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FlightGlobal • Dominic Perry

EDF backs SHARP, a €25m next-gen helicopter engine R&T consortium led by Avio Aero, MTU and Safran

The European Defence Fund (EDF) has awarded €25 million ($29 million) under its 2025 work programme to SHARP, a next-generation military helicopter engine technology project led by the EURA consortium—Avio Aero (GE Aerospace-owned), MTU Aero Engines and Safran Helicopter Engines—with 25 partners.

2026-04-17T08:36:59.788141-07:00

Air Data News

Pentagon awards Lockheed Martin up to $1.9B IDIQ for 10-year C-130J MATS IV maintenance and aircrew training

2026-04-17T05:08:16.417273-07:00

FlightGlobal

Northrop Grumman to complete E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Block II critical design review in May

2026-04-17T04:23:21.441900-07:00

FlightGlobal

Joby and L3Harris to demo autonomous S-4T hybrid-electric rotorcraft for the US Army

2026-04-16T16:16:26.237964-07:00

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DefenseNews.com

USAF tests Anduril YFQ-44A Fury semiautonomous combat drone for future manned-unmanned teaming Airmen operated Anduril’s YFQ-44A jet-powered combat drone during an Air Force test event, continuing development of a semi-autonomous fighter-drone intended to fly alongside piloted platforms. The programme is progressing through experimental testing toward broader weapons, autonomy and operational demonstration efforts.

2026-04-17T12:59:53.196480-07:00

USAF tests Anduril YFQ-44A Fury semiautonomous combat drone for future manned-unmanned teaming

FlightGlobal

EDF backs SHARP, a €25m next-gen helicopter engine R&T consortium led by Avio Aero, MTU and Safran The European Defence Fund (EDF) has awarded €25 million ($29 million) under its 2025 work programme to SHARP, a next-generation military helicopter engine technology project led by the EURA consortium—Avio Aero (GE Aerospace-owned), MTU Aero Engines and Safran Helicopter Engines—with 25 partners.

2026-04-17T08:36:59.788141-07:00

EDF backs SHARP, a €25m next-gen helicopter engine R&T consortium led by Avio Aero, MTU and Safran

Air Data News

Pentagon awards Lockheed Martin up to $1.9B IDIQ for 10-year C-130J MATS IV maintenance and aircrew training The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Lockheed Martin a sole-source, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract valued up to $1.9 billion to continue the C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System (MATS) program. The agreement runs 10 years under the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.

2026-04-17T05:08:16.417273-07:00

Pentagon awards Lockheed Martin up to $1.9B IDIQ for 10-year C-130J MATS IV maintenance and aircrew training

FlightGlobal

Northrop Grumman to complete E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Block II critical design review in May Northrop Grumman is set to hold the critical design review for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Block II airborne early warning and control aircraft upgrade in May, reflecting the “most significant upgrade” for the platform to date. The Block II effort—partnered with General Dynamics and Collins Aerospace—aims to refresh future sales prospects.

2026-04-17T04:23:21.441900-07:00

Northrop Grumman to complete E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Block II critical design review in May

FlightGlobal

Joby and L3Harris to demo autonomous S-4T hybrid-electric rotorcraft for the US Army Joby Aviation and defense contractor L3Harris plan to demonstrate a modified, hybrid-electric version of Joby’s S-4 rotorcraft—dubbed the S-4T—for the US Army in the coming days. The S-4T pairs the all-electric S-4 airframe with hybrid-electric propulsion and an autonomous flight control system.

2026-04-16T16:16:26.237964-07:00

Joby and L3Harris to demo autonomous S-4T hybrid-electric rotorcraft for the US Army

Aviation Today

GA-ASI sets no date to resume YFQ-42A Dark Merlin flight testing after mishap General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has paused flight testing of its YFQ-42A Dark Merlin prototype for the US Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, following a mishap during development work. GA-ASI says it will not provide a timetable for resumption of flights while the investigation and review continue.

2026-04-16T14:50:46.363033-07:00

GA-ASI sets no date to resume YFQ-42A Dark Merlin flight testing after mishap

Aviation Today

USAF requests industry input for AIRCM to protect HH-60W Jolly Green II CSAR helicopters The U.S. Air Force is seeking industry feedback on an advanced infrared countermeasures (AIRCM) system it could field on the Lockheed Martin HH-60W Jolly Green II for combat search and rescue (CSAR). The request indicates a push to improve survivability against infrared threats for CSAR missions.

2026-04-16T14:30:56.741270-07:00

USAF requests industry input for AIRCM to protect HH-60W Jolly Green II CSAR helicopters

Space Intel Report

Thales Alenia Space: US technology export curbs are a business risk—company still spends $100M+ annually in the US Thales Alenia Space says US technology export regulations pose a risk to its international program execution, but are “not a showstopper.” The manufacturer emphasized it continues investing “$100M plus per year” in the US, underscoring ongoing compliance and supply-chain commitment despite controls uncertainty.

2026-04-16T12:09:36.323705-07:00

Thales Alenia Space: US technology export curbs are a business risk—company still spends $100M+ annually in the US

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Defense Industry & Major Contractors News

EDF backs SHARP, a €25m next-gen helicopter engine R&T consortium led by Avio Aero, MTU and Safran

Pentagon awards Lockheed Martin up to $1.9B IDIQ for 10-year C-130J MATS IV maintenance and aircrew training

Northrop Grumman to complete E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Block II critical design review in May

Joby and L3Harris to demo autonomous S-4T hybrid-electric rotorcraft for the US Army

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