Event   Middle East   Europe   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

RIAT 2026 cancelled as Iran-related Middle East operations affect access to RAF Fairford

Organizers of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) have cancelled the 2026 show, citing uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford amid ongoing operational deployments tied to the Iran campaign involving US Air Force aircraft. The decision follows “extensive discussions” with the RAF and US Air Force and raises uncertainty for UK military-airshow planning through summer.

Also: aviationnews.eu, Flyer.co.uk, Aviation Week, The Aviationist, Bloomberg, ukaviation.aero and airforce-technology.com
2026-05-22T04:05:33.753250-07:00
Helicopter   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Policy  
NEW
Breaking Defense • Andrew White

Helos need upgrades to perform special ops 'quieter, with fewer aircraft': PEO Rotary Wing

By Breaking Defense: Special Operations Command’s fleet of MH-60Ms and MH-47Gs — operated by the 160th Nightstalkers Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) — could benefit from technology injections coming from the MV-75 Cheyenne, said PEO Rotary Wing Steve Smith.

Also: FlightGlobal
2026-05-22T09:11:23.421639-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Airbus  
Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

Thailand orders two Airbus C295 tactical transports

By Air Data News: Royal Thai Air Force will become the second military branch in the country to operate the C295 turboprop Royal Thai Air Force has ordered two Airbus C295 tactical transport aircraft in a deal that will expand the country’s military airlift fleet.

2026-05-22T04:54:16.483813-07:00
MRO   Defense Budgets & Spending   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
AeroTime • Jean Carmela Lim

Australia opens US $130 million facility for P-8A Poseidon maintenance at RAAF

By AeroTime: Australia has opened a new AUD 200 million (US $130 million) facility at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Edinburgh in South Australia. It is set to serve as a regional hub for the maintenance and sustainment of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

2026-05-22T04:53:53.624360-07:00
MRO   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Embraer  
Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

Embraer hints at possible Greek C-390 order with MRO agreement

By Air Data News: Embraer signed a memorandum of understanding with Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) on May 22, a move that signals growing expectations that Greece could become a future operator of the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft.

2026-05-22T01:39:09.248065-07:00