Air Force MQ-9 fleet drops to 135 aircraft after Iran combat losses
The Air Force is seeking to backfill the inventory of MQ-9 Reapers and field a cheaper, more expendable replacement.
Europe
Austrian jets intercept US military planes two days in a row
The May 10 intercept reportedly took place over the Totes Gebirge mountain range in Upper Austria, over 60 kilometers from the German border.
Marines to phase out F/A-18 maintenance jobs as Hornet era ends
Enlisted Marines with Hornet specialties will be offered retraining, reassignment or career dead ends.
The US Marine Corps is looking for a few good robots to build airfields
For Marines who have toiled over assembling airfields in austere environments, relief may be on the way.
B-52 engine replacement clears critical design review, first modifications to begin this year
The Air Force’s program to replace the B-52H Stratofortress’s 1960s-era engines cleared its critical design review, the service announced May 4.
NATO nations size up an interceptor-drone bazaar where low price is everything
A price point advantage is no longer measured in millions of dollars below the competition, but in mere thousands.
Air Force clears T-7A Red Hawk for low-rate production
The decision authorizes a $219 million contract for the first 14 aircraft.
Israel to buy more F-35 and F-15 warplanes
The aircraft purchases are part of a decade-long modernization plan to the tune of $118 billion, the government said.
Pacific Marines will be first to test-drive new pilot-optional helicopter
The service is “aggressively pursuing” an operational demo in 2027 for the Aerial Logistics Connector.
From prototypes to production: US Air Force seeks nearly $1B for initial CCA procurement
In a first, the Air Force is asking Congress to fund the purchase of Collaborative Combat Aircraft, marking the beginning of the “loyal wingman" era.
Investigation: Russian shadow airlines use Algeria as base for secretive missions
Algeria has become a key customer for Russian arms at a time when Moscow has seen a slump in its military-export business after the invasion of Ukraine.
Golden Dome has ‘pathways to pivot’ if delays arise, general says
Gen. Michael Guetlein, the appointed czar for America's “Golden Dome” initiative, told lawmakers that plans to build the shield were proceeding apace.
US Air Force looks to launch cheap missiles from cargo aircraft
The U.S. Air Force wants inexpensive, long-range missiles that can be launched in mass volleys by cargo aircraft.
NATO eyes Swedish-Canadian jet for AWACS role in shift away from Boeing
The political momentum behind the GlobalEye had been building for a while.
Boeing lands Chinook without a pilot at the controls
Boeing used its A2X software to autonomously guide an Army CH-47 Chinook through its final approach and landing.
Combat search and rescue’s uncertain future: As A-10s phase out, US Air Force faces questions of what comes next
The U.S. Air Force is moving forward with plans to retire the A-10, which for decades has proven ideally suited for combat search-and-rescue operations.
Money starts flowing for new GCAP fighter, as Britain sorts out finances
A source on the program told Defense News the new contract is a “bridge” allowing work to continue until the end of June.