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FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

UK accepts final Tranche 1 F-35B, completing 48‑aircraft initial buy as follow‑on plans remain undecided

On 27 March the UK’s Defence Equipment & Support accepted the final aircraft from its Tranche 1 F‑35B programme, completing the initial 48‑jet Lightning II purchase. DE&S said firm decisions on any further UK F‑35 purchases or Tranche 2 commitments have not yet been finalised.

2026-04-01T04:01:25.324818-07:00

Reuters

Dassault sets two-to-three week deadline to salvage Franco‑German‑Spanish FCAS

2026-04-01T01:45:22.332370-07:00

FlightGlobal

South Korean Navy inducts MH-60R Seahawk to strengthen ASW against Pyongyang

2026-03-31T22:50:24.970121-07:00

The War Zone

From WWII Camouflage to 'Invisible' Aircraft: How Close Is Visual Stealth to Reality?

2026-03-31T23:12:31.797240-07:00

News Timeline

FlightGlobal

UK accepts final Tranche 1 F-35B, completing 48‑aircraft initial buy as follow‑on plans remain undecided On 27 March the UK’s Defence Equipment & Support accepted the final aircraft from its Tranche 1 F‑35B programme, completing the initial 48‑jet Lightning II purchase. DE&S said firm decisions on any further UK F‑35 purchases or Tranche 2 commitments have not yet been finalised.

2026-04-01T04:01:25.324818-07:00

UK accepts final Tranche 1 F-35B, completing 48‑aircraft initial buy as follow‑on plans remain undecided

Reuters

Dassault sets two-to-three week deadline to salvage Franco‑German‑Spanish FCAS Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier has given partners in the Franco‑German‑Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS) two to three weeks to reach a compromise to salvage the programme. The flagship next‑generation fighter initiative has faltered amid governance and industrial disputes between Dassault and Airbus.

2026-04-01T01:45:22.332370-07:00

Dassault sets two-to-three week deadline to salvage Franco‑German‑Spanish FCAS

The War Zone

From WWII Camouflage to 'Invisible' Aircraft: How Close Is Visual Stealth to Reality? Visual stealth—techniques to reduce detection by the naked eye—began in World War II and remains an active area of military research. This piece surveys historical approaches and modern materials and asks how close armed forces are to fielding aircraft that are effectively invisible to human observers.

2026-03-31T23:12:31.797240-07:00

From WWII Camouflage to 'Invisible' Aircraft: How Close Is Visual Stealth to Reality?

FlightGlobal

South Korean Navy inducts MH-60R Seahawk to strengthen ASW against Pyongyang The Republic of Korea Navy has inducted and deployed Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters, with an induction ceremony at the naval air command in Changwon announced by DAPA. The move is aimed at strengthening anti-submarine warfare and maritime operations amid concerns over an increasing North Korean submarine threat.

2026-03-31T22:50:24.970121-07:00

South Korean Navy inducts MH-60R Seahawk to strengthen ASW against Pyongyang

The War Zone

Former KC‑135 Wing Commander: U.S. Tanker Fleet Would Be Stretched in a Fight with China Retired Air Force Col. Troy Pananon, a former KC‑135 wing commander, warns a conflict with China would put severe strain on the U.S. aerial‑refuelling fleet. He outlines operational limits, readiness shortfalls and sustainment pressures that would constrain sortie generation and basing across the Indo‑Pacific.

2026-03-31T11:01:07.383671-07:00

Former KC‑135 Wing Commander: U.S. Tanker Fleet Would Be Stretched in a Fight with China

Air Data News

Canada to join Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) as observer Canada is set to join the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) as an observer, granting Ottawa access to advanced fighter technology, programme data and potential industrial ties without full commitment. The move comes amid Ottawa’s ongoing review of its F‑35 procurement and mixed‑fleet options.

2026-03-31T10:31:33.785205-07:00

Canada to join Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) as observer

Vertical Mag

Quantum Helicopters joins Team M1 as training provider for Army Flight School Next bid Quantum Helicopters has joined Team M1 as its designated training provider for the U.S. Army's Flight School Next bid. The move adds contractor-run rotary‑wing instruction capability to Team M1's proposal in the Army's trainer competition and positions the team to demonstrate pilot throughput and sustainment support.

2026-03-31T08:19:29.788931-07:00

Quantum Helicopters joins Team M1 as training provider for Army Flight School Next bid

Reuters

Outgoing Airbus Helicopters chief urges Europe to unite on defence procurement Airbus Helicopters' outgoing chief called for deeper European collaboration on defence procurement, warning that splitting programmes into national projects will drive costs beyond what countries can afford. He urged pooled buying and coordinated programmes to preserve industrial capabilities and deliver affordable capability.

2026-03-31T05:46:20.993295-07:00

Outgoing Airbus Helicopters chief urges Europe to unite on defence procurement

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Military Aircraft Procurement News

UK accepts final Tranche 1 F-35B, completing 48‑aircraft initial buy as follow‑on plans remain undecided

Dassault sets two-to-three week deadline to salvage Franco‑German‑Spanish FCAS

South Korean Navy inducts MH-60R Seahawk to strengthen ASW against Pyongyang

From WWII Camouflage to 'Invisible' Aircraft: How Close Is Visual Stealth to Reality?

News Timeline