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Category: Industry

Dutch Air Force first to fly Pilatus’ new PC-7 MKX trainer

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Pilatus has secured a significant win with the Royal Netherlands Air Force choosing its PC-7 MKX training system as the cornerstone of their basic training program. This contract, which includes eight aircraft and associated training systems, is slated to deliver the first aircraft from the first half of 2027. The PC-7 MKX platform is based on the PC-7 Mk II, which has a well-established reputation for reliability. Netherlands becomes the launch customer of the PC-7 MKX with the contract signing.


Photo: Pilatus
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Rheinmetall delivers Skyranger 30 verification model to Bundeswehr

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Rheinmetall has handed over the first Boxer-mounted Skyranger 30 cannon-based air defence vehicle to the German Bundeswehr, marking a crucial step in the nation’s efforts to bolster its mobile air defence capabilities. The delivered system is a verification model, intended for use in the Bundeswehr’s rigorous approval process, and is a prototype of the systems that will follow. This delivery signals significant progress in the country’s air defence modernisation program, against a backdrop of growing threats from unmanned aerial vehicles and other airborne weapons.


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Airbus to study Future Maritime Patrol Aircraft for France

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The French Defence Procurement Agency, known as the Direction Générale de l’Armement, has awarded a significant contract to Airbus Defence and Space, in partnership with Thales, for a risk-assessment study concerning France’s next-generation maritime patrol aircraft. This 24-month contract follows an earlier architecture and feasibility study launched at the end of 2022, indicating a continued push towards modernising the nation’s maritime surveillance capabilities.


Graphic: Airbus
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Taiwan seeks six E-2D Hawkeyes

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Amidst a backdrop of escalating regional tensions and a palpable sense of urgency, Taiwan has made a formal request to the United States for six E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft, local media reported. The request occurs at a time when the E-2D production line is active, fulfilling orders for both Japan and France, which may facilitate a smoother acquisition process.

220505-N-KD414-0130 An An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, assigned to the “Black Eagles” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, stands by during a sunset onboard Point Mugu Apr. 30, 2022. NBVC is comprised of three distinct facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, and San Nicolas Island. It is the largest employer in Ventura County and actively protects California’s largest coastal wetlands through its award-winning environmental programs.

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A320 testbed with a fighter jet nose

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The German Aerospace Center (DLR) has been operating a modified Airbus A320, known as the Advanced Technology Research Aircraft (ATRA), which recently completed its first flight with a unique modification: the nose of a Eurofighter combat jet. The modified A320 is being used to test and mature a new radar system destined for Eurofighter combat aircraft.


Photo: Airbus
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