Author: Alan G.W.

AI at the Forefront of Creation and Innovation: Exploring the Future of Design and Manufacturing at Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026

Unconfirmed reports emerged late on Wednesday that a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet was shot down over the Black Sea near southern Ukraine, according to multiple Ukrainian sources familiar with the situation. The reports state that the aircraft belonged to the Russian Armed Forces and was lost in the maritime area south of Ukraine’s coastline. Several […]

Ukraine’s Air Force shot down a Russian Su-34 Fullback fighter-bomber over the Black Sea near Snake Island. The aircraft was engaged and shot down during a combat mission over the maritime area west of Odesa. The incident occurred close to Snake Island, a strategic outpost that has remained a focal point of air and naval operations […]

Venezuelan commercial aviation is like traveling back in time, as aircraft from the 1990s and 2000s predominate, and in certain cases from previous decades. Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS/SVMI), commonly referred to as Caracas International Airport, is Venezuela’s main airport, located in Maiquetía, a city on the Venezuelan coast. Caracas, the country’s capital, is surrounded by mountains, and lies about 30 kilometers from Maiquetía. It has its own airport, but it is not used for commercial flights. Early days Similar to the situation across the country, Venezuelan commercial aviation experienced its golden years starting in the 1960s, maintaining a certain…

A Learjet 45, registered as VT-SSK, was involved in a fatal crash at Baramati Airport in India during the morning of January 28, 2026. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was on board. This is what we know about the accident. Playback of flight Click here to view playback of the flight. Flight route analysis A Learjet 45, registered as VT-SSK, departed Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM/VABB) and was first seen airborne by Flightradar24 ADS-B receivers at 02:40 UTC (08:10 local time). It climbed westbound over the sea, reaching an altitude of 3,300 ft before turning south. Making its…

On 26 January, the right, rear main landing gear wheel fell off a British Airways A350-1000 operating from Las Vegas to London as flight BA274. The wheel fell off the aircraft as the landing gear was being retracted. The flight continued for a safe and uneventful landing in London and no one was injured on the ground in Las Vegas. Video of the incident was captured on our automated live stream at Las Vegas Airport. British Airways flight BA274 taxied from gate E1 to runway 26R for a full length departure at 05:05 UTC (21:05 local time). As the aircraft…

UPS has announced that it has retired its MD-11 fleet. The aircraft type is currently grounded pending inspections following the deadly November crash in Louisville. In its fourth quarter earnings report the company said, “UPS accelerated its fleet modernization plans, completing the retirement of its MD-11 fleet during the fourth quarter of 2025.” The gap in UPS’ operations left by the MD-11 grounding and retirement will be filled by new deliveries of the 767 freighter and contract flights. With an average age of 30.8 years, the UPS MD-11 fleet was already slated for retirement as new 767 freighters joined the…

EASA published the updated Easy Access Rules for Guidance Material on Remote Aerodrome Air Traffic Services The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has published a new revision of the Easy Access Rules for Guidance Material (EAR) on Remote Aerodrome Air Traffic Services. This Revision from January 2026 incorporates EASA ED Decision 2023/005/R of 30 March 2023, introducing Issue 3 of the GM. Jennifer Grochowski Wed, 28/01/2026 – 16:20

Technical Briefing Mexico 2026 Lilas.Bonnefoy… Tue, 01/27/2026 – 20:19 Hacienda del Parián Carretera México – Toluca Kilómetro 46, Centro Ocoyoacac, 52740 Ocoyoacac, Méx. Complete the form below to register for the Technical Briefing Toluca 2026.Llene el siguiente formulario para registrarse al evento. First Name Last Name Job Title Company Name Phone Number Email Attendee Type Owners & Operators (optional) Partners & Suppliers* (optional) Bombardier Employee (optional) What aircraft(s) do you operate? (optional) I would like to receive a certificate for the training hours cumulated during this event. (optionnal) (optional) For further information on how we collect and process your personal…

