All articles by Ryan Finnerty – Page 2
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NewsPentagon deploys first one-way attack squadron using Shahed-136 derivative
US Central Command has activated its first one-way attack squadron, operating strike drones reverse-engineered from Iran’s Shahed-136 kamikaze aircraft – marking a major shift toward low-cost offensive drone capabilities.
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NewsDamaged B-2 stealth bomber returns to frontline duty after four-year repair from landing gear collapse
B-2 tail number 89-0129 has been restored to flight status after extensive repairs to damage caused by a landing gear collapse in 2021, boosting the USAF’s limited stealth bomber capability.
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NewsNorthrop Grumman reveals Talon autonomous fighter design
Northrop Grumman has unveiled its Talon concept for an uncrewed fighter aircraft seemingly based on the Scaled Composites Model 437 low-cost jet.
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NewsUS Air Force takes delivery of 100th KC-46A tanker
The milestone delivery comes as the Air Mobility Command is increasingly relying on KC-46As to support frontline military operations across the globe.
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NewsThunderbirds F-16 crashes during California training flight
A Lockheed Martin F-16 from the US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team has crashed during a training flight in California, with the pilot ejecting safely and remaining in stable condition.
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NewsElectra launches defence unit targeting military applications for EL9 ‘ultra-short’ concept
US aircraft developer Electra has established a dedicated defence business unit to pursue military applications for its EL9 ultra-short take-off and landing concept, appointing former Boeing executive Donn Yates as general manager.
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NewsUS Army launches aerial reconnaissance training with Edge Autonomy VXE30 Stalker
US Army soldiers will begin operating Edge Autonomy’s VXE30 Stalker this month as the service fields the vertical take-off uncrewed system in support of aerial reconnaissance instruction courses.
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NewsBrazil test fires Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles from Gripen E
Brazil has achieved a significant milestone in its Gripen E programme by test firing MBDA’s Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile from an F-39E fighter, marking a crucial step in expanding the capabilities of the country’s growing fleet.
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AnalysisHow the Ukraine war has (and has not) changed the helicopter’s role in combat
Significant Russian helicopter losses in the early months of the Russia-Ukraine war have led many to proclaim the end of rotary-wing aviation in combat, but a former US Army general and Bell executive argues it was just bad tactics and poor planning.
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NewsBoeing lands $4.6bn Apache attack helicopter order for Poland, Kuwait and Egypt
Boeing has secured a $4.6 billion international order for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters that includes 96 aircraft for Poland and an unspecified number for Kuwait and Egypt.
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NewsUS Air Force inks $2.4bn contract with Boeing for KC-46A Lot 12
Boeing has secured a $2.4 billion US Air Force contract for 15 KC-46A Pegasus aerial refuellers under production Lot 12, with deliveries expected to be complete by mid-2029.
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NewsDARPA launches X-plane competition for new uncrewed cargo drone
The Pentagon’s technology incubator has launched a competition seeking novel designs for uncrewed cargo aircraft capable of carrying payloads more than four times their own weight, with applications spanning military logistics to civil package delivery.
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NewsBoeing secures $271m order for MH-47G special operations Chinooks
Boeing’s vertical lift division has secured an $271 million contract from the US Special Operations Command for MH-47G special operations rotorcraft, likely covering around 18 aircraft based on previous pricing.
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NewsAurora progressing on assembly of X-65 active flow control demonstrator
Aurora Flight Sciences has shared images of its X-65 active flow control demonstrator under assembly, with the prototype designed to eliminate traditional control surfaces through embedded aerodynamic effectors.
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NewsUS F-35A test dropped inert B61 nuclear bombs in August
US Air Force Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters have completed integration tests with inert B61-12 nuclear gravity bombs, proving the stealth jet’s “dual capable” status of being able to deliver conventional and nuclear munitions.
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In depthFormer Canadian military officers urge Ottawa to ignore Gripens and proceed with F-35 buy
Twelve retired senior Royal Canadian Air Force officers have written to Prime Minister Mark Carney warning against reducing Canada’s planned 88-aircraft F-35A purchase in favour of Swedish Saab Gripen fighters, as political tensions with the USA prompt Ottawa to reconsider its fighter modernisation programme.
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NewsRed 6 adds augmented reality to Apache attack helicopter testbed
Augmented-reality start-up Red 6 has integrated its Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality Systems into a Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopter cockpit, marking the company’s inaugural foray into rotary-wing applications.
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NewsF-22 successfully controls uncrewed MQ-20 in demonstration flight
The US Air Force has successfully demonstrated the ability of an F-22 Raptor to control an General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-20 Avenger unmanned jet during flight, marking a significant step toward integrating the stealth fighter with future Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
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NewsTrump to approve F-35 fighter sale to Saudi Arabia
President Donald Trump says he will approve the sale of Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in US Middle East defence policy and potentially making the kingdom the F-35 programme’s 21st global operator.
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NewsUkraine signs deal with France to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighters
Ukraine has signed a procurement agreement with France covering the acquisition of 100 Dassault Rafale F4 fighters by 2035, along with air defence systems and joint drone production programmes.