Reuters
• Sergio Goncalves
The U.S. ambassador to Portugal urged Lisbon to retire its ageing F-16 fleet and buy Lockheed Martin F-35s, saying the stealth fighter would ensure interoperability with Europe’s top-tier air forces and strengthen Portugal’s contribution to NATO operations. The appeal underscores U.S. diplomatic pressure on allied procurement choices.
Vertical Mag
By Vertical Mag: The Indian Navy (IN) has leased vertical-lift capacity from the burgeoning Indian civil sector, hiring helicopters to operate from two bases — one each on the western and eastern seaboard.
Air Data News
• Ricardo Meier
By Air Data News: Boeing has begun structural assembly of the first P-8A Poseidon ordered by Canada, joining the aircraft’s major fuselage sections at its production.
Reuters
• Hugo Dixon
By Reuters: The region can no longer rely on the US. So it needs its own satellite communications, air defences, a homegrown nuclear umbrella for Europe and more research spending.
Air Data News
• Ricardo Meier
By Air Data News: Pratt & Whitney has released a promotional video highlighting its XA103 engine under development for the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Adaptive.
SpaceNews.com
• Sandra Erwin
By SpaceNews.com: German defense firm said to be weighing bid for Mynaric German defense firm said to be weighing bid for Mynaric.
Air Data News
• Ricardo Meier
By Air Data News: Ukraine’s Air Force said it is expecting additional Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from France, as Kyiv seeks to strengthen its combat aviation.
Wall Street Journal
• Lara Seligman, Milàn Czerny
By Wall Street Journal: The lengthy mission of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is causing strains for the crew members and their families.
