Supply Chain Military Aircraft Procurement Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Asia-Pacific (APAC) Defense Deals

AeroTime • Jean Carmela Lim

South Korea readies KF-21 operational rollout as F-5 retirements target end-2027; Malaysia MRCA race starts toward 2029–30 repla

South Korea’s Air Force is preparing for KF-21 deployment while planning to retire its aging F-5 fleet by the end of 2027—though cost overruns could delay timelines. Separately, Malaysia is expected to assess a new MRCA program in 2029 or 2030 to replace its F/A-18D Hornets and Su-30MKM, setting up a competitive field including KF-21, Su-57E, Rafale and Gripen.

2026-05-14T05:47:09.534898-07:00

Event UAV Development & Drone Programs Helicopter Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Asia-Pacific (APAC) Defense Policy

AeroTime • Jean Carmela Lim

Australia helps boost Philippine air surveillance capability

By AeroTime: The Australian Defence Force supported Philippine air surveillance efforts during the 41st iteration of Exercise Balikatan (April 20-May 8, 2026) through subject-matter expert exchanges focused on mobile radar systems.

DVIDS / U.S. DoD

Aerial Drones Elevate IAMD Training for Multinational Forces at Balikatan 2026

DVIDS / U.S. DoD

Balikatan 2026: Task Force Saber deploys Maritime Sensing Buoys over Luzon Strait

2026-05-14T04:41:07.466600-07:00

Israel Military Aircraft Procurement Aviation Safety & Regulation Defense Industry & Major Contractors

FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

Israel funds external fuel tank modification for F-35I Adir stealth fighters

By FlightGlobal: Range performance of "Adir" stealth fighters will be increased via new contract. Israel is funding a modification for its fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35I “Adir” fighters, with the stealthy jets to be equipped with new extended-range fuel tanks.

aviation-defence-universe.com

Israel MOD Signs Contract with Elbit Systems for Extended Range Capability for the F-35 “Adir” Fighter Jet

Janes

Israel to increase range of F-35I jets with domestically developed external tanks

Also: FlightGlobal, defence-blog.com, Seeking Alpha and 3 more

2026-05-14T02:37:13.070339-07:00

Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Industry & Major Contractors Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Deals Defense Policy

AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Malaysia condemns Norway’s revocation of NSM missile export license

By AeroTime: Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim has condemned Norway's unilateral revocation of the Naval Strike Missile export license intended for the Royal Malaysian Navy.

2026-05-14T03:55:50.606203-07:00

MRO Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Aviation Safety & Regulation Defense Industry & Major Contractors Boeing

FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

GMR Aero Technic to conduct P-8I heavy checks in Hyderabad

By FlightGlobal: Contract with Boeing means a key MRO project will be undertaken locally. Maintenance, repair and overhaul company GMR Aero Technic (GAT) will perform routine heavy checks on the Indian navy’s fleet of Boeing P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft.

aviation-defence-universe.com

GMR Aero Technic and Boeing Defence India Sign Landmark Agreement for P‑8I Phase‑56 Heavy Maintenance

iadb.in

GMR Aero Technic & Boeing Defence India Sign Landmark Agreement For P-8I Phase 56 Heavy Maintenance

2026-05-14T02:11:44.032868-07:00

Europe Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Budgets & Spending Defense Industry & Major Contractors Policy & Regulation Defense Policy

AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Swiss Patriot cost could double as Bern weighs cancellation

By AeroTime: Switzerland is bracing for Patriot cost overruns above 50%, with the total potentially doubling to CHF 4 billion as Bern considers cancellation.

2026-05-14T01:11:46.388641-07:00

Hypersonic Defense Industry & Major Contractors Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Rocket Lab Wins Anduril Industries' $30 Million Contract for 'HASTE' Hypersonic Rocket Launches

By SpaceWatch Global: Anduril Industries has selected Rocket Lab for multiple hypersonic test flights with the latter's HASTE launch vehicle.

2026-05-14T00:30:59.143326-07:00

Event UAV Development & Drone Programs AI Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

Aviation Week • Steve Trimble

U.S. Air Force Orders One-Way Attack Drones From Aevex

By Aviation Week: The U.S. Air Force has ordered a batch of one-way attack drones and support services from Aevex, according to the U.S. company which has supplied thousands of similar systems to Ukraine.

AeroTime