In a significant step forward for its international expansion strategy, Embraer Defense &amp; Security and the Mahindra Group signed on 17 October a Strategic Cooperation Agreement to advance the proposal of the C-390 Millennium for the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme of the Indian Air Force (IAF).The announcement took place in New Delhi, during the inauguration of Embraer’s new office at Aerocity, marking the consolidation of the company’s presence in one of the world’s most dynamic defence markets. The agreement builds upon the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February 2024, expanding its scope to include local industrialisation, joint marketing, and the creation of a regional support hub for the C-390 in India.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img style="aspect-ratio:1760/1173;" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/10/mou_embraer_mahindra.JPG" alt="MOU Embraer Mahindra" width="1760" height="1173"><figcaption>Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense &amp; Security, and Vinod Sahay, member of the Executive Board of the Mahindra Group, celebrate the strategic alliance to introduce the C-390 Millennium in India. Photo: Embraer.</figcaption></figure><h3>A step aligned with “Atmanirbhar Bharat”</h3>The initiative fits within India’s drive for defence self-reliance, known as Atmanirbhar Bharat, combining Brazil’s aerospace innovation with India’s advanced manufacturing capabilities. According to Embraer, the long-term goal is to position India as a manufacturing, maintenance, and support hub for the C-390 Millennium, meeting both national and regional requirements.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="27824" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense &amp; Security, stated that the agreement “reflects not only our commitment to the Indian Air Force but also the growing friendship between Brazil and India.” Vinod Sahay, Executive Board Member of the Mahindra Group, highlighted that the C-390 is “unmatched in capability, efficiency and versatility,” and fully aligned with India’s ‘Make in India’ philosophy.<h3>A proven workhourse</h3>The C-390 Millennium is the most modern military transport aircraft in its class. With a 26-tonne payload capacity, 470-knot top speed, and the ability to operate from semi-prepared runways, it has achieved a mission completion rate above 99%, demonstrating exceptional reliability and operational efficiency.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/800;" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/10/FAB-KC-390.jpg" alt="FAB-KC-390 Embraer C-390" width="1200" height="800"></figure>Its wide mission set includes cargo and troop transport, airdrop, medical evacuation, firefighting, humanitarian operations, and aerial refuelling — both as a receiver or tanker. The aircraft is already in service or on order with Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, Lithuania, and an undisclosed customer, standing as a mature alternative to platforms such as the Airbus A400M and the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.<h3>A new dimension in Brazil–India defence cooperation</h3>The new agreement comes amid a broader industrial and diplomatic rapprochement between Brazil and India. Sources in both countries indicate that officials are exploring cross-cooperation initiatives that could include the acquisition of C-390 Millennium aircraft by India, while Brazil might consider the HAL Tejas light fighter and the Akash surface-to-air missile system as part of a reciprocal industrial framework.If materialised, this initiative would mark an unprecedented cooperation milestone between two major emerging defence powers of the Global South, enhancing both industrial integration and strategic autonomy.<h3>India as a regional C-390 hub</h3>Beyond the MTA competition, Embraer envisions India as a regional production and export base for the C-390 Millennium, leveraging its strong industrial ecosystem and geostrategic position between Asia and the Middle East.With over 40 Embraer aircraft currently operating in India — across defence, commercial and executive segments — and Star Air flying an all-Embraer fleet, the Brazilian manufacturer is steadily expanding its industrial footprint in the country.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img style="aspect-ratio:1280/720;" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/08/DRDO-Netra-foto-commons.webp" alt="DRDO-Netra" width="1280" height="720"><figcaption>India developed its indigenous NETRA AEW&amp;C system and installed it on board EMB-145 aircraft.</figcaption></figure>Together with the opening of its new subsidiary in New Delhi, the partnership with Mahindra represents Embraer’s most ambitious investment in Asia to date, and could turn the C-390 Millennium into a symbol of strategic cooperation between the two largest democracies of the Southern Hemisphere.

Embraer and Mahindra deepen C-390 Millennium partnership in India

Embraer and Mahindra strengthen strategic alliance to promote the C-390 Millennium in India

The Eurodrone programme, developed by Airbus Defence &amp; Space, Leonardo, and Dassault Aviation under OCCAR management, has achieved a major milestone with the successful completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR). This marks the conclusion of the design phase and authorizes the start of prototype production and ground testing leading to the first flight.The CDR confirms the technical maturity of the system, validating all structural, electronic, and functional aspects of the future European Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). With this step completed, the consortium will now begin manufacturing major components and conducting integration tests, paving the way toward the maiden flight and qualification activities.The Eurodrone will be Europe’s first fully sovereign MALE RPAS, designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. Built to meet the most demanding airworthiness standards, it is intended to operate in non-segregated airspace, a key requirement for its integration alongside civil and military traffic.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img style="aspect-ratio:1308/1440;" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2022/01/Eurodrone-Euromale.1.jpg" alt="Eurodrone Euromale.1" width="1308" height="1440"></figure>Technologically, the platform incorporates an open architecture that supports future growth and customization for each user nation. Its advanced data and communications architecture ensures secure and efficient transmission of mission-critical information, while its sensor suite and avionics integrate state-of-the-art technologies to provide high situational awareness and mission flexibility.The modular design allows easy upgrades in payload, data links, or propulsion systems, ensuring long-term growth potential and a sustainable operational life. Moreover, as a fully ITAR-free system, Eurodrone offers Europe a sovereign ISR capability with full control over maintenance, upgrades, and export.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="35396" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>With the design phase now completed, the programme will advance to prototype production and ground integration tests, leading to the maiden flight and subsequent qualification. This milestone consolidates Eurodrone’s position as a technological cornerstone of Europe’s next-generation air power, enhancing the continent’s strategic autonomy and joint defense capabilities.

Eurodrone Completes Critical Design Review, Moves to Production

Eurodrone Achieves Major Milestone with Successful Critical Design Review Completion

Saab has announced the signing of a new agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to continue work on the Konceptprogram Framtida Stridsflygsystem (KFS), the conceptual program for future air combat systems. The contract, valued at approximately SEK 2.6 billion (about USD 235 million), covers the period 2025–2027 and includes technology development, studies of manned and unmanned systems, and the construction of a flying demonstrator designed to validate key technologies before 2027.The initiative is part of the national effort known as Vägval Stridsflyg (“Air Combat Path Choice”), whose goal is to establish the technological and doctrinal foundation that will sustain Sweden’s air defense capability beyond 2040, when the Gripen C/D and E fleets begin to approach the end of their operational lives.<blockquote>“This order marks the next step in our joint work to deliver innovative solutions that meet the future operational needs of the Swedish Armed Forces and other customers,” said Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area.</blockquote><h3>A national high-technology program</h3>According to FMV, the new contract ensures continuity in the work initiated in 2024, expanding its scope to include the manufacture and flight testing of a demonstrator capable of validating next-generation critical technologies.<blockquote>“This extension secures continuity in the development process and constitutes an essential step toward verifying the technologies that will underpin future decisions on Sweden’s air combat capability,” stated Carl-Fredrik Edström, head of FMV’s Air and Space Materiel Division.</blockquote>The project is being carried out in close cooperation among Saab, GKN Aerospace, FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces, and the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), reflecting an integrated system-of-systems approach that seeks to combine manned platforms with unmanned vehicles and networked combat capabilities.Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson emphasized on social media that the SEK 2.7 billion investment represents “a message of strength for Sweden’s aerospace industry,” adding that “being at the technological forefront is essential for Sweden’s security and for our role in future European and allied air cooperation.”<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sverige tar nu nästa steg i utvecklingen av framtidens stridsflyg genom en satsning på 2,7 miljarder kr för att ta fram en flygande demonstrator inom Vägval stridsflyg. Den ska pröva teknik för nästa generations svenska stridsflyg. Ett styrkebesked för svensk flygindustri. (1/4) <a href="https://t.co/vce5RnwhBh">pic.twitter.com/vce5RnwhBh</a>— Pål Jonson (@PlJonson) <a href="https://twitter.com/PlJonson/status/1978155444733370475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h3>Toward a first flight in 2027</h3>The program’s schedule sets out that design and technology development activities will continue until the third quarter of 2026, while the flying demonstrator — integrating new-generation avionics, sensors, composite materials, and flight-control technologies — is expected to be ready for its first test flights in 2027.Although Saab has not disclosed details about the aircraft’s configuration, the demonstrator is expected to explore concepts such as modular platforms, artificial intelligence integration, low observability, and cooperative operation with drones, in line with the trends seen in other international sixth-generation fighter programs.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="28654" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section><section class="noteSuggested" data-id="39748" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>The project also reinforces the continuity of Sweden’s aerospace ecosystem, ensuring the transfer of know-how from the Gripen E/F program to the next-generation combat system. In doing so, Sweden seeks to preserve its technological sovereignty, maintain a competitive national industrial base, and avoid external dependencies in an increasingly complex European security environment.<h3>Post-Gripen era</h3>The Vägval Stridsflyg program has yet to define its final outcome — whether a new-generation manned fighter, a family of MUM-T systems, or a hybrid architecture — but its direction confirms that Sweden intends to follow an autonomous path in fighter design and development. After initially participating in the British Tempest program, the country chose to prioritize its own technological trajectory, leveraging the experience gained through international cooperation to strengthen its domestic aerospace sector.This pursuit of independence also reflects Sweden’s intent to preserve its distinctive operational doctrine, centered on aircraft with low operating costs, rapid maintenance, and the ability to deploy from roads and dispersed bases — a philosophy that has proven its validity in recent years and finds empirical confirmation today in the experience of the Ukrainian Air Force, which continues to operate effectively under dispersed and high-threat conditions.The development of the demonstrator, expected to fly in 2027, marks a new milestone in Sweden’s air defense strategy and ensures the continuity of a national fighter design tradition that combines technological independence with operational realism.

