Military aircraft, defense contracts, and aerospace defense
Japan confirmed that a Russian IL-20 intelligence-gathering aircraft conducted a surveillance flight near the country’s western approaches on January 23, according to Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. In a statement released on Friday, Koizumi said the Russian aircraft flew from the continental direction into the Sea of Japan, proceeded southwest, then changed course off the coast […]
The United States has delivered the first MC-55A Peregrine aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force, L3Harris Technologies confirmed on January 24, 2026. The aircraft was handed over by the U.S. Air Force following completion of integration and mission system testing, according to the company. The delivery is part of Australia’s Peregrine program, which is […]
The United Kingdom has selected seven defense companies to develop prototype uncrewed aircraft that will operate alongside Apache attack helicopters, advancing a British Army program aimed at integrating autonomous systems into frontline aviation operations. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that the companies were invited to the next stage of Project NYX, a program designed […]
Four RAF Typhoons from the joint UK-Qatar No. 12 Squadron have been deployed at the request of the Qatari government, citing increasing regional tensions. Four RAF Typhoons assigned to the joint UK-Qatar-manned No. 12 Squadron have been deployed to Qatar for “defensive purposes” at the express request of the Qatari government, citing increasing regional tensions […]
Formation will feature eight aircraft from the two branches, including the F-15 and F-35.
Ethiopia has confirmed the acquisition of Russian-made Orion-E reconnaissance and strike unmanned aerial vehicles, marking the first verified export of the Orion drone system, according to aircraft displayed at Aviation Expo 2026. A Russian Orion-E unmanned aerial vehicle was shown in the Ethiopian Air Force exhibition area during the event, confirming that Addis Ababa has […]
Russia used Tu-22M3 Backfire-C bombers to launch a salvo of heavy Kh-22/Kh-32 cruise missiles toward the Kyiv region on January 24, marking the first recorded use of these weapons against targets near the Ukrainian capital. Ukrainian air defense forces reported that Russia fired 12 Kh-22 or Kh-32 missiles toward a target on the outskirts of […]
A debate on a bill that transfers sovereignty over the Chagos Islands – including Diego Garcia – to Mauritius has been delayed after questions about its compliance with an existing UK-US treaty were raised. Just as the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill was set to head into the final stages […]
South African artist and team transform a decommissioned Soviet fighter into a massive, colorful beadwork sculpture.
Air Force says refurbished aircraft could enter service later this year as interim presidential transport.
Suicide Jockeys: The Making of the WWII Combat Pilot by Monique Taylor sheds light on the overlooked story of U.S. glider pilots in World War II, blending rigorous research, personal insight, and vivid storytelling to honor a group of aviators long missing from mainstream history.
MACH-TB 2.0 Task Area 3 adds recoverable launch and test vehicles.
MBDA has received a new contract to supply additional Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles for the German Armed Forces, the company announced on January… The post Germany orders more Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles appeared first on AeroTime.
South Korea’s DAPA held a meeting with LIG Nex1, which was awarded the contract in December 2025, to start planning the activities towards a planned fielding in 2034. Reports from South Korea on Jan. 20, 2026, said its Defense Acquisition and Program Administration (DAPA) finally launched the $1.29 billion Block-I airborne electronic warfare and jamming […]
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, the US issues a set of NOTAMs warning of military activity in a large swath of the North Pacific. The NTSB issues an update on the UPS MD-11 crash, focusing on additional materials analysis performed on a bearing from the engine pylon mount. An ATR 42 operating for the […] The post AvTalk Episode 354: Want to buy a 747SP? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Diving deeper into the last true 'pilot's fighter jet' of naval aviation.
The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded BAE Systems a £453.5 million ($613 million) contract to begin full production of the ECRS Mk2 radar for Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft. The contract follows a completed program of testing and evaluation and represents the next phase of the UK’s long-term investment in Typhoon capability. The Ministry […]
France’s defense procurement agency (DGA) has signed its first contract with MBDA for the development and production of… The post MBDA signs first French contract for One Way Effector long-range strike drone appeared first on AeroTime.
The United Kingdom has deployed Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar as part of a defensive mission in response to regional tensions, the British government said in a press release on Friday. The deployment involves 12 Squadron, the joint RAF–Qatar Emiri Air Force Typhoon unit, which has moved aircraft to the Gulf region […]