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defence-industry.eu • Martin Chomsky Air

US Air Force clears T-7A Red Hawk for low-rate production, approving Milestone C and a $219M buy of first 14 trainers

The U.S. Air Force has authorized low-rate initial production for the Boeing Saab T-7A Red Hawk following a Milestone C decision. The action releases a $219 million contract for the first 14 production aircraft, advancing the advanced jet trainer’s transition from development to serial output.

2026-05-04T16:10:58.451980-07:00

Air Data News

UAE signs 20-aircraft deal with Embraer for C-390 Millennium, first Middle East operator

2026-05-04T09:10:46.964398-07:00

The War Zone

U.S. helicopters clear defended corridor through Strait of Hormuz; MH-60S and AH-64 Apaches sink six Iranian small boats

2026-05-04T11:12:13.238067-07:00

The War Zone

B-52CERP re-engineering clears critical design review as F130 swaps start this year

2026-05-04T09:31:48.002518-07:00

News Timeline

defence-industry.eu

US Air Force clears T-7A Red Hawk for low-rate production, approving Milestone C and a $219M buy of first 14 trainers The U.S. Air Force has authorized low-rate initial production for the Boeing Saab T-7A Red Hawk following a Milestone C decision. The action releases a $219 million contract for the first 14 production aircraft, advancing the advanced jet trainer’s transition from development to serial output.

2026-05-04T16:10:58.451980-07:00

US Air Force clears T-7A Red Hawk for low-rate production, approving Milestone C and a $219M buy of first 14 trainers

The War Zone

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U.S. helicopters clear defended corridor through Strait of Hormuz; MH-60S and AH-64 Apaches sink six Iranian small boats U.S. forces used MH-60S Sea Hawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters to sink six Iranian small attack boats while clearing a defended path for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, as Adm. Brad Cooper said Iran sought to interfere with the operation. The same day included U.S. missile and drone engagements during the escort effort.

2026-05-04T11:12:13.238067-07:00

U.S. helicopters clear defended corridor through Strait of Hormuz; MH-60S and AH-64 Apaches sink six Iranian small boats

ch-aviation

USAF plans C-37C standard to replace 17-aircraft GV/C-37A and G550/C-37B fleet The U.S. Air Force’s fiscal year 2027 budget lays out a recapitalization of its VIP and agency transport fleet: 10 GV(C-37A) and seven G550(C-37B) aircraft would be replaced by a new C-37C standard comprising 17 aircraft. The plan begins Oct. 1, 2026, with an estimated $2.19bn total cost.

2026-05-04T11:10:21.873843-07:00

USAF plans C-37C standard to replace 17-aircraft GV/C-37A and G550/C-37B fleet

The War Zone

B-52CERP re-engineering clears critical design review as F130 swaps start this year The U.S. Air Force, Boeing and Rolls-Royce have passed the critical design review for the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), enabling modifications to two B-52s. The first bomber will enter modification later in 2026 to begin replacing eight Pratt & Whitney TF33s with the Rolls-Royce F130 as Boeing prepares for a fleet-wide conversion.

2026-05-04T09:31:48.002518-07:00

B-52CERP re-engineering clears critical design review as F130 swaps start this year

AirInsight

India picks Boeing 767 tanker conversions via Israel Aerospace Industries over KC-46 cost rationale India has chosen Boeing 767 tanker conversions delivered through a partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries, passing over the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus. The decision is framed as cost-driven fleet planning, reshaping India’s aerial-refuelling recapitalisation approach and setting a new pathway for how the program is industrialised.

2026-05-04T09:11:05.092211-07:00

India picks Boeing 767 tanker conversions via Israel Aerospace Industries over KC-46 cost rationale

Air Data News

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UAE signs 20-aircraft deal with Embraer for C-390 Millennium, first Middle East operator Embraer and Generation 5 Holding signed an exclusive strategic partnership in the UAE to advance the C-390 Millennium program, supporting an Emirati Air Force contract for 10 aircraft with options for 10 more. The signing was witnessed by senior UAE leadership, positioning the UAE Air Force as the first C-390 operator in the Middle East.

2026-05-04T09:10:46.964398-07:00

UAE signs 20-aircraft deal with Embraer for C-390 Millennium, first Middle East operator

DefenseNews.com

Global defense spending hits another record high as air forces lift orders for advanced fighters A new international defense-spending tally shows continued budget increases worldwide, reaching a fresh peak. The report also points to Air Forces accelerating procurement, with demand rising for more advanced fighter aircraft—reinforcing near- to mid-term production and sustainment pull across defense aviation programs.

2026-05-04T08:07:16.056236-07:00

Global defense spending hits another record high as air forces lift orders for advanced fighters

Breaking Defense

Army selects AV LASSO prototyping contender with Switchblade 400 offer, joining Textron and Uvision in loitering-munition race The U.S. Army will receive AV’s Switchblade 400 portable anti-armor loitering munition for the AV LASSO prototyping competition, the company said. Switchblade 400 is described as a medium-range system, placing AV alongside Textron and Uvision in the early-stage contest to demonstrate concepts and hardware.

2026-05-04T06:50:37.781519-07:00

Army selects AV LASSO prototyping contender with Switchblade 400 offer, joining Textron and Uvision in loitering-munition race

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Military Aircraft Procurement News

US Air Force clears T-7A Red Hawk for low-rate production, approving Milestone C and a $219M buy of first 14 trainers

UAE signs 20-aircraft deal with Embraer for C-390 Millennium, first Middle East operator

U.S. helicopters clear defended corridor through Strait of Hormuz; MH-60S and AH-64 Apaches sink six Iranian small boats

B-52CERP re-engineering clears critical design review as F130 swaps start this year

News Timeline