Event   Helicopter   Europe   Aviation Safety & Regulation  
Associated Press • Leer En Español

UK Royal Navy Merlin helicopter crash kills 3 during training near Okehampton, Devon; investigation underway

A Royal Navy Merlin helicopter crashed into a field near Okehampton/Sourton in Devon during a training exercise, killing three service members. Emergency services responded with road closures, and the Royal Navy launched a military investigation as authorities coordinate the scene.

Also: UK Defence Journal, AeroTime, BBC, The Independent, Times of India and 7 more
2026-06-03T06:42:12.807464-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

US Marine Corps concludes Harrier operations with AV-8B ‘sundown’

By FlightGlobal: The service is transitioning its fleet of vertical take-off and landing "jump jets" to the Lockheed Martin F-35B. Wednesday 3 June will mark a seminal milestone in the aviation world: the end of Harrier jump jet operations in the USA.

Also: Scramble
2026-06-03T05:42:00.279621-07:00
Museums   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Policy & Regulation  
Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

Saab explores possible Gripen research center in Brazil

By Air Data News: Swedish company says discussions involve a facility near Embraer, though the project remains subject to Brazilian Defense Minister José Múcio Monteiro said on June 2 that the government and Saab are discussing the possible creation of a research and development center linked to the Gripen fighter program in Brazil.

2026-06-03T01:56:31.335048-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

India conducts successful tests with RudraM-II missile

By FlightGlobal: Work saw weapon deployed from Su-30MKI at an Indian test range. India has successfully tested the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile, with the weapon capable of accurately striking targets.

Also: India Defense News, ANI News Agency, Times of India and 5 more
2026-06-02T23:41:57.620690-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
FlightGlobal

Vietnam C-130 acquisition suggested by US government announcement

By FlightGlobal: Naming RTX as contractor could indicate that Vietnam will get secondhand C-130s. The US government has cleared a Lockheed Martin C-130 tactical transport sustainment package for Vietnam, suggesting the Southeast Asian nation could soon acquire the type.

Also: Aviation Week
2026-06-02T21:55:53.580666-07:00