Saab to build future combat air demonstrator by 2027

Saab to build a sixth-generation fighter demonstrator for Sweden by 2027

The Argentine Navy has received the second Lockheed P-3C Orion acquired from Norway, as part of its ongoing effort to restore long-range maritime patrol and reconnaissance capabilities.The aircraft, registered as 0890 / 6-P-58, departed from Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima at 11:30 (Argentina time) and landed at Comandante Espora Naval Air Base around 18:00. In the coming days, it will be transferred to Almirante Zar Naval Air Base in Trelew, where it will be repainted with Argentine markings and officially presented.<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Argentina refuerza la vigilancia y el control de nuestros espacios marítimos. Llegó al país el segundo avión P-3 Orion para la Aviación Naval de nuestra <a href="https://twitter.com/Armada_Arg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Armada_Arg</a>. Desde la incorporación de la primera de las cuatro aeronaves adquiridas a Noruega en 2024, esta gestión logró… <a href="https://t.co/Q0H8fSV3ok">pic.twitter.com/Q0H8fSV3ok</a>— Luis Petri (@luispetri) <a href="https://twitter.com/luispetri/status/1978113049929056312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Defense Minister Luis Petri confirmed the aircraft’s arrival, emphasizing that it strengthens the country’s capacity for maritime surveillance and control. This is the second of four P-3 aircraft acquired from Norway—three P-3C for maritime patrol and one P-3N for logistical support—all of which have undergone an Aircraft Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP) providing an estimated 17,000 flight hours, equivalent to roughly 15 years of operational service.<h3>Ex Norwegian Air Force 3297</h3>The newly arrived P-3C is the former Norwegian Air Force aircraft no. 3297, originally delivered in 1989, serial number 5818 (U.S. Navy Bureau Number 163297). It will be assigned to the Naval Exploration Squadron (EA6E) of the Third Naval Air Force, the same unit that operates the first P-3C Orion (tail number 6-P-57) received in September 2024.24.With this delivery, the Navy continues to recover its strategic long-range maritime patrol capability, which had been inactive since the retirement of the P-3B fleet in 2019 after more than four decades of service.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="32148" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section><h3>Capabilities and Systems</h3>The P-3C Orion is a long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft with an endurance of up to 12 flight hours and an operational radius of 1,500 nautical miles (2,780 km). This allows it to cover Argentina’s entire coastline, continental shelf, and parts of the South Atlantic.The Norwegian P-3Cs acquired by Argentina are equipped with advanced sensors, including the Raytheon AN/APS-137(V)5 synthetic aperture radar (SAR/ISAR), AN/AAS-36 Infrared Detecting Set (IRDS) EO/IR turret, and ALR-66B(V)6 ESM suite, along with AN/AAR-47 missile approach warning systems and chaff/flare dispensers for self-protection.Their upgraded avionics include ARC-207 HF radios, satellite communications, inertial and GPS navigation systems, an OASIS-III over-the-horizon navigation system, and a mission computer ASQ-212(V). Together with modern acoustic processors, a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD), and automatic identification systems (AIS), these features provide the Argentine Navy with unprecedented surface and subsurface detection and tracking capabilities.

Argentina Receives Second P-3C Orion from Norway

The second P-3C Orion arrived for the Argentine Navy to reinforce maritime surveillance in the South Atlantic

The Royal Navy has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to industry for the development of a fixed-wing, short take-off and landing unmanned aerial system (FW STOL ACP) intended to operate from the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and to complement the F-35B Lightning II in Carrier Strike Group missions. The project, named VANQUISH, represents a decisive step in transforming British naval aviation toward a hybrid model of manned and unmanned assets by 2040.The requirement, published by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), calls for an at-sea technical demonstration starting in April 2026, with an execution period of up to 18 months and an estimated budget of £12 million. The objective is to validate a Tier 2 “attritable” Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) demonstrator, with turbojet propulsion, high subsonic speed, and the ability to operate from a carrier without catapults or arrestor wires. The system must provide significant payload capacity and operational endurance, with a progressive development roadmap enabling it to undertake a wide range of missions in the future, including ISR, strike, aerial refueling, and support to Carrier Strike operations.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img style="aspect-ratio:1980/1320;" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/11/GA-ASI-Mojave-Prince-of-Wales.jpeg" alt="GA ASI Mojave Prince of Wales" width="1980" height="1320"><figcaption>The GA-ASI Mojave drone has also demonstrated its take-off and landing capability from the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier.</figcaption></figure>According to the RFI, the demonstrator must align with the principles of the Maritime Aviation Transformation Strategy (MATX), the roadmap through which the Royal Navy intends to transform its Fleet Air Arm into a force that is “manned where necessary and unmanned where possible.” The strategic document envisions a gradual transition from the current manned-platform-centric model toward a digitally interconnected “system-of-systems,” in which autonomous nodes multiply the mass and operational persistence of embarked airpower. Early integration of unmanned capabilities is considered as disruptive as the introduction of the helicopter or the jet engine in its time.<h3>The UK bets on a hybrid and collaborative force</h3>The VANQUISH project is part of a broader MOD effort to equip its combat air forces with affordable, scalable, and rapidly deployable collaborative platforms. The Royal Air Force is already progressing through the second phase of its ACP program, following the introduction of the StormShroud Mk1, designed to protect F-35B and Typhoon aircraft via electronic warfare. Meanwhile, the British Army seeks to integrate highly autonomous—but potentially “disposable”—UAS with its AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. In the naval domain, the Royal Navy has conducted a series of key demonstrations in recent years, including the take-off and landing of the Mojave UAS from HMS Prince of Wales in 2023, the operation of a transport drone from W Autonomous Systems from the same platform, and the integration of Banshee Jet 80+ aerial targets for sensor and weapons systems training and evaluation.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="41052" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section><section class="noteSuggested" data-id="40746" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>These initiatives reflect the direction of British naval aviation: increasing combat mass, extending operational reach, and reducing risk to human crews through autonomous systems. The use of attritable platforms—designed to operate with an acceptable level of losses in combat—will allow the multiplication of air presence over the operational theater and free manned fighters for higher-complexity missions, in line with lessons learned from recent conflicts.The information obtained through VANQUISH will serve as a foundation for future requirements of an embarked fixed-wing ACP operational capability from the early 2030s, integrated with the F-35B and the future manned FCMAS. This will position the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group at the core of NATO’s multi-domain combat capability, consolidating the transition toward a hybrid, digitized, and autonomous embarked air wing capable of operating effectively in increasingly complex and contested scenarios.

