Defense
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AerospaceUK Defense: Next-Generation Skynet 6A satellite marks a crucial milestone
Successfully completed the mating of the communication and service modules
The United Kingdom’s next-generation military communications satellite, Skynet 6A, has successfully completed the mating of its communication and service modules. The spacecraft, designed and built at A... more

DefenseGermany: Minister Pistorius announces major Defense plan, but this is not the end...
Berlin focuses on Sting Ray torpedoes for the new P-8 Poseidon aircraft and on the new Deep Precision Strike missile
In addition to the robust Bundeswehr enhancement plan, Berlin and London have formalized a strategic cooperation that includes the joint acquisition of British torpedoes to arm their respective maritime patrol vessels, as well as the joint development of a new long-range missile more

AirportsFlynas reopens the direct air link between Saudi Arabia and Tehran after ten years
A strategic connection for pilgrimage and bilateral cooperation has been restored
After an absence of about ten years, direct air connections between Saudi Arabia and Tehran resumed yesterday thanks to Flynas, the Saudi carrier. The aircraft landed last night at "Imam Khomeini Airport"... more

Civil aviationIntegrated security for the event of Pope Leo XIV: an Italian model
Multidisciplinary strategies and advanced technology
On the occasion of the enthronement of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the Italian Ministry of Defense deployed an extensive inter-force security apparatus to ensure the highest level of safety for the event.... more

DefenseUS green light to supply advanced Air-to-Air missiles to Ankara
Approved sale of AIM-120C-8 Amraam and AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II: potential value, $ 304 million
The US Department of State has approved a significant military sale to Turkey, a strategic NATO ally, including advanced AIM-120C-8 Amraam and AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II air-to-air missiles, along with... more

Defense“E5” Meeting of Defence Ministers in Rome
The fourth one will take place tomorrow in Palazzo Aeronautica
Rome to host the Fourth “E5” Meeting of Defence Ministers tomorrow, on 16 May 2025.The meeting, which will bring together representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom, wil... more

DefenseRussian Su-35 fighter violates Estonian airspace during interception of suspicious tanker
Rapid intervention of the F-16s of the NATO surveillance mission in the Baltic: palpable tension
A deliberate and risky provocation, Tallinn called it, in the context of an operation to inspect an oil tanker suspected of illegally transporting Russian hydrocarbons, circumventing restrictions imposed by Moscow more

AerospaceTrump lands in Saudi Arabia (2): Riyadh will invest 600 billion dollars
Agreements are pouring in on AI, energy, defense, space, airplanes, airports, technology, healthcare and much more
The largest defense sales deal in history, worth nearly $142 billion, has been signed, providing Riyadh with cutting-edge warfare equipment and services more

Civil aviationQatar's plane to Trump: a gift that turns into a bloodbath
Converting the B-747/8 VIP into Air Force One could cost tens or hundreds of millions of dollars
The necessary changes, including security checks and technological installations, are expected to be long, expensive and complex, raising doubts about the real convenience of the "gift" more

DefenseUS approves sale of Chinook helicopters to UAE for $1.32 billion
Approval for six units plus equipment and logistical support; now awaiting "yes" from Congress
A separate $130 million transaction for maintenance and support of the UAE's F-16 fighter jets was also approved. The announcements come as Trump prepares for a tour of planned visits to the Middle East more

Civil aviationBosnia-Herzegovina: Eufor plane overflights over Banja Luka raise tensions
Also spotted at the presidential residence on the day of the Bosnian Serb Army celebrations
Aircraft of the European military mission spotted repeatedly over the capital of Republika Srpska and the residence of President Dodik, on the day of the Bosnian Serb Army celebrations more

AirlinesIndia-Pakistan tensions: ceasefire eases airspace restrictions
Despite the easing of tensions, specific flight bans remain in place
Following a ceasefire agreed on Saturday, May 10, 2025, Pakistan has announced the immediate reopening of its airspace to all types of flights. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) officially announced... more

