Military Aircraft Procurement News

Reuters

Military and industry tests advance autonomous, shipborne and airborne unmanned aircraft capabilities

The US Air Force has tested new autonomous mission systems on its XQ-67A demonstrator, while China says its GJ-21 unmanned combat aircraft completed takeoff and landing tests aboard the Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan. Separately, TEKEVER won a USSOCOM order for AI-enabled ISR drones, and Saab and GA-ASI tested an unmanned airborne early warning capability on the MQ-9B.

Bloomberg

Lockheed Martin wins 10-year F-35 deal for at least 850 jets, with $7B in self-funded initiatives

The agreement could generate $79 billion in economic activity and commits Lockheed Martin to self-fund at least $7 billion in program initiatives. Its scale is also lifting investor expectations: a Morgan Stanley analyst has turned bullish on the company and set a Street-high price target.

AeroTime

France’s first Falcon 8X Archange signals intelligence aircraft enters testing, with deliveries expected in 2028–2029

France’s first Falcon 8X Archange signals intelligence aircraft has arrived at Évreux for military testing. The program’s delivery timetable now points to 2028–2029, marking a step toward fielding a new airborne intelligence capability for the French armed forces.

Reuters

Slovakia reopens probe into MiG-29 fighter jet and air defense donations to Ukraine

Slovakia’s top prosecutor has ordered a new investigation into the previous government’s donation of MiG-29 fighters and air defense systems to Ukraine. The move revives a probe that was closed earlier this year, putting the politically contentious transfer of military equipment back under scrutiny.

defencesecurityasia.com

Malaysia receives first FA-50M, beginning delivery of 18 aircraft under CAP55

The Royal Malaysian Air Force has taken delivery of its first KAI FA-50M, which arrived at Labuan Air Base on Oct. 30, marking the start of an 18-aircraft acquisition under its CAP55 modernization program. The aircraft is expected to broaden operational options across the South China Sea as training, weapons integration and logistical support become available.

The Air Current

Anduril and General Atomics face high-stakes test in Air Force uncrewed fighter competition

Anduril and General Atomics are vying for a role in the U.S. Air Force’s uncrewed fighter strategy, putting their technologies and ability to deliver in a consequential competition. The outcome could shape each company’s position in military aviation as the service pursues uncrewed combat aircraft.

Breaking Defense

Continuing-resolution delay to Army MV-75 production award could raise Textron’s program hit to $150 million

Bell Textron executives warned that a delay in the Army’s first low-rate production contract for the MV-75, potentially caused by a continuing resolution, could increase the program’s expected financial impact to as much as $150 million. The timing of the award is therefore a cost risk for the program.

The War Zone

Polish MiG-29s and F-16 cannon ammunition reportedly headed to Ukraine as Warsaw-Kyiv ties thaw

Poland is reportedly preparing to send MiG-29 fighters and F-16 cannon ammunition to Ukraine, signaling an improvement in relations after a spring rift. Warsaw called off a MiG-29 deal in June as tensions between the two countries worsened.