Technical Briefing Toluca 2026 Lilas.Bonnefoy… Tue, 01/27/2026 – 20:19 Hacienda del Parián Carretera México – Toluca Kilómetro 46, Centro Ocoyoacac, 52740 Ocoyoacac, Méx. Complete the form below to register for the Technical Briefing Toluca 2026.Llene el siguiente formulario para registrarse al evento. First Name Last Name Job Title Company Name Phone Number Email Attendee Type Owners & Operators (optional) Partners & Suppliers* (optional) Bombardier Employee (optional) What aircraft(s) do you operate? (optional) I would like to receive a certificate for the training hours cumulated during this event. (optionnal) (optional) For further information on how we collect and process your personal…

United States Army aviation units assigned to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade staged multiple CH-47F Chinook and AH-64E Apache helicopters at Katterbach Army Airfield in Germany on Jan. 26, 2026, as crews worked to clear flight lines during a heavy winter storm, the service confirmed. According to U.S. Army imagery and unit statements, helicopters from […]

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Amazon Web Services a $581.3 million contract to provide cloud services for the Air Force’s Cloud One program, according to a contract announcement released this week. The contract was issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, and covers the delivery of […]

A book that immerses readers in the famous BA 123, one of the French Air and Space Force’s major bases, located in the heart of the Beauce region. Located about fifteen kilometers from the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region, the Air and Space Force’s 123 Orléans-Bricy “Commander Charles Paoli” base has a staff of more than 2,600 men and women. Pilots, technicians, engineers… All of them are busy keeping the A400M running so that it can carry out its missions for the Air and Space Force, alongside the Rafale and Mirage aircraft from the Dassault galaxy. Author of…

Israel’s Ministry of Defense has signed a multi-year contract worth approximately $183 million to procure air munitions from Elbit Systems, the ministry announced this week. The order was issued by the Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) and formally signed by Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram. The agreement covers the supply of air-delivered munitions […]

The United States Air Force has moved at least 42 heavy transport aircraft into the Middle East between January 18 and January 26, 2026, according to open-source flight tracking data and analyst reports monitoring U.S. military air movements. Data compiled from publicly available flight trackers shows that 41 C-17A Globemaster III aircraft and one C-5M […]

The United States Air Force’s 92nd Air Refueling Wing announced that Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington will conduct an active threat response exercise on January 29, 2026, as part of routine emergency readiness training for personnel across the installation. According to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, the exercise will involve base-wide participation and is […]

Extended deadline for application: ATM/ANS Expert The following vacancy notice for a Temporary Agent position published on the Careers portal has been extended: Title / Grade: ATM/ANS ExpertOrganisational Directorate: Flight StandardsClosing Date: 08/02/2026 at 23:59 hrs CET Jennifer Grochowski Tue, 27/01/2026 – 12:44

International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO 2026 graham.hebert Mon, 01/26/2026 – 19:48 Targi Kielce, Kielce, Poland Off September 08, 2026 September 11, 2026 Aircraft events Defense

Pacific Air Show 2026 graham.hebert Mon, 01/26/2026 – 19:32 Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia Off August 14, 2026 August 16, 2026 Aircraft events Defense

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 graham.hebert Mon, 01/26/2026 – 19:21 Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Farnborough, United Kingdom Off July 20, 2026 July 24, 2026 Aircraft events Defense

Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2026 graham.hebert Mon, 01/26/2026 – 19:05 RAF FairFord Air Base, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom Off July 17, 2026 July 19, 2026 Aircraft events Defense

Sweden’s Armed Forces detected two Russian Su-35S fighter jets and one Tu-22M3 bomber flying over the Baltic Sea on January 23, prompting a response by Swedish Air Force quick reaction alert aircraft. According to a statement published by the Swedish Armed Forces, the aircraft were identified by Sweden’s incident readiness forces, which were scrambled to […]

Several Pakistan Air Force Ilyushin Il-78 aircraft were spotted at an airfield in China’s Sichuan province on January 19–20, according to photographs that surfaced online and were reviewed by regional observers. The aircraft, including one carrying the registration number R11-003, were seen on the ground and during departure from the base, indicating a temporary presence […]

