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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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A quick dive into the U.S. Marine Corps 2025 Aviation Plan

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The United States Marine Corps is undergoing a significant transformation of its aviation assets, as detailed in the recently released 2025 Marine Aviation Plan. The plan aims to maintain a lethal and responsive Aviation Combat Element (ACE) by transitioning to an all-5th generation tactical aircraft fleet and modernising all other aspects of the ACE. The plan encompasses a wide range of updates across fixed-wing, tiltrotor, rotary-wing, unmanned, and support aircraft, each playing a crucial role in the Corps’ future warfighting capabilities.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 declares their initial operational capability (IOC) for the F-35C Lightning II, having met the standards set forth by Headquarters Marine Corps. IOC declaration marks a significant accomplishment for VMFA-314 of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) that further enables 3rd MAW to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

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LJDAM integration on F-35 progresses with successful dual external release

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The F-35’s United Operational Test Team has successfully conducted the first ever dual, external release of a GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) from an F-35. This successful test, which took place at Edwards Air Force Base, California, marks a critical milestone in integrating the LJDAM across all variants of the 5th-generation fighter.


Photo: U.S. Air Force
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