By Garth Calitz Denel, South Africa's national defence tech group, claims to be bouncing back from a really tough period and feels it is gradually getting back on track. Thanks to strong support from its new shareholder, the Department of Defence (Read the SA Taxpayer), Denel is rolling out a plan to attempt to turn things around. The goal is to get back to top performance, win back trust from stakeholders and set the company up for long-term stability and growth. The latest

Lockheed Martin’s notoriously renowned Skunk Works division, depending on what side you find yourself on, has advanced significantly towards fully autonomous unmanned operations by successfully demonstrating artificial intelligence-driven mission-contingency management (AI/MCM). This was achieved using a Stalker XE Block 25 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and a modified Alta X 2.0 drone. The live demonstration, conducted on December 4, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, highlighted how AI c

Airbus’ A400M Atlas has long been known for its ability to operate in places where traditional heavy lifters simply dare not go. Now, the European airlifter has taken another leap forward. A new round of flight trials, this time on soft grass-covered runways, has demonstrated that the A400M can safely land, manoeuvre and take off at higher weights, from even more challenging strips. The result is a dramatic expansion in payload, reach and mission flexibility for operators acr

The KC-46A Pegasus program by Boeing is gaining traction as the U.S. Air Force orders 15 more aircraft under the Lot 12 production contract. Announced on 25 November 2025, this agreement is valued at US$2.47 billion, increasing the total number of KC-46A tankers delivered or contracted globally to 183. According to Boeing, the new award provides critical production stability for the Pegasus line in Everett, Washington, particularly for long-lead components sourced through its

Lockheed Martin's renowned Skunk Works® division has once more advanced the limits of contemporary air combat by successfully showcasing the in-flight control of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) directly from the cockpit of a 5th-generation fighter. This groundbreaking flight, carried out at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, signifies a crucial development in the progression of human-machine collaboration, a capability that is swiftly transforming airpower strategies globally. Du

Saab, Boeing, and BAE Systems have taken a significant step in reshaping the Royal Air Force's future fast-jet training process by signing a Letter of Intent to work together on the UK's upcoming Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) program. Focusing on the Boeing–Saab T-7 training system, this collaboration seeks to provide a state-of-the-art, fully integrated solution that will equip RAF pilots for the operational challenges of fourth-, fifth-, and even sixth-generation combat aircra

It is a rainy and windswept morning at Casement Aerodrome, located just southwest of Dublin. Sheets of rain move across the tarmac, and gusts exceeding 30 knots buffet the buildings and aircraft stationed on the apron. In Ireland, where the phrase “four seasons in one day” often holds true, the Irish Air Corps is used to flying in challenging conditions. Heavy rain, low clouds, and relentless winds are part of their daily operations, one of the many reasons Ireland chose the

By Garth Calitz Boeing has taken a major step in assisting in enhancing Australia’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities with the induction of the first Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon into a comprehensive upgrade program. At the same time, the RAAF has welcomed its 13th Poseidon aircraft into service, further strengthening Australia’s fleet readiness and operational reach across its extensive maritime domain. This milestone signifies a new ph

As seen by Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth Currently deployed on Operation Highmast, the Royal Air Force (RAF) finds itself at a fascinating crossroads of heritage and innovation. During Exercise Falcon Strike, British pilots are flying alongside Italian allies in a mixed fleet environment that includes aircraft deeply familiar to generations of RAF aircrew, the Harrier and Tornado. Once the backbone of British air power, these legacy platforms now operate in synergy with fifth-

By Garth Calitz The Indonesian Air Force has received its first Airbus A400M Atlas, representing a major advancement in the country's ongoing efforts to modernise its airlift fleet and enhance its regional operational capabilities. Delivered by Airbus Defence and Space to the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, this aircraft marks a significant milestone for both Indonesia and Airbus, as Indonesia becomes the tenth global operator of the A400M. The delivery ceremony took place at