The United States is preparing Misawa Air Base in northern Japan to support the future deployment of F-35A stealth fighter aircraft, as part of a broader effort to modernize U.S. air power in the western Pacific. According to the report by Newsweek journalist Ryan Chan, the Pentagon plans to deploy 48 F-35A Lightning II jets […]

Russia has replaced the leadership of its strategic aircraft manufacturer Tupolev, appointing 37-year-old Yuri Ambrosimov as chief executive to replace 76-year-old Aleksandr Bobryshev, according to a report by Defense Express citing Russian industry sources. The personnel change took place roughly one year after the previous round of management rotations at Tupolev in 2024 and comes […]

Ukrainian forces have destroyed an Iranian-made Shahed-107 attack drone using a STING interceptor drone during active combat operations, according to a report by the Ukrainian defense outlet Militarniy. The interception was carried out by fighters from the Sky Wars unit of the 47th Mechanized Brigade “Magura,” who used the STING drone interceptor to shoot down […]

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 […]

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 […]

In a world where few can agree on anything, most can at least agree that the Airbus A300-600ST is something else. Affectionately known as the Beluga after the white whale it resembles, it stands as one of aviation’s most distinctive and successful specialized aircraft. After nearly three decades of being the backbone of Airbus’s logistics operation, retirement now awaits. From Super Guppy to Super Transporter Essentially a pan-European project, perhaps it is no surprise that key components of all Airbus aircraft are manufactured at various plants all across the continent. Final assembly however is mainly concentrated in two locations, namely…

In a world where few can agree on anything, most can at least agree that the Airbus A300-600ST is something else. Affectionately known as the Beluga after the white whale it resembles, it stands as one of aviation’s most distinctive and successful specialized aircraft. After nearly three decades of being the backbone of Airbus’s logistics operation, retirement now awaits. From Super Guppy to Super Transporter Essentially a pan-European project, perhaps it is no surprise that key components of all Airbus aircraft are manufactured at various plants all across the continent. Final assembly however is mainly concentrated in two locations, namely…

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 Indonesian government crashes while attempting to land in Makassar. And a United A321neo loses a nose wheel during a hard landing in Orlando. Plus, you could be the proud new owner of a VIP configured 747SP. Helpful links for this week’s episode NTSB investigative update…

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 […]

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 […]

The United States Air Force conducted Exercise Dragon Shield at Beale Air Force Base, California, in 2026, testing the ability of maintenance units to launch and recover U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft under simulated contested conditions, the service said in a released update. The exercise focused on the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS), which was tasked […]

The United States has increased deliveries of weapons systems, ammunition, and military equipment to the Middle East since late 2025, with U.S. Air Force transport aircraft conducting intensified flights from the continental United States to European logistics hubs and onward to bases in Jordan, Israel, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, according to open-source flight tracking and […]

The United States Air Force has confirmed that the 56th Rescue Generation Squadron (RGS) has received its final HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter, completing the unit’s transition to the service’s newest combat rescue platform, according to a service update released this week. The final aircraft was delivered to Aviano Air Base, Italy, where the 56th […]

The United States Missile Defense Agency has selected Protopia AI as an awardee under its Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) contract vehicle, the company confirmed on January 20, 2026, opening the door for the firm to compete for future missile defense and homeland security task orders. According to a company statement, Protopia AI […]

The third and final volume in the trilogy dedicated to Marcel Bloch, this book covers the first Bloch fighter aircraft and their prototypes, just before World War II. From 1937 to 1939, France prepared for a war that seemed inevitable… In this third book, the author focuses, among other things, on the first fighter planes developed by Marcel Bloch shortly before the start of World War II, resulting in the delivery of more than 600 MB 151 and MB 152 aircraft to the French Army. This was a first heyday for the aircraft manufacturer, who developed numerous prototypes at that…

South Korea has launched a 1.9 trillion-won ($1.29 billion) program to develop a new class of aircraft designed to jam and disrupt enemy air defense networks, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced. DAPA said the project, known as Block-I, will focus on developing large, dedicated electronic warfare aircraft capable of degrading an adversary’s integrated […]

