NASA unveils X-70 Fractal, a crewed test aircraft with rapidly reconfigurable flight controls
ASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said he expects the aircraft, introduced at the UP.Summit at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, to make its first flight under NASA within two years.
U.S. Air Force completes final T-7A Red Hawk escape sled test
The U.S. Air Force has completed the final high-speed sled test of the T-7A Red Hawk’s escape system, moving the trainer closer to qualification of its aircrew safety equipment.
Lockheed Martin and U.S. Air Force test Mk21A reentry vehicle for next-generation nuclear missile system
Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force have completed a flight test of an unarmed developmental Mk21A reentry vehicle, gathering data ahead of a major design review.
Sierra Nevada Corporation withdraws from U.S. Navy T-45 replacement competition
Sierra Nevada Corporation has withdrawn its offer to replace the U.S. Navy’s T-45C Goshawk trainers, leaving the Textron Aviation Defense-Leonardo partnership as the only potential bidder.
Brazilian Air Force tests Gripen E fighter with Rafael’s Litening and RecceLite pods
The Brazilian Air Force has flown its Saab Gripen E fighters with Rafael Litening targeting and RecceLite reconnaissance pods in acceptance trials at Anápolis Air Base.
U.S. Air Force begins Joint Base Andrews helicopter fleet transition with first HH-60W Jolly Green II
The first HH-60W Jolly Green II arrived at Joint Base Andrews on November 2, starting a helicopter fleet transition intended to expand the U.S. Air Force’s response capability around the nation’s capital.
Saab says its own AI autonomously controlled Gripen E in beyond-visual-range combat trials
Saab has flown its own AI agents aboard Gripen E, with an agent autonomously controlling the fighter during beyond-visual-range combat scenarios.
MBDA to build airborne laser demonstrator for Germany to assess future aircraft weapons capability
Germany’s defence procurement agency has awarded MBDA Deutschland a contract to build an airborne laser demonstrator, laying the technical groundwork for potential laser weapons aboard aircraft.
F-35 Joint Program Office says new software enables transition to upgraded fleet maintenance system
The F-35 Joint Program Office is beginning to retire the remaining elements of its ALIS logistics system after delivering the first ODIN operating software release and securing validation from the operational test squadron.
France’s DGA receives Rafale aircraft for future F5 radar and weapons testing
France’s defence procurement agency DGA has delivered Rafale B374 to its flight-test centre for conversion into a flying laboratory for future F5 equipment and weapons.
Greece orders three Embraer KC-390 Millennium aircraft with options for three more
The first delivery is scheduled for 2027, adding airlift and air-to-air refuelling capacity to the Hellenic Air Force.
Lockheed Martin examines F-16 variant tailored to Ukraine with AESA radar and European weapons
Lockheed Martin is considering an F-16 variant tailored to Ukraine, with an AESA radar, greater range and compatibility with a wider range of European weapons.