UK launches VANQUISH: naval drone to support its F-35B fleet

UK issues RFI for VANQUISH project: autonomous naval drone to operate alongside F‑35B from aircraft carriers

Nearly five decades after its entry into service, the F-16 Fighting Falcon continues to cement its position as one of the world's most versatile and long-lived fighters. However, its projected operational life beyond 2040 doesn't rely solely on structural or avionics upgrades. Its relevance in highly contested combat scenarios rests primarily on its Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities.In an environment defined by multispectral combat and the proliferation of advanced threats, the integration of next-generation systems and the efforts of the PoBIT (Post Block Integration Team) program are the elements ensuring the F-16 remains a relevant actor.<h3>From Multirole Fighter to Multispectral Combattant</h3>Originally designed in the 1970s as a light air combat fighter, the F-16 evolved over time into a multirole aircraft capable of executing a multitude of missions. Yet, the technological leap demanded by contemporary aerial warfare has redefined modernization priorities: survival in environments saturated by multi-frequency radars, advanced surface-to-air missiles, and electronic denial systems increasingly depends on the aircraft's ability to operate, contest, and dominate the electromagnetic spectrum.In this context, electronic warfare becomes the core of the F-16's modernization, allowing it not only to protect and survive but also to act as a force multiplier within data-centric combat networks.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1652/929;" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/10/capcidad_ew_f_16_foto_englin_afb.jpeg" alt="capcidad EW F-16 foto Englin AFB" width="1652" height="929"><figcaption>EW testing of an F-16 in an anechoic chamber at Eglin Air Force Base</figcaption></figure><h3>Viper Shield: The F-16V Export Standard</h3>The AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield, developed by L3Harris/RTX, represents the qualitative shift in standardized electronic protection for the F-16. This system is natively integrated into the Block 70/72 production line and is also offered as a modernization solution for existing fleets.Viper Shield combines wide-spectrum digital receivers, adaptive countermeasures techniques, and an open architecture. Its primary mission is to increase survivability against modern threats by detecting, classifying, and neutralizing hostile radar signals. Its modular architecture allows it to synergistically integrate with advanced sensors like the AN/APG-83 AESA radar, creating a multispectral situational awareness environment.This system is a decisive factor in the F-16's international appeal. A recent example is the potential sale of 12 F-16 Block 70s to Peru, authorized by the U.S. State Department in September 2025, which includes Viper Shield as a key component to guarantee the fighters' operational effectiveness against advanced air defenses. It was also offered for the modernization of Polish F-16s. Viper Shield's success in the FMS market establishes a global standard of interoperability for the Viper version.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="41711" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section><h3>IVEWS: The USAF Contender</h3>In contrast to Lockheed Martin's export standard, the USAF has invested in the development of its own system: the AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS). This program, led by Northrop Grumman, is focused on equipping U.S. fighters with "fifth-generation electronic countermeasures" capabilities, including a Digital Radar Warning Receiver (DRWR), a self-protection jammer, and towed decoys.The strategic and financial value of this program is immense. Analysis by Teal Group projects that the EW segment for the USAF fleet could amount to an investment of USD $6 billion to USD $12 billion over the next decade. This forecast illustrates that the electronic defense system is the financial core of the operational life extension for American F-16s.Although IVEWS is in the USAF-funded development phase, the final decision for mass production acquisition for the bulk of the 600 Block 40/50 aircraft remains open, setting up a direct competition with L3Harris' Viper Shield.<h3>PoBIT: The USAF's Underlying Strategy</h3>The centrality of electronic warfare is channeled through the PoBIT (Post Block Integration Team) program. Initiated in 2022 with a total budget of approximately USD $6.3 billion, this program includes up to 22 modifications across 608 Block 40/42 and 50/52 aircraft.The budgetary commitment remains unaltered: the Department of Defense for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) reaffirmed the program's continuity, including a specific allocation of USD $50 million dedicated to the Electronic Warfare segment. This funding confirms that, despite the gradual transition of some units to the F-35, there is no intention to reduce or cancel the PoBIT effort. The strategic goal is to maintain the F-16 fully operational at least until the mid-2040s.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img style="aspect-ratio:1600/900;" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2021/01/F-16V-Grecia.jpg" alt="F-16V" width="1600" height="900"></figure>It is within the PoBIT framework that the "next-generation" EW system (whether IVEWS or Viper Shield) will be installed, ensuring the F-16 is not outpaced by emerging threats.<h3>A Continuing Role in the Future Combat Architecture</h3>The persistence of the F-16 is not a response to nostalgia, but to operational logic: its adaptability. In a scenario characterized by the convergence of sensors, networks, and domains, electronic warfare becomes the linchpin that allows a fourth-generation platform to maintain its relevance.By integrating into collaborative combat architectures alongside stealth fighters and unmanned systems, an F-16 equipped with advanced EW can perform essential functions: participating in opening corridors in A2/AD environments, protecting high-value assets, and contributing to electromagnetic spectrum superiority. Beyond its kinetic or sensor improvements, it is this capability to operate, contest, and dominate the spectrum that explains why the F-16 will continue to be a key player in aerial warfare for the next decade and beyond.

Electronic Warfare: The Pillar Sustaining the F-16 Beyond 2040

USAF F-16 Longevity: EW Upgrades Keeping the F-16 Relevant Alongside the F-35 Past 2040

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) confirmed on September 30 that the proposal submitted by L3Harris was selected for the second phase of the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) AEW&amp;C program. The decision followed a competitive evaluation between two final offers: one led by L3Harris in partnership with Korean Air, and the other by Saab and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), both based on the Bombardier Global 6500 business jet.The announcement was made during the 171st meeting of the Defense Project Promotion Committee, which also approved the launch of a domestic long-range air-to-air missile development program for the KF-21. Under the AEW&amp;C-II program, four new aircraft will be procured, with an estimated budget of KRW 3.0975 trillion (approx. USD 2.26 billion) and a completion timeline extending through 2032.<h3>Global 6500 with Israeli Radar: The Winning Bid</h3>The selected solution is based on the L3Harris-modified Global 6500, integrating the EL/W-2085 AESA radar developed by Israel’s IAI/ELTA, a system with proven operational performance in demanding environments. This same radar equips the CAEW aircraft operated by Israel, Italy, and Singapore, typically mounted on Gulfstream G550 platforms.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nd-tqy73g1U&amp;t=1s"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nd-tqy73g1U?start=1" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>Performance evaluations showed no major differences between the two competing offers. However, DAPA stated that L3Harris scored higher in operational suitability, sustainment costs, and local industrial contribution, whereas Saab’s offer—equipped with the Erieye ER radar—received better scores in acquisition cost and contract terms, but ultimately did not prevail.<h3>Phased Production and Local Integration</h3>L3Harris previously detailed a phased approach in which the first two aircraft will be structurally modified in the United States and then transferred to IAI/ELTA facilities in Israel for radar integration and testing. The remaining two platforms will be modified and tested in South Korea by Korean Air, which will also take over long-term maintenance responsibilities.In addition to Korean Air, the proposal includes the involvement of domestic defense firms such as LIG Nex1 and Ace Antenna, with a long-term plan for technology transfer and local support. The vision is to enable Korean industry to manage obsolescence, integrate future system upgrades, and ensure operational readiness with domestic capabilities.<h3>More Eyes in the Sky, Not Necessarily Bigger Ones</h3>Although the ROKAF has operated four Boeing E-7A Peace Eye aircraft since 2011, also acquired via the U.S. FMS system, the choice to move forward with a new platform rather than expand the existing fleet likely stems from budgetary and operational considerations. With the same investment, South Korea would have been able to procure fewer Boeing E-7 aircraft, limiting coverage across critical sectors.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img style="aspect-ratio:1950/1446;" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/02/AEW-E-7-RoKAF.jpg" alt="AEW&amp;C E-7 RoKAF Corea Korea" width="1950" height="1446"><figcaption>ROKAF Boeing E-7A</figcaption></figure>In contrast, the Global 6500-based solution offers lower acquisition and operating costs, allowing ROKAF to maintain more aircraft airborne simultaneously, which is particularly important for continuous surveillance along the North Korean border and over strategically sensitive areas such as the Yellow Sea, Korea Strait, and Sea of Japan.Moreover, since the aircraft are expected to operate primarily within or near South Korean airspace, the greater expeditionary capability of the E-7A—including its larger crew capacity—was not considered essential. Advances in data processing and network integration have enabled smaller platforms with similar electronic performance to fulfill AEW&amp;C roles with fewer operators onboard.<h3>Strategic Alignment with Autonomy</h3>The selection of a U.S.-led solution featuring Israeli technology and strong Korean industrial participation reflects a procurement strategy that seeks to balance strategic alignment with Washington and enhance national defense autonomy.This approach was evident in the structure of the AEW&amp;C-II program, which avoided the FMS route and instead followed a commercial open tender, where technical, financial, and industrial criteria were all taken into account.The outcome strengthens a critical strategic capability in a region marked by increasing tensions, while ensuring broader aerial coverage, more flexible logistics, and robust local participation compared to the first phase of the program.

