Aircraft & Propulsion

Digitalization and development of space and cyber are the heart of Leonardo’s restructuring and growth, CEO Roberto Cingolani says.

Improved propellant management is vital to fast-track hypersonic performance as the company readies the TA-2 for key autonomous landing test.

The command now plans to buy 62 of the militarized cropdusters by the end of fiscal 2027 instead of all 75 aircraft due to funding constraints.

Joby Aviation has agreed to deliver two aircraft to MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida, widening its existing partnership with the U.S. Air Force.

European industry is being called upon to develop and prototype a new-generation, medium-altitude/long-endurance uncrewed aircraft system.

The EU could fund the development of an HGV demonstrator to help build a better understanding of how to develop a defense against such systems in the future.

USAF plans to complete certification of the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk on its newest tanker, in spite of the fleet having been retired from “official” service.

Korea Aerospace Industries’ KF-21 has conducted its first air-to-air refueling test, joining up with an A330 MRTT.

The U.S. Air Force is surveying industry for multiple categories of propulsion to power future tankers.

European industry could fly a rotorcraft technology demonstrator for a future military helicopter in the next phase of a European Union (EU)-funded research activity.

The U.S. Air Force’s Strike Eagles use new tech and training to focus on the Indo-Pacific after decades in the desert.

Spirit AeroSystems will build and test a large, experimental wing to support high-speed aircraft applications under a new DARPA program.

Swiss commanders have outlined plans to retire the Northrop F-5 Tiger combat aircraft in 2027, bringing to an end its famous international aerobatic team, the Patrouille Suisse.

Japanese lawmakers will revise the country’s arms export restrictions, a key step to enable the export of the trilateral GCAP.

With major F-15 retirements and a reduction in F-15EX buys, the U.S. Air Force’s fleet of Eagles faces a rocky future.

Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani says he foresees “big opportunities” in the company’s renewed relationship with U.S. manufacturer Bell over tiltrotor technology.

The venerable C-130’s cargo capacity, lower speed threshold and commonality across the region make it ideal for relief operations over the Gaza Strip.

The UK defense ministry has finalized a deal with Boeing to buy 14 MH-47G Chinook helicopters after having deferred the purchase for three years.

Embraer and Singapore’s ST Engineering say they will expand their collaboration in defense beyond the service and engineering of the C-390 transport aircraft.

The realities of higher costs and program risk may not be enough to overcome the potential benefit of new technology.

Despite the schedule change appearing in budget documents, nothing has changed and the program’s status is still being assessed, an Air Force spokesperson said.

The decision certifies that the F-35 has passed the initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) phase and is ready to advance toward peak production levels.

Defense conglomerate Edge Group focuses on autonomy, electronic warfare and precision weapons.

While the Pentagon remains vexed on the November crash, the U.S. Navy says progress is being made on the clutch issue.

In response to the rapidly changing strategic environment in the region, the Royal Thai Air Force has released an updated White Paper outlining investment priorities through 2037.