Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy   Boeing  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

USAF fits A‑10 with probe refuelling adapter, enabling probe‑and‑drogue fuel from HC‑130 tankers

The US Air Force developed and certified a Probe Refueling Adapter that allows A‑10 Thunderbolt IIs to receive fuel via probe‑and‑drogue from tankers such as HC‑130 Hercules. Produced against an urgent combatant‑command requirement, the change widens aerial‑refuelling options while KC‑46 boom capabilities remain in transition.

Also: The Aviationist and theaviationgeekclub.com
2026-04-08T12:11:08.061992-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Airbus  
Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

India’s MTA contest shifts as Airbus A400M falls out of favour while IAF seeks 60 transports to replace An-32 fleet

By Air Data News: India’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program is entering a decisive phase, with local media reports indicating that Airbus’ A400M is increasingly viewed as unsuitable due to its size and cost.

2026-04-08T11:59:05.210444-07:00
Event   FlightSim   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Textron  
Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

Textron showcases Beechcraft M-346N simulator as part of U.S. Navy UJTS bid at Sea‑Air‑Space

By Air Data News: Textron Aviation Defense will display a simulator for the Beechcraft M-346N advanced jet trainer at the Sea-Air-Space event from April 20 to 22 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

2026-04-08T13:58:28.701727-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Eurofighter   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy   BAE Systems  
FlightGlobal • Dominic Perry

BAE Systems test fires APKWS rockets from RAF Typhoon

By FlightGlobal: BAE Systems has successfully conducted a test firing of its APKWS laser-guided rockets from a Eurofighter Typhoon. Performed from the company’s Warton site in the UK using a Royal Air Force Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft, the trial saw the multi-role fighter strike a ground-based target using the weapon.

Also: Aviation Week, Janes, euro-sd.com, UK Defence Journal and 7 more
2026-04-08T06:31:40.868043-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Policy  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

France drops Patroller and Eurodrone purchases in revised military law, signaling shift to cheaper sovereign drones

By AeroTime: France’s updated military law drops planned Patroller and Eurodrone buys, signaling a shift toward cheaper sovereign drones.

Also: aviationnews.eu
2026-04-08T08:02:17.700327-07:00
Event   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

Chilean KC-135 conducts first aerial refuelling of U.S. F-35As en route to FIDAE

By FlightGlobal: The US Air Force jets are part of a flight demonstration contingent participating in the biannual FIDAE air show in Santiago, Chile from 7-12 April A tanker aircraft from the Chilean air force has for the first time refuelled two American Lockheed Martin F-35A stealth fighters en route to the South American country.

2026-04-08T08:51:13.888631-07:00