A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, refuels an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, both assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, off the coast of Japan, Aug, 19, 2026. U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 conduct aerial refueling operations in support of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, demonstrating the Marine Corps’ ability to sustain and generate combat airpower. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Getz)

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, prepares to refuel a F/A-18C Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, both assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, off the coast of Japan, Aug, 19, 2026. U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 conduct aerial refueling operations in support of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, demonstrating the Marine Corps’ ability to sustain and generate combat airpower. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Getz)

U.S. Marines Corps F/A-18 C/D Hornet jets assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, land on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, Japan, during a harpoon exercise, Aug. 19, 2026. VMFA-232 stands ready to integrate and seize the strategic advantage to ensure stability in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Alejandra Vega)


A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron awaits pre-maintenance checks during RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Aug. 20, 2026. RED FLAG-Alaska replicates Indo-Pacific operational conditions, integrating joint and coalition forces in training from simulated forward operating bases to improve response capability across the range of contingencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Demond Mcghee)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Nick “Laz” Le Tourneau, pilot and commander of the F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team, arrives at Air Show London Skydrive 2026, London, Ontario Canada, August 19, 2026. The F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team performs globally, embodying the Agile Combat Employment model by generating high performance sorties in austere environments with limited personnel and equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Diaz)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft takes off at a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Aug. 10, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Justin W. Moore)

Less than a year after programme launch, GKN Aerospace unveils its uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) demonstrator for the first time
Demonstrates rapid progress from concept to demonstrator
Brings together propulsion, aerostructures and systems integration expertise from Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK
Marks the next phase of collaboration with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Swedish Armed Forces

Less than a year after launching a collaborative programme with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), GKN Aerospace today unveiled its UAV demonstrator, marking the first public presentation of the platform and a major milestone for the programme.

One year ago, this was an idea and an ambition. Today, we are unveiling the first tangible result of that work. That achievement reflects close collaboration with FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces and the combined expertise of teams across GKN Aerospace.

Joakim Andersson
President Engines, GKN Aerospace

The initiative was announced in November 2025 with the objective of developing a UAV demonstrator and dedicated turbojet engine within 18 months. The effort brings together expertise in propulsion, aerostructures and systems integration from Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK.

The programme includes the development of a dedicated turbojet engine, airframe and onboard systems. The demonstrator has been developed as a flexible platform for testing and evaluation, supporting the exploration of future uncrewed aviation technologies while providing valuable experience in how complex aerospace systems can be developed, integrated and manufactured on accelerated timelines.

Sara Eklöf, Senior Vice President Government Solutions, GKN Aerospace, said:
"This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved when engineering, manufacturing and customer teams work towards a common goal. The experience gained will be valuable as the programme moves into its next phase."

The initiative builds on the long-standing collaboration between GKN Aerospace, FMV, and the Swedish Armed Forces. Development and testing activities will continue as the programme moves into its next phase, including preparations for future flight-test activities.

The public display at The Armed Forces Air Venture 2026 includes a full-scale UAV mock-up together with the dedicated turbojet engine being developed as part of the programme. The event forms part of the Swedish Air Force's centenary celebrations.

About the programme
The Swedish UAV programme, initiated by an FMV contract in November 2025, involves GKN Aerospace designing a clean-sheet UAV demonstrator and dedicated turbojet engine to accelerate rapid capability development, innovation, and scalable production.

Air Force 1, flanked by F-35s, performs a flyover near the Capitol Building, Washington, D.C. Aug 23, 2026. The event was part of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix race being held around a portion of the National Mall. Flyovers are a time-honored way to connect with the American public—honoring the past, celebrating the present and inspiring future generations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Andy Morataya)

An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, prepares for takeoff aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway, Aug. 21, 2026. George Washington is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East. (U.S. Navy photo)

U.S. Navy File Photo - Four AIM-424 Long Range Air-to-Air Missiles (LRAAM) are loaded on an F/A-18E Super Hornet for a test event. The AIM-424 LRAAM is the Department of the Navy's next-generation, long-range air-to-air missile, built to give Marine and Naval aviators the capability they need to defeat advanced threats and defend the force.
(Courtesy photo)

U.S. Navy File Photo - An AIM-424 Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM) is mounted in the internal weapons bay of an F-35C with an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) mounted on the weapon bay door. The AIM-424 LRAAM is the Department of the Navy's next-generation, long-range air-to-air missile, built to give Marine and Naval aviators the capability they need to defeat advanced threats and defend the force.
(Courtesy photo)

At the Jubilee Air Show at Malmen Air Base in Linköping, Sweden, Saab is showcasing a full-scale concept model of a future uncrewed combat air system. The concept, called A3-001, illustrates the possible evolution of future combat air capabilities, where crewed and uncrewed platforms operate together as part of an integrated system.

