Military Aircraft Procurement News

DefenseNews.com

High activity

Edgewing opens Turin engineering hub for UK-Italy-Japan GCAP fighter program

Edgewing has opened an engineering hub in Turin, bringing together engineers from Italy, Japan and the UK to advance development of the Global Combat Air Programme’s next-generation fighter. The articles also report Lockheed Martin’s unveiling of PAC-3 Edge, an interceptor with a new seeker, upgraded flight controls and a Northrop Grumman multi-pulse rocket motor, but do not establish a connection between the programs.

FlightGlobal

Lockheed Martin to provide Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk simulators and training through 2032

Lockheed Martin has contracted to supply the Philippine Air Force with systems and services for training S-70i pilots and maintenance personnel, including a full-flight simulator. The agreement supports in-country training and sustainment for the helicopter fleet, with training and support extending through 2032.

FlightGlobal

Philippines to receive first training devices for its S-70i Black Hawks

FlightGlobal

RAF’s second Boeing E-7A Wedgetail arrives at Lossiemouth after trials

The Royal Air Force’s second E-7A Wedgetail has arrived at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland after completing trials at Boscombe Down. The move marks another step in the aircraft’s progress through testing and into the RAF’s operating locations.

FlightGlobal

RAF Lossiemouth receives second E-7 Wedgetail as evaluation continues

A second Boeing E-7 Wedgetail AEW1 has arrived at RAF Lossiemouth, its future operating base, marking another step toward the UK Royal Air Force’s delayed airborne early warning and control capability entering service. Evaluation work is continuing; the article does not specify a service-entry date.

FlightGlobal

NHIndustries markets 14 low-hour Norwegian NH90 naval helicopters to prospective buyers

NHIndustries says it is seeing strong interest from multiple nations in 14 “almost brand-new” NH90 maritime helicopters previously operated by Norway’s Royal Norwegian Air Force. The consortium is marketing the low-hour aircraft as it seeks new customers for the batch.

Breaking Defense

Pentagon and Lockheed weigh multiyear F-35 production and sustainment deal

The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin are weighing a multiyear agreement covering F-35 production and sustainment. One source familiar with the negotiations questioned whether Lockheed can put forward a proposal that demonstrates long-term cost savings, leaving the deal’s ability to deliver durable savings uncertain.

The War Zone

US Air Force explores returning four retired KC-10 tankers to service for North African operator

A U.S. Air Force contracting notice seeks information on restoring up to four retired KC-10 Extenders for an unidentified North African partner. The aircraft left USAF service in 2024; the notice frames the effort as an exploration of regeneration, not a confirmed transfer or operational return.