South Korea Selects L3Harris Proposal to Expand AEW&C Fleet

New South Korean AEW&C: L3Harris wins with Elta EL/W-2085 radar on Global 6500 platform

Amidst the escalating wave of Russian missile and drone attacks, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has for the first time confirmed that it is expecting the arrival of Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters, which would mark a qualitative leap in the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force (UAF).In an interview with the BBC Ukrainian service, First Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Ivan Havryliuk, indicated that, in addition to new batches of F-16 fighters and Mirage aircraft, Ukraine is "expecting" the inclusion of Swedish Gripens. When asked about the timetable or quantity, Havryliuk declined to give details, responding: "When you see them flying over Ukraine, then you will understand."The announcement, although lacking a confirmed schedule, represents the first official confirmation from Kyiv that the Swedish multirole fighter—long considered an ideal option for Ukrainian operational needs—might join the war effort. This occurs in a context of increasing Russian pressure and the transition of US military support to new, European-led mechanisms.<h3>A Decisive Boost for Ukrainian Air Defence</h3>Designed from its inception to operate in high-threat environments against Russia, the JAS 39 Gripen C/D combines advanced avionics, state-of-the-art electronic warfare (EW), low operating cost, and dispersal capability, features that are particularly valuable for the Ukrainian Air Force.One of the main challenges facing Kyiv is that its airbases remain priority targets for Russian ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and loitering munitions. In that scenario, the Gripen was specifically conceived to operate from improvised bases or sections of highways, with reduced maintenance teams—six technicians can refuel and rearm it in less than 10 minutes—minimizing its vulnerability to long-range attacks.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyD0liioY8E"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QyD0liioY8E" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>Furthermore, the Gripen C/D incorporates an automated electronic warfare system designed to detect, jam, and deceive enemy radars and SAM systems, a crucial factor in an airspace densely saturated by Russian defences. These capabilities are combined with the PS-05/A pulse-Doppler radar, optimized for the detection of multiple aerial targets and capable of operating in air-to-air and air-to-surface modes, along with advanced tactical datalinks that allow for network-centric operations with other allied platforms.The Gripen's incorporation would also strengthen Ukrainian capability in Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat. The Swedish fighter can employ the European MBDA Meteor missile, whose ramjet propulsion system maintains high speeds even when launched from low altitude and subsonic speeds. This is key to counter the tactical advantage currently held by Russian Su-35S and MiG-31BMs, which operate from high altitude with powerful radars and long-range missiles.The Meteor, along with the ability to integrate designation, reconnaissance, or electronic warfare pods, as well as precision air-to-surface and anti-ship guided weapons, makes the Gripen a true force multiplier.<h3>Sweden: An Increasingly Relevant Partner</h3>The expectation regarding the Gripen is part of an increasingly deep Swedish-Ukrainian cooperation in the aerospace and defence sector. Saab is already positioned as a key partner in the modernization of Ukrainian aviation, with projects to integrate AESA radars and Arexis EW suites into Soviet-era legacy platforms, such as the MiG-29s and Su-27s, extending their service life and increasing their lethality against a technologically superior enemy.Furthermore, Stockholm has committed to the delivery of Saab 340 AEW&amp;C (ASC 890) early warning aircraft, which are progressing according to the established schedule. These systems, along with the F-16s and the future Gripens, will form a much more sophisticated air framework with improved capabilities for early detection, airspace management, and mission coordination.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1440/810;" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/05/Saab-340-AEW-para-Ucrania.jpg" alt="Saab 340 AEW para Ucrania" width="1440" height="810"></figure>Although Sweden had initially ruled out transferring its Gripen due to a lack of surplus units and national security concerns—as it was not yet a full NATO member—its accession to the alliance and the evolution of the conflict appear to have shifted this calculus. Alternatively, aircraft leased to allies such as the Czech Republic and Hungary could become viable sources of supply, provided their air defence needs are guaranteed through allied deployments.<h3>A Platform Designed for Ukraine's War</h3>Más allá de la decisión política que determine el calendario y el volumen de entrega, el Gripen representa una plataforma concebida para el tipo de guerra que enfrenta Ucrania hoy: dispersa, de alta amenaza y con infraestructura en riesgo constante. Su integración no solo reforzaría la defensa aérea y el control del espacio aéreo, sino que permitiría ejecutar misiones ofensivas, de supresión de defensas y superioridad aérea desde el primer día.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="17239" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>En palabras del analista británico RUSI, incluso un número reducido de Gripen podría “alterar el equilibrio aéreo y obligar a Rusia a modificar su estrategia”. La confirmación de Kiev de que los espera indica que ese escenario comienza a tomar forma.

Ukraine Officially Confirms Expectation of Swedish Gripen Fighters

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense confirms the future arrival of Swedish Gripen fighter jets

The Turkish Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) has successfully completed its first armed flight test, a decisive step in the transition from a technology demonstrator to a fully operational combat system under the MIUS (National Unmanned Combat Aircraft System) program. The test, announced by manufacturer Baykar, involved a flight with the TOLUN precision-guided bomb developed by Aselsan, validating for the first time the integration of weaponry on the stealth drone.According to official information, the KIZILELMA took off carrying two TOLUN bombs in a “munition-linked flight test” that was successfully completed, marking “another stage achieved” in the system’s development. The manufacturer emphasized that the aircraft will feature both internal and external weapon stations, enabling it to carry a wide range of missiles and bombs for air-to-air and air-to-surface missions.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1efqWEtXUE"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S1efqWEtXUE" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>The integration of weapons marks a key milestone in the evolution of KIZILELMA, conceived as a multirole system capable of conducting ground-attack operations, air defense, escort missions, close air support, SEAD/DEAD missions, and intelligence and reconnaissance operations. Unlike earlier generations of armed drones, the Turkish UCAV is designed to maneuver autonomously, operate in networked cooperation with manned fighters, and carry its own AESA radar — capabilities that conceptually bring it closer to next-generation unmanned combat aircraft currently under development in the United States, Europe, and China.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:3527/2351;" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/09/dron_turco_kizilelma_armado_con_bomba_tolun.jpg" alt="El avión de combate no tripulado turco KIZILELMA armado con un par de bombas TOLUN." width="3527" height="2351"><figcaption>KIZILELMA could potentially be armed externally with up to eight TOLUN bombs.</figcaption></figure>With a maximum takeoff weight of 5,500 kg, KIZILELMA&nbsp;can carry up to 1,500 kg of payload, reach speeds of up to 800 km/h (Mach 0.64), and remain airborne for up to five hours. It is powered by an AI-322F turbofan engine supplied by Ukraine’s Ivchenko-Progress, and its final configuration is expected to include internal weapon bays to maintain a low radar cross-section.The TOLUN guided bomb, the focus of this first armed campaign, is a compact precision munition developed by Aselsan for striking ground targets. Weighing 139 kg and equipped with combined GPS/INS guidance and a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 8 meters, the munition offers a range of up to 55 nautical miles (over 100 km) and a warhead capable of penetrating up to one meter of reinforced concrete. Its modular design and use of the SADAK-4T multiple carriage system allow a single aircraft to carry up to four bombs per station, significantly increasing the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/450;" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/09/bomba_guiada_tolun_de_aselsan.png" alt="Bomba guiada TOLUN de Aselsan" width="800" height="450"><figcaption>The TOLUN guided bomb is Turkey’s equivalent to the U.S. GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb.</figcaption></figure>The combination of KIZILELMA’s autonomous capabilities with precision-guided munitions like TOLUN strengthens Turkey’s strategic objective of fielding an unmanned combat system with capabilities comparable to those of previous-generation manned fighters. Moreover, it represents a key step toward integrating the UCAV into joint operations alongside manned aircraft — a capability Ankara aims to develop as part of its strategy to achieve technological independence and enhance its aerial power projection.With this first armed flight test successfully completed, the MIUS program enters a new phase focused on validating various types of weapons, conducting live-fire trials, and progressively expanding the system’s operational capabilities. Baykar and Turkish defense authorities have not disclosed a detailed timeline for the next stages but stressed that KIZILELMA continues to advance as planned and remains one of Turkey’s central efforts for the future of unmanned aerial combat.

