All Fixed-wing articles
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AnalysisEmbraer’s KC-390 demonstrator crisscrosses 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.
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In depthEmbraer, Mahindra plan India MRO for C-390 bid
Embraer and Mahindra Group will establish a maintenance, repair and overhaul capability in India should the C-390 tactical transport win the Indian air force’s Medium Transport Aircraft requirement for 60-80 airlifters to replace aging Antonov An-32s and Ilyushin Il-76s.
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NewsIndonesia, Philippines boost maritime surveillance with twin-turboprops
Indonesia and the Philippines are making progress to improved maritime surveillance capabilities through the acquisition of twin-engined aircraft.
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NewsUS Navy seeks advanced anti-radiation missile for contested environments
The US Navy is seeking industry information on a new Advanced Emission Suppression Missile capable of engaging targets at significant standoff distances, with compatibility across its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and F-35 fleets.
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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.
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NewsAirbus bids for central role in revitalised European defence market
Airbus believes it can play a central role in a stronger, more consolidated European defence market, with chief executive Guillaume Faury reiterating the manufacturer’s commitment to the Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) while conceding “we would support a two-fighter solution” – a reference to the rival Global Combat Air Programme partnership between Italy, Japan and the UK.
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NewsLockheed wins RAAF C-130J training systems upgrade contract
Lockheed Martin has been awarded a US government contract to deliver advanced training devices and simulator upgrades for the Royal Australian Air Force’s C-130J tactical transport fleet.
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NewsBAE Systems reports record £84 billion backlog on defence demand
BAE Systems has reported a record order backlog of £84 billion for 2025, driven by strong global demand for defence products amid rising security threats, with the Air segment contributing £32.6 billion.
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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.
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NewsFrance, India inaugurate H125 line as potential Rafale deal looms
French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have inaugurated an Airbus Helicopters H125 assembly line in India, while a joint statement hinted at progress on New Delhi’s requirement for 114 Dassault Rafale fighters under the Make in India initiative.
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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.
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NewsSaudi Arabia orders four C-27J Spartan transports for maritime patrol missions
Saudi Arabia has ordered four Leonardo C-27J Spartan tactical transports in a maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) configuration. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2029, the Italian airframer says. Intended roles include anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and transport and airdrop missions. Source: Leonardo C-27J can carry ...
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NewsBAE officials upbeat over follow-on Typhoon prospect with Saudi Arabia
UK airframer BAE Systems remains confident that Saudi Arabia will place a long-anticipated follow-on order for the Eurofighter Typhoon, as Riyadh also eyes a possible future role in the currently three-nation Global Combat Air Programme.
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NewsLeonardo targets fresh contract opportunities with Eurofighter and M-346 platforms
With campaigns under way in Bangladesh, the Philippines and Poland, Eurofighter partner company Leonardo is optimistic of further boosting the Typhoon’s order backlog.
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NewsIndia approves INR3.6 trillion arms package including Rafales, P-8Is
India’s Defence Acquisition Council has approved INR3.6 trillion ($39.7 billion) in military purchases, including Dassault Aviation Rafale fighters under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft requirement and additional Boeing P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft for the navy.
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NewsSpain to launch operational evaluation of InShield DIRCM system on modified A400M airlifter
The Spanish air force is set to launch an operational evaluation of its first Airbus Defence & Space A400M to have been equipped with a new directed infrared countermeasures suite.
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NewsUS Marine Corps to retire AV-8B Harrier II in 2026
The US Marine Corps will retire its Boeing AV-8B Harrier II fleet in June 2026, a year earlier than previously planned, as it accelerates transition to the Lockheed Martin F-35B and focuses on aggressive modernisation for future threats.
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NewsMitchell Institute calls for doubled B-21 fleet amid China concerns
A US Air Force-associated think tank is calling for a vastly expanded fighter and bomber fleet, warning that current force levels are insufficient to deny Chinese military sanctuaries in a potential conflict over Taiwan.
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NewsL3Harris details RE-3A upgrade activity for Royal Saudi Air Force
L3Harris is using the third biennial World Defense Show to underscore its decades-old presence in Saudi Arabia, as work continues to upgrade Riyadh’s most sophisticated airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability.
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NewsRiyadh considering EX-standard upgrade for bulk of F-15 fleet, Boeing officials say
Saudi Arabia is eyeing further updates to its large fleet of F-15 combat aircraft, with Boeing seeing strong potential for new upgrades – or even an order for its “latest and greatest” EX-model version.