Military Aircraft Procurement News

Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

Retirement of the Last KC-10 Extender Leaves USAF with Aerial Refueling Gap

Last year’s retirement of the final KC-10 Extender removed a critical heavy-refueling asset from the USAF fleet, exposing a capacity shortfall and placing additional strain on aging KC-135 and KC-46 tankers. The KC-Z4 concept has emerged as a potential solution to restore the Air Force’s global refueling reach.

2025-05-11T01:12:02.696293-07:00

Bloomberg

USAF Seeks 2027 Delivery for Trump’s New Air Force One

2025-05-07T19:10:34.757600-07:00

Breaking Defense

USAF to restart KC-46 Pegasus deliveries next week after crack fix

2025-05-07T13:23:00.118758-07:00

FlightGlobal

Belgium secures European assembly for its remaining F-35A fleet in Italy

2025-05-08T05:22:53.082142-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement News Timeline

Aviation Week

Pentagon Review Puts USAF’s 26 Boeing E-7A Wedgetail Buy at Risk A Pentagon-led review has cast doubt on the U.S. Air Force’s plan to acquire 26 Boeing E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft, with sources warning the program could be canceled. The decision comes amid scrutiny of defense spending priorities and capability overlaps.

2025-05-12T15:24:45.266004-07:00

Pentagon Review Puts USAF’s 26 Boeing E-7A Wedgetail Buy at Risk

armyrecognition.com

Turkey Advances Hürjet Trainer into Multi-Role Light Combat Aircraft Turkish Aerospace Industries is reconfiguring its Hürjet advanced jet trainer into a multi-role combat aircraft, integrating weapons hardpoints, targeting sensors and upgraded avionics. The shift aims to address light-attack and close-air-support requirements while boosting export prospects among allied air forces.

2025-05-12T01:23:09.793383-07:00

Turkey Advances Hürjet Trainer into Multi-Role Light Combat Aircraft

defenceturkey.com

From FIMA to Airbus Military: The Evolution of Europe’s A400M Atlas The A400M Atlas traces its roots to 1982’s Future International Military Airlifter (FIMA) consortium. After Lockheed’s 1989 exit in favor of the C-130J, EUROFLAG—with Alenia and CASA—took shape, and in 1995 Airbus Military formalized the turboprop-powered A400M to marry tactical agility with strategic reach.

2025-05-11T23:42:25.662136-07:00

From FIMA to Airbus Military: The Evolution of Europe’s A400M Atlas

The Aviationist

USAF’s E-11A BACN Communication Node Makes Public Airshow Debut at Seymour Johnson The U.S. Air Force’s E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) made its first public appearance at Seymour Johnson AFB’s annual airshow, revealing its covert relay and data-link capabilities. In an exclusive interview, the pilot detailed BACN’s role in bridging communications between ground forces, aircraft and command centers.

2025-05-11T13:02:59.866492-07:00

USAF’s E-11A BACN Communication Node Makes Public Airshow Debut at Seymour Johnson

The Aviationist

TAI to Display Hurjet Trainer in Spanish Air Force Livery at Feindef 2025 Turkish Aerospace Industries will present a full-scale model of its Hurjet advanced jet trainer in Spanish Air Force livery at Feindef 2025 in Madrid, aiming to position the platform for Spain’s upcoming advanced trainer procurement. The exhibit highlights Hurjet’s dual training and light-attack capabilities.

2025-05-11T11:23:52.841025-07:00

TAI to Display Hurjet Trainer in Spanish Air Force Livery at Feindef 2025

Air Data News

Retirement of the Last KC-10 Extender Leaves USAF with Aerial Refueling Gap Last year’s retirement of the final KC-10 Extender removed a critical heavy-refueling asset from the USAF fleet, exposing a capacity shortfall and placing additional strain on aging KC-135 and KC-46 tankers. The KC-Z4 concept has emerged as a potential solution to restore the Air Force’s global refueling reach.

2025-05-11T01:12:02.696293-07:00

Retirement of the Last KC-10 Extender Leaves USAF with Aerial Refueling Gap

thehindubusinessline.com

India eyes 111 twin-engine naval helicopters from US, France as HAL advances local production New Delhi has initiated talks with US and French manufacturers to supply up to 111 twin-engine naval helicopters for the Indian Navy, aiming to fill maritime surveillance and anti-submarine roles. Meanwhile, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has commenced domestic production of a comparable light twin-engine rotorcraft.

2025-05-10T09:05:32.645878-07:00

India eyes 111 twin-engine naval helicopters from US, France as HAL advances local production

The War Zone

Kratos Unveils Apollo and Athena Loyal Wingman Drones for European Air Forces Kratos is developing two new 'loyal wingman' combat drones—Apollo and Athena—tailored for European markets. Prioritizing enhanced performance and sensor packages over extended range, they are designed to operate alongside 3rd- and 4th-generation fighters, offering air forces flexible unmanned support in contested environments.

2025-05-09T12:43:49.421913-07:00

Kratos Unveils Apollo and Athena Loyal Wingman Drones for European Air Forces

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