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aerospaceglobalnews.com • Joanna Bailey

A-10C Warthog gains probe-and-drogue refuelling in the Middle East, plus Angry Kitten EW pod

The US Air Force has deployed A-10C Warthogs to the Middle East with newly operational capabilities: a Probe Refueling Adapter enabling probe-and-drogue refuelling from the HC-130J, and the Angry Kitten electronic warfare pod carried on operations. The A-10C reached deployment-ready status in weeks after its first test.

2026-05-22T05:55:08.975323-07:00

The War Zone

Report: F-16s shoot down unidentified object over Lake Huron as U.S./Canada down three incursions in three days

2026-05-22T11:54:20.071654-07:00

DefenseNews.com

US Marine Corps trials Neros Archer FPV drone controlled from a helicopter used as a mobile command-and-control node

2026-05-22T12:10:37.661790-07:00

SpaceNews.com

AUKUS partners’ Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability site hits early operations as Australia targets full capability by 2027

2026-05-22T06:10:08.386342-07:00

News Timeline

DefenseNews.com

US Marine Corps trials Neros Archer FPV drone controlled from a helicopter used as a mobile command-and-control node In a recent test, the US Marine Corps launched a Neros Archer FPV drone from the ground and then transferred control to operators aboard a helicopter orbiting miles away. The exercise demonstrated a mobile drone command-center concept for extending control ranges beyond the launch point.

2026-05-22T12:10:37.661790-07:00

US Marine Corps trials Neros Archer FPV drone controlled from a helicopter used as a mobile command-and-control node

The War Zone

Report: F-16s shoot down unidentified object over Lake Huron as U.S./Canada down three incursions in three days A reported third object was shot down by F-16s over Lake Huron, following two other airspace interceptions over the U.S. and Canada within a three-day window. The flurry of shootdowns came after the Chinese spy balloon incident, underscoring the fast-moving demand for short-notice air-defense tasking and confirmation of targets.

2026-05-22T11:54:20.071654-07:00

Report: F-16s shoot down unidentified object over Lake Huron as U.S./Canada down three incursions in three days

Breaking Defense

IAI’s Diamond naval disaggregated offering pairs ship-dispersed drones and missiles with networked “mother ship” control IAI is pitching a new Diamond naval defense concept that disperses defensive systems across smaller satellite vessels and connects them to a mother ship in a disaggregated operating model. The approach is designed to flexibly combine drones and missile capabilities for small-ship users.

2026-05-22T09:54:05.718322-07:00

IAI’s Diamond naval disaggregated offering pairs ship-dispersed drones and missiles with networked “mother ship” control

SpaceNews.com

AUKUS partners’ Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability site hits early operations as Australia targets full capability by 2027 Australia’s Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) Site 1 in Western Australia is already delivering early tracking data for AUKUS partners, with full operational capability targeted for 2027. The deployment underscores how Australia’s southern geography is being used to build dual-use space surveillance resilience for strategic coordination.

2026-05-22T06:10:08.386342-07:00

AUKUS partners’ Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability site hits early operations as Australia targets full capability by 2027

aerospaceglobalnews.com

A-10C Warthog gains probe-and-drogue refuelling in the Middle East, plus Angry Kitten EW pod The US Air Force has deployed A-10C Warthogs to the Middle East with newly operational capabilities: a Probe Refueling Adapter enabling probe-and-drogue refuelling from the HC-130J, and the Angry Kitten electronic warfare pod carried on operations. The A-10C reached deployment-ready status in weeks after its first test.

2026-05-22T05:55:08.975323-07:00

A-10C Warthog gains probe-and-drogue refuelling in the Middle East, plus Angry Kitten EW pod

FlightGlobal

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RIAT 2026 canceled as Iran-war operations disrupt access to RAF Fairford Organizers of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) have canceled the 2026 edition, citing uncertainty over aircraft access to RAF Fairford. They point to ongoing US Air Force deployments supporting missions related to the Iran campaign, after “extensive discussions” with the RAF and the US Air Force, and note refund-related planning impacts.

2026-05-22T04:05:33.753250-07:00

RIAT 2026 canceled as Iran-war operations disrupt access to RAF Fairford

Bloomberg

Finnair chair urges “worst case” planning as global volatility and geopolitical risk rise Finnair board chair Sanna Suvanto-Harsaae said intensifying global volatility and geopolitical risks should be “baked into strategy,” arguing that the “worst case” must become the base case. Her remarks align with ongoing focus on resilience and operational stability as the airline positions for next-stage growth.

2026-05-22T01:10:56.221893-07:00

Finnair chair urges “worst case” planning as global volatility and geopolitical risk rise

CNBC

Analysis: China’s airlines’ Iran-war fuel hit is amplified by spot exposure and weak hedging—plus rail competition China’s airlines are absorbing a larger earnings shock from the Iran war than global rivals, driven by sky-high, volatile jet-fuel costs and limited hedging against spot-price swings. The downside is compounded by customer bases that can more readily pivot to cheaper high-speed rail alternatives.

2026-05-21T16:41:04.945101-07:00

Analysis: China’s airlines’ Iran-war fuel hit is amplified by spot exposure and weak hedging—plus rail competition

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Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact News

A-10C Warthog gains probe-and-drogue refuelling in the Middle East, plus Angry Kitten EW pod

Report: F-16s shoot down unidentified object over Lake Huron as U.S./Canada down three incursions in three days

US Marine Corps trials Neros Archer FPV drone controlled from a helicopter used as a mobile command-and-control node

AUKUS partners’ Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability site hits early operations as Australia targets full capability by 2027

News Timeline