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Bloomberg • Tony Capaccio

Pentagon requests $12B through 2031 and directs $1B spares push to restore F‑35 readiness

The Pentagon has requested an additional $12 billion through 2031 to restore declining F‑35 readiness and is directing $1 billion in 2026 reconciliation funds to buy spares and raise dismal F‑35A mission‑capable rates. Officials say the measures target sustainment shortfalls that have degraded strike availability.

2026-03-12T13:12:39.385621-07:00

Reuters

USAF vice chief tells Congress Boeing must fix KC-46 problems before further U.S. orders

2026-03-12T12:58:44.382101-07:00

FlightGlobal

Leonardo to demonstrate M-346 commanding two Baykar uncrewed fighters by mid‑year

2026-03-12T08:18:19.143028-07:00

Air Data News

Saudi Arabia drops off Embraer’s priority list for C-390 campaign

2026-03-12T03:39:36.003539-07:00

News Timeline

Bloomberg

Pentagon requests $12B through 2031 and directs $1B spares push to restore F‑35 readiness The Pentagon has requested an additional $12 billion through 2031 to restore declining F‑35 readiness and is directing $1 billion in 2026 reconciliation funds to buy spares and raise dismal F‑35A mission‑capable rates. Officials say the measures target sustainment shortfalls that have degraded strike availability.

2026-03-12T13:12:39.385621-07:00

Pentagon requests $12B through 2031 and directs $1B spares push to restore F‑35 readiness

Reuters

USAF vice chief tells Congress Boeing must fix KC-46 problems before further U.S. orders USAF Vice Chief Gen. John Lamontagne told lawmakers during a March 4 hearing that Boeing must resolve ongoing defects in the KC‑46 aerial‑refuelling tanker before the United States places additional orders. Lamontagne said unresolved issues are constraining acceptance timelines and will shape future procurement decisions.

2026-03-12T12:58:44.382101-07:00

USAF vice chief tells Congress Boeing must fix KC-46 problems before further U.S. orders

FlightGlobal

Leonardo to demonstrate M-346 commanding two Baykar uncrewed fighters by mid‑year Leonardo will perform a mid‑year demonstration flight that pairs its M‑346 trainer as a command platform with two Baykar uncrewed fighters, marking the company’s first live test of manned–unmanned collaborative combat tactics and command‑and‑control integration in an operational flight environment.

2026-03-12T08:18:19.143028-07:00

Leonardo to demonstrate M-346 commanding two Baykar uncrewed fighters by mid‑year

Air Data News

Saudi Arabia drops off Embraer’s priority list for C-390 campaign Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto said Saudi Arabia is no longer a priority market for the C-390 Millennium military transport. The remark signals weaker prospects for Embraer’s campaign in Riyadh as the Brazilian OEM recalibrates its export push for the tactical transport.

2026-03-12T03:39:36.003539-07:00

Saudi Arabia drops off Embraer’s priority list for C-390 campaign

FlightGlobal

Hanwha begins mass production of domestically developed anti‑tank missile for KAI LAH Hanwha Aerospace is starting full‑scale mass production of a locally developed anti‑tank missile for Korea Aerospace Industries’ Light Armed Helicopter (LAH). The program advances South Korea’s push to field indigenous precision‑attack munitions for rotary‑wing platforms and strengthen the domestic defense industrial base.

2026-03-12T01:40:16.688800-07:00

Hanwha begins mass production of domestically developed anti‑tank missile for KAI LAH

Air Data News

Dassault to lift Rafale output to four jets per month by 2029 as exports climb Dassault Aviation is steadily increasing Rafale production to meet rising export demand, targeting a manufacturing rate of four aircraft per month by 2029. The ramp-up responds to stronger-than-expected orders and seeks to shorten delivery lead times while expanding industrial output for export customers.

2026-03-12T01:19:50.123902-07:00

Dassault to lift Rafale output to four jets per month by 2029 as exports climb

AINonline

Bell certifies Semper Fly training facility in Oklahoma to target Army Flight School Next Bell has certified the Semper Fly training facility in Oklahoma to support its bid for the U.S. Army's Flight School Next trainer competition. The partnership creates a dedicated site to deliver pilot instruction and sustainment demonstrations aimed at strengthening Bell's program offering and operational readiness for contract evaluations.

2026-03-11T09:59:35.939656-07:00

Bell certifies Semper Fly training facility in Oklahoma to target Army Flight School Next

FlightGlobal

SYOS SA200 autonomous heavy‑lift helicopter completes maritime moving‑platform trials, cleared for serial production SYOS Aerospace's SA200 uncrewed heavy‑lift helicopter, powered by the AAIMS autonomy stack, has completed five‑year development and endurance trials including fully autonomous moving‑platform take‑offs and landings. The company says the milestone clears the SA200 for serial production and positions it for maritime and expeditionary missions with a leading cost-to-capability ratio.

2026-03-11T05:20:19.692217-07:00

SYOS SA200 autonomous heavy‑lift helicopter completes maritime moving‑platform trials, cleared for serial production

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Military Aircraft Procurement News

Pentagon requests $12B through 2031 and directs $1B spares push to restore F‑35 readiness

USAF vice chief tells Congress Boeing must fix KC-46 problems before further U.S. orders

Leonardo to demonstrate M-346 commanding two Baykar uncrewed fighters by mid‑year

Saudi Arabia drops off Embraer’s priority list for C-390 campaign

News Timeline