Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Budgets & Spending   BAE Systems  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Australia weighs new financing models to replace RAAF Hawk 127 trainer fleet

Canberra says it will explore multiple financing structures to meet its advanced jet trainer requirement as it reaches out to airframers on options to replace the Royal Australian Air Force’s BAE Systems Hawk 127 fleet. The review centers on how Australia will fund recapitalization and sustainment of its training capability.

Also: Aviation Week
2026-07-17T03:17:53.748915-07:00
F-16   AI   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Policy  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

DARPA and US Air Force fly frontline F-16 modified for autonomous flight

By FlightGlobal: The VENOM jets use an aftermarket kit that allows a pilot to switch between traditional human flight controls and autonomous flight with the flip of a switch.

Also: The Aviationist
2026-07-17T02:58:38.844464-07:00
Event   Military Aircraft Procurement   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Defense Policy  
NEW
AeroTime • Jean Carmela Lim

Multinational air power takes over Australia’s Top End for Pitch Black 26

By AeroTime: Australia’s Northern Territory will serve as a hub of international air power from July 20 to August 7, 2026, as 19 partner nations take part in Exercise Pitch Black 26, a three-week air combat training exercise.

Also: India Defense News, ANI News Agency and newsable.asianetnews.com
2026-07-17T04:16:24.962132-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Boeing  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

RAF’s second Wedgetail gets airborne as Boeing lands new support contracts

By FlightGlobal: Second surveillance aircraft completes functional check flight. Boeing Defence UK has completed the first flight of the Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) second E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft, and received a new contract to support the type’s introduction to service.

2026-07-17T02:28:57.895130-07:00
Helicopter   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Deals   Defense Policy   Airbus  
FlightGlobal • Dominic Perry

Airbus Helicopters on target with first H160M firing campaign

By FlightGlobal: Manufacturer and DGA validate integration of weapons and defensive aids on developmental medium-twin. Airbus Helicopters has completed the first firing campaign with its developmental H160M Guepard medium-twin.

2026-07-17T02:44:54.607053-07:00