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Flying Magazine • Jack Daleo

Merlin rolls out “Condor” autonomy product line for large cargo aircraft, pairing civil rollout with ongoing C-130J military cer

Merlin says it is extending its aircraft-agnostic, AI-powered autonomy core into commercial cargo with a new “Condor” family, starting with large, multi-crew airframes. The company also continues certification work for military transports, including a development path tied to a Lockheed Martin C-130J.

2026-05-14T10:50:57.055655-07:00

Air Data News

Thailand’s Gripen E/F: Saab begins assembling the first fighters in Linköping for RTAF F-16 replacement

2026-05-14T14:16:27.813591-07:00

FlightGlobal

US Air Force awards $18m contract to Aevex for production of Group 3 one-way attack drones

2026-05-14T13:23:50.008346-07:00

FlightGlobal

Peru signs for a fifth Leonardo C-27J Spartan to expand tactical airlift and emergency reach

2026-05-14T09:53:28.796088-07:00

News Timeline

Air Data News

Thailand’s Gripen E/F: Saab begins assembling the first fighters in Linköping for RTAF F-16 replacement Royal Thai Air Force officials visited Saab in Sweden to review progress on Thailand’s Gripen E/F acquisition. Saab says production has started, with assembly of the first jet beginning at the company’s Linköping facility under the program aimed at replacing RTAF F-16 Block 15 aircraft.

2026-05-14T14:16:27.813591-07:00

Thailand’s Gripen E/F: Saab begins assembling the first fighters in Linköping for RTAF F-16 replacement

FlightGlobal

US Air Force awards $18m contract to Aevex for production of Group 3 one-way attack drones The US Air Force has signed an $18 million contract with Aevex for the production of an undisclosed number and type of Group 3-sized one-way attack drones. The award expands USAF inventory into the rapidly growing one-way attack drone category as procurement shifts further toward expendable UAS.

2026-05-14T13:23:50.008346-07:00

US Air Force awards $18m contract to Aevex for production of Group 3 one-way attack drones

Flying Magazine

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Merlin rolls out “Condor” autonomy product line for large cargo aircraft, pairing civil rollout with ongoing C-130J military cer Merlin says it is extending its aircraft-agnostic, AI-powered autonomy core into commercial cargo with a new “Condor” family, starting with large, multi-crew airframes. The company also continues certification work for military transports, including a development path tied to a Lockheed Martin C-130J.

2026-05-14T10:50:57.055655-07:00

Merlin rolls out “Condor” autonomy product line for large cargo aircraft, pairing civil rollout with ongoing C-130J military cer

FlightGlobal

Peru signs for a fifth Leonardo C-27J Spartan to expand tactical airlift and emergency reach The Peruvian Air Force (FAP) has ordered an additional C-27J Spartan multirole tactical airlifter to strengthen air mobility amid challenging terrain and the need to serve remote areas. Leonardo’s contract also marks the twin-turboprop’s 100th sold example, with the aircraft expected to deliver improved avionics, efficiency and mission capability.

2026-05-14T09:53:28.796088-07:00

Peru signs for a fifth Leonardo C-27J Spartan to expand tactical airlift and emergency reach

Aviation Today

USAF to solicit industry support-equipment proposals for B-52H CERP at Tinker AFB The Air Force contracting office at Tinker AFB, Okla., will meet with companies to support the tooling and equipment needs for the B-52H Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), as the service prepares to modify two aircraft later this year and begin broader fleet re-engining.

2026-05-14T09:30:10.827299-07:00

USAF to solicit industry support-equipment proposals for B-52H CERP at Tinker AFB

Payload

Blacknight Space Labs launches in-orbit infrastructure accelerator for defense-space startups Blacknight Space Labs will provide defense-space companies up to $100,000 each through an in-orbit infrastructure accelerator. Participating startups also receive “startup 101” education, mentorship, and support to break into the defense market—covering fundraising, navigating government contracting, and finding customers.

2026-05-14T06:12:04.039248-07:00

Blacknight Space Labs launches in-orbit infrastructure accelerator for defense-space startups

AeroTime

Malaysia condemns Norway’s unilateral revocation of Naval Strike Missile export license for Royal Malaysian Navy Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned Norway’s revocation of an export license for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) intended for the Royal Malaysian Navy. The government framed the decision as unilateral and raised concerns about the disruption to planned defense procurement.

2026-05-14T03:55:50.606203-07:00

Malaysia condemns Norway’s unilateral revocation of Naval Strike Missile export license for Royal Malaysian Navy

FlightGlobal

Israel signs $34M Elbit/Cyclone contract to add extended-range external fuel tanks to F-35I “Adir” Israel’s Ministry of Defense has contracted Cyclone, Elbit Systems’ wholly owned subsidiary, in a deal worth more than $34 million to develop and integrate extended-range external fuel-tank capability for the F-35I “Adir.” Israel says the modification is intended to increase endurance and reduce reliance on tanker aircraft.

2026-05-14T02:37:13.070339-07:00

Israel signs $34M Elbit/Cyclone contract to add extended-range external fuel tanks to F-35I “Adir”

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Defense Industry & Major Contractors News

Merlin rolls out “Condor” autonomy product line for large cargo aircraft, pairing civil rollout with ongoing C-130J military cer

Thailand’s Gripen E/F: Saab begins assembling the first fighters in Linköping for RTAF F-16 replacement

US Air Force awards $18m contract to Aevex for production of Group 3 one-way attack drones

Peru signs for a fifth Leonardo C-27J Spartan to expand tactical airlift and emergency reach

News Timeline