The Aviationist

theaviationist.comFrance’s Archange SIGINT Aircraft Arrives at Évreux Air Base Ahead of Operational EvaluationThe first Archange arrived at Évreux in early October, where France’s Military Air Expertise Center is participating in trials ahead of the aircraft’s

France’s Archange SIGINT Aircraft Arrives at Évreux Air Base Ahead of Operational Evaluation The first Archange arrived at Évreux where France’s Military Air Expertise Center is participating in trials ahead of the aircraft’s planned entry into service. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/25/f...

theaviationist.comGerman Giant: How the Me 323 Gigant Pioneered Large TransportsLarge and lumbering, the Messerschmitt Me 323 Gigant featured a cavernous cargo hold and large clamshell doors at the nose, allowing heavy equipment and

German Giant: How the Me 323 Gigant Pioneered Large Transports Large and lumbering, the Messerschmitt Me 323 Gigant featured a cavernous cargo hold and large clamshell doors at the nose, allowing heavy equipment and bulky loads to be transported by air. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/26/g...

theaviationist.comCanada Receives Its First Two CF-35A Fighters at Luke Air Force BaseThe first two Canadian CF-35s arrived at Luke Air Force Base, where they will be used for training in support of the initial phase of the RCAF’s

Canada Receives Its First Two CF-35A Fighters at Luke Air Force Base The first two Canadian CF-35s arrived at Luke AFB, where they will be used for training in support of the initial phase of the RCAF’s transition from the Hornet to the Lightning II. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/26/c...

theaviationist.comCastelion to Begin Blackbeard Hypersonic Missile Integration on USAF F-16sAs part of its work with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Castelion will now expand the Blackbeard integration effort to the F-16, adding a U.S. Air

Castelion to Begin Blackbeard Hypersonic Missile Integration on USAF F-16s As part of its work with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Castelion will now expand the Blackbeard integration effort to the F-16. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/26/c...

theaviationist.comUSAF Needs ‘1,509 Combat-Ready Jets’ by 2035, According to Service Report to CongressA service report sent to Congress proposes a combat capable force of 1,509 fighters by 2035, which is more than the USAF has available today, posing

USAF Needs ‘1,509 Combat-Ready Jets’ by 2035 A service report sent to Congress proposes a combat capable force of 1,509 fighters by 2035, which is more than the USAF has available today, posing serious questions about funding and aircraft delivery. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/24/u...

theaviationist.comPentagon, Lockheed Martin Reach 10-Year Framework Agreement for 850 F-35sSubject to Congressional approval, the framework gives long-term certainty to the industry, helping stabilize production and supply chain while supporting

Pentagon, Lockheed Martin Reach 10-Year Framework Agreement for 850 F-35s Subject to Congressional approval, the framework gives long-term certainty to the industry helping stabilize production and supply chain while supporting improved availability rates Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/24/p...

theaviationist.comGlobal PHP Security Scare Highlights Why Stealth Matters in CyberspaceCritical cybersecurity vulnerabilities recently made headlines, prompting warnings from U.S. and international security agencies. The incident highlights

Global PHP Security Scare Highlights Why Stealth Matters in Cyberspace Critical cybersecurity vulnerabilities recently made headlines. The incident highlights a defensive principle familiar to military aviation. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/24/p...

theaviationist.comBritish Typhoons Escort French Rafales in First Joint Nuclear Strike DrillFor the first time, Royal Air Force jets have flown alongside the French Air Force during an airborne nuclear strike exercise as part of a new, deeper

British Typhoons Escort French Rafales in First Joint Nuclear Strike Drill For the first time, RAF jets have flown alongside the FAF during a nuclear strike exercise as part of a new, deeper cooperation between France and the UK on nuclear deterrence. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/23/r...

theaviationist.comTRV-150 Drone Uses Three-Pod APKWS Launcher in Counter-UAS TestThe test demonstrated sequential engagement of multiple aerial targets without landing to reload, as BAE Systems looks to extend the capability to

TRV-150 Drone Uses Three-Pod APKWS Launcher in Counter-UAS Test The test demonstrated sequential engagement of multiple aerial targets without landing to reload, as BAE Systems looks to extend the capability to maritime operations. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/23/t...

theaviationist.comThree Maritime Strike Groups Spearhead NATO's Neptune Strike 26-4ITS Cavour, TCG Anadolu, and HMS Prince of Wales are leading the fourth and final element of NATO's Neptune Strike enhanced vigilance activity for 2026,

Three Maritime Strike Groups Spearhead NATO’s Neptune Strike 26-4 ITS Cavour, TCG Anadolu, and HMS Prince of Wales are leading the final element of NATO’s Neptune Strike enhanced vigilance activity for 2026, featuring more than 20 warships and 40 aircraft. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/23/t...