Türkiye’s KIZILELMA UCAV achieves milestone with first armed test

Baykar’s combat drone KIZILELMA completes first armed flight, validating its precision strike capability.

The Government of Spain has formalized a package of air acquisitions that outlines the modernization of its fixed and rotary wings. Through Royal Decree 848/2025, direct loans are granted to Airbus Defence and Space and Airbus Helicopters España to finance key programs, consolidating the National Helicopter Plan and fixed-wing aircraft programs, with a clear focus on the national industrial base.The measure, published today in the Official State Gazette (BOE), highlights six main programs that address the need to replace obsolete air platforms and strengthen defense capabilities. &nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1650/1204;" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/NH90-estandar-3.jpg" alt="NH90 en la configuración Estándar 3 destinado al Ejército del Aire y del Espacio" width="1650" height="1204"><figcaption>The NH90 is consolidated as the common helicopter for the Navy, Army, and Air and Space Force. Photo: Airbus Helicopters</figcaption></figure><h3>Rotary Wing: Fleet and Capability Unification</h3>The backbone of the modernization of Spanish military helicopters is the consolidation of aircraft families. The programs financed by the decree focus on this objective:<ul><li>NH90-3: The fleet of the NH90 tactical transport helicopter is being expanded. The program's continuity is maintained to provide the Navy, Army, and Air and Space Force with a common fleet of tactical transport and naval operations helicopters, with deliveries expected in the coming fiscal years.</li><li>H-135 Phase 2: The acquisition program for the H-135 light helicopter continues, with additional units for the Navy and the Air and Space Force, reinforcing its role as a training and support helicopter.</li><li>HACES: The H175M multi-purpose helicopters will be acquired for the Air and Space Force, replacing the current fleet of AS332M/AS532UL Super Puma helicopters of the 48th Wing for critical missions. Spain would thus become the first military customer of the H175M, a "super-medium" helicopter originally developed for the United Kingdom as a Puma replacement.</li><li>HELIPO: A new twin-engine light helicopter for advanced training and logistical support will join the fleet, diversifying training capabilities.</li></ul><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img style="aspect-ratio:1500/958;" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2021/09/Airbus-H175M.1.jpg" alt="Airbus H175M" width="1500" height="958"><figcaption>Spain will become the first military customer of the H175 variant. Photo: Airbus Helicopters.</figcaption></figure><h3>Fixed Wing: The Hürjet and Technological Renewal</h3>In fixed-wing aviation, the Royal Decree addresses the renewal of two historical fleets.<ul><li>The decree finances the ITS-C program, aimed at replacing the advanced training fleet of the F-5M (AE.9). The project includes the acquisition of a modern advanced trainer—the industrial proposal linked to TAI's HÜRJET with the participation of Airbus Spain is a relevant option—and the deployment of a training system that integrates real/synthetic simulation and state-of-the-art avionics. The program foresees the acquisition of up to 45 aircraft with an operational life planned for decades, along with national industrial participation centered on Airbus Spain.</li><li>Resources are included for the ITS-T program, intended to replace training/logistical support aircraft in units such as the Military Air Transport School (EMTA) and the Military Parachute School (EMP). In this context, the possibility of using a platform based on the C295 as a logistical and training solution is mentioned (which is in addition to the 16 MSA/MPA maritime patrol units already contracted). This program includes the acquisition of 18 aircraft, with a direct impact on the Airbus assembly lines in Seville.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/07/acuerdo_airbus_tusas_por_el_hurjet_para_espana1.jpg" alt="Acuerdo Airbus TUSAS por el HÜRJET para España.1"><figcaption>Airbus and Turkish Aerospace signed an industrial partnership to offer the HÜRJET as a replacement for the Spanish Air Force's F-5M.&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;The implementation of these programs reflects a balanced approach: modernizing the Armed Forces and generating returns from national industrial participation. The execution of the programs will allow Spain to update its training, tactical transport, and air mobility capabilities, while Airbus strengthens its presence in the Spanish and European military industry with projects that combine local assembly, technological development, and collaboration with national suppliers.

Spain's New Military Aircraft Acquisitions With Airbus

Airbus celebrates: Spain approves major aviation modernization plan with H135, NH90, HÜRJET, and first H175M helicopters

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has successfully completed the first public tests of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) on its new aircraft carrier, the CNS Fujian (Type 003). Images and videos, released on social media, show the successful takeoff of the three pillars of its future carrier air wing: the J-15T heavy fighter-bomber, the fifth-generation stealth J-35, and the KJ-600 early warning aircraft.These trials mark a technological milestone. This is the first time the PLAN has demonstrated the full operational capability of electromagnetic catapults to launch aircraft from a carrier. If their performance is confirmed, China will become only the second country in the world to master this technology, behind only the United States. This technological feat is particularly significant when compared to the development of the EMALS on the U.S. carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), which faced prolonged delays and technical challenges to become fully operational. China's success in this field is a clear demonstration of its expertise and engineering, achieving a level of technological parity in a critical area of naval warfare.<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Three Types of PLAN Carrier-Based Aircraft Successfully Complete Takeoff and Landing Training On the Flight Deck of Fujian <a href="https://t.co/GiBr4Jkcvh">pic.twitter.com/GiBr4Jkcvh</a>— ChinaNavy (@China_Navy) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Navy/status/1970065540300599443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h3>The "Fujian's" Aerial Trident</h3>The Fujian's air wing, of the CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) type, is key to the PLAN's power projection. Unlike its predecessors, the Liaoning and the Shandong, which operate under the STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) system, the Fujian will allow its aircraft to take off at their maximum weight, significantly increasing their range, weapons payload, and combat autonomy. The powerful air component of China's new generation of aircraft carriers will consist of:<ul><li>J-15T: This is the modernized version of the J-15 "Flying Shark" heavy fighter-bomber. Equipped with new national engines, state-of-the-art avionics, and a powerful Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, the J-15T will serve as a heavy fighter-bomber, handling air superiority and long-range strike missions.</li><li>J-35: The true star of this demonstration is the fifth-generation J-35 fighter. This aircraft, with a silhouette that shows the influence of the American F-35, represents the air wing's stealth component. Its ability to operate covertly will allow the PLAN to penetrate enemy air defenses and carry out attacks with minimal detectability, significantly elevating the carrier's offensive potential.</li><li>KJ-600: The "eye in the sky" for the naval group, the KJ-600, is the Chinese counterpart to the U.S. Navy's iconic E-2 Hawkeye. With its large rotating AESA radar, the KJ-600 provides crucial, comprehensive situational awareness, coordinating defensive and offensive operations and extending the fleet's detection range.</li></ul><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn1fGpKE9W8"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mn1fGpKE9W8" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure><h3>Electromagnetic Catapults: A Technological Leap for Naval Warfare</h3>The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is a launch system that uses a linear induction motor instead of traditional steam pistons. While the core function remains the same, the technological shift is radical and offers significant advantages.Steam catapults, while proven reliable since their introduction in the 1950s, have limitations. Their power is often excessive, causing premature wear and tear on aircraft fuselages. Additionally, their all-or-nothing nature makes it difficult to launch lighter aircraft, such as drones, an increasingly vital component of modern naval aviation.In contrast, EMALS uses stored kinetic energy and solid-state electrical power conversion, allowing for precise computerized control of launch power. This results in smoother acceleration and exact control of final speed, reducing stress on the aircraft. The benefits are numerous:<ul><li>Increased efficiency and sortie rates: The system recharges faster, allowing for more launches in less time and, therefore, a higher sortie generation rate.</li><li>Versatility: EMALS can be adjusted to launch a wide range of aircraft, from lightweight drones to heavy fighters, a capability that steam catapults lack.</li><li>Cost reduction: In the long term, the electromagnetic system requires less maintenance and personnel while also extending the service life of the aircraft.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/09/despegue_de_un_kj_600_aewc_del_fujian.jpg" alt="Despegue de un KJ-600 AEW&amp;C del Fujian"><figcaption>Takeoff of a KJ-600 AEW&amp;C from Fujian</figcaption></figure><h3>Toward a Global "Blue Water" Navy</h3>The deployment of the CNS Fujian and the validation of its air launch systems are a powerful demonstration of force for the region and for the United States. This advancement positions China as a naval power capable of contesting control of the seas and projecting its influence globally.China's ability to develop and commission a carrier of this size (a vessel of almost 100,000 tons, comparable in dimensions and capabilities to the American Ford, although without nuclear propulsion) with such advanced technology as electromagnetic catapults and its own embarked fifth-generation fighter, underscores the speed and effectiveness of its defense program. The PLAN is rapidly closing the technological gap that separated it from the US Navy, transforming the balance of power in the Pacific and beyond.

