Aircraft & Propulsion

The U.S. Army is narrowing the field as it seeks a replacement for the Airbus UH-72 Lakota helicopters currently used for rotary-wing training at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Airbus Helicopters is calling on operators of its H160 rotorcraft to replace main rotor system pitch rods after a ditching incident in the ocean near Brazil.

Richard Aboulafia joins Check 6 to discuss how 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for two next-generation fighter programs conceived in Europe: FCAS and GCAP.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

Aisheng Technology Group, a subsidiary of China’s state-owned arms producer Norinco, has conducted the first flight of the Lingque “Magpie” LQ-150 VTOL UAS.

A look at why Operation Absolute Resolve has implications far beyond Venezuela.

Northrop Grumman will provide the autonomy software for the U.S. Marine Corps first loyal wingman uncrewed system.

Taiwan has grounded its fleet of F-16 fighter jets following a Jan. 6 training accident that authorities say may be related to a “mission computer malfunction.”

In a banner year for defense technology venture funding, C-UAS came into its own, growing faster in 2025 than any other major industry segment.

Lockheed Martin delivered 191 F-35s in 2025, setting an annual delivery record for the international stealth fighter, the company announced on Jan. 7.

The U.S. subsidiary of Spain’s Indra Group announced a $342 million contract under the FAA’s Radar System Replacement program.

Bangladesh could acquire JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft from Pakistan as part of a growing cooperation pact between the air arms of the two countries.

The program looks poised to thrive in a world where the U.S. has alienated its best friends.

The Ukrainian Air Force claims to have shot down around 1,000 Russian cruise missiles and one-way attack drones with its donated F-16s.

Deliveries of the F 35A are expected to begin in 2031, with Full Operational Capability targeted for 2035. The service’s Gripen lease has been extended to 2035 to cover the gap.

After years of struggle, will 2026 bring a turnaround for the NH90 helicopter program?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says it was “unfair” to banish his country from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program and has called for Ankara to be readmitted to the project.

U.S. soldiers and law enforcement personnel captured President Nicolás Maduro in a raid involving scores of combat aircraft and specially equipped helicopters.

The Royal Malaysian Navy has confirmed that one of its Westland Super Lynx Mk. 300 helicopters was involved in an emergency water landing.

An effort by France, Germany and Spain on their cooperative Future Combat Air System fighter program will continue into 2026.

LIG Nex1 will develop an electronic warfare aircraft for South Korea's air force.

Saab says it has received an SEK12.3 billion ($1.3 billion) contract from France to finalize Paris’ purchase of two GlobalEye airborne early warning aircraft.

Airbus and Spain’s Indra have been awarded a study contract to examine options for the domestic development of an airborne signals intelligence platform.

The Pentagon has awarded Boeing a contract valued at up to $8.6 billion for 25 F-15IA fighters, with a potential to double the figure.

The U.S. has given the green light for Denmark’s potential purchase of Boeing P-8A Poseidons.