FlightGlobal
• Craig Hoyle
Canada and Saab have signed a non-binding term sheet establishing the framework for detailed negotiations over six GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft. Based on Bombardier’s Global 6500, the proposed fleet would support Arctic surveillance and NORAD continental defense missions, but no firm order has been signed.
Military Aircraft Procurement
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Embraer has handed over the first of two C-390 Millennium military transports ordered by Uzbekistan, making the country the type’s first operator in Central Asia. The aircraft, delivered on Sept. 25 at Gavião Peixoto, was originally earmarked for Brazil as FAB 2861 and now carries Uzbek designation UK39010.
Canada and Saab have signed a non-binding term sheet establishing the framework for detailed negotiations over six GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft. Based on Bombardier’s Global 6500, the proposed fleet would support Arctic surveillance and NORAD continental defense missions, but no firm order has been signed.
F-35s are set to debut in a multinational Indian exercise as U.S. and partner forces continue demonstrating integrated operations, including an Arctic maritime-strike scenario and Red Flag-Alaska 26-2. Separately, the Air Force has begun operational experimentation with its first FQ-42 and FQ-44 collaborative combat aircraft at Creech.
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The Pentagon, Australian authorities and Lockheed Martin are investigating how F-35A components shipped from Australia to the United States for repair or disposal were redirected to Hong Kong, with some parts unaccounted for. Reports that China obtained critical components have raised concerns, although Australia says the items were not sensitive.
Airbus plans to submit an unsolicited, financing-backed Eurofighter Typhoon proposal to Portugal in late October or early November, positioning the European fighter against Lockheed Martin’s F-35. Lisbon is seeking to replace 28 upgraded F-16Ms and has yet to select a successor.
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Canada’s first F-35A, identified as AR-1, has completed a roughly 90-minute maiden flight from Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth plant. The milestone comes as Ottawa remains obligated to purchase 16 aircraft but has yet to commit to the full planned fleet of 88 fighters.
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Saab says its RBS15 Mk4 anti-ship missile is ready for operational introduction with Sweden’s Gripen fighters, while the company signs space-focused MoUs with SSC Space, OHB Sweden and Ericsson. Separately, India has ordered additional SAT-SAAW glide bombs for its air force.
Taiwan’s Air Force has received the 66th and final T-5 Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer from AIDC, completing a nine-year development and production program. The aircraft replaces two older trainer types and marks a significant milestone in Taiwan’s effort to modernize its pilot-training fleet.
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