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said on January 22 that the Republic of Korea Marine Corps’ amphibious maneuver helicopters have maintained readiness levels above target requirements, following a review of operational performance and logistics support conducted in Daejeon. The meeting, held at DAPA headquarters, brought together representatives from the Marine Corps, Korea Aerospace […]

EASA and DJI collaborate to improve awareness of safe and legal drone operations A key requirement of the European Drone Rules is for drone operators to obtain up-to-date information on restrictions that might be in place where they intend to fly (known as “geo-awareness”) and for drone pilots to comply with this information during each flight. Darya Kalsi Wed, 21/01/2026 – 17:31

From the end of World War II to the present day, this collection showcases the most advanced aircraft produced by the international military aviation industry. Fighters, bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, transport aircraft… A period of technological change from a military and aviation perspective, the 1939-1945 war and the years that followed saw the emergence of a (r)evolution that is still ongoing. Editor-in-chief of the monthly magazine “Le Fana de l’Aviation” for over ten years and the quarterly magazine “Planète Aéro,” Alexis Rocher has compiled a list for the release of “Avions de combat, 100 jets mythiques de 1944 à nos jours”…

The United States State Department has approved a possible $2.316 billion Foreign Military Sale to Singapore for P-8A maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, MK 54 lightweight torpedoes, and associated systems, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said as it formally notified Congress of the decision. According to the certification delivered to lawmakers, the Government of Singapore […]

Mention “Concorde” to any aviation enthusiast and chances are that they’ll get a certain look in their eyes. That is quite understandable, as the Concorde wasn’t just any other aircraft. Capable of flying at twice the speed of sound, it whisked the wealthy across the Atlantic in under three and a half hours. And for many, it remains the pinnacle of commercial aviation achievement. Anglo-French ambitions take shape The Concorde story began in the late 1950s. It was an era when everything seemingly was possible and optimism for what humanity could achieve prevailed, fueled by healthy (?) competition between the…

EASA Committee and Expert Group meeting 02-2026 The EASA Committee is a body within the meaning of the so-called “Comitology Regulation” (Regulation 182/2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers). Darya Kalsi Wed, 21/01/2026 – 16:30

Initial set of ANCEN Background Notes provide insight into aviation’s non-CO₂ climate impacts and mitigation options The Aviation Non-CO₂ Expert Network (ANCEN) has published three new Background Notes that clarify how aviation’s CO₂ and non-CO₂ emissions affect the climate and what this means for future mitigation strategies. Developed under the Horizon Europe “NONCO2” research action, these notes are designed to support policymakers, industry stakeholders and the wider community with concise, science-based information. Jennifer Grochowski Wed, 21/01/2026 – 16:39

EASA Committee and Expert Group meeting 03-2026 The EASA Committee is a body within the meaning of the so-called “Comitology Regulation” (Regulation 182/2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers). Darya Kalsi Wed, 21/01/2026 – 16:42

Stakeholder Advisory Body (SAB) 03-2026 meeting Established under the Basic Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 and relevant EASA Management Board decisions, the Stakeholder Advisory Body (SAB), its Communities (COMMs), and agile Activity Groups (AGs) offer a consultation framework between the Agency and the Industry on both strategic priorities, regulatory aspects as well as a tool for Industry to provide feedback on implementation of regulations and related policies. Darya Kalsi Wed, 21/01/2026 – 16:54

Japan’s Ministry of Defense reported a sharp increase in Air Self-Defense Force emergency fighter scrambles in December 2025, with aircraft launched 79 times to intercept foreign military aircraft approaching Japanese airspace, according to data released by the Joint Staff Office on January 16, 2026. The total represented an increase of 46 scrambles compared with November […]

Stakeholder Advisory Body (SAB) 02-2026 meeting Established under the Basic Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 and relevant EASA Management Board decisions, the Stakeholder Advisory Body (SAB), its Communities (COMMs), and agile Activity Groups (AGs) offer a consultation framework between the Agency and the Industry on both strategic priorities, regulatory aspects as well as a tool for Industry to provide feedback on implementation of regulations and related policies. Darya Kalsi Tue, 20/01/2026 – 18:14