DefenseUS Navy flight tests solid-fuel ramjet engine integrated into drone aircraft
New prospects for the development of high-speed missiles with advanced propulsion - GALLERY
The US Navy has successfully conducted the first flight test of a Solid-Fuel Integral Rocket Ramjet (SFIRR) engine, using an unmanned target drone aircraft as a launch platform. The test, confirmed yesterday... more

DefenseF-35 aircraft: Belgium entrusts Italy with final assembly of its fighters
Agreement between Brussels and Lockheed Martin. Cameri Faco chosen to complete the remaining airplanes
Significant turning point in Belgium's F-35 acquisition program. An agreement between the Brussels government and the US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin establishes that the final assembly phase of the... more

DefenseDiscussions: did Pakistan really shoot down Indian Rafale fighter jets?
There is no independent evidence at this time. New Delhi denies, Islamabad insists...
French intelligence sources have reportedly confirmed the downing of a Rafale, fueling tensions after Indian missile strikes in response to the April 22 incident in Indian-backed Kashmir more

DefenseHostilities between India and Pakistan resume
Dozens of fighter planes are engaged on both sides. Kashmir is the long-standing bone of contention
India fired missiles at Pakistan last night in what it called "Operation Sindoor." It was a retaliation for an April 22 attack in Indian Kashmir by a Pakistan-backed terrorist group, the Resistance Front... more

AirportsRussia, some airports closed due to Ukrainian drone attack
Restrictions lifted around 5am
According to Russia, a drone attack against the country took place between Monday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 6, launched by Ukraine for the second consecutive night. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported... more

DefenseMattarella convenes the Italian Supreme Defense Council
Set for next Thursday in the afternoon
The Italian President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, has convened the Supreme Council of Defense, at the Quirinale Palace, for next Thursday, on May 8, 2025 at 5 pm.The agenda includes assessments... more

AerospaceTel Aviv: regular flights to "Ben Gurion" Airport after Houthi airstrike
No damage from the ballistic missile explosion, other than the temporary traffic block - VIDEO
Tel Aviv's "Ben-Gurion" Airport in Israel has resumed regular operations after being hit on Sunday, May 4, by a ballistic missile launched by the Houthi rebel group from Yemen, an ally of Iran. The attack... more

AerospaceAirbus reports First Quarter (Q1) 2025 results
136 commercial aircraft delivered
Airbus reported consolidated financial results for its First Quarter (Q1) ended 31 March 2025.The highlights are: 136 commercial aircraft delivered; Revenues € 13.5 billion; EBIT Adjusted € 0.6 billion;EBIT (repo... more

DefenseIraq receives first pair of Airbus H-225M Caracal multi-role helicopters
Part of an order for 12 units, intended to strengthen the capabilities of the Iraqi Army's aviation
Iraq has taken delivery of the first pair of Airbus Helicopters H-225M Caracal helicopters, part of an order for a total of twelve units (see AVIONEWS). The delivery took place today 30 April 2025 at the... more

AccidentsUS Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft slips into sea from Nimitz-Class carrier deck
The towing vehicle was also lost. It happened on the "USS Harry S. Truman" sailing in the Red Sea
The accident occurred during fighter handling operations. One crewmember suffered minor injuries. An investigation has been launched more

DefenseSwedish fighter jets escort Russian reconnaissance aircraft over Baltic Sea
The airplane was the Il-20 Coot-A reconnaissance model
On Thursday, April 24, two Swedish fighters under NATO command escorted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft that was flying over the Baltic Sea and was approaching Polish airspace. A post on "X" reported... more

AirportsNo-fly zones and road closures in Rome and the Vatican for Pope Francis' funeral
200,000 people and 170 official delegations expected to arrive - 2 VIDEOS
There will be approximately 200 thousand people and 170 official delegations who will reach Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis, scheduled for April 26 at 10:00am. Another 250 thousand people will then... more

DefenseNew video of alleged Chinese "J-36" fighter plane rekindles debate among military analysts
Is this the sixth-generation tri-motor stealth CAC spotted flying over a highway? - VIDEO
A new video circulating on-line since April 7 has reignited debate among international military analysts about the sixth-generation fighter aircraft allegedly under development by China, designated the... more