theaviationist.comU.S. Air Force Uses Virtual Reality to Improve B-52 Air Refueling TrainingThe U.S. Air Force is using virtual reality to help B-52 student pilots master aerial refueling before their first live flight, reducing the time, sorties

U.S. Air Force Uses Virtual Reality to Improve B-52 Air Refueling Training USAF is using virtual reality to help B-52 student pilots master aerial refueling before their first live flight, reducing the time, sorties and costs needed to reach proficiency. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/22/u...

theaviationist.comU.S. Air Force Tests Cargo Pod for Future Rocket-Based LogisticsThe test evaluated cargo equipment aboard SpaceX’s Starfall capsule as the U.S. Air Force continues researching commercial rocket-based logistics to

U.S. Air Force Tests Cargo Pod for Future Rocket-Based Logistics The test evaluated cargo equipment aboard SpaceX’s Starfall capsule as the USAF continues researching commercial rocket-based logistics to enable rapid deliveries anywhere on the globe. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/22/u...

theaviationist.comFirst M-346 For Frecce Tricolori Breaks CoverThe first M-346 trainer jet destined to the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team was spotted at Leonardo’s facilities in Venegono after receiving its livery.

First M-346 For Frecce Tricolori Breaks Cover The first M-346 trainer jet destined to the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team was spotted at Leonardo’s facilities in Venegono after receiving its livery. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/21/f...

theaviationist.comL3Harris Receives $876 Million Award to Advance NGJ-LB Pod to the Next EMD PhaseL3Harris received an $876 million contract modification to advance the U.S. Navy’s Next-Generation Jammer - Low Band system to the next Engineering and

L3Harris Receives $876 Million Award to Advance NGJ-LB Pod to the Next EMD Phase L3Harris received an $876M contract modification to advance the US Navy’s Next-Generation Jammer - Low Band system to the next Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/21/n...

theaviationist.comUnusual Sight Over Slovakia: C-5 Galaxy Flying With Port Main Landing Gear ExtendedWe were sent images taken of C-5 Galaxy 86-0011 flying over Slovakia with an odd distinction - the aircraft's port side main landing gear bogey was

Unusual Sight Over Slovakia: C-5 Galaxy Flying With Port Main Landing Gear Extended We were sent images taken of C-5 Galaxy 86-0011 flying over Slovakia with an odd distinction – the aircraft’s port side main landing gear bogey was deployed, at 22K feet. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/21/u...

theaviationist.comFrench Mirage 2000D Crashes During Night Training MissionA French Mirage 2000D assigned to the Escadron de Chasse 2/3 “Champagne” crashed during a night training mission, with one fatality confirmed while the

French Mirage 2000D Crashes During Night Training Mission A French Mirage 2000D assigned to the Escadron de Chasse 2/3 “Champagne” crashed during a night training mission, with one fatality confirmed while the search is ongoing for the second crew member. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/21/f...

theaviationist.comFirst KC-10 Leaves the Boneyard For New Life With Omega Air RefuelingThe first of a number of retired U.S. Air Force KC-10A Extenders understood to have been acquired by contractor Omega Aerial Refueling Services left

First KC-10 Leaves the Boneyard For New Life With Omega Air Refueling The first of a number of retired U.S. Air Force KC-10A Extenders understood to have been acquired by contractor Omega Aerial Refueling Services left Davis-Monthan AFB on Oct. 20. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/21/f...

Pentagon, BAE Systems Sign Agreement to Increase APKWS Production The Pentagon signed a framework agreement to procure up to 25,000 APKWS kits annually for up to seven years, with provisions to increase production capacity to 35,000 kits per year. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/20/p...

theaviationist.comPentagon, BAE Systems Sign Agreement to Increase APKWS ProductionThe Pentagon signed a framework agreement with BAE Systems to procure up to 25,000 APKWS kits annually for up to seven years, with provisions to increase

theaviationist.comRoyal Air Force Deploys Typhoon Fighters to Saudi Arabia to Defend Against Houthi AttacksThe United Kingdom is sending an undisclosed number of Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to assist them in shooting down Houthi missiles and

Royal Air Force Deploys Typhoon Fighters to Saudi Arabia to Defend Against Houthi Attacks The United Kingdom is sending an undisclosed number of Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to assist them in shooting down Houthi missiles and drones. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/20/r...

theaviationist.comMQ-25A Stingray Remotely Controlled from USS Ronald ReaganThe test validated hardware and software in the carrier-based MD-5C Ground Control Station, marking another step toward integrating unmanned aerial