The uncrewed platform builds on Saab’s long tradition of aerospace innovation and could complement Gripen and future crewed combat air capabilities. The concept is envisioned for high-risk missions, such as electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defences, and precision strike operations in highly contested environments. With low observability, a high degree of autonomy, and the ability to operate across multiple domains, the concept illustrates a potential component of a future combat air capability.

"We are currently in an intensive development phase where, together with Sweden, we are exploring technologies that will lay the foundation for the next generation of combat air systems. As part of this work, we intend to fly uncrewed demonstrators with fighter-like characteristics before 2030 as we support Sweden in considering their future options,” says Peter Nilsson, head of business unit Advanced Programs at Saab. “This separate Saab A3 system is our own concept for what could follow in the mid-2030s should Sweden decide to build on the work we are currently doing. Saab is well positioned to develop the next generation of combat air systems building on Gripen and GlobalEye, combined with our long experience in advanced aerospace systems."

The full-scale concept model is on public display during the Swedish Armed Forces Air Show and illustrates a potential future uncrewed component within a future system-of-systems approach to air warfare.

Aeronautica Militare F-35A's over Iceland,just to good not to post!
(Photos courtesy of the Aeronautica Militare)

A German Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft flies over the North Atlantic near Iceland during a multinational formation flight as part of exercise Northern Viking 26, Aug. 24, 2026. NV26 strengthens maritime domain awareness and anti-submarine warfare interoperability, helping Allied naval forces detect, track and respond to threats along strategic North Atlantic sea lines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo)

Arrival of an American F-16 Fighting Falcon for EX AMALGAM DART 26 (AmD26) at Canadian Forces base Bagotville, Alouette, Québec, August 23 2026.

Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CF-118 Hornet are ready for a flight during EX AMALGAM DART 26 (AmD26) at CFB Bagotville. Photo taken on the tarmac at Canadian Force Base (CFB) Bagotville, on August 24, 2026.

Exercise Amalgam Dart is a planned, routine north American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) exercise to be conducted from 24 August to 1st September 2026. Exercise AMALGAM DART 26 demonstrates NORAD and USNORTHCOM's readiness to defend North American against modern air domain threats, strenghtens integrated deterrence through resilient binational operations, and reinforces the enduring United States-Canada defense partnership.
Photos: Corporal Simon Morin, Imagery Section, Alouette, Québec.

Melbourne, Florida, August 25, 2026 – Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ / B3: EMBJ3) today announced that the Phenom 300EV has received triple certification from Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC — Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), making it the first light jet certified with Garmin® Emergency Autoland.

Introduced in July, the world’s fastest and furthest-flying light jet incorporates intuitive safety technology and a series of performance and interior enhancements designed to amplify its renowned capabilities and further enhance the customer experience. With certification now complete, the Phenom 300EV is approved for operation in key global markets.

“The Phenom 300EV builds on the legendary capabilities of the world's best-selling light jet, now enhanced through purposeful innovations that further elevate safety technology, best-in-class performance characteristics, and the customer experience,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO of Embraer Executive Jets. “Achieving triple certification is a testament to the dedication of our teams and Embraer's disciplined approach to engineering excellence and execution. With this important milestone achieved, we look forward to bringing the Phenom 300EV to customers worldwide and extending the remarkable reputation of the Phenom 300 series.”

As the largest business jet equipped with Garmin® Emergency Autoland, the Phenom 300EV can execute a fully automated landing in the unlikely event of pilot incapacitation. Enabling these electronically controlled functions, including autobrake and rudder-by-wire, Embraer designed and developed the Multi-Purpose Electronic Controller (MEC), contributing to enhanced handling, reduced workload and simplified maintenance.

With a best-in-class range, increased to 2,055 nautical miles (3,806 km), carrying four passengers with NBAA IFR reserves, the Phenom 300EV enables nonstop regional flights, including routes such as Aspen to New York, Dubai to the Maldives, and São Paulo to Manaus. Complementing this performance capability, the aircraft has an increased payload capability and features cabin refinements including a state-of-the-art line-fit connectivity solution powered by Gogo Galileo’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, delivering high-speed global connection. Starlink connectivity will also be available as an aftermarket solution via a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).