DefenseYemen: Houthis denounce US airstrikes near Hodeida: eight casualties reported
The airport was also targeted by the bombings. America neither confirms nor denies
The Iran-backed Houthi movement active in Yemen has announced that alleged US air strikes hit the area around the Yemeni port city of Hodeida, located on the Red Sea, yesterday evening. According to what... more

DefenseNATO: Rutte concerned about China's military maneuvers near Taiwan
And from Tokyo he raises the alarm: "Beijing supports Moscow and rapidly militarizes the region"
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed grave concern over China's growing buildup of weapons and intense military exercises near Taiwan (see also AVIONEWS). Speaking to reporters at the end of... more

DefenseRussia tests "Fortuna-T" drone aircraft: a new weapon against Ukrainian USV
A "Hunter" to counter the threat of Unmanned Surface Vehicles - VIDEO
Russia is set to test an innovative hover drone this month designed specifically to counter Ukrainian Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), a senior engineer at the Center for Unmanned Systems Expertise told... more

DefenseThaad anti-missile battery delivered to Israel
It is the second one provided by the United States
The second Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) anti-missile battery was delivered to Israel by the United States last April 5. It was deployed at Nevatim Air Base in Southern Israel after being... more

AirportsFrench Air Force: modernized and upgraded Mirage 2000D aircraft enter into operation
The use of these veterans of the French ground attack is guaranteed until beyond 2030, alongside the Rafales
Nancy-Ochey Air Base 133 is preparing to host the official ceremony for the entry into operational service of the Mirage 2000 D fighter aircraft undergoing the mid-life modernization program (RMV - Rénovation... more

DefenseLow-cost, next-generation weapons systems: London and Canberra enter into joint-venture
Governments announce partnership between Dstl and Dst Group for advanced, modular weapons
The UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and Australia’s Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group announced today an unprecedented collaboration to develop next-generation subsystems for... more

Defense"Laad 2025". Turkish Aerospace and Embraer to explore E2 production opportunities
Signed a MoU during the event ongoing in Brazil
Turkish Aerospace and Embraer have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore potential industrial cooperation.Embraer is actively seeking new suppliers and partners around the world to meet... more

DefenseUSA: green light for sale of F-16 aircraft, strengthens Manila's defense; China warns...
USD 5.5bn deal (20 fighters) escalates tensions in West Philippine Sea
The United States approved today the sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, in a deal valued at USD 5.58 billion. The decision, announced by the US State Department, is aimed at strengthening... more

DefenseTensions in the Taiwan Strait: Beijing intensifies military maneuvers, balances in the balance
With 21 warships and 27 aircraft, it increases pressure on Taipei - 2 VIDEOS
International concern grows. Taipei denounces "provocative actions", while Beijing declares "joint exercises of April 1-2, 2025" concluded more

DefenseRoyal Navy: Leonardo to maintain Merlin helicopters for another two years
Approximately $210 million for the service of 54 AW-101s, pending the implementation of the Imos
The Royal Navy has renewed its support contract for its fleet of 54 AW-101 Merlin choppers, awarding Leonardo Helicopters an extension of up to two years. The deal, worth more than £165 million (approximately... more

DefenseItaly and Japan: open dialogues for the maritime surveillance in the Mediterranean
After the GCAP, it’s possible an exchange operation of Italian M-346 aircraft with Japanese Kawasaki P-1 airplanes in Rome
Italy, for strengthen its capabilities to counter the submarine threat in the Mediterranean Sea, are seriously thinking the acquisition of the maritime patrol aircraft Kawasaki P-1 made in Japan. An eventuality... more

DefenseSweden and Netherlands step up military support for Ukraine
From Stockholm, aid for $1.6 billion and focus on air defense; from The Hague, $541 million and focus on drone aircraft
Sweden announced today a massive military aid package for Ukraine, allocating SEK 16 billion (about $1.6 billion). The decision, which is the largest Swedish contribution since the start of the conflict,... more

DefenseSpy alert in the skies of Lake Maggiore
Repeated overflights of a drone aircraft, probably Russian, over the EU research centre in Ispra
A drone aircraft of suspected Russian manufacture repeatedly flew over the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Ispra, on Lake Maggiore, causing concern and alarm among security authorities.... more