MQ-25A Stingray Remotely Controlled from USS Ronald Reagan The test validated hardware and software in the carrier-based MD-5C Ground Control Station, marking another step toward integrating unmanned aerial refueling into carrier operations. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/19/m...

theaviationist.comFrance Eyes Jet-Powered AASM Hammer 250 XLR to Restore SEAD CapabilityFrench Air and Space Force Chief of Staff Gen. Jérôme Bellanger told lawmakers the planned Hammer 250 XLR has the potential to help restore the service’s

France Eyes Jet-Powered AASM Hammer 250 XLR to Restore SEAD Capability French Air and Space Force Chief of Staff Gen. Jérôme Bellanger told lawmakers the planned Hammer 250 XLR has the potential to help restore the service’s kinetic SEAD/DEAD capability. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/19/j...

theaviationist.comRomanian F-16s Shoot Down Russian Drones Inside Romanian AirspaceRomanian authorities have released images of F-16s engaging and destroying suspected jet-powered Geran-4 drones inside Romania's territorial airspace over

Romanian F-16s Shoot Down Russian Drones Inside Romanian Airspace Romanian authorities have released images of F-16s engaging and destroying suspected jet-powered Geran-4 drones inside Romania’s territorial airspace over the Black Sea. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/19/r...

theaviationist.comA Tu-144 ‘Russian Concorde’ is Being Restored for Display Ahead of Expected MAKS ReturnVideos posted by a Russian volunteer show the ongoing repair work on one of the two Tu-144s at Zhukovsky airport in Moscow, and which was often used as a

A Tu-144 ‘Russian Concorde’ is Being Restored for Display Ahead of Expected MAKS Return Videos posted by a Russian volunteer show the ongoing repair work on one of the two Tu-144s at Zhukovsky. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/18/t...

theaviationist.comU.S. Navy Receives First C-130J-30 for TACAMO ProgramThe U.S. Navy has received the first C-130J-30 Super Hercules which will be converted into the E-130J Phoenix II, equipped with the Take Charge and Move

U.S. Navy Receives First C-130J-30 for TACAMO Program The U.S. Navy has received the first C-130J-30 Super Hercules which will be converted into the E-130J Phoenix II, equipped with the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission system. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/16/u...

theaviationist.comU.S. Air Force Tests Mk21A Reentry Vehicle for Sentinel ICBMThe Mk21A reentry vehicle, designed to be carried atop the LGM-35A Sentinel, continues to be tested as the Air Force steadily pushes the new ICBM’s

U.S. Air Force Tests Mk21A Reentry Vehicle for Sentinel ICBM The Mk21A reentry vehicle, designed to be carried atop the LGM-35A Sentinel, continues to be tested as the Air Force steadily pushes the new ICBM’s development. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/15/u...

theaviationist.comRoyal Navy's HMS Dauntless Spotted Carrying Possible New Counter-Drone SystemType 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless (D33) has been seen sporting new containers near the ship's port and starboard Phalanx mounts, speculated to house

Royal Navy’s HMS Dauntless Spotted Carrying Possible New Counter-Drone System Type 45 destroyer Dauntless has been seen sporting new containers near the ship’s port and starboard Phalanx mounts, speculated to house vertically launched drone interceptors. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/15/h...

theaviationist.comHouthi Militants Score Apparent Hit Against Saudi TyphoonHouthi-affiliated media has released infrared footage of a surface to air missile attack on a Royal Saudi Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon, showing the

Houthi Militants Score Apparent Hit Against Saudi Typhoon Houthi-affiliated media has released infrared footage of a surface to air missile attack on a RSAF Eurofighter Typhoon, showing the missile’s warhead detonating and causing damage to the jet’s wing. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/15/h...

theaviationist.comStratolaunch’s Boeing 747 Spotted With Previously Unseen Rocket Under Its WingsStratolaunch’s Boeing 747-400 carrier aircraft was recently spotted in Mojave carrying a previously unseen rocket under its left wing, while accompanied

Stratolaunch’s Boeing 747 Spotted With Previously Unseen Rocket Under Its Wings Stratolaunch’s Boeing 747-400 carrier aircraft was recently spotted in Mojave carrying a previously unseen rocket under its left wing. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/14/s...

theaviationist.comF-35C Lands for the First Time on a Ford-Class Aircraft CarrierAn F-35C Lightning II made an arrested landing on the PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), marking the first time an F-35C lands on a Ford-class aircraft

F-35C Lands for the First Time on a Ford-Class Aircraft Carrier An F-35C Lightning II made an arrested landing on the PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), marking the first time an F-35C has landed on a Ford-class aircraft carrier. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/14/f...