J-15T, J-35 and KJ-600 Launch from EMALS on China´s Fujian Carrier

China achieves a naval milestone: Fujian launches J-15T, J-35, and KJ-600 with EMALS, narrowing the gap with the US Navy

Israel has declared the Iron Beam high-energy laser system fully mature and ready for operational deployment. The Ministry of Defense, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems confirmed the conclusion of a comprehensive test campaign that clears the system for immediate integration into the IDF’s Aerial Defense Array, with the first units scheduled for delivery before the end of 2025.The series of trials, conducted in southern Israel over several weeks, validated the system in a complete operational configuration, successfully intercepting rockets, mortars, UAVs, and aircraft across representative scenarios. This achievement positions Israel as the first country in the world to field an operational high-energy laser defense system, marking a strategic milestone in modern warfare.<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe title="vimeo-player" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1119515993?h=d045c51465" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><blockquote>Defense Minister Israel Katz stated: “Achieving operational laser interception capability places the State of Israel at the forefront of global military technology and makes Israel the first nation to possess this capability. This is not only a moment of national pride, but a historic milestone for our defense envelope: rapid, precise interception at marginal cost that joins our existing defense systems and changes the threat equation. I thank all the people in the defense establishment who brought us to this moment. This achievement is theirs, and the people of Israel have much to be proud of. Our enemies from Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, and other arenas should know: just as we are strong in defense, we are strong in offense – and we will do everything to protect the security of Israeli citizens.”</blockquote>The Iron Beam is a ground-based HELWS (High Energy Laser Weapon System) conceived as a complement to missile-based interceptors. It will integrate into Israel’s multi-layered air defense architecture, alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow. Based on Rafael’s adaptive optics technology, the system delivers a stable and precise beam with negligible cost per shot and a virtually unlimited magazine, offering a decisive logistical advantage over traditional interceptors.<blockquote>Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, Director General of the Ministry of Defense, emphasized: “Today marks the completion of our high-power laser system development – a historic milestone for Israel’s defense establishment and defense industries. This is the first time in the world that a high-power laser interception system has reached full operational maturity, completing numerous interceptions across various simulated operational scenarios. The high-power laser system will integrate within Israel’s multi-layered defense array, further enhancing multi-layered integration with additional missile interceptors through optimal cost-effectiveness and leveraging relative advantages against threat types, ranges, and environmental conditions.”</blockquote>The system had already seen limited operational use earlier this year. In May, Rafael confirmed that Iron Beam prototypes had been deployed in combat during Operation Iron Swords, intercepting drones and rockets under live conditions. That milestone marked the first-ever use of a HELWS in actual warfare, foreshadowing the step now formalized with full operational readiness.<blockquote>Brig. Gen. Yehuda Elmakayes, Head of the R&amp;D Unit at DDR&amp;D, explained: “Completing the Iron Beam capability demonstration marks the dawn of the era of widespread laser systems. After years of development and engineering led by our R&amp;D Unit, in partnership with the IAF, Rafael, Elbit, and our defense industries, we’ve reached the stage where high-power laser systems are integral to Israel’s air defense array. Through the R&amp;D Unit’s leadership at the DDR&amp;D, Iron Beam will be the first step toward integrating directed energy weapons across all IDF defense and maneuvering systems.”</blockquote><section class="noteSuggested" data-id="17769" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>From Rafael, the achievement was described as a disruptive breakthrough.<blockquote>Dr. Yuval Steinitz, Chairman of Rafael, stated: “Rafael is the first and only company worldwide to successfully transform high-power laser technology into a fully mature, operational interception system capable of intercepting missiles and UAVs. We’re immensely proud of Rafael’s leadership in this operational and technological breakthrough. Today’s complex trial results prove that the talented team behind the Iron Dome is again revolutionizing warfare with what we call the ‘Laser Dome.’ Rafael’s laser system, built on our proprietary adaptive optics technology, will undoubtedly be a game-changing system with unprecedented impact on modern warfare.”</blockquote>With the imminent delivery of Iron Beam systems to the IDF, Israel is set to become the first nation worldwide to operationally field a high-energy laser defense weapon, consolidating a technological leap with significant strategic implications.

Iron Beam: Rafael’s laser defense ready for deployment

Israel declares Iron Beam laser defense system ready for operational deployment

Embraer and the Portuguese State have signed an amendment to the current contract covering the acquisition of a sixth KC-390 Millennium, along with ten new purchase options for potential acquisitions by future partner nations. With this decision, Portugal becomes the first operator to expand its initial order of the Brazilian-built tactical transport aircraft, in service with the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) since 2023.General João Cartaxo Alves, Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Air Force, emphasized that the new acquisition represents a significant step in strengthening operational availability:<blockquote>““The acquisition of the sixth KC-390 significantly enhances the strategic and operational capabilities of the Portuguese Air Force by substantially increasing the availability of tactical and logistical transport. This fleet expansion equips Portugal with a robust and flexible platform, enabling rapid and effective response to a broad spectrum of missions, encompassing both military operations and civilian emergency support, at national and international levels. Furthermore, the contract addendum, that includes ten purchase options, will strengthen Air Base No. 11 as a specialized training center, consolidating it as a center of excellence for the training of KC-390 pilots and operators. Notably, as the first NATO member to operate this aircraft, Portugal benefits from the advanced expertise of its Air Force personnel, which is essential for knowledge sharing and cooperation with other allied operators”.</blockquote>In turn, Bosco da Costa Júnior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense &amp; Security, underlined Portugal’s pioneering role in Europe:<blockquote>"The signing of this contract, the first of its kind by an operator, demonstrates the recognition of the quality, operational efficiency and multi-mission capability of our aircraft," said Bosco da Costa Júnior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense &amp; Security. "Portugal becomes a benchmark for European nations and NATO members looking for a state-of-the-art aircraft to equip and modernize their fleets."</blockquote><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:2275/1706;" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/09/firma_de_la_enmienda_contractual_entre_portugal_y_embraer.jpeg" alt="Firma de la enmienda contractual entre Portugal y Embraer" width="2275" height="1706"><figcaption>Signing of the contract amendment between Portugal and Embraer. Photo: Embraer</figcaption></figure>Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, and more recently with Portugal (2023) and Hungary (2024), the KC-390 has demonstrated high availability and productivity, consolidating itself as a modern alternative to the veteran C-130 Hercules. Capable of carrying 26 tons of payload—compared to 21 for the Hercules—flying at 470 knots and operating from unpaved runways, the Millennium can perform missions ranging from troop and cargo transport and airdrop, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, humanitarian support, and aerial refueling, both as a tanker and as a receiver.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="41702" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>With eleven air forces as customers—eight of them in Europe and seven NATO members—the KC-390 Millennium is consolidating its global presence in the tactical transport segment, with Portugal setting a precedent as a pioneering operator within the Alliance.

