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FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

UK MoD approves interim SDB II buy for F-35B amid SPEAR 3 integration delays, while corrosion backlog constrains mission availab

The UK Ministry of Defence has greenlit Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procurement of Boeing GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) to arm the F-35B as an interim standoff capability while SPEAR 3 integration remains delayed. The move follows scrutiny over earlier funding gaps and comes as corrosion issues and spare-part shortages reduce UK F-35 mission rates.

2026-05-15T04:12:16.071143-07:00

FlightGlobal

UK MoD selects Anduril, BAE Systems, Tekever and Thales for Project NYX Apache “loyal wingman” autonomous drones

2026-05-15T04:38:12.321145-07:00

FlightGlobal

Australia, New Zealand and US sign C-130J support pact to expand cross-servicing

2026-05-15T00:23:06.538041-07:00

Air Data News

Thailand’s Gripen E/F: Saab begins assembling the first fighters in Linköping for RTAF F-16 replacement

2026-05-14T14:16:27.813591-07:00

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FlightGlobal

UK MoD selects Anduril, BAE Systems, Tekever and Thales for Project NYX Apache “loyal wingman” autonomous drones The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded £310 million ($13.3 million) across four industry partners to develop autonomous drone wingmen for Army Apache helicopters under Project NYX. Anduril, BAE Systems, Tekever and Thales will share the work, targeting a step-change in helicopter teaming with uncrewed platforms.

2026-05-15T04:38:12.321145-07:00

UK MoD selects Anduril, BAE Systems, Tekever and Thales for Project NYX Apache “loyal wingman” autonomous drones

FlightGlobal

UK MoD approves interim SDB II buy for F-35B amid SPEAR 3 integration delays, while corrosion backlog constrains mission availab The UK Ministry of Defence has greenlit Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procurement of Boeing GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) to arm the F-35B as an interim standoff capability while SPEAR 3 integration remains delayed. The move follows scrutiny over earlier funding gaps and comes as corrosion issues and spare-part shortages reduce UK F-35 mission rates.

2026-05-15T04:12:16.071143-07:00

UK MoD approves interim SDB II buy for F-35B amid SPEAR 3 integration delays, while corrosion backlog constrains mission availab

FlightGlobal

Australia, New Zealand and US sign C-130J support pact to expand cross-servicing The air forces of Australia, New Zealand and the United States have entered a cooperation pact focused on the Lockheed Martin C-130J tactical transport—an aircraft type all three operate. The agreement is designed to enhance cross-servicing, tightening sustainment and support coordination across the shared fleet.

2026-05-15T00:23:06.538041-07:00

Australia, New Zealand and US sign C-130J support pact to expand cross-servicing

Air Data News

Thailand’s Gripen E/F: Saab begins assembling the first fighters in Linköping for RTAF F-16 replacement Royal Thai Air Force officials visited Saab in Sweden to review progress on Thailand’s Gripen E/F acquisition. Saab says production has started, with assembly of the first jet beginning at the company’s Linköping facility under the program aimed at replacing RTAF F-16 Block 15 aircraft.

2026-05-14T14:16:27.813591-07:00

Thailand’s Gripen E/F: Saab begins assembling the first fighters in Linköping for RTAF F-16 replacement

FlightGlobal

US Air Force awards $18m contract to Aevex for production of Group 3 one-way attack drones The US Air Force has signed an $18 million contract with Aevex for the production of an undisclosed number and type of Group 3-sized one-way attack drones. The award expands USAF inventory into the rapidly growing one-way attack drone category as procurement shifts further toward expendable UAS.

2026-05-14T13:23:50.008346-07:00

US Air Force awards $18m contract to Aevex for production of Group 3 one-way attack drones

Breaking Defense

USAF says B-52 modernization is “stabilized” after cost spikes and schedule delays The Air Force is working to steady B-52 modernization momentum after recent cost growth and schedule slips, according to a service official commenting amid ongoing upgrade execution pressures. The remarks suggest the program’s near-term risk profile has improved even as budgets and timelines remain under scrutiny.

2026-05-14T11:53:51.215990-07:00

USAF says B-52 modernization is “stabilized” after cost spikes and schedule delays

Flying Magazine

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Merlin rolls out “Condor” autonomy product line for large cargo aircraft, pairing civil rollout with ongoing C-130J military cer Merlin says it is extending its aircraft-agnostic, AI-powered autonomy core into commercial cargo with a new “Condor” family, starting with large, multi-crew airframes. The company also continues certification work for military transports, including a development path tied to a Lockheed Martin C-130J.

2026-05-14T10:50:57.055655-07:00

Merlin rolls out “Condor” autonomy product line for large cargo aircraft, pairing civil rollout with ongoing C-130J military cer

FlightGlobal

Peru signs for a fifth Leonardo C-27J Spartan to expand tactical airlift and emergency reach The Peruvian Air Force (FAP) has ordered an additional C-27J Spartan multirole tactical airlifter to strengthen air mobility amid challenging terrain and the need to serve remote areas. Leonardo’s contract also marks the twin-turboprop’s 100th sold example, with the aircraft expected to deliver improved avionics, efficiency and mission capability.

2026-05-14T09:53:28.796088-07:00

Peru signs for a fifth Leonardo C-27J Spartan to expand tactical airlift and emergency reach

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Military Aircraft Procurement News

UK MoD approves interim SDB II buy for F-35B amid SPEAR 3 integration delays, while corrosion backlog constrains mission availab

UK MoD selects Anduril, BAE Systems, Tekever and Thales for Project NYX Apache “loyal wingman” autonomous drones

Australia, New Zealand and US sign C-130J support pact to expand cross-servicing

Thailand’s Gripen E/F: Saab begins assembling the first fighters in Linköping for RTAF F-16 replacement

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