FlightGlobalCraig Hoyle

Pilatus secures initial certification for PC-7 MKX after bumper 2025 orders

Pilatus has secured initial certification for the PC‑7 MKX basic trainer, a regulatory milestone that paves the way for deliveries. The approval follows a bumper 2025 order year for the type, boosting Pilatus’s training‑aircraft pipeline and near‑term production commitments while accelerating operator training start‑ups.

2026-03-03T07:12:32.660821-08:00
AeroTimeClement Charpentreau

French Rafale jets protect UAE bases; France to aid Cyprus

By AeroTime: Rafale jets in the UAE secured the skies above French bases as France plans anti-drone and anti-missile systems and a frigate for Cyprus.

2026-03-03T05:11:37.122249-08:00
Reuters

Thales posts higher-than-expected core profit as defence, avionics and space demand lift margins

By Reuters: French aerospace and technology company Thales reported slightly higher than expected annual core profit on Tuesday and predicted higher profit margins for this year.

Also: AeroTime
2026-03-02T22:21:46.804836-08:00
FlightGlobalGreg Waldron

Iran drones, missiles could test rivals’ magazine depth

By FlightGlobal: Iran may be absorbing heavy strikes, but its drone and missile launches are targeting a vulnerability that airpower alone cannot fix: the magazine depths of the adversaries ranged against it.

2026-03-03T01:11:17.646094-08:00
Reuters

US Struggles to Secure DRC Strategic Minerals After Pact as Conflict, Licences and Compliance Slow Progress

By Reuters: The U.S. has made progress in its push to prise Congo's strategic minerals from China's orbit, but conflict, contested licences and compliance demands are still slowing Washington's advance into a region its rival dominates, diplomats and industry officials said.

2026-03-03T00:07:37.374004-08:00