Portugal adds sixth KC-390 Millennium and ten purchase options

Embraer and Portugal sign contract amendment for a sixth KC-390 and ten options for future NATO partners

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Peru for the acquisition of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets and associated equipment. The estimated value of the deal is $3.42 billion.<a href="https://www.dsca.mil/Press-Media/Major-Arms-Sales/Article-Display/Article/4304541/peru-f-16-aircraft">According to a statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)</a>, the required certification was delivered to the U.S. Congress on September 15, 2025, for review. This approval marks a crucial step in the modernization process for the Peruvian Air Force (FAP).The Peruvian request includes the purchase of twelve aircraft: ten single-seat F-16C Block 70s and two two-seat F-16D Block 70s. The package also includes fourteen F110-GE-129 engines, advanced avionics systems, and a significant lot of weaponry and support equipment.The F-16 Block 70, also known as the F-16V "Viper," is the most advanced version of the Lockheed Martin fighter. It is equipped with the AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which provides detection and tracking capabilities far superior to previous systems, enabling it to effectively counter modern threats.<h3>Details of the Armament and Equipment Package</h3>The potential contract includes not only the aircraft but also a comprehensive combat and support ecosystem. Notable armaments requested include twelve AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles and twelve AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder short-range missiles.Furthermore, the listed equipment includes:<ul><li>AN/APG-83 AESA radars.</li><li>7000AH Modular Mission Computers.</li><li>AN/ALQ-254 Viper Shield electronic warfare systems.</li><li>AN/AAQ-28 Litening targeting pods.</li><li>JHMCS II helmet-mounted cueing systems.</li><li>MIDS-JTRS tactical radio and information distribution systems.</li></ul>The package also covers extensive logistical support, personnel training, mission planning equipment, spare parts, technical manuals, and engineering support from both the U.S. government and contractors.<h3>Strategic Impact and Modernization</h3>The DSCA states that this proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy objectives by enhancing the security of a key partner in South America. For Peru, the acquisition will boost the Air Force's ability to control its sovereign airspace, defend its borders, and conduct precision operations in support of ground forces.The statement emphasizes that the sale "will not alter the basic military balance in the region." It is also expected that Peru will have no difficulty absorbing this new equipment into its armed forces, thereby strengthening its long-term interoperability with the United States.

United States Approves Potential Sale of F-16 Block 70 Jets to Peru for $3.42 Billion

The Swedish government has unveiled its proposed 2026 defense budget, which includes a key allocation for the acquisition of "tactical transport aircraft." This move represents a decisive financial step toward finalizing the purchase of four Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft, a deal that was first announced in April of this year.At a press conference on September 15, the Swedish government revealed a historic defense investment for 2026, driven by what it calls "the most serious security situation in several decades." Within this budget proposal, more than 4.7 billion Swedish kronor (approximately $450 million) has been allocated to military equipment and facilities acquisitions.<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sweden’s military budget will increase by a further 18% in 2026 to 2,8% of GDP. This 26,6 billion SEK increase builds upon the previous year’s growth. (10% in 2025 and 28% in 2024). Sweden continues on its journey to reach 3,5% of GDP in 2030. (1/5) <a href="https://t.co/6i0UTXNR1f">pic.twitter.com/6i0UTXNR1f</a>— Pål Jonson (@PlJonson) <a href="https://twitter.com/PlJonson/status/1967551263836717249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Official documents indicate (without providing specific details) that a primary acquisition for the Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet) will be in the "taktiskt transportflyg" (tactical transport aircraft) category. This confirms the allocation of the necessary funds to begin the program to replace its aging C-130 Hercules transport fleet.This budget allocation is the first concrete financial step since the announcement made at the LAAD Defence &amp; Security 2025 exhibition on April 1. At that event, Peter Sandwall, Sweden's State Secretary for the Ministry of Defense, formalized the country's commitment to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft, joining a joint procurement program with the Netherlands and Austria.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37679" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>The inclusion of this capability in the 2026 budget transforms a political intention into a financially backed program. This paves the way for the final contract to be signed, which will be managed by the Netherlands as the representative agent for the three nations. This joint acquisition strategy aims not only to reduce unit costs but also to accelerate delivery times and foster synergies in interoperability, training, and logistical support within NATO.Sweden's decision to acquire the C-390 is a response to the need to modernize its tactical transport wing, which currently relies on its veteran C-130H Hercules. The C-390 Millennium is considered a "game changer" by its operators, offering greater speed, range, and cargo capacity, along with high operational availability, which currently exceeds 93% across the global fleet."The C-390's ability to operate in challenging environments, anytime and anywhere, will represent a crucial improvement for Sweden's defense, ensuring effective operations for decades to come," Peter Sandwall stated in April, emphasizing the importance of having a platform that is interoperable with NATO standards.This investment is part of a larger effort by the Swedish government to strengthen its armed forces in the face of the threat posed by Russia. The total defense budget will increase by 26.6 billion kronor in 2026, raising military spending to 2.8% of GDP, with the goal of reaching 3.5% by 2030.

Sweden allocates funds for Embraer C-390 Millennium purchase

Swedish government earmarks funds to begin acquisition of Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft

NATO announced the launch of Eastern Sentry, a multinational deployment aimed at reinforcing the Alliance’s defensive posture along its eastern flank, following the incursion of dozens of Russian drones into Polish airspace on September 10.Allied Command Operations (ACO) reported from Mons, Belgium, that the activity will span multiple domains and last for an unspecified period, with the goal of “shielding and protecting all Allies” against the growing frequency of airspace violations.“The entry of Russian drones into Poland is not an isolated incident and affects more than just one country,” said General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). “While the full assessment of the episode is still underway, NATO is not waiting: we are acting.”<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Today we announce the launch of “Eastern Sentry” to bolster our posture even further along our eastern flank. This military activity will involve a range of assets from Allies. Eastern Sentry will make clear that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NATO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NATO</a> is always ready to defend. <a href="https://t.co/fcdjdnHX5w">pic.twitter.com/fcdjdnHX5w</a>— Mark Rutte (@SecGenNATO) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecGenNATO/status/1966530807939379631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>nitial contributions</h2>Several nations have already confirmed the deployment of air and naval assets under Eastern Sentry:<ul><li>Denmark will deploy two F-16 fighters and an anti-air warfare frigate.</li><li>France will contribute three Rafale fighters.</li><li>Germany will add four Eurofighter Typhoons.</li><li>The United Kingdom has expressed its willingness to provide additional capabilities.</li></ul>These reinforcements will integrate with existing assets already operating in the region, including Dutch F-35 fighters, NATO AWACS early warning aircraft, and Polish F-16s that took part in the interception of the drones. &nbsp;<h2>Escalating tensions</h2>The announcement of the operation comes two days after Poland invoked Article 4 of the Washington Treaty, requesting formal consultations with Allies over what Warsaw described as a “large-scale provocation.” The North Atlantic Council expressed full solidarity with Poland and condemned Russia’s “reckless and dangerous” behavior.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="41611" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>On the night of September 10, Polish Armed Forces shot down multiple Russian drones that crossed into their territory as part of a large-scale attack against Ukraine. Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that it was “the most serious incident for Poland since the Second World War,” though he ruled out that the region was “on the brink of war.”<h2>Countermeasures and new technologies</h2>In addition to the immediate reinforcement of air and naval assets, NATO confirmed that Eastern Sentry will also include the rapid integration of new technologies in the field of air combat, with a focus on drone detection and neutralization. ACO will work with Allied Command Transformation to deploy sensors and weapons specifically designed against unmanned threats, building on experience from the Baltic Sentry initiative.“The goal is to provide more focused and flexible deterrence, and to respond to reckless acts like the one that occurred this week,” Grynkewich emphasized.NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed in a message on X that Eastern Sentry “will make clear that NATO is always ready to defend.” Similarly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the launch of Russian drones over Poland constitutes “an escalation that poses a real threat to Europe” and urged the acceleration of security guarantees for Kyiv. He also offered to share Ukraine’s operational experience in drone interception as a contribution to NATO’s collective defense.<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I met with the Advisors of the leaders of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy to thank them for their support of Ukraine and for their efforts on developing security guarantees. Not only does Russia show utter unwillingness to end the war, but it is also escalating to… <a href="https://t.co/FvlEzoT9vv">pic.twitter.com/FvlEzoT9vv</a>— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1966569607868604876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>With this move, NATO seeks to send an unequivocal message to Moscow: any attempt to challenge the security of the eastern flank will be met with a collective response, while Ukraine presses to integrate more closely into the Alliance’s defensive system.

