KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and the 27th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, arrived at Kadena Air Base, marking the latest fighter rotation supporting operations across the Indo-Pacific region.

While deployed to the Keystone of the Pacific, the F-22s will operate alongside heavy, reconnaissance, and fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft assigned to the Air Force's 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, ensuring continuous and credible fighter capability in the region.  

The F-22 Raptor is the Air Force's premier fifth-generation air superiority fighter, combining stealth, advanced sensors and unmatched maneuverability to dominate contested environments. Its ability to detect, track and engage adversaries at extended ranges — while remaining difficult to detect — enhances survivability and control of the air domain.  

During the deployment, F-22 aircrews and maintainers will integrate with the 18th Wing's operations and maintenance groups, as well as joint and allied partners, to refine tactics, strengthen interoperability and sustain readiness for real-world contingencies.

Together, this mix of aircraft and personnel reinforces the United States' commitment to defend Japan under the U.S.-Japan security alliance and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
(U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Jackson)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 5, 2026) –An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25, readies for launch off the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), May 5, 2026. VFA 25, part of Carrier Air Wing 11 and the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, is operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operation conducting advanced training to bolster strike group readiness and capability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gary Buckles)

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer in a bare-metal configuration takes off to conduct a test flight at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Feb. 26, 2026. The flight marked a key milestone in the aircraft’s regeneration after being removed from long-term storage. (U.S. Air Force photos by Courtney Landsberger)


A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer takes off from Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 22, 2026, following completion of depot maintenance to return the aircraft to operational status. The aircraft was placed in storage at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base—commonly known as the “boneyard,” in 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Courtney Landsberger)

EDWARDS AFB, Cali. – May 6, 2026 – (PHOTO RELEASE) The Northrop Grumman designed and built XRQ-73 hybrid electric uncrewed aircraft began flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Developed to advance propulsion technologies for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration (SHEPARD) program, the XRQ-73 advances next-generation propulsion for lightweight autonomous aircraft. The XRQ-73’s innovative hybrid-electric propulsion system combines fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and enhanced operational flexibility – enabling new mission possibilities and supporting the evolution of new aircraft designs.


Mirabel, Canada, 6 May 2026 – Malaysia’s AirAsia has placed an order for 150 latest generation A220-300 aircraft. The purchase agreement is the largest single firm order placed for the A220 and propels the programme beyond the 1,000 firm order milestone, underscoring the aircraft's global market appeal.

The contract was announced at a ceremony at the Airbus facility in Mirabel attended by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer of Capital A and Advisor to AirAsia Group and Lars Wagner, Chief Executive Officer Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. The event took place in the presence of the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada and the Honourable Christine Frechette, Premier of Quebec.

The purchase agreement makes AirAsia a new customer for the A220. The airline also becomes the launch customer for the aircraft's new cabin configuration of 160 seats. The increase in capacity, adding 10 seats, is made possible by the addition of an extra overwing exit on each side of the aircraft.

The A220 complements AirAsia’s existing Airbus fleet and will play a key role in advancing the Group’s network and growth. The aircraft will service destinations across ASEAN and into Central Asia, freeing up larger aircraft to fly longer routes.

“We have built AirAsia by making bold decisions at the right moment, not the easiest moment. This order reflects our long-term discipline and the scale of our ambitions. The A220 unlocks new markets and routes and brings us closer to building the world's first true low-cost network carrier,” said Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Advisor to Air Asia Group. “Our partnership with Airbus spans more than two decades and has been central to everything we have achieved. Today is another milestone in that journey, and there are many more to come.”

“The A220 will provide an optimal platform for AirAsia, combining low operating costs with the range that will enable the carrier to open new routes across Asia and beyond,” said Lars Wagner, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “Airbus and AirAsia teams have been working tirelessly to reach this landmark agreement, which is fully aligned with the airline’s new network strategy.”

Combining the longest range, lowest fuel consumption and widest cabin in its class, the A220 is the most modern airliner in its size category, carrying between 100 to 160 passengers on flights of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km). At the end of March 2026, 501 A220s had been delivered to 25 operators worldwide.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030.

RotorTech – Brisbane, Australia (6 May 2026) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today celebrates the commissioning of three Bell 429 helicopters by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) for use in North Queensland. With a total of six Bell aircraft in their fleet, QPS operates Australia’s largest Bell law enforcement fleet, marking a significant milestone in enhancing public safety and operational capabilities across Queensland.

The addition of the Bell 429 helicopters represents a transformative step in QPS’s aviation capabilities, enabling the force to address complex challenges with greater efficiency and precision. These state-of-the-art aircraft will be deployed for patrolling and supporting on-ground policing efforts across the state, further strengthening QPS’s ability to serve and protect its communities.

Advanced Technology for Public Safety

The newly commissioned Bell 429 helicopters are equipped with cutting-edge safety features, high-resolution cameras, and night vision capabilities. These advancements significantly enhance QPS’s aerial capabilities, ensuring effective responses to critical incidents, improved surveillance, and seamless support for ground operations.

"The Bell 429 is more than just an aircraft; it is a symbol of innovation and reliability," said Daniel McQuestin, Bell’s business development director, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Rim. "Together with QPS, we are advancing aviation technology while strengthening and increasing trust and collaboration, ensuring communities are protected and served with excellence. The Bell 429 is a proven platform that delivers unmatched performance, reliability, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for public safety operations. We are proud to support QPS in their dedication to enhancing operational capabilities and safeguarding the people of Queensland."
Photo by: Kana Photography and SLSQ