The War Zone
• Joseph Trevithick
The U.S. Air Force is standing up a unit in the nation’s capital to operate HH-60W Jolly Green II rescue helicopters in a VIP airlift and continuity-of-government role. The move could strengthen emergency evacuation capability, while raising questions about the plan’s scope and execution.
Military Aircraft Procurement
Latest source-backed stories
The U.S. Air Force is standing up a unit in the nation’s capital to operate HH-60W Jolly Green II rescue helicopters in a VIP airlift and continuity-of-government role. The move could strengthen emergency evacuation capability, while raising questions about the plan’s scope and execution.
Indonesia is poised to join Southeast Asia’s small group of aircraft-carrier operators as its first carrier heads from Italy to the country. The move marks a notable expansion of Jakarta’s naval capabilities and adds a new dimension to regional maritime security dynamics.
High activity
The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a sole-source F-15 contract with a $131.23 billion ceiling through 2037, covering production, modernization and sustainment for U.S. and foreign customers. Separately, Raytheon completed a $50 million Mississippi expansion, while Lockheed Martin announced a $1.8 billion industrial package supporting Peru’s F-16 acquisition.
The Gripen F, the two-seat variant of Saab’s Gripen E, has flown for the first time from Linköping, Sweden, with a Brazilian Air Force pilot aboard. The milestone begins flight testing of the fighter developed with Brazilian industry ahead of delivery to Brazil.
Poland says it will not host nuclear warheads but has secured an opening to participate in NATO’s dual-capable aircraft mission with its F-35A fleet. The position reflects Warsaw’s effort to deepen its role in the alliance’s nuclear-sharing framework without basing nuclear weapons domestically.
High activity
Saab’s two-seat Gripen F completed its maiden flight from Linköping on Aug. 28, flying for approximately 40 minutes. The milestone advances the Brazil–Sweden fighter program as Saab renews its Canadian sales effort and positions the aircraft for future operations alongside drones and rapid software upgrades.
Lockheed Martin has presented Peru with a $1.8 billion industrial and social package linked to its proposed acquisition of 12 F-16C/D Block 70 fighters. The plan includes local aerospace participation, technology transfer, MRO expansion, maintenance training, drone assembly and workforce-development initiatives, with first deliveries expected in 2030.
Poland is considering acquiring Airbus A400M heavy transport aircraft using European financing, potentially adding a strategic airlift capability through a deal separate from its ongoing competition for a new medium transport aircraft. The two procurement tracks could address distinct requirements within Poland’s military airlift modernization.
Create a free account to see more recent Military Aircraft Procurement stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
