Latest from David Donald

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.

The new batch of aircraft will replace the aging Tranche 1 aircraft in Luftwaffe service under the Quadriga project.

The United Arab Emirates has long sought the F-35 fighter in order to maintain its qualitative edge over its neighbor Iran.

Brazil’s air force is upgrading some of its Embraer Tucano trainer fleet so that they are more suited to training pilots for modern aircraft.

The Belgian Air Force is looking for a new basic trainer to replace its SIAI-Marchetti SF-260s.

Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky have landed $730 million of new work in one day through Navair contracts for 10 new “Romeo” and King Stallion helicopters.

Following an unhappy experience with the Dhruv, the FAE is receiving H145s equipped for military, search and rescue, and disaster relief operations.

The new advanced trainer is initially aimed at a Spanish air force requirement for a lead-in fighter trainer.

Sweden’s government is planning a major increase in the defense budget that will see the air force keeping JAS 39Cs in service for at least a decade.

The final ten NH90 TTHs helicopters on order for the French army will be delivered to a new standard optimized for special forces support.

The HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier is currently at sea in Europe’s largest exercise, with UK and U.S. Marine Corps F-35B fighters on board.