theaviationist.comU.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman Break Ground on New B-21 Raider Final Assembly LineThe new final assembly line will support a planned 25% increase in annual B-21 production capacity as the U.S. Air Force prepares receive the first

U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman Break Ground on New B-21 Raider Final Assembly Line The new final assembly line will support a planned 25% increase in annual B-21 production capacity as USAF prepares receive the first operational Raiders in 2027. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/13/n...

theaviationist.comAirbus and Kratos Fly Valkyrie Drone in Europe for the First TimeThe first flight in Europe of the U740 Valkyrie, which combines the airframe of Kratos’ XQ-58 drone with Airbus’ MARS mission system, paves the way toward

Airbus and Kratos Fly Valkyrie Drone in Europe for the First Time The first flight in Europe of the Valkyrie, which combines the airframe of Kratos’ XQ-58 drone with Airbus’ MARS mission system, paves the way toward the goal of a combat-ready CCA by 2029. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/12/a...

theaviationist.comX-BAT Accelerating Toward First Flight with New FundingNew U.S. Navy funding and company investment bring the announced X-BAT investment to $400 million as Shield AI prepares the VTOL aircraft for flight

X-BAT Accelerating Toward First Flight with New Funding New U.S. Navy funding and company investment bring the announced X-BAT investment to $400 million as Shield AI prepares the VTOL aircraft for flight testing later this year. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/10/x...

theaviationist.comEdgewing Opens New Engineering Hub in ItalyThe new facility in Turin will bring together engineers from Italy, Japan and the UK, contributing to the development of the new GCAP combat aircraft.

Edgewing Opens New Engineering Hub in Italy The new facility in Turin will bring together engineers from Italy, Japan and the UK, contributing to the development of the new GCAP combat aircraft. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/10/e...

theaviationist.comU.S. Exploring Transfer of Surplus KC-10 Tankers to Undisclosed North African PartnerA contract notice, first reported on by Aviation Week, was released seeking industry interest for the reactivation and in-service support of up to four

U.S. Exploring Transfer of Surplus KC-10 Tankers to Undisclosed North African Partner A contract notice, was released seeking industry interest for the reactivation and in-service support of up to four KC-10s for an FMS transfer to a nation in North Africa Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/09/k...

theaviationist.comFirst Brazilian-Built Gripen E Makes Maiden FlightThe first of 15 Gripen Es to be built at Embraer’s facility in São Paulo, the aircraft is also the first Gripen produced outside Sweden. The first JAS 39

First Brazilian-Built Gripen E Makes Maiden Flight The first of 15 Gripen Es to be built at Embraer’s facility in São Paulo, the aircraft is also the first Gripen produced outside Sweden. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/08/f...

theaviationist.comBAE Systems’ New IFF System Moves Toward F-16 IntegrationBAE Systems’ AN/APX-127(V)1 IFF system has completed AIMS certification, clearing the way for F-16 integration and platform-level testing. BAE Systems

BAE Systems’ New IFF System Moves Toward F-16 Integration BAE Systems’ AN/APX-127(V)1 IFF system has completed AIMS certification, clearing the way for F-16 integration and platform-level testing. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/09/b...

theaviationist.comUK Opposition Party Proposes £10 Billion “Britannia Shield” Air and Missile Defence PlanThe UK’s Conservative Party has proposed a £10 billion air defence programme that aims to enhance the country’s integrated air and missile defence (IAMD)

UK Opposition Party Proposes £10 Billion “Britannia Shield” Air and Missile Defence Plan The UK’s Conservative Party has proposed a £10 billion air defence programme that aims to enhance the country’s IAMD infrastructure for the modern age. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/09/u...

theaviationist.comRare Imagery Shows F-117A 'The Overachiever' Loaded Into a C-5M for Smithsonian TripThe historic F-117 was partially disassembled and loaded aboard the giant airlifter for its cross-country delivery to the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center.

