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FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

USAF releases first official overhead images of B-21 Raider during KC-135 aerial refueling trials

The U.S. Air Force has published its first official photos of the B-21 Raider’s upper side captured during air-to-air refueling tests with a Boeing KC-135 tanker. Northrop Grumman says the program has achieved an aerial-refueling milestone as part of its ongoing flight-test campaign.

2026-04-14T21:39:27.321524-07:00

The War Zone

Angry Kitten jamming pod tests on HC-130J validate remote reprogramming using satellite threat updates

2026-04-14T11:34:51.194561-07:00

Air Data News

Peru set to award 24 F-16 C/D Block 70 fighters under Air Force combat aircraft program, plus KC-135 tanker acquisition

2026-04-14T09:53:41.178463-07:00

Breaking Defense

Rolls-Royce advances its modern AE engine family for U.S. Army aviation and naval unmanned platforms

2026-04-14T08:25:17.160114-07:00

News Timeline

FlightGlobal

USAF releases first official overhead images of B-21 Raider during KC-135 aerial refueling trials The U.S. Air Force has published its first official photos of the B-21 Raider’s upper side captured during air-to-air refueling tests with a Boeing KC-135 tanker. Northrop Grumman says the program has achieved an aerial-refueling milestone as part of its ongoing flight-test campaign.

2026-04-14T21:39:27.321524-07:00

USAF releases first official overhead images of B-21 Raider during KC-135 aerial refueling trials

The War Zone

Angry Kitten jamming pod tests on HC-130J validate remote reprogramming using satellite threat updates Testing of the Angry Kitten jamming pod on the HC-130J focuses on receiving threat updates “via satellite” and rapidly reprogramming the pods based on the real-time threat environment. The objective is to enable faster adaptation of jamming behavior as threats evolve.

2026-04-14T11:34:51.194561-07:00

Angry Kitten jamming pod tests on HC-130J validate remote reprogramming using satellite threat updates

Air Data News

Peru set to award 24 F-16 C/D Block 70 fighters under Air Force combat aircraft program, plus KC-135 tanker acquisition Peru’s defense procurement agency is preparing a Tuesday announcement awarding the Air Force’s combat aircraft program to the F-16 C/D Block 70 for 24 jets, according to local reporting. The same deal is expected to include KC-135 tanker aircraft, ending speculation over replacements for ageing Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 fleets.

2026-04-14T09:53:41.178463-07:00

Peru set to award 24 F-16 C/D Block 70 fighters under Air Force combat aircraft program, plus KC-135 tanker acquisition

Breaking Defense

Rolls-Royce advances its modern AE engine family for U.S. Army aviation and naval unmanned platforms Rolls-Royce says its modern AE engine family is powering and enabling future U.S. defense capabilities, including the MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, the MQ-25 Stingray and other critical platforms. The company positions the family as a near-term propulsion backbone for Army aviation and carrier air operations.

2026-04-14T08:25:17.160114-07:00

Rolls-Royce advances its modern AE engine family for U.S. Army aviation and naval unmanned platforms

DefenseNews.com

Australia fires first GMLRS rounds made locally under Lockheed Martin licence for HIMARS Lockheed Martin Australia says Australia has assembled its first GMLRS guided rocket artillery locally, positioning the program as a pillar of the country’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) enterprise. The Australian Defence Department reported initial live firings from M142 HIMARS using domestically produced GMLRS munitions, while Lockheed and Rheinmetall are exploring sustainment options for Australia’s growing HIMARS fleet.

2026-04-14T07:04:20.020732-07:00

Australia fires first GMLRS rounds made locally under Lockheed Martin licence for HIMARS

AeroTime

Estonia pauses €500M CV90 IFV buy, expands counter-UAS/air defense and orders more Lockheed Martin HIMARS Estonia is halting a €500 million CV90 IFV acquisition and redirecting funds toward counter-drone systems, air defense and unmanned capabilities. At the same time, it has signed with Lockheed Martin for three additional M142 HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems to bolster its long-range fires capacity.

2026-04-14T05:56:47.593451-07:00

Estonia pauses €500M CV90 IFV buy, expands counter-UAS/air defense and orders more Lockheed Martin HIMARS

FlightGlobal

Bell FLRAA nears delivery as Collins Aerospace wins contracts for five RTX systems Bell has selected Collins Aerospace to supply five critical systems for the U.S. Army’s MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) tiltrotor, awarding multiple contracts to deliver the package. Collins says the agreements support Bell’s aim to accelerate delivery of the next-generation rotorcraft’s higher speed and range performance.

2026-04-13T23:39:29.135018-07:00

Bell FLRAA nears delivery as Collins Aerospace wins contracts for five RTX systems

FlightGlobal

Bell selects RTX subsidiary Collins Aerospace for MV-75 FLRAA mission systems RTX’s Collins Aerospace has been selected by Bell Textron to provide five mission systems for the U.S. Army’s MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). The companies announced the partnership contracts tied to Bell’s rotorcraft modernization effort.

2026-04-13T23:39:29.135018-07:00

Bell selects RTX subsidiary Collins Aerospace for MV-75 FLRAA mission systems

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Military Aircraft Procurement News

USAF releases first official overhead images of B-21 Raider during KC-135 aerial refueling trials

Angry Kitten jamming pod tests on HC-130J validate remote reprogramming using satellite threat updates

Peru set to award 24 F-16 C/D Block 70 fighters under Air Force combat aircraft program, plus KC-135 tanker acquisition

Rolls-Royce advances its modern AE engine family for U.S. Army aviation and naval unmanned platforms

News Timeline