Eastern Sentry: NATO strengthens its air defense on the eastern flank

Operation Eastern Sentry: NATO strengthens its air defense on the eastern flank after Russian drones fly into Poland

Poland shot down multiple drones that violated its airspace during the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, in the context of a large-scale Russian air attack against Ukraine. The action represents the first time a NATO member country has opened fire in a confirmed incident directly related to the war. In response to what it described as a "large-scale provocation," the Polish government invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) treaty.Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk informed parliament that 19 objects entered the country's airspace. Air defense forces neutralized those that posed a threat. According to Reuters, Tusk stated that this is "the closest we have been to an open conflict since the Second World War," although he clarified that he does not believe we are "on the brink of war.""It was a very busy night for the Polish Armed Forces," declared Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference. He confirmed that, given the threat, the Operational Commander, General Klisz, decided to activate all necessary resources. "All systems available for the security of the Polish state worked. The procedures, both Polish and allied, worked," the minister assured. According to the Polish Ministry of Defense, the incident is "unprecedented in the recent history of Poland and the North Atlantic Alliance."The defense operation was supported by allied aircraft. A NATO source confirmed the participation of Polish F-16 fighters, F-35s from the Netherlands, and Italian AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) surveillance aircraft. The alliance is treating the event as an intentional incursion, rather than a direct attack.<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">❝Last night showed that we are able to defend every inch of NATO territory including its airspace.❞ — <a href="https://twitter.com/SecGenNATO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecGenNATO</a> Mark Rutte on the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones— NATO (@NATO) <a href="https://twitter.com/NATO/status/1965743410079227942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia used 415 drones and 40 missiles in its nighttime attack, specifying that at least eight Iranian-made Shahed drones were aimed at Polish territory, calling it an "extremely dangerous precedent for Europe." Several airports in eastern Poland, including a key one for supplying aid to Ukraine, were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.<a href="https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1965707153068449798">Zelenskyy provided new details about the attack through his social media channels</a>. According to his report, Ukrainian forces warned Poland in real time about the movement of the drones during the night, with the first border crossing registered around 12:50 AM, local time. Zelenskyy revealed that at least two of the drones that entered Poland did so using Belarusian airspace.The president concluded by stating that Ukraine is ready to expand cooperation with its partners to achieve "real joint actions that guarantee the security of neighbors."<blockquote><hr>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)What is NATO's Article 4? Article 4 of the NATO treaty allows any member country to request consultations with the rest of the allies when it considers its territorial integrity, political independence, or security to be threatened. It is not a request for collective defense (which corresponds to Article 5), but a mechanism to initiate formal discussions.Did Russia admit to the drone incursion? No. Moscow denied responsibility. Andrey Ordash, Russia's chargé d'affaires in Poland, called the accusations "unfounded" and stated that no evidence was presented to prove the Russian origin of the downed drones.Have similar incidents occurred before? Countries bordering Ukraine have reported sporadic violations of their airspace by Russian missiles or drones since the beginning of the war, but never on this scale. The most serious incident to date was in 2022, when a Ukrainian air defense missile fell in Poland, causing two deaths.What aircraft participated in the shoot-down operation? The operation involved F-16 fighters from the Polish Air Force, supported by F-35 stealth fighters from the Netherlands and AWACS early warning and surveillance aircraft operated by a NATO consortium based in Italy.<hr></blockquote><h3>Russian and NATO Response</h3>For its part, the Russian Ministry of Defense issued a statement in which, without directly denying the incursion, it adopted a nuanced stance. The Kremlin confirmed having carried out a "massive attack" with precision weapons and drones against targets in western Ukraine, assuring that all intended targets were hit. However, the statement emphasizes that "there were no planned targets in the territory of Poland for this operation" and adds that the maximum range of the drones used does not exceed 700 km. Finally, Moscow expressed its willingness to hold "consultations" with the Polish Ministry of Defense regarding the incident.From NATO headquarters in Brussels, Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that the alliance is in close contact with Polish authorities and that consultations are underway. Rutte described the incident as "absolutely reckless and dangerous," regardless of whether the incursion was intentional or not.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuCXgLZMSZU"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vuCXgLZMSZU" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>Reactions in Europe were swift. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, called for the imposition of more sanctions against Russia, while the head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, stated that preliminary indications suggest the entry of the drones was "intentional, not accidental."This event raises tensions in the region and tests NATO's response mechanisms. Although Article 5 on mutual defense was not invoked, the activation of Article 4 underscores the seriousness with which the allies view the situation on the alliance's eastern border.

Poland Downs Russian Drones Invading its Airspace in "Large-Scale Provocation," Invokes NATO's Article 4

The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its latest report on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program on September 3, warning of a collapse in production predictability, systemic modernization overruns, and a contracting structure that rewards underperformance.The report, GAO-25-107632, titled “Actions Needed to Address Late Deliveries and Improve Future Development”, highlights that aircraft deliveries in 2024 experienced an average delay of 238 days—a dramatic deterioration compared to the 61-day average delay recorded in 2023. Lockheed Martin delivered 110 aircraft during that period, all late, while Pratt &amp; Whitney faced similar challenges with the F135 engine.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img style="aspect-ratio:1920/1080;" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2021/10/f135-paquete-de-mejoras.jpeg" alt="F135" width="1920" height="1080"></figure><h3>A Dramatic Decline in Production Predictability</h3>The GAO analysis stresses that the problem is not merely the delays themselves, but their sharp acceleration in a single year, with delivery times quadrupling. This trend casts doubt on the production line’s ability to stabilize, even before factoring in the Pentagon’s planned production increases.Despite these issues, the Department of Defense (DoD) maintained what the GAO calls a “perverse” incentive structure: contractors were allowed to deliver aircraft up to 60 days late and still claim part of their “on-time delivery” bonus, undermining the intended purpose of these incentives.<h3>TR-3 and a “Ghost Fleet”</h3>The primary driver of these delays is Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3), a $1.9 billion package of hardware and software upgrades that form the foundation of the future Block 4 configuration. However, TR-3’s technical failures and delays have forced the Pentagon to accept aircraft fitted with an interim version of the system.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img style="aspect-ratio:1000/636;" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/01/F-35-TR-3-LM.jpg" alt="F-35 TR-3 LM" width="1000" height="636"><figcaption>First F-35 upgraded to Technology Refresh 3 configuration takes flight. Photo: Lockheed Martin</figcaption></figure>While this decision prevented a massive logistical backlog of over 100 aircraft parked at the contractor’s facilities, it has created a “ghost fleet” of new fighters that are not combat-ready and will require expensive future modifications. The report notes that the program is withholding approximately $5 million per aircraft delivered in this configuration—a financial patch over a deep technical issue.Although TR-3 is the most visible bottleneck, the GAO identifies a persistent supply chain crisis. In February 2025, more than 4,000 parts were missing at the final assembly stage—double the historical average—revealing internal production issues beyond external supplier challenges.<h3>Modernization and Long-Term Costs</h3>The Block 4 upgrade—which includes the AN/APG-85 radar and advanced weapons integration—has accumulated over $6 billion in cost overruns and is at least five years behind schedule.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="18621" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>Additionally, the report quantifies the impact of delays to engine modernization. The added strain on the F135 engine to power new systems has accelerated wear, which the GAO estimates has already increased the program’s total life-cycle cost by $38 billion. This “technical mortgage” is expected to affect aircraft availability and maintenance costs for decades.<h3>Recommendations and the Program’s Future</h3>To address these issues, the GAO issued six key recommendations to the DoD. These are not minor suggestions but a call for structural reforms in F-35 program management, contracting, and development:<ol><li>Evaluate Lockheed Martin’s Production Capacity: Conduct a realistic assessment of Lockheed Martin’s ability to meet delivery targets, adjusting procurement schedules accordingly.</li><li>Redesign Contract Incentives: Overhaul the incentive bonus system to reward timely deliveries and penalize delays, ensuring contractors do not benefit from poor performance.</li><li>Adopt Modern Development Tools: Institutionalize agile development practices, including digital twin technology, to test and validate hardware and software virtually before physical production.</li><li>Formalize Iterative Design Processes: Explicitly incorporate an iterative approach into Block 4 acquisition plans, delivering capabilities in smaller, manageable increments.</li><li>Improve Contract Deviation Tracking: Implement a comprehensive system to monitor time and cost impacts for aircraft delivered below contractual standards.</li><li>Align Engine Modernization with Future Capabilities: Ensure the Engine Core Upgrade schedule and requirements are fully synchronized with Block 4 and beyond, addressing cooling and power limitations.</li></ol>While the DoD partially concurred with these findings, the GAO insists that only full and rigorous implementation of these measures can restore confidence in the F-35 program.<h3>A Strategic Asset Under Pressure</h3>The F-35 remains one of the most advanced tactical weapon systems in the Western arsenal, combining stealth, next-generation sensors, and multilevel interoperability. However, the GAO report reveals a systemic challenge: scaling production and modernization simultaneously while costs rise and readiness declines. With projected lifetime costs exceeding $2 trillion, every deviation from schedule is creating industrial and budgetary tensions that could impact U.S. and allied airpower dominance for decades to come.

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