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The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick

B-52J re-engining: CERP clears Critical Design Review for Rolls-Royce F130 FLEET conversion

The U.S. Air Force, Boeing and Rolls-Royce have completed the Critical Design Review for the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), validating modifications for two B-52 bombers to begin re-engining with the Rolls-Royce F130. The first B-52 engine-and-subsystem replacement is set to start later this year as work ramps toward a fleet-wide conversion to the B-52J standard.

2026-05-04T09:31:48.002518-07:00

CNN

NTSB data points to deliberate fuel cut-off in China Eastern 737-800 crash

2026-05-04T02:05:43.283504-07:00

AirInsight

India picks Boeing 767 tanker conversions via Israel Aerospace Industries over KC-46 cost rationale

2026-05-04T09:11:05.092211-07:00

Boeing

EgyptAir takes delivery of first 737 MAX 8, kicking off SMBC Aviation Capital–backed lease fleet renewal for 18 aircraft

2026-05-03T00:54:21.586808-07:00

News Timeline

The War Zone

B-52J re-engining: CERP clears Critical Design Review for Rolls-Royce F130 FLEET conversion The U.S. Air Force, Boeing and Rolls-Royce have completed the Critical Design Review for the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), validating modifications for two B-52 bombers to begin re-engining with the Rolls-Royce F130. The first B-52 engine-and-subsystem replacement is set to start later this year as work ramps toward a fleet-wide conversion to the B-52J standard.

2026-05-04T09:31:48.002518-07:00

B-52J re-engining: CERP clears Critical Design Review for Rolls-Royce F130 FLEET conversion

AirInsight

India picks Boeing 767 tanker conversions via Israel Aerospace Industries over KC-46 cost rationale India has chosen Boeing 767 tanker conversions delivered through a partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries, passing over the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus. The decision is framed as cost-driven fleet planning, reshaping India’s aerial-refuelling recapitalisation approach and setting a new pathway for how the program is industrialised.

2026-05-04T09:11:05.092211-07:00

India picks Boeing 767 tanker conversions via Israel Aerospace Industries over KC-46 cost rationale

CNN

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NTSB data points to deliberate fuel cut-off in China Eastern 737-800 crash Newly released U.S. NTSB findings relating to China Eastern Airlines Flight 5735 (737-800) support a theory of intentional actions in the cockpit, including evidence that both engines were shut down shortly before the crash. The 2022 accident killed all 132 aboard, prompting renewed questions after years of limited disclosure by China’s authorities.

2026-05-04T02:05:43.283504-07:00

NTSB data points to deliberate fuel cut-off in China Eastern 737-800 crash

defence-industry.eu

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Israel approves additional F-35 and F-15I buys, backing two new fighter squadrons and a 350 billion-shekel defense-manufacturing Israel’s defense ministry has given final approval to procure two new combat squadrons of F-35 and F-15IA aircraft from Lockheed Martin and Boeing, worth tens of billions of shekels. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also directed a 350 billion-shekel investment to boost advanced local defense manufacturing, citing a “crushing air superiority” posture after the Iran air war.

2026-05-03T02:57:03.011627-07:00

Israel approves additional F-35 and F-15I buys, backing two new fighter squadrons and a 350 billion-shekel defense-manufacturing

Air Data News

Argentina pursuing Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker buy to sustain incoming F-16 fleet Argentina’s Air Force chief says the country is seeking two tankers to extend the range of second-hand F-16s transferred to the service. Buenos Aires is pursuing the acquisition of two Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers to support operations with the new F-16 Fighting Falcon jets.

2026-05-03T02:52:31.341474-07:00

Argentina pursuing Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker buy to sustain incoming F-16 fleet

Boeing

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EgyptAir takes delivery of first 737 MAX 8, kicking off SMBC Aviation Capital–backed lease fleet renewal for 18 aircraft EgyptAir has inducted its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 into service, the initial delivery in a batch of 18 737-8 jets leased from SMBC Aviation Capital. The handover marks the start of a broader narrowbody fleet modernization program for the carrier.

2026-05-03T00:54:21.586808-07:00

EgyptAir takes delivery of first 737 MAX 8, kicking off SMBC Aviation Capital–backed lease fleet renewal for 18 aircraft

FL360aero

VC-25B “Bridge” Boeing 747 completes modification, flight testing; set for summer Air Force One rollout The U.S. Air Force says its modified Boeing 747-8i VC-25B “Bridge” interim Air Force One aircraft has finished the modification and flight-testing regime and is now being painted for a summer introduction. The Qatar-gifted aircraft is on track for delivery to the Presidential Airlift Group this summer.

2026-05-01T15:57:23.293694-07:00

VC-25B “Bridge” Boeing 747 completes modification, flight testing; set for summer Air Force One rollout

FlightGlobal

USAF seeks funding to buy 24 F-15EX fighters in 2027-2028, targeting Boeing two-aircraft/month production rate The latest US Air Force funding request would cover the purchase of 24 F-15EX fighters split across 2027 and 2028, aligning with Boeing’s near-term goal to ramp output to a full-rate production pace of two aircraft per month. The plan frames continued demand for Strike Eagle modernization within the fighter fleet plan.

2026-05-01T14:09:49.632418-07:00

USAF seeks funding to buy 24 F-15EX fighters in 2027-2028, targeting Boeing two-aircraft/month production rate

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Boeing News

B-52J re-engining: CERP clears Critical Design Review for Rolls-Royce F130 FLEET conversion

NTSB data points to deliberate fuel cut-off in China Eastern 737-800 crash

India picks Boeing 767 tanker conversions via Israel Aerospace Industries over KC-46 cost rationale

EgyptAir takes delivery of first 737 MAX 8, kicking off SMBC Aviation Capital–backed lease fleet renewal for 18 aircraft

News Timeline