BAE Systems has been selected by the U.S. Navy to develop Dual Band Decoy (DBD), one of the most advanced radio frequency (RF) countermeasures in the world. DBD is a cutting-edge RF self-protection jammer that shields fighter jets from enemy attacks.

Expanding the capabilities of BAE Systems’ combat-proven AN/ALE-55 Fiber-Optic Towed Decoy, DBD consists of a towed unit connected by fiber-optic cable to electronic warfare equipment onboard the aircraft. The decoy delivers the latest jamming technology to disrupt enemy radars and lure missiles away from the aircraft. DBD can be launched by the pilot or automatically in response to threats, offering critical protection in highly contested airspace.

“With Dual Band Decoy, we are building on the ALE-55’s years of mission success as a high-powered jamming system,” said Don Davidson, director of the Advanced Compact Electronic Warfare Solutions product line at BAE Systems. “Dual Band Decoy delivers broad capability that can be installed on a variety of aircraft and is upgradeable to address future threats.”

Dual Band Decoy incorporates the company’s custom integrated circuits, enabling higher performance and more capability with reduced size, weight, and power. DBD is an integral part of BAE Systems’ Intrepid Shield™ approach to creating a protective sphere around platforms in highly contested battlespaces using the full electromagnetic spectrum to detect, exploit, and counter advanced threats.

DBD will be initially fielded on the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Work on DBD will be performed at the company’s state-of-the-art facilities in Nashua, N.H.

Lt Richard Woods is the first British pilot to serve as an instructor pilot on the F-35C variant and is also the first to be embedded within a US Navy F-35C squadron.

Lt Woods, who grew up in Ashtead, Surrey, volunteered for a non-reciprocal exchange to NAS Lemoore, California, where he’s been stationed since late 2023. At VFA-125, he instructs both ab initio US Navy and Marine Corps pilots, as well as experienced pilots training to become squadron instructors.

Lt Woods said, “This level of joint training and integration between the F-35 partner nations at the tactical and operational level is essential. It’s needed to drive the ultimate objective of multi-national compatibility and integration in theatre.”

This is not Lt Woods first experience of working alongside his American counterparts. Upon completion of Basic Fast Jet Training, flying the Tucano at RAF Linton-on-Ouse with 72 Squadron, he was picked up for his first exchange.In 2018, he moved to Meridian, Mississippi.

While flying the T-45, Lt Woods carrier qualified, landing on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. At this point, he earned his United States gold wings, becoming a “Tailhooker”.

Eighteen months later, he moved to NAS Oceana, Virginia to convert to type on the F/A-18 with VFA-106, the “Rhino” Fleet Replenishment Squadron.

Lt Woods joined his front-line squadron, VFA-211, flying the F/A-18E, in September 2020.

After a workup with the squadron, including events at NAS Fallon under the watchful eye of TOPGUN, he deployed onboard the USS Harry S. Truman to the Mediterranean.

During this deployment, the invasion of Ukraine made NATO strength in the region more important than ever.

Lt Woods was frequently entrusted as the ships Defensive Counter Air alert lead, ready to launch and defend the Carrier Strike Group at a moment’s notice.

A Pennsylvania Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, prepares to land on the runway at Pittsburgh International Airport as part of Exercise AMALGAM DART Sept. 25, 2026. Exercise AMALGAM DART is a NORAD and USNORTHCOM exercise designed to enhance readiness and strengthen the defense of North America. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Rebecca A. Wirth)

A F-16 Fighting Falcon supporting North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) efforts takes off during Exercise AMALGAM DART 26 (AmD26) at Canadian Forces base Bagotville, Alouette, Québec, August 26 2026. Exercise Amalgam Dart is a planned, routine NORAD and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) exercise to be conducted from Aug. 24-Sept. 1, 2026. Exercise AMALGAM DART 26 demonstrates NORAD's and USNORTHCOM's readiness to defend North American against modern air domain threats, strengthens integrated deterrence through resilient binational operations, and reinforces the enduring United States-Canada defense partnership. (Photo by Cpl Simon Morin, Images Service, 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec)

A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 134 takes off during RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 17, 2026. RF-A 26-3 directly supports the Peace through Strength strategy by improving combat readiness and warfighting skills. This training raises the cost of aggression and reinforces a credible deterrence posture. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andre Medina)

