Rheinmetall’s Skynex secures landmark deal in Italy

The Italian Army has committed to acquiring the Rheinmetall Skynex system. The initial contract, a €73 million deal, is for a single system, but it includes an option for three more, potentially ballooning the total to nearly €280 million. This order makes Italy the first NATO member to adopt Rheinmetall’s Skynex technology, notably including the 35mm Revolver Gun Mk3


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Hanwha Investment & Securities predicts KAI to secure new orders for FA-50 in Southeast Asia this year

Hanwha Investment & Securities has maintained a ‘buy’ rating and a target price of ₩69,000 for Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), despite anticipating a significant downturn in the company’s fourth-quarter performance. The investment firm’s positive outlook is underpinned by expectations of new export contracts in Southeast Asia and the Middle East during the first half of the year, and an overall improvement in KAI’s performance this year.

One of the PAF FA50s that made a debut appearance at the Mindil Beach Flypast in Darwin, Australia
Philippine Air Force (PAF), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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The absence of the Z-20 in Tibet earthquake relief efforts

The recent earthquake in Dingri County, Tibet, has prompted discussion regarding the absence of the Chinese-made Z-20 helicopter in relief efforts, according to Singapore Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao. While the Z-20 is promoted as a multi-functional helicopter designed for high-altitude environments like the Tibetan Plateau, it has not been reported in official Chinese media coverage of the disaster response. This absence is particularly notable given the Chinese military’s emphasis on promoting domestically produced equipment.

Z-20KA helihoisting vehicle at CCAS2023 (20230724130019)
N509FZ, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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C-17 microvanes poised for fleet-wide rollout

After years of testing and refinement, the U.S. Air Force’s microvane program is nearing full implementation across it’s C-17 fleet. These small, strategically placed devices are set to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase fuel efficiency by redirecting airflow around the aircraft’s fuselage, proving that even the most mature aircraft designs can be enhanced.

Photo: SSgt Thaxton

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U.S. State Department approves sale of Bell helicopters to Zambia

The Republic of Zambia is set to enhance its air capabilities after the U.S. State Department approved a foreign military sale. The deal, estimated at $100 million, will provide Zambia with additional Bell 412 Enhanced Performance (EP) helicopters, alongside logistical and program support. Financed by a blend of Foreign Military Financing and Zambian national funds, this acquisition aims to modernise Zambia’s defense infrastructure and highlights its strategic role in South Central Africa.

Slovenian Air Force Bell 412 (cropped)
Sgt. Gregory Williams, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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