By Garth Calitz Throughout the history of aviation, war has been one of the most powerful, even if uncomfortable, forces shaping the development of civilian aircraft. While conflict brings devastation and human suffering, it has repeatedly accelerated technological progress, industrial capability and operational expertise that later migrated into commercial aviation. From jet propulsion and advanced materials to navigation systems and global airline networks, the influence of

For those who were anticipating positive news for the South African Air Force, Embraer has officially identified the Republic of Uzbekistan as the previously unnamed customer for its C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. This announcement was made during the Singapore Airshow, dashing hopes that South Africa might be the customer. This confirmation represents a notable achievement for both Embraer and the Uzbek Air Force, with Uzbekistan poised to be the first operato

Exercise Red Flag 2026 will once again bring together air, space and ground forces from the United States and allied nations for one of the most complex and demanding military training exercises in the world. Conducted primarily at Nellis Air Force Base and across the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), Red Flag provides a realistic environment in which participating forces can practise large-scale, high-intensity combat operations. The exercise operates across more than 1

Boeing has secured a new production contract from the United States Air Force to build four additional MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters, further accelerating the service’s effort to modernise its rotary-wing fleet and strengthen homeland security operations. The latest award marks the second MH-139A production contract in just five months and brings the total number of aircraft under contract to 38. Announced on 29 January 2026, the contract includes the production of the additi

The French Navy is set to become the world’s first operational user of Airbus Helicopters’ Aliaca vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aerial system, marking a significant step forward in naval drone operations. The French Directorate General of Armament (DGA) has placed an order for a new VTOL-configured version of the SMDM (Système de Mini-Drones de la Marine) through Airbus Helicopters’ subsidiary, Survey Copter, further strengthening France’s position at the fore

The Sukhoi Su-35S represents the most advanced and capable evolution of Russia’s famed Flanker family, blending extreme aerodynamic performance with modern sensors, powerful engines and multi-role flexibility. While often described as a “4++ generation” fighter, the Su-35S sits at the very top of non-stealth combat aircraft in service today and remains a cornerstone of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). The Su-35S traces its lineage to the Su-27, an aircraft originally desig

By Garth Calitz The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Air Command has received a substantial consignment of C-130 Hercules spare parts and maintenance equipment from the United States, reinforcing a long-standing defence partnership and significantly improving the operational readiness of Botswana’s strategic airlift fleet. The package, valued at close to US$ 1 million, includes a broad range of consumables, tooling, and aircraft components essential to sustaining C-130 operations

By Rob Russell It was ugly to start with and got uglier as the British tried to put more stuff onto it. It reminded people of the Australian platypus with its monstrous, ugly nose! It was in the tradition of all British aircraft - build a good aircraft and then add on and on - remember the Canberra, with the cockpit on the side, almost as an afterthought and the original Hs25 series, where it looked like the cockpits were stuck on the front? The British Aerospace Nimrod AEW3 

At a recent ceremony, Lockheed Martin handed over its 350th MH-60R "Romeo" helicopter to the United States Navy. The aircraft was formally accepted by Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 during a ceremony at the company’s Owego, New York facility, underscoring the continued importance of the MH-60R as the world’s most advanced multi-mission maritime helicopter. HSM-41 serves as the U.S. Navy’s Helicopter Maritime Strike Fleet Replacement Squadron, responsible for tra

The U.S. Air Force has taken a significant step in upgrading its pilot training program with the official introduction of the first T-7A Red Hawk into operational service. The ceremony took place in early January 2026 at Joint Base San Antonio–Randolph, Texas. This event marks the transition of the advanced jet trainer from development and testing phases to being part of the Air Force’s active inventory, heralding a new chapter in undergraduate pilot training. The Boeing-Saab