Dassault Aviation   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Deals  
DefenseNews.com • Vivek Raghuvanshi

India–France Rafale deal stalls: no agreement signed for 36 jets despite French defense minister visit

India and France did not sign any agreement for the Indian Air Force’s proposed purchase of 36 Rafale fighters during French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian’s visit. The lack of a signed deal underscores ongoing contracting, timing, and stakeholder alignment challenges around the next Rafale export step.

2026-04-28T14:20:27.555666-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
NEW
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

Beehive unveils Rampart 1,000lb-thrust engine for uncrewed fighters

By FlightGlobal: Both established and start-up engine suppliers are piling into the market for small low-cost turbofans. Propulsion start-up Beehive Industries has unveiled a 1,000lb-thrust (4.4kN) turbofan targeting at a rapidly growing class of uncrewed fighter aircraft.

Also: Janes
2026-04-28T15:20:24.738275-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

Pentagon expands fleet of F-35 ‘flight science’ test aircraft

By FlightGlobal: Three jets, one in each F-35 variant, will be delivered in a flight test configuration to support upgrade efforts. The Pentagon has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to deliver three F-35 fighter jets configured for flight science and test work.

2026-04-28T13:34:37.810185-07:00