Stakeholder Advisory Body (SAB) 01-2026 meeting Established under the Basic Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 and relevant EASA Management Board decisions, the Stakeholder Advisory Body (SAB), its Communities (COMMs), and agile Activity Groups (AGs) offer a consultation framework between the Agency and the Industry on both strategic priorities, regulatory aspects as well as a tool for Industry to provide feedback on implementation of regulations and related policies. Darya Kalsi Tue, 20/01/2026 – 18:20

EASA Committee and Expert Group meeting The EASA Committee is a body within the meaning of the so-called “Comitology Regulation” (Regulation 182/2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers). Darya Kalsi Tue, 20/01/2026 – 18:29

Here is the second episode of a new aviation-themed comic book that follows two protagonists who (despite themselves) find themselves transported back in time from the present day to 1917, on the front line between France and Germany. In the first volume, pilot Duncan, alias “Dunk,” and scientist Lucie made the first manned MHD flight (normally reserved for supersonic missiles) and found themselves more than a hundred years in the past, in the somewhat turbulent skies of France during World War I. In this sequel, the two companions, more or less recovered from their journey through time, do their best…

Ukraine has paused additional orders of HX-2 strike drones from German defense technology firm Helsing after the systems showed technical problems during frontline testing, according to Bloomberg. The decision follows field trials conducted by Ukraine’s 14th Regiment, a unit specializing in unmanned aerial systems, where the HX-2 experienced repeated difficulties during launch and operation. The […]

A Ukrainian defense company, CENTRE ZAKHYST, has announced the successful development and combat testing of its ODIN counter-unmanned aerial systems, a domestically produced solution designed to intercept attack drones, according to a statement released by the company. CENTRE ZAKHYST said the system has been implemented in combat conditions and tested both at training grounds and […]

India has reportedly acquired dozens of Belarus-made Berkut-BM one-way attack drones, according to defense industry sources. The Berkut-BM is a jet-powered kamikaze drone developed by the Indela company in Belarus and designed to strike time-sensitive battlefield targets before they can relocate. The system is powered by compact Chinese-made micro turbojet engines produced by Swiwin, giving the […]

Japan’s Board of Audit revealed in January 2026 that military equipment worth approximately 1.1 trillion yen ($6.9 billion) purchased from the United States under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program has not been delivered to the Japan Self-Defense Forces despite more than five years passing since contracts were signed. The finding is detailed in an […]

United States Air Force F-15 fighter jets were spotted flying at low altitude over the eastern Aleppo countryside in northern Syria as Syrian government forces moved into the towns of Deir Hafer and Maskana following the withdrawal of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) units from the area. The flights were observed as Syrian army units entered […]

An Israeli defense entity has placed its first purchase order for ParaZero Technologies’ DefendAir counter-unmanned aerial system, the company announced, confirming a new procurement of anti-drone equipment amid heightened drone activity identified in recent conflicts. The order represents ParaZero’s first direct contract with a main Israeli defense organization for its DefendAir system and includes delivery […]

NATO Air Command confirmed that Italian Eurofighter Typhoon jets deployed to Amari Air Base in Estonia were scrambled at 11:30 a.m. on January 16 to intercept a Russian Be-200 aircraft approaching the Baltic Sea. The interception took place as part of NATO’s routine air policing mission in the region, aimed at monitoring and responding to […]

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing and Airbus report their final tallies for orders and deliveries in 2025 and it was Boeing’s best year since 2018. Allegiant is buying Sun Country in a shake up of the ultra low-cost market in the US. Delta comes full circle and orders up to 60 787s. And a pair of reports from British accident investigators highlight the importance of good procedure on the flight deck. Helpful links for this week’s episode Air France flight 191 Allegiant announcement on Sun Country merger Boeing 2025 orders and deliveries Airbus 2025 orders and deliveries Thank…

