Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Boeing

FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

USAF certifies A-10 for probe‑and‑drogue refuelling with new probe refuelling adapter

The US Air Force has completed certification of a Probe Refueling Adapter for the Fairchild Republic A‑10, enabling the Warthog to accept fuel via probe‑and‑drogue from HC‑130/C‑130 tankers and other drogue‑equipped aircraft. The capability, developed to meet an urgent combatant‑command requirement, expands interoperability while KC‑46 compatibility remains pending.

Air & Space Forces Mag • Todd South

USAF Builds Probe-to-Hose Adapter to Expand A-10 Aerial Refueling Options

Janes

A-10 receives probe-and-drogue capability for aerial refuelling

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

Europe Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

French Rafales from Šiauliai intercept Russian Il‑20 over Baltic Sea during Baltic Air Policing rotation.

By AeroTime: Two French Air and Space Force Rafale B jets scrambled from Šiauliai, escorting a Russian Il-20 spy plane in the first interception of their current Baltic Air Policing rotation.

2026-04-08T13:02:05.617501-07:00

Helicopter Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Aviation Safety & Regulation Defense Industry & Major Contractors Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

NEW

AINonline

Leonardo AW139 Uses Airborne Radiation Sensors to Detect and Track Nuclear Threats

By AINonline: It flies low over cities and often between buildings.

2026-04-08T13:36:49.879565-07:00

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.

aviationnews.eu

France Cancels Eurodrone and Safran Patroller, Shifts Procurement to Low‑Cost Tactical Drones — Major Impact on European Defence Industry

2026-04-08T08:02:17.700327-07:00

Event Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

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.

DVIDS / U.S. DoD

FIDAE 2026 Kicks Off With U.S.–Chile Airpower Showcase and Partnership Focus

The Aviationist

Chilean KC-135 Tanker Refuels USAF F-35As on their Way to FIDAE 2026 Expo

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

Supply Chain Europe Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Deals

DefenseNews.com • Jaroslaw Adamowski

Polish company partners with Northrop, ST Engineering to pursue Poland’s multibillion ammunition contracts

By DefenseNews.com: Global defense firms are flocking to eastern and central Europe in hopes of capturing a multibillion-dollar market for equipping local ground forces.

2026-04-08T07:22:42.038259-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Eurofighter Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Industry & Major Contractors 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.