Supply Chain   Military Aircraft Procurement   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Defense Deals  
AeroTime • Jean Carmela Lim

South Korea readies KF-21 operational rollout as F-5 retirements target end-2027; Malaysia MRCA race starts toward 2029–30 repla

South Korea’s Air Force is preparing for KF-21 deployment while planning to retire its aging F-5 fleet by the end of 2027—though cost overruns could delay timelines. Separately, Malaysia is expected to assess a new MRCA program in 2029 or 2030 to replace its F/A-18D Hornets and Su-30MKM, setting up a competitive field including KF-21, Su-57E, Rafale and Gripen.

2026-05-14T05:47:09.534898-07:00
Event   UAV Development & Drone Programs   Helicopter   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Defense Policy  
AeroTime • Jean Carmela Lim

Australia helps boost Philippine air surveillance capability

By AeroTime: The Australian Defence Force supported Philippine air surveillance efforts during the 41st iteration of Exercise Balikatan (April 20-May 8, 2026) through subject-matter expert exchanges focused on mobile radar systems.

2026-05-14T04:41:07.466600-07:00
Israel   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

Israel funds external fuel tank modification for F-35I Adir stealth fighters

By FlightGlobal: Range performance of "Adir" stealth fighters will be increased via new contract. Israel is funding a modification for its fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35I “Adir” fighters, with the stealthy jets to be equipped with new extended-range fuel tanks.

Also: FlightGlobal, defence-blog.com and 3 more
2026-05-14T02:37:13.070339-07:00
MRO   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Boeing  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

GMR Aero Technic to conduct P-8I heavy checks in Hyderabad

By FlightGlobal: Contract with Boeing means a key MRO project will be undertaken locally. Maintenance, repair and overhaul company GMR Aero Technic (GAT) will perform routine heavy checks on the Indian navy’s fleet of Boeing P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft.

2026-05-14T02:11:44.032868-07:00
Event   UAV Development & Drone Programs   AI   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
Aviation Week • Steve Trimble

U.S. Air Force Orders One-Way Attack Drones From Aevex

By Aviation Week: The U.S. Air Force has ordered a batch of one-way attack drones and support services from Aevex, according to the U.S. company which has supplied thousands of similar systems to Ukraine.

Also: AeroTime, Aviation Week and UASweekly
2026-05-13T11:36:11.175536-07:00