Latest from David Donald

Initial production fighters are assigned to the U.S. Air Force's Eglin base for an accelerated test program to get the new Eagle into service in 2024/25.

Denmark has 27 of the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing versions on order and expects to deploy them from 2023.

The Airpower Teaming System air vehicle is the first military aircraft to be designed and built in Australia in over five decades.

Sikorsky’s latest heavylift helicopter has been chosen over the CH-47 to replace first-generation CH-53s in service with the Israeli Air Force.

An initial order for two Pegasus tankers begins the replacement process for Israel’s elderly Boeing 707-based refuelers.

Initial operational capability has been reached by the Northrop Grumman RQ-4D fifteen months after the first was delivered.

Japan’s first new-generation 767-based tanker is in the air and due for delivery to the JASDF later this year.

The Spice 250 ER is a turbojet-powered derivative of Rafael’s combat-proven precision glide weapon.

Boeing is to build up to 144 F-15EX Eagle fighters for the U.S. Air Force, destined for service with Air National Guard units.

The first batch of F-16s from the Israeli Air Force arrived at Top Aces' Arizona location this week.

Having bought Cobham Aviation Services in September, Draken has formally rebranded its UK-based activity.

The Greek government has now signed the anticipated contract for the urgent acquisition of 18 Dassault Rafale fighters.

Greece is upgrading 84 of its F-16s with AESA radar as part of a major overhaul of its fighter force.

The SeaGuardian is the maritime surveillance version of the MQ-9B, capable of anti-submarine warfare.

The approval covers 83 Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1A aircraft to join the 40 Mk1s already in service or delivery, plus 56 Airbus C295 transports.

The first of 55 modified Mirage 2000D multi-role fighters will now undergo tests, working towards a service entry in 2022.

The 20-year deal also includes the supply of 10 Leonardo M-346 advanced trainers.

France's new aircraft carrier program is moving into the detailed design phase as it aims for a 2038 entry-into-service date.

Australia has become the seventh nation to declare initial operational capability for its Lockheed Martin F-35s.

Tests have been undertaken to validate the F/A-18E/F’s ability to launch from the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers.

The two reconnaissance Gulfstreams are believed to be the first of a fleet that could number as many as eight aircraft.

For the first time the F-22 and F-35 fifth-generation fighters “talked” to each other securely via datalink.

The four-nation program for a MALE UAV is awaiting a contract to launch the development and production of 60 air vehicles for service-entry in 2028.

Automatic refueling for boom receivers is slated for certification trials next year, while probe receivers are getting a new traffic light system.

Having been left out of the February 2020 launch of the Phase 1A demonstrator phase for FCAS, Spain’s industry is now fully integrated into the program.

Boeing B-1Bs bombers are slated to become carriers for large hypersonic missiles such as the Lockheed Martin AGM-183A ARRW.

The shipborne Sea Tiger helicopter will defend the German navy’s frigates against both submarine and surface attack.

The French navy—which currently flies Falcon 200s and 50s—is to continue its tradition of operating Falcon models in the maritime surveillance role.

The KC-390s will provide tactical transport, refueling for Gripen fighters, and medical evacuation capability.

The new version of the C-27J military transport aircraft has aerodynamic and avionics improvements that enhance performance and mission capability.