Tag: military aviation

Italy Orders Six Airbus A330 MRTT Tankers

A Spanish Air Force A330 MRTT refuelling two Eurofighter aircraft | Photo: Airbus Defence and Space

Italy’s Ministry of Defence has awarded a €1.393 billion contract to Airbus Defence and Space for six A330 MRTT tanker aircraft and integrated logistics support under a Heavy Multi Role tanker fleet modernization program. The procurement process covered aircraft acquisition and long-term support arrangements over a planned period of 122 months.

Su-57D Two-Seat 5G Fighter Makes Debut

First flight of the two-seat Sukhoi-57D | Photo: United Aircraft Corporation

Russia’s Su-57D has completed its first test flight, marking the debut of what is considered the world’s first two-seat fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The new variant is intended to combine combat, training and command-and-control roles, including management of operations involving manned and unmanned aircraft.

Airbus Expands A330 MRTT Capacity

A330 MRTT Conversion Center Airbus Getafe site | Photo: Airbus Defence and Space/Vicente Ontoso - Mango Producciones

Airbus Defence and Space plans to open a new A330 MRTT conversion centre in Seville, Spain, by the end of 2027. The facility will increase annual aircraft conversion capacity, support maintenance work and upgrade aircraft already in service.

MQ-9B Completes First AEW Test Flight

First flight of the world’s first unmanned Airborne Early Warning (AEW) solution with the General Atomics MQ-9B carrying the Saab LoyalEye radar sensor pod on May 19, 2026 at Desert Horizons in Southern California | Photo: GA-ASI

Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems have completed the first flight of an MQ-9B unmanned aircraft fitted with LoyalEye airborne early warning radar pods. The trial marks the beginning of a test programme leading to a full capability demonstration later this year.

U.S. Navy Receives 70th E-2D Hawkeye

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye advanced airborne early warning and battle management aircraft | Photo: Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman has delivered the 70th E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to the U.S. Navy. The aircraft provides airborne early warning and battle management capabilities and is also in service with Japan, with ongoing upgrades to meet operational needs.

DARPA X-76 Moves to Build Phase

Artist’s concept for the SPRINT X-76, a proof-of-concept technology demonstrator that aims to demonstrate technologies and concepts needed for runway-independent, high-speed flight. | Image: DARPA/Colie Wertz

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has designated its SPRINT aircraft as the X-76, with Bell Textron set to begin construction after completing the design review. The programme aims to combine jet speed with runway-independent operations, with flight tests planned for 2028.

Germany Adds 20 H145M Helicopters With New Order

Bundeswehr H145M Light Combat Helicopter | Photo: Airbus Helicopters

Germany has exercised an option for 20 additional Airbus H145M light combat helicopters, raising its total order to 82 aircraft. The helicopters will support German Army and Luftwaffe special forces missions including training, reconnaissance, special operations and light attack roles.

Colombia Orders 17 Saab Gripen Fighters for €3.1B

Gripen E fighter aircraft | Photo: Saab

Saab has signed a €3.1 billion contract with Colombia for 17 Gripen E/F fighter aircraft including two twin-seat Gripen F fighters to be delivered between 2026 and 2032, following orders from Thailand recently, a Ukrainian letter of intent for hundreds of aircraft and strong prospects coming up in Canada.

Germany Orders 20 New Eurofighters

Germany approved the sale by the United Kingdom of Eurofighter aircraft to Turkey, earlier this year. A 3D rendered artist's impression of the Eurofighter Tranche 5 | Image: Airbus Defence and Space SAS

Germany has ordered 20 new Eurofighter aircraft from Airbus to strengthen its Air Force capabilities. The fighters will feature upgraded radar and electronic warfare systems and will be delivered between 2031 and 2034 as part of Europe’s joint defence programme. The new aircraft will serve as a technological bridge to the Future Combat Air System, which is expected to enter service from 2040.