Russia has equipped a BM-35 one-way attack drone with a Starlink-type satellite terminal, Ukrainian specialists said after the aircraft was shot down and examined this week. According to Serhii Beskrestnov, known by the call sign “Flash,” the recovered drone showed clear evidence of remote control through the Starlink system. “For the first time, the fact […]

Russia has begun using a previously unseen jet-powered one-way attack drone. Such drones were spotted after a Russian military unit released footage showing the system striking a Ukrainian HIMARS launcher during an operation recorded earlier this week. The video was published by the unit operating the reconnaissance drone and captured the moment the target was […]

A new step in a long lasting and fruitful cooperation between EASA and French DGA The Executive Director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Florian Guillermet, and the Délégué Général pour l’Armement, Patrick Pailloux, co-signed an implementing arrangement for French MoD Guépard helicopter (also known as H160M) on January 14, 2026 in Paris. The implementing arrangement follows on from the generic cooperation arrangement concluded between the two design competent authorities in 2017. Relating specifically to the context of the H160M programme, it sets out to: Jennifer Grochowski Fri, 16/01/2026 – 15:16

When Norwegian Air Shuttle was formed on January 22nd 1993, few could have predicted that it would grow to an aviation powerhouse, taking on legacy airlines and creating headlines in the process. The carrier’s journey from operating a handful of turboprops in Norway to becoming Europe’s third-largest low-cost carrier is a story of bold ambition and hard-won lessons. Norwegian Air Shuttle originally operated the Fokker 50. The humble beginnings of Norwegian Air Shuttle But let’s take it from the top. Like many airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY/NOZ) was founded amidst a time when the deregulation of national aviation markets was in…

Shield AI announced on Wednesday that it has begun wind tunnel testing of its X-Bat unmanned combat aircraft, marking the first major evaluation phase for the company’s next-generation autonomous strike platform. The company said the tests are intended to accelerate design refinement and reduce developmental risk as the aircraft moves toward flight demonstrations. According to […]

A United States Air Force MH-139 Grey Wolf executed its first operational mission on January 8 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, flying alongside convoys from the 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron. The Air Force said the event marks the new aircraft’s initial integration into day-to-day nuclear security operations supporting the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missile […]

United States Air Force personnel released a photo of an MQ-9 Reaper assigned to the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron on January 13, showing the aircraft positioned inside a shelter at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. The Air Force said the squadron’s presence reinforces U.S. commitment to security on the Korean Peninsula and provides a […]

Destinus, a European aerospace and defense company, announced the updated versions of its modular precision-strike weapons and interceptor systems, releasing new details on the Ruta Block2 cruise missile, the Vector Vista Block2 navigation system and the Hornet Block2 quick-response interceptor. The company published technical descriptions of the upgraded systems on its website. According to Destinus, […]

The fourth volume in the “Origines” series of “The Adventures of Buck Danny” and the second devoted to the early life of his sidekick Sonny Tuckson. In the previous volume devoted to Sonny Tuckson, “Air Race Pilot,” set in the 1930s, we discovered the youth of a kid who got up to all sorts of mischief with his sidekick Jo. Until the day Sonny’s uncle bought an old plane, sparking a vocation that would stay with the young man for the rest of his life. This time, we are at the very beginning of the 1940s. Jo and Sonny have…

Thailand’s flag carrier, Thai Airways (TG/THA), ended 2025 by adding a new aircraft to its fleet, a model it had never operated before. The first order In mid-2023, the airline announced its first order for brand new Airbus A321neo aircraft, expected to be delivered as of late 2025. The initial order was for five A321neo aircraft, with another five aircraft of this type to be added later. Thai Airways plans to use these aircraft for regional flights in South and Southeast Asia, based in Bangkok, the country’s capital and its main hub of operations. With regard to other narrow-body aircraft,…

China’s State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense confirmed on Jan. 12 that the export-oriented J-10CE fighter jet achieved its first combat victory last May, stating that the aircraft downed several adversary aircraft in an aerial engagement without suffering losses. The agency described the operation as the J-10CE’s first confirmed combat result. […]