Civil aviationJapan revolutionizes pilot recruitment criteria
Minimum height limit abolished from 2026. Planes will be adapted
A turning point for the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), but also for civil aviation: starting from fiscal year 2026, the Ministry of Defense has announced the abolition of the minimum height limit for... more

AccidentsFrance: spectacular collision between French aerobatic team planes
The 3 on board were saved, no casualties on the ground. The accident occurred during a training exercise - VIDEO
A spectacular accident occurred yesterday, on Tuesday 25 March, when two Dassault Alpha Jet E aircraft of the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace (French Air and Space Force), operated by the Patrouille de... more

CuriositiesHistoric aircraft: Australian Air Force restores glorious P-40E Kittyhawk A29-90
Ming the "Ruthless" brought back to life, protagonist of the skies in World War II - GALLERY
Air Marshal Stephen Chappell and Royal Australian Air Force Warrant Officer Ralph Clifton unveil the restored P-40E Kittyhawk A29-90, Ming the Merciless, on March 25, 2025, at the Australian International Airshow more

DefenseKiev claims destruction of four Russian helicopters in Belgorod Oblast
Himars multiple rocket launchers target secret air base. Moscow plays down losses
Ukrainian forces reportedly destroyed four Russian military helicopters in Russia's Belgorod region. The attack, which used Himars multiple rocket launchers, targeted a secret air base used by Russian... more

DefenseFrance: Macron dusts off nuclear deterrence, and the Luxeuil air base
Orders for Rafale F5 fighter jets with ASN4G hypersonic missiles to increase
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced an ambitious program to modernize the national defense, starting with an increase in orders for Rafale fighter planes and the reactivation of nuclear capacity... more

DefensePortugal will not purchase F-35 fighter jets
Defense Minister rules it out, despite F-16s reaching end of life cycle
In an interview this morning with the national daily newspaper "Público", Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo announced that Portugal does not intend to acquire F-35 fighter jets from the United States... more

AccidentsNorth Sea: cargo ship collides with tanker carrying jet fuel Jet-A1
All safe; a sailor missing: ships, helicopters and aircraft involved in the rescue - VIDEO
A serious collision occurred yesterday morning off the east coast of England between the cargo ship Solong and the oil tanker MV Stena Immaculate, which was carrying jet fuel destined for the US military.... more

ConferencesExtraordinary EU Council (2): Europe reacts
Everyone is more or less ready for the Defense challenge. But Orban warns Europe about Kiev
The extraordinary European summit held yesterday in Brussels (see AVIONEWS), which brought together leaders of member Countries to examine support for Kiev and the new ambitious common defense plan "Rearm... more

DefenseExtraordinary European Council says yes to "Rearm Europe", von der Leyen's plan
For Kiev, a 5-point package of measures has been approved. But without Hungary's approval - ATTACHMENT
The extraordinary summit of the European Council, which also saw the presence of Ukrainian President Zelensky, concluded yesterday evening in Brussels, during which decisive measures were adopted on two... more

ConferencesSpecial European Council ongoing today in Brussels
Support for Ukraine, but above all on the table "Rearm Europe", the common defense plan
The extraordinary European summit opens today in Brussels to evaluate the 800 billion euro common defense plan, "Rearm Europe", proposed by Ursula Von der Leyen, in which Volodymyr Zelensky is also participating.Support... more

DefenseLeonardo and Baykar: partnership for unmanned technologies
A MoU signed to establish a jv for Unmanned Aerial Systems
The sites in Italy involved in the activities developed by the joint-venture will be four: Ronchi dei Legionari (Gorizia, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region), Turin (Piedmont Region) and Rome-Tiburtina, and Nerviano (Milan, Lombardy Region) more

AerospaceTrump: economic growth, defense systems, and space ambitions in his speech
The US President illustrates to Congress in 100 minutes the founding programs of his administration
Donald Trump has just delivered the longest speech an American President has ever given to a joint session of the United States Congress. Among the central themes, as far as this Agency is concerned, he... more