Rare Imagery Shows F-117A ‘The Overachiever’ Loaded Into a C-5M for Smithsonian Trip The historic F-117 was partially disassembled and loaded aboard the giant airlifter for its cross-country delivery to the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center. Story here: theaviationist.com/2026/10/09/f...

theaviationist.comMorocco’s First F-16 Block 72 Has FlownThe aircraft, a two-seat F-16D, is not only the first of Morocco’s new Vipers to fly, but also the first new-build F-16 Block 72 to take to the air. The

Morocco’s First F-16 Block 72 Has Flown The aircraft, a two-seat F-16D, is not only the first of Morocco’s new Vipers to fly, but also the first new-build F-16 Block 72 to take to the air. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/07/m...

theaviationist.comSpain Selects Airbus A321 for New SIGINT PlatformSpain is set to regain a dedicated airborne SIGINT capability with three A321-based aircraft under the Santiago II programme. In the latest publication of

Spain Selects Airbus A321 for New SIGINT Platform Spain is set to regain a dedicated airborne SIGINT capability with three A321-based aircraft under the Santiago II programme. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/07/s...

theaviationist.comL-39 Skyfox Advances C-UAS Role with Thales 70 mm Laser-Guided RocketAero Vodochody has announced an MoU with Thales to continue testing a 70 mm rocket capability for the L-39 Skyfox Drone Hunter configuration. The

L-39 Skyfox Advances C-UAS Role with Thales 70 mm Laser-Guided Rocket Aero Vodochody has announced an MoU with Thales to continue testing a 70 mm rocket capability for the L-39 Skyfox Drone Hunter configuration. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/06/l...

theaviationist.comNorthrop Grumman and SandboxAQ Explain How Lumberjack Is Preparing for GPS-Denied OperationsThe Lumberjack UAS flew with SandboxAQ’s AQNav magnetic navigation system during a GPS-denied flight test this summer, demonstrating alternative resilient

Northrop Grumman and SandboxAQ Explain How Lumberjack Is Preparing for GPS-Denied Operations The Lumberjack UAS flew with SandboxAQ’s AQNav magnetic navigation system during a GPS-denied flight test this summer. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/05/n...

theaviationist.comKunsan’s F-16 Squadrons Return as USAF Resets Fighter Squadrons in KoreaThe U.S. Air Force initiated the Fighter Squadron Reset to return F-16s to Kunsan Air Base after the Super Squadron experiment at Osan, with the 35th

Kunsan’s F-16 Squadrons Return as USAF Resets Fighter Squadrons in Korea USAF initiated the Fighter Squadron Reset to return F-16s to Kunsan after the Super Squadron experiment at Osan, with the 35th FS apparently transitioning from Block 40 to 50 aircraft Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/05/k...

theaviationist.comMarine F-35C Also Sports Three Submarine Kill Markings After Operation Epic FuryAn exclusive image obtained by The Aviationist reveals an extraordinary array of target markings on a VMFA-314 F-35C, apparently representing an oil

Marine F-35C Also Sports Three Submarine Kill Markings After Operation Epic Fury An exclusive image obtained by The Aviationist reveals an array of target markings on a VMFA-314 F-35C, apparently representing an oil tanker, three submarines and many more. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/05/v...

theaviationist.comNaval Research Laboratory’s VXS-1 Retires its Last NP-3C OrionThe VXS-1 “Warlocks” sent its NP-3C Orion, a dedicated research variant of the P-3C, to the ‘boneyard’ after three decades of service, retiring the last

Naval Research Laboratory’s VXS-1 Retires its Last NP-3C Orion The VXS-1 “Warlocks” sent its NP-3C Orion, a dedicated research variant of the P-3C, to the ‘boneyard’ after three decades of service, retiring the last active-duty P-3 on the U.S. East Coast. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/03/n...

theaviationist.comKentucky Air National Guard C-130s Perform Rare SAR Exercise with Royal Navy MerlinFour C-130J Hercules aircraft, 60 personnel, and 62,000 lbs of equipment from the 165th Airlift Squadron deployed to Glasgow Prestwick Airport in August

Kentucky Air National Guard C-130s Perform Rare SAR Exercise with Royal Navy Merlin Four C-130J Hercules aircraft, 60 personnel, and 62,000 lbs of equipment from the 165th Airlift Squadron deployed to Glasgow Prestwick Airport in August. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/04/k...

theaviationist.comGermany ‘Exploring’ GCAP Entry with UK, Reports SayWhile discussions between London and Berlin are in the early stages, internal German government assessments reportedly favor a collaboration with Sweden

Germany ‘Exploring’ GCAP Entry with UK, Reports Say While discussions between London and Berlin are in the early stages, internal German government assessments reportedly favor a collaboration with Sweden and Spain over joining GCAP. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/04/g...

theaviationist.comTaiwan Receives First Two New-Build F-16C Block 70 Fighters After Years of DelaysThe first two of 66 new-build F-16C Block 70 fighters ordered by Taiwan from the United States have arrived at Chihhang Air Base, marking the beginning of

Taiwan Receives First Two New-Build F-16C Block 70 Fighters After Years of Delays The first two of 66 new-build F-16C Block 70 fighters ordered from the US have arrived at Chihhang AB, marking the beginning of deliveries under a long-delayed $8B program. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/10/04/t...