Northrop Grumman delivered its 1,500th center fuselage for the F-35 Lightning II on Jan. 12, completing the milestone at its Integrated Assembly Line in Palmdale, California. The delivery reflects the current production pace of one center fuselage every 30 hours. According to Northrop Grumman, the Palmdale facility uses advanced manufacturing processes to build center fuselages […]

Pegasus Arms has released detailed operational results for its Pegasus Arms 25 heavy strike drone, confirming that Ukrainian forces used the platform in more than a thousand engagements throughout 2025, including over 560 sorties by a single airframe. The company disclosed the figures in an official summary of wartime performance. According to the report, more […]

The United States Air Force has awarded Trust Automation a $490 million contract to research, develop, prototype, and produce counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) technologies, the company announced on January 12, 2026. According to Trust Automation, the indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract will support the rapid development and transition of unmanned and counter-unmanned aircraft capabilities. Work will take […]

Ukraine’s General Staff said early on January 13 that Defense Forces carried out an overnight strike on the Atlant Aero industrial facility in Taganrog, Rostov region, hitting a site involved in producing Molniya strike-reconnaissance drones and components for the Orion unmanned aerial vehicles. According to the General Staff, explosions and a fire were recorded across […]

Russia has announced a record increase in its export weapons portfolio, with First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov stating on Friday that Moscow now holds $70 billion in signed defense contracts. Manturov delivered the figures during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, marking the largest reported volume of foreign military orders in Russia’s history. According […]

Elbit Systems announced on January 12, 2026, that it has signed contracts worth approximately $275 million to supply an advanced airborne self-protection electronic warfare suite, including its Direct Infra-Red Counter-Measure system, to an unnamed country in the Asia-Pacific region. The company said the work will be carried out over a five-year period. According to Elbit […]

Paris – Saint-Cloud, France, January 12, 2026 – Dassault Aviation and Harmattan AI today announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the integration of controlled autonomy and AI technologies into combat aviation systems. As part of this collaboration, Dassault Aviation is leading Harmattan AI’s $200 million Series B funding round. Harmattan AI has been awarded multiple Programs of Record by the French and UK Ministries of Defence for its autonomous systems portfolio and is now scaling globally in response to growing demand. The proceeds from this investment round will be used to expand the deployment of AI-enabled missions across new operational…

Colombia announced on January 10 that it is launching a COP 6.2 trillion (approximately $1.6 billion) National Anti-Drone Shield, a move taken directly in response to the recent U.S. military strike on Venezuela, the Colombian government said in an official statement. According to the Ministry of Defense, the program creates a nationwide detection and interdiction […]

Israel placed its security apparatus on high alert on January 10 after senior officials assessed the possibility of direct U.S. intervention in Iran as nationwide anti-government protests there enter their most volatile stage in years, according to Israeli sources who spoke to Reuters. Three Israeli officials with knowledge of internal security consultations said the alert […]

Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) has confirmed that Russia used a new jet-powered strike drone, identified as the Geran-5, during combined air attacks at the start of 2026. The announcement, released today, states that Russian forces employed the platform for the first time against targets inside Ukraine. The Geran-5 has a length of around six […]

The United States Commerce Department has withdrawn a proposed rule that would have imposed new restrictions on Chinese-made drones, according to a government notice posted Friday. The reversal ends a months-long review process and comes ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing this April. According to documents published on the federal website, Commerce […]

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have begun formal discussions to convert a $2 billion Saudi loan into a transaction for JF-17 fighter jets, Reuters reported. The talks center on a broader package valued at $4 billion, including an additional $2 billion allocated for related equipment. Reuters, citing sources familiar with the negotiations, reported that “the total […]

India is moving toward approving a large-scale purchase of Rafale fighter jets, as New Delhi prepares for French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit next month, according to senior officials familiar with the process. Indian Air Force leaders have submitted a proposal to acquire what the service described as a “substantial” number of new aircraft under a […]

