F-16   AI   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Policy  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

DARPA and U.S. Air Force conduct human-on-the-loop in-air testing of AI-capable F-16s using the VENOM Autonomy Kit

DARPA and the U.S. Air Force are flying modified F-16s to test human-on-the-loop autonomy under the AI Reinforcements program. The VENOM Autonomy Kit uses an aftermarket controller that lets pilots switch between traditional manual flight controls and autonomous flight with a switch.

Also: The Aviationist
2026-07-17T02:58:38.844464-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Budgets & Spending   BAE Systems  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Canberra advances plans to replace Hawk trainer fleet

By FlightGlobal: The Australian government will explore several financing models to fill trainer requirement. Canberra has reached out to airframers as it explores possibilities to replace the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF's) fleet of BAE Systems Hawk 127 advanced jet trainers.

Also: Aviation Week
2026-07-17T03:17:53.748915-07:00
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
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