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

USAF pulls KC-135 from boneyard for possible reactivation after tanker losses in Iran campaign

The U.S. Air Force has transferred a retired KC-135 Stratotanker out of long-term storage, a move that signals possible reactivation after several tanker losses tied to the ongoing U.S.–Israeli air campaign against Iran. Open-source flight tracking shows the aircraft leaving the boneyard, suggesting expedited sustainment steps.

2026-04-03T12:15:34.553320-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Accident   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy   Boeing  
Wall Street Journal • Shelby Holliday

U.S. F-15E Lost in Operation Epic Fury After 13,000 Combat Sorties

By Wall Street Journal: The loss of the U.S.'s first jet fighter in Operation Epic Fury comes after 13,000 combat flights and five weeks of a persistent air campaign. Former Air Force officials say that such an incident hasn't happened until now speaks to successful U.S.

Also: tass.com, ANI News Agency and 3 more
2026-04-03T10:51:19.454508-07:00
Accident   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
The Intercept • Nick Turse

Iran Shoots Down U.S. F-15 Fighter Jet Amid Escalating U.S.–Iran Tensions

By The Intercept: Around the same time as Iran shot down the F-15, another U.S. military plane crashed near the Strait of Hormuz.

Also: Economic Times, The Independent and aa.com.tr
2026-04-03T09:16:15.174965-07:00
Helicopter   Supply Chain   Orders   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

HAL revenue rises with strong long-term order book

By FlightGlobal: Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) has seen annual revenue rise 4.1% to INR323 billion despite continued challenges with its supply chain. Helping the company’s improved performance for the 12 months ended 31 March were deliveries of the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, as well as deliveries of two Russian engines it produces locally, the Saturn AL-31FP for the….

2026-04-02T22:31:13.937203-07:00
MRO   L3Harris   North America   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Airbus A330  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

Canada inks C$1.5 billion sustainment deal for new Airbus tanker fleet support

By FlightGlobal: The contracts with Airbus and L3Harris will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul support to Canada’s planned fleet of nine A330-based refuelling aircraft, which are to begin entering service in 2027.

Also: asdnews.com
2026-04-02T14:00:49.630765-07:00
Europe   Policy & Regulation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
politico.eu • Milena Wälde

Austria bars US military aircraft from its airspace, citing law banning flights tied to ongoing conflicts

By politico.eu: Vice-chancellor Andi Babler said his country wants “nothing to do with Trump’s policy of chaos and his war.”.

Also: intellinews.com, tass.com and defensemirror.com
2026-04-02T09:20:05.519721-07:00