A CIA-linked LM-100J Super Hercules operated by Pallas Aviation landed in Caracas on January 10. The aircraft, using callsign WDE08 and tail number N96MG, departed shortly afterward and returned to Puerto Rico. The aircraft belongs to Pallas Aviation, described as a private company that performs “specialized work worldwide that most others refuse.” The company operates […]

France’s Dassault Aviation announced that it delivered 26 Rafale fighter jets in 2025, surpassing its annual plan of 25 aircraft. The company said the deliveries included 15 jets for export customers and 11 for the French Armed Forces. According to Dassault Aviation, the 2025 output exceeds the previous year, when 21 Rafales were delivered — […]

The United States Air Force formally received its first T-7A Red Hawk on January 9, 2026, during an arrival ceremony hosted by Air Education and Training Command (AETC), marking the start of the service’s transition to a new generation of jet trainer aircraft. The event at Joint Base San Antonio–Randolph marked the first delivery from […]

In the late 1950s, Douglas Aircraft Company began developing a narrow-body aircraft for short to medium haul routes, which would complement its only operational aircraft at the time, the Douglas DC-8, configured for long-haul routes, along with its high density. McDonnell Douglas MD-81 Douglas DC-9 The first flight in the history of the DC-9 took place on February 25th, 1965, entering regular service on December 8th of that year with Delta Air Lines. Registered as N3304L, this aircraft was the first DC-9 ever built, produced in Long Beach, as were the remaining 975 aircraft manufactured. Delta Air Lines was one…

We begin the year with a mess in Amsterdam as more than 3,000 flights have been canceled at the airport this week following snow storms and a long list of operational problems. We look at the impact on civil aviation from the US military action in Venezuela last weekend. Kazakhstan investigators issue an update on their investigation into Azerbaijan Airlines flight 8243. We delve into a wide variety of regulatory updates, including another round of radio altimeter updates because of 5G mobile data. It would appear that Pakistan International Airlines is actually on its way to privatization. And in our…

All Nippon Airways’ Star Wars C-3PO-themed Boeing 777-200 (registration JA743A) will make its final scheduled commercial flight today, bringing an end to one of aviation’s most distinctive special liveries. A busy final day JA743A has been working hard on its last day. After early morning flights between Tokyo Haneda and Sapporo, the gorgeous 777 currently is awaiting departure as NH265 from Haneda to Fukuoka, a grand finale worth celebrating.Operating as flight NH270, C-3PO is scheduled to depart Fukuoka at 19:55 local time (11:55 CET) and arrive at Tokyo Haneda at 21:30 local time (13:30 CET). That’s the equivalent of making…

The U.S. State Department has approved Denmark’s request to purchase AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and related equipment in a potential foreign military sale valued at $45 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Thursday. According to the agency, Denmark requested up to 100 AGM-114R missiles, along with three Captive Air Test Missiles, six M299 launchers, […]

United States forces conducted a strike in Venezuela on January 3 using the AGM-154C-1 Joint Stand-Off Weapon, after local authorities released images showing debris from the precision-guided glide munition at one of the impact sites. According to photographs published by Venezuelan officials, identifiable fragments of an AGM-154C-1 were found after the January 3 attack. The […]

Extended deadline for application: IT Systems Administrator (Windows) The following vacancy notice for a Contract Agent position published on the Careers portal has been extended: Title / Grade: IT Systems Administrator (Windows)Organisational Directorate: Information Technology SectionClosing Date: 19/01/2026 at 23:59 hrs CET Jennifer Grochowski Thu, 08/01/2026 – 12:53

Emirates Airline (EK/UAE), the leading carrier in the Middle East, has a large fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, all based at Dubai International Airport. The airline began operations in 1985 with two aircraft, which were not its own, expanding rapidly from the early 1990s onwards after placing a major order for new Boeing 777s and changing its business model by developing a hub in Dubai. Emirates’ Airbus A310 A6-EKB at Frankfurt – September 1987 Launch of Emirates On October 25th, 1985, with a Boeing 737-300 and an Airbus A300-600B2, both wet-leased from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the airline made…