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FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

USAF pulls KC-135 from boneyard for possible reactivation after tanker losses in Iran campaign

The U.S. Air Force has transferred a retired KC-135 Stratotanker out of long-term storage, a move that signals possible reactivation after several tanker losses tied to the ongoing U.S.–Israeli air campaign against Iran. Open-source flight tracking shows the aircraft leaving the boneyard, suggesting expedited sustainment steps.

2026-04-03T12:15:34.553320-07:00

AINonline

Brazil unveils first domestically assembled Saab Gripen F-39E; 14 more to follow

2026-04-03T10:12:34.789859-07:00

The Intercept

Iran says it downed U.S. F-15E and claims F-35 loss as strikes escalate

2026-04-03T09:16:15.174965-07:00

SpaceWatch Global

Culture, Not Cash, Is Europe’s Biggest Obstacle to Rearmament

2026-04-03T03:00:03.394639-07:00

News Timeline

FlightGlobal

USAF pulls KC-135 from boneyard for possible reactivation after tanker losses in Iran campaign The U.S. Air Force has transferred a retired KC-135 Stratotanker out of long-term storage, a move that signals possible reactivation after several tanker losses tied to the ongoing U.S.–Israeli air campaign against Iran. Open-source flight tracking shows the aircraft leaving the boneyard, suggesting expedited sustainment steps.

2026-04-03T12:15:34.553320-07:00

USAF pulls KC-135 from boneyard for possible reactivation after tanker losses in Iran campaign

AINonline

Brazil unveils first domestically assembled Saab Gripen F-39E; 14 more to follow Brazil unveiled its first domestically assembled Saab Gripen F-39E, the lead of a 15‑aircraft production batch for the Brazilian Air Force. Officials said 14 additional F‑39Es will be completed locally, marking a significant milestone in Brazil's fighter acquisition and domestic aerospace industrialisation.

2026-04-03T10:12:34.789859-07:00

Brazil unveils first domestically assembled Saab Gripen F-39E; 14 more to follow

The Intercept

Iran says it downed U.S. F-15E and claims F-35 loss as strikes escalate Iran reported it shot down a U.S. Air Force F-15E—publishing wreckage images and saying one pilot was rescued and another missing—and separately claimed to have downed an F-35. U.S. Central Command has not confirmed the F-35 loss as Tehran simultaneously launched missiles toward Israel.

2026-04-03T09:16:15.174965-07:00

Iran says it downed U.S. F-15E and claims F-35 loss as strikes escalate

SpaceWatch Global

Culture, Not Cash, Is Europe’s Biggest Obstacle to Rearmament Defense budgets are expanding at a pace not seen in decades, but pouring money into armed forces won't deliver capability unless procurement culture changes. National silos, risk-averse acquisition practices, and duplicated projects blunt the impact of extra funding and slow urgent rearmament.

2026-04-03T03:00:03.394639-07:00

Culture, Not Cash, Is Europe’s Biggest Obstacle to Rearmament

FlightGlobal

HAL revenue up 4.1% to INR323bn as Dhruv and local AL-31FP engine deliveries underpin results Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd reported revenue of INR323 billion for the 12 months ended 31 March, a 4.1% increase, helped by deliveries of the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and two locally produced Saturn AL-31FP engines, even as the company continues to wrestle with supply‑chain challenges.

2026-04-02T22:31:13.937203-07:00

HAL revenue up 4.1% to INR323bn as Dhruv and local AL-31FP engine deliveries underpin results

FlightGlobal

Canada awards C$1.5B sustainment contracts to Airbus and L3Harris for A330 tanker fleet The Canadian government has signed C$1.5 billion in sustainment contracts with Airbus and L3Harris to support its planned fleet of nine A330-based aerial refuelling aircraft, which begin entering service in 2027. L3Harris's MAS unit received an initial C$1.1 billion portion for MRO and sustainment.

2026-04-02T14:00:49.630765-07:00

Canada awards C$1.5B sustainment contracts to Airbus and L3Harris for A330 tanker fleet

Reuters

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Embraer delivers 44 aircraft in Q1 2026, up 47% year‑on‑year and retains up‑to‑255 delivery guidance Embraer handed over 44 aircraft in Q1 2026, a 47% increase from 30 in the same quarter last year, with the mix including 29 executive jets and 10 commercial aircraft. The OEM said the result supports its unchanged full‑year target of up to 255 deliveries despite a step back from a strong Q4 2025.

2026-04-02T14:00:32.237257-07:00

Embraer delivers 44 aircraft in Q1 2026, up 47% year‑on‑year and retains up‑to‑255 delivery guidance

AeroTime

Pentagon weighs anti‑drone laser deployments at US sites The Pentagon is considering broader deployment of laser‑based counter‑drone systems at select U.S. locations after a series of drone incursions near military bases and other sensitive sites. The deliberation signals an effort to accelerate fielding of directed‑energy tools to detect and defeat small UAS on domestic soil.

2026-04-02T13:25:58.058091-07:00

Pentagon weighs anti‑drone laser deployments at US sites

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USAF pulls KC-135 from boneyard for possible reactivation after tanker losses in Iran campaign

Brazil unveils first domestically assembled Saab Gripen F-39E; 14 more to follow

Iran says it downed U.S. F-15E and claims F-35 loss as strikes escalate

Culture, Not Cash, Is Europe’s Biggest Obstacle to Rearmament

News Timeline