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attacks Squadron 251, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, taxis on the flight line during RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 26, 2026. RED FLAG-Alaska utilizes the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex airspace, which covers approximately 120,000 square miles and provides a realistic training environment, allowing Airmen to train for full spectrum engagements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Demond Mcghee)

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, takes off during simulated close air support as part of Mountain Exercise 4-26 at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Aug. 19, 2026. MTX 4-26 is a month-long training evolution that is designed to strengthen unit cohesion and prepare the battalion for rapid mobilization to operate as an effective Marine Air Ground Task Force in austere, mountainous terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Enge You)

Vodochody, August 26, 2026 – The partnership between the Czech brand AERO and Airbus is moving to a new level. This year, AERO completed its milestone 600th set of wing leading edges for the Airbus A220, obtained new technical certifications for repairing composite parts for this aircraft, and simultaneously advanced to Tier I status within the supplier structure. These steps reaffirm the long-term partnership with Airbus and open up further opportunities for collaboration.

AERO has been part of the A220 program since 2013, when production of the first leading edges began in Vodochody. Recently, the milestone 600th set of leading edges left AERO, meaning that more than 600 A220 aircraft now bear the hallmark of the Vodochody plant.
However, there is more to each of them than just manufacturing. AERO participated in the program using the Design-to-Build method, which means that in addition to manufacturing, it also provided Czech know-how and contributed to the design work. Over the past thirteen years, the company has also succeeded in significantly increasing production efficiency and substantially reducing the number of standard hours required to produce a single shipset. This progress is the result of long-term optimization of production processes, accumulated experience, and the growing efficiency of the entire program.

“Our partnership with Airbus is extremely important to AERO. Over more than a decade, we have moved together from our first deliveries to a direct partnership that allows us to discuss future projects and new opportunities. The milestone 600th set is primarily the result of the work of hundreds of our colleagues who have contributed to the program over the years,” says Viktor Sotona, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at AERO.

AERO Has Obtained New Qualifications for Composite Repairs

Another significant step is the acquisition of technical qualifications for repairing composite parts for the Airbus A220 program. The first group of specialists from AERO recently completed training led by Airbus experts directly at their factory in Belfast, which combined theoretical instruction with hands-on training and a final exam in accordance with Airbus requirements. A second group of technicians will undergo this training in the coming weeks.

Thanks to this certification, AERO can, in many cases, address damage and perform selected repairs directly in Vodochody, without having to refer them to Airbus in Belfast.

For AERO, this means shorter response times, simpler logistics, and greater production flexibility. At the same time, it confirms the expertise of Czech specialists in one of the most technically demanding areas of aircraft manufacturing.

“Composites require strict adherence to approved procedures and the ability to guarantee the outcome of a repair. The certification we’ve earned is therefore not only a practical benefit for production but also an important demonstration of Airbus’s confidence in the professional capabilities of our people,” adds Matěj Zázvorka, manager of the composites department at AERO.

Another significant milestone for AERO is the change in its position within the Airbus supply chain. Following Airbus’s acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, AERO has become a Tier I supplier—and thus a direct supplier to Airbus.

This new status provides AERO with closer ties to Airbus and facilitates further collaboration. It also includes access to the Airbus procurement system, which allows AERO to more efficiently manage the procurement of metal and other raw materials and leverage the supply chain of one of the world’s largest manufacturers of commercial aircraft.

Four Belgian F-16s are currently bolstering this effort through Operation Iceland Air Defence. The aircraft stand ready for Quick Reaction Alert duties and can be deployed for interceptions, as well as surveillance and identification flights. Yet, behind those four F-16s lies a much larger detachment: pilots, battle controllers, technicians, planners, meteorologists, medical personnel, logistics staff, and Force Protection specialists.

At the same time, Belgium is participating in Northern Viking, a multinational exercise focused on the defense of Iceland and the North Atlantic region. During this exercise, Belgian crews train alongside other allies and with capabilities from various military domains.
Keflavík is located more than two thousand kilometers from Belgium. Nevertheless, this deployment is directly linked to our own security. Collective defense means that allies protect one another, wherever necessary.
(Photos courtesy of the Belgium Air Force)

Yesterday, a crew from the 3/62 transport squadron "Ventoux" landed the wheels of their CN235 Casa on a Swedish road in Såtenäs.

An unprecedented training session, which prepares our crews to deploy their aircraft on different types of terrain, depending on operational needs.

And a new demonstration of the Franco-Swedish cooperation and our ability to operate agilely, alongside our partners.
(Photos courtesy of the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace)