Reuters
Russia is using the 2026 El Alamein International Airshow to market the export-oriented Su-57E alongside new S-71M, S-71K and S8000 weapons, S-71 drones, upgraded Ka-52s and air-defense systems. Rostec is also presenting its ZAK-30 Citadel anti-aircraft artillery system abroad for the first time.
Military Aircraft Procurement
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Russia is using the 2026 El Alamein International Airshow to market the export-oriented Su-57E alongside new S-71M, S-71K and S8000 weapons, S-71 drones, upgraded Ka-52s and air-defense systems. Rostec is also presenting its ZAK-30 Citadel anti-aircraft artillery system abroad for the first time.
The United States has finalized a $4 billion military financing loan for Poland. Warsaw has not disclosed how the funds will be allocated, but the financing could support the acquisition of 32 additional F-35s tied to Poland’s air-superiority requirements.
The U.S. Army selected the Boeing-Anduril team to advance in its competition for a midrange interceptor under the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 program. The effort is intended to strengthen defenses for military bases against mass drone and cruise-missile attacks, while Anduril also expands its role in autonomy and hypersonic flight testing.
High activity
Sweden has awarded Saab a SEK 2.9 billion ($303 million) contract covering demonstrators, advanced studies and manned-unmanned concepts for a future combat aircraft system. The work will support national decisions on Sweden’s air-combat capabilities beyond 2040 and advance the program into its next phase.
The U.S. Navy has selected L3Harris Technologies to deliver maritime-ready VAMPIRE counter-uncrewed systems for its integrated counter-drone defense architecture. The system can detect and engage drones in littoral environments, with reported engagement ranges of up to nine miles using 70mm rockets.
Lockheed Martin has completed the maiden flight of Germany’s first F-35A Lightning II, the lead aircraft in a 35-fighter order for the Luftwaffe. The aircraft will be formally presented on September 18, ahead of delivery and infrastructure preparations at Büchel Air Base.
The US is constructing a specialized hangar at Whiteman Air Force Base for inspecting the B-21 Raider and ensuring the bomber retains its low-observable characteristics. The facility underscores the infrastructure required to sustain the aircraft’s stealth performance beyond initial production and delivery.
Europe’s future combat-aircraft landscape is taking shape around competing paths: the Franco-German-Spanish FCAS program, the UK-Italy-Japan GCAP effort and continued investment in upgraded Eurofighter Typhoons. A Breaking Defense roundtable examines the options, offering a concise guide to the programs and strategic choices ahead.
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