tactical jets.
-
In depthUS E-7 Wedgetail prototypes advance despite Pentagon opposition
The US Air Force will proceed with development of two Boeing E-7 Wedgetail prototypes under congressional mandate, despite the Trump Administration’s preference for a space-based alternative for aerial threat tracking.
-
NewsTop US Air Force official not considering KC-390, backs KC-46
The air force’s top civilian official says he is not currently looking at Embraer’s multi-role tanker as part of a sweeping plan to recapitalise the service’s aerial refuelling fleet.
-
NewsUSAF begins weapons integration on Collaborative Combat Aircraft prototype
The US Air Force (USAF) has started integrating weapons onto its Collaborative Combat Aircraft prototypes, with the Anduril YFQ-44A now conducting captive carry tests with inert missiles as the autonomous tactical aircraft programme progresses towards a selecting a competition winner by late 2026.
-
NewsUSAF reaches deal with Northrop to accelerate B-21 production by 25%
The US Air Force (USAF) and Northrop Grumman have agreed to a $4.5 billion production acceleration for the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, increasing the annual build rate by 25% to expedite delivery of the next-generation strategic aircraft.
-
In depthL3Harris eyes more roles for SkyWarden with gun pod, long-range weapons and SIGINT sensor
US defence manufacturer L3Harris is significantly expanding the capabilities of its SkyWarden close air support turboprop, adding new weapons including a gun pod, signals intelligence sensors and long-range missiles. The company anticipates international orders will match the US programme of record for 75 aircraft.
-
NewsUS Air Force awards CCA engine contracts to Honeywell, GE-Kratos
Both Honeywell Aerospace and the team of GE Aerospace and Kratos have been awarded contracts to complete development of new designs for small turbofan engines meant to offer low-cost propulsion for the emerging category of uncrewed fighter aircraft.
-
AnalysisEmbraer’s KC-390 demonstrator crisscrosses the globe on worldwide sales tour
Embraer’s company-owned KC-390 demonstrator has been conducting an intensive world tour since its September 2024 debut, visiting customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America as the Brazilian airframer pursues new orders for the multi-role transport.
-
In depthEmbraer, Northrop team to develop KC-390 refuelling boom
Brazilian airframer Embraer and US defence manufacturer Northrop Grumman are developing an optional in-flight refuelling boom for the KC-390 multi-role tanker, targeting international markets including F-35A operators despite uncertain US Air Force interest.
-
NewsUruguay receives first A-29 Super Tucanos to replace A-37 fleet
Uruguay has taken delivery of the first two of six Embraer A-29 Super Tucano light attack turboprops ordered to replace its ageing fleet of Cessna A-37 Dragonfly jets, which average over 43 years in service.
-
NewsGeneral Atomics LongShot ‘missile truck’ designated X-68A
The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has designated General Atomics’ LongShot air-launched weapons platform as the X-68A, after what the agency calls “significant progress” on the uncrewed missile carrier designed to extend combat reach while keeping crewed aircraft at safer standoff distances.
-
InterviewTop Aces targets Asia-Pacific with adversary air services
Canadian adversary air services provider Top Aces is pursuing new business opportunities across the Asia-Pacific, having held talks with Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia at the Singapore air show. The company operates more than 150 tactical aircraft including Lockheed Martin F-16s modified to simulate fifth-generation threats.
-
AnalysisNon-American defence firms gain as US policies reshape markets
Aerospace manufacturers outside the United States are capitalising on surging demand for alternatives to American hardware, as the Trump Administration’s departure from traditional alliance-building prompts defence customers worldwide to diversify their supplier base.
-
NewsSaab aims to produce 36 Gripen E/F fighters annually as Brazilian assembly line nears first delivery
Swedish airframer Saab is significantly expanding production capacity for its Gripen E/F fighter, targeting 36 aircraft annually as it eyes further growth opportunities in Canada, Portugal and elsewhere.
-
NewsRafael’s Iron Beam laser air defence system enters operational service in Israel
Israeli defence technology firm Rafael says its Iron Beam directed energy weapon has achieved operational status following battlefield deployment against Iranian missile and drone attacks, marking a significant milestone for laser-based air defence systems after 30 years of development.
-
NewsBoeing plans for rate production of operational MQ-28s within two years
Boeing plans to begin assembling operational MQ-28 Ghost Bat autonomous fighters within two years, as the first Block II aircraft enters ground testing and Australia prepares to transition the programme towards combat readiness.
-
NewsHoneywell eyes Asia with SkyShot uncrewed fighter engine launch
Honeywell Aerospace is targeting Asia’s autonomous aviation sector with its new SkyShot 1600 turbofan, designed specifically for the emerging Collaborative Combat Aircraft category amid a shortage of suitable powerplants.
-
NewsSingapore’s ST Engineering reveals new DrN-600 medium-lift cargo drone
Singapore-based ST Engineering has disclosed details of its DrN-600 vertical take-off unmanned aircraft, a medium-lift platform designed for commercial cargo delivery and military logistics operations with a 100kg payload capacity.