aircraft • Page 2 of 117

Sep- 2026 -

25 September

Air

The Challenger 650 aircraft. Photo: Bombardier Defense

Leidos to Extend Support for US Army’s ARTEMIS Spy Plane Ops in Europe

The US Army has awarded Leidos a contract worth up to $127 million to continue supporting the Airborne Reconnaissance and Targeting Exploitation Multi-Mission Intelligence System program.

24 September

Air

Lunching ceremony of the first KF-21 Boramae fighter jet. Photo: Korea Aerospace Industries

Rojoef Manuel

S. Korea Accepts First KF-21 Boramae Production Fighter Jet

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has officially received its first mass-produced KF-21 Boramae system, marking a major milestone in the nation's multi-decade drive to field a domestic combat aircraft.

24 September

Air

No 3 Squadron Joint Strike fighters A35-09 and A35-11 taxi out for a night sortie from RAAF Base Williamtown. *** Local Caption *** Two F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft from No. 3 Squadron conducted night flying at RAAF Base Williamtown as part of pilot familiarisation training.

Rojoef Manuel

US-Bound Australian F-35 Parts End Up in China After Shipping Mishap

Chinese authorities have taken possession of F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft components after a shipment was rerouted to Hong Kong during transit from Australia.

23 September

Air

A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft representing No. 11, No. 12, and No. 292 Squadrons (centre), an MQ-4C Triton from No. 9 Squadron (left), and an MC-55A Peregrine from No. 10 Squadron representing the Air "ISR Family" of jets in No. 92 Wing at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. This image has been digitally altered. *** Local Caption *** On Tuesday 22 September 2026, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Honourable Richard Marles MP, accompanied by Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC, CSC, OAM, visited RAAF Base Edinburgh to announce a series of significant milestones for Australia's Air Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (Air ISR) capabilities. The Acting Prime Minister announced the achievement of Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the MQ-4C Triton and MC-55A Peregrine, the completion of major upgrades to the first two P-8A Poseidon aircraft in Australia's fleet in the United States, and the forthcoming commencement of upgrades to the remaining fleet at the recently opened Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility at RAAF Base Edinburgh. These milestones represent a significant enhancement to the Royal Australian Air Force's ability to deliver persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance effects across Australia's primary area of military interest. RAAF Base Edinburgh is the Royal Australian Air Force's principal Air ISR hub and home to No. 92 Wing, which operates the P-8A Poseidon, MQ-4C Triton and MC-55A Peregrine through Nos. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 292 Squadrons. Built through years of collaboration between Defence, industry and the United States, Australias integrated Air ISR fleet continues to grow.

Rojoef Manuel

Australia Reaches Key ISR Milestones Across Triton, Peregrine, and Poseidon Fleets

The Royal Australian Air Force has declared initial operational capability for its MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial systems and MC-55A Peregrine jets, alongside the completion and upgrade of the military’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission fleet.

18 September

Air

An F-35A, in flight above the Mojave Desert in California, January 6, 2023. A developmental test team from the 461st Flight Test Squadron conducted the first flight of an F-35 in the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) configuration at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The 50-minute flight, which took the jet to 35,000 feet at speeds just shy of the speed of sound above the desert, marked the start of an extensive flight test campaign. TR-3 provides the computational horsepower to support modernized Block 4 capabilities. The F-35 Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's focal point for the 5th-generation strike aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the premier multi-mission, 5th-generation weapon system. Its ability to collect, analyze and share data is a force multiplier that enhances all assets in the battle space: with stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity, and range. The F-35 has been operational since July 2015 and is the most lethal, survivable, and interoperable fighter aircraft ever built.

Rojoef Manuel

US Greenlights $24.3B Sale of F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has approved a foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia of 48 F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft and ancillary equipment valued at up to $24.3 billion.

17 September

Land

A second B-21 Raider, the nation’s sixth-generation stealth bomber, joins flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Sept. 11, 2025. The program is a cornerstone of the Department of the Air Force’s nuclear modernization strategy, designed to deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads. (Courtesy photo)

Rojoef Manuel

Conti, Kight to Build B-21 Stealth Bomber Hangar at Whiteman Base

Conti Federal Services and Kight Construction Group have secured a $74.9-million contract to build a B-21 Raider Radio Frequency Hangar at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.

17 September

Air

Rojoef Manuel

Hermeus Receives Production License for Pratt & Whitney F100 Fighter Jet Engines

RTX segment Pratt & Whitney has granted Georgia-based aerospace company Hermeus a production license to manufacture its F100-PW-229 jet engines, marking the first time a separate US firm has been licensed to build the fighter powerplant.

16 September

Air

Hürkuş-II basic jet trainer. Photo: Turkish Aerospace Industries

Rojoef Manuel

Turkey Grants First Indigenous Military Certificate to Hürkuş-II Trainer Aircraft

Ankara has issued a military certification for the Turkish Aerospace Industries Hürkuş-II jet trainer, marking the first time the country has independently cleared a domestically-built aircraft using entirely national resources.

14 September

Air

The KAI FA-50 Golden Eagle light supersonic combat aircraft

Rojoef Manuel

Poland, GE Partner on Local Engine Upkeep for FA-50 Jets

Warsaw and GE Aerospace have agreed to establish depot-level support for the F404-GE-102 engines powering the Polish Air Force’s KAI FA-50 Golden Eagle light supersonic combat aircraft fleet.

14 September

Air

Rojoef Manuel

Canada Fast-Tracked GlobalEye Spy Plane Deal Before Confirming Air Force Fit

Canada has selected Sweden’s Saab GlobalEye as its next airborne early warning and control aircraft before establishing whether the platform meets military needs, according to defense sources.

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