Munitions
MBDA’s Spear miniature cruise missile makes debut flight aboard F-35B
European-developed weapon will enter operational use late this decade.
SURVEILLANCE
UK advances delayed Wedgetail programme as lead aircraft arrives for testing at RAF Lossiemouth
New capability will reinstate UK’s lapsed provision of fixed-wing AEW&C services.
CONTRACT
Royal Thai Air Force to receive two C295 tactical transports from Airbus Defence & Space
Twin-turboprops will be delivered from the first half of 2029.
CANCELLATION
RIAT organisers cancel 2026 show due to base access uncertainty at RAF Fairford
UK show had been due to run from 17-19 July.
Transports
MC-130Js destroyed in Iran could be replaced with ‘green’ Lockheed Martin transports
The potential option involves Special Operations Command completing modifications to bring in-production C-130Js to the MC-130J standard.
Defence
UK condemns Moscow for ‘dangerous and unacceptable’ intercept of RAF Rivet Joint
Serious incident occurred in international airspace over the Black Sea in April.
Close Air Support
Pentagon suggests OA-1K as alternative to used A-10s for undisclosed foreign government
An unnamed foreign government expressed interest in purchasing old A-10 attack jets, but the Pentagon is instead directing them toward L3Harris’ new Skyraider II armed crop duster.
TANKERS
Italy signs for six A330 MRTTs in $1.6bn deal
Rome picks Airbus tanker as long-term KC-767 replacement.
PRODUCTION
Airbus displays Quadriga-standard Tranche 4 Eurofighter for first time
New production standard has yet to make its flight debut.
Development
Airbus eyes two-aircraft FCAS solution amid wider programme reset
Airframer sees need to address compromises built in to initial NGF design as diverging requirements come to the fore.
TANKERS
New Seville conversion centre to boost Airbus A330 MRTT output to seven per year
Infrastructure refurbishment at San Pablo site will add to primary Getafe line.
FIXED-WING
Two-seat Su-57 fighter takes flight in Russia
The new variant is possibly aimed at India’s increasingly urgent need for stealth aircraft.