A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron takes off at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 13, 2025. The departure marked a key step in the 35th Fighter Wing’s transition from F-16s to F-35 Lightning IIs, ensuring sustained combat capability and regional deterrence throughout the changeover. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle refuels with a KC-135 Stratotanker in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, July 30, 2025.
The F-15E Strike Eagle is deployed within the USCENTCOM AOR to help defend U.S. and coalition interests, promote regional security, and deter potential adversaries in the region.(U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. John C.B.Ennis)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 13, 2025) – A V-22 Osprey, assigned to the “Sunhawks” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 50, lands on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Aug. 13, 2025. Theodore Roosevelt, flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, is underway conducting exercises to bolster strike group readiness and capability in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gary Buckles)

A Vulcan rocket launches the USSF-106 mission from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, Aug. 12, 2025. This was the first National Security Space Launch mission aboard a Vulcan rocket. (U.S. Space Force photo illustration by Senior Airman Spencer Contreras)

A U.S. Air Force pilot from the 706th Aggressor Squadron, prepares to take off during exercise Bamboo Eagle at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Aug. 6, 2024. Bamboo Eagle provides aircrews with realistic training scenarios to improve combat effectiveness in contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Lorna Sipho)

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, 3rd Marine Aircraft Group, execute a Deck Landing Qualification training as a part of Quarterly Underway Amphibious Readiness Training 25.4 aboard USS Somerset (LPD 25), Aug. 12, 2025. DLQ is a training that ensures aircraft pilots are capable of landing on ships when attached to Marine Expeditionary Units when underway. QUART is a joint training exercise, involving the integration of multiple units from I Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. 3rd Fleet, designed to develop and sustain essential amphibious readiness skills for effective operations in maritime environments while reinforcing the Navy-Marine Corps partnership. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Jesula Jeanlouis)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 393rd Bomber Generation Squadron taxi a B-2 Spirit aircraft into a hangar at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Aug. 13, 2025. The 393rd BGS provides worldwide combat capability by planning and conducting all aspects of on-aircraft maintenance, launch and recovery of the B-2 fleet in direct support of Joint Chiefs of Staff nuclear and conventional taskings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Garcia)

EAST CHINA SEA (Aug. 14, 2025) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) move a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) s on the flight deck, while conducting flight operations in the East China Sea, Aug. 14. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sam McNeely)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, affectionately known as “Candy”, from the 121st Air Refueling Wing lands at McClellan Park during exercise Bamboo Eagle, August 5, 2025. Bamboo Eagle is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, employing more than 400 joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Mikayla Gibbs)

Five U.S. Airmen, assigned to the 345th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, inspect two B-1B Lancers during a Bomber Task Force Europe deployment at Ørland Air Base, Norway, Aug. 12, 2025. BTF missions expose and familiarize aircrew with air bases and operations in different geographic combatant command areas of operations to enable strategic access and integration with coalition forces to deter global conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tambri Cason)

BYDGOSZCZ, Poland, Aug. 14, 2025 – The Polish Ministry of National Defence has finalized a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the U.S. government to modernize its fleet of 48 F-16 Block 52+ aircraft to the advanced F-16 Viper configuration, also known as the F-16V. Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] will serve as the primary contractor for the modernization effort, which will significantly enhance the capabilities of Poland's F-16 fleet, ensuring its continued relevance in supporting NATO's collective defense and regional security.

The modernization package includes the integration of:

APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array Scalable Agile Beam radar
A high-resolution Center Pedestal Display
An upgraded Mission Computer and a new Display Generator

Additional upgrades comprise:

Advanced helmet-mounted devices
Electronic warfare enhancements
The Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod with Digital Video Interface
The Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System
Structural modifications that will extend the aircraft's service life to 12,000 flight hours

The agreement, which also includes simulator upgrades, builds on Lockheed Martin’s 20-year partnership with the Polish Air Force and aligns with the country’s long-term defense modernization roadmap.

“The F-16 Viper upgrades strengthen Poland’s fleet for the missions ahead,” said Nick Smythe, vice president of Sustainment Campaign Strategies and Business Development at Lockheed Martin. “These enhancements deliver advanced airpower capabilities by keeping the F-16 interoperable with 5th Generation platforms like the F-35, aligned with NATO missions and backed by sustained readiness and partnership with Polish industry.”

Lockheed Martin will partner with Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 (WZL-2) to perform the upgrade work in-country, leveraging local expertise and facilities. This effort will also foster workforce development and deepen cooperation with Polish defense industry partners, contributing to the growth of the Poland's defense sector. During the past decade, Lockheed Martin has invested $1.8 billion in Poland’s defense ecosystem, working with local industry to expand supply chain capacity and accelerate delivery of critical systems.
(photo by Pierre-Etienne Courtejoie)

Luftwaffe Eurofighter pilots of the Tactical Air Force Squadron 73 "Steinhoff". During an exercise flight off the island of Rügen, they had a great view of the chalk rocks and the king's chair.
(Photo courtesy of Christian Timmig)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron lands at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, for exercise Northern Edge 2025, Aug. 17, 2025. NE25 is a Large Scale Global Exercise, led by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, that serves as a platform for joint, multi-domain operations to deliver high-end, realistic warfighter training, strengthen joint interoperability, and sharpen the air and sea-based combat readiness of U.S. and participating forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David S. Calcote)

08.16.2025
Members of training squadron VT-2 "Doerbirds" conduct a cross-country flight to Athens, Georgia in a T-6 Texan II. Photo by LT Austin Traylor.

A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), prepares to take off from aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), during flight deck landing drills while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 17, 2025. The 22nd MEU(SOC) conducted deck landing qualifications to enhance readiness in support of their regularly scheduled deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tanner Bernat)

A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), is taxied during flight deck landing drills aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 17, 2025. The 22nd MEU(SOC) conducted deck landing qualifications to enhance readiness in support of their regularly scheduled deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tanner Bernat)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, descends after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, over the Adriatic Sea, Aug. 7, 2025. The F-16 is a compact, highly maneuverable multi-role fighter aircraft with robust air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Campbell)

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Prince Webb, an Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ-132) aviation structural mechanic from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., marshals an EA-18G Growler through pre-flight checks during exercise Northern Edge 2025 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 17, 2025. NE25 is a Large Scale Global Exercise, led by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, that serves as a platform for joint, multi-domain operations to deliver high-end, realistic warfighter training, strengthen joint interoperability, and sharpen the air and sea-based combat readiness of U.S. and participating forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Hanson)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2025) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln, flagship of Carrier Strike Group Three, is underway conducting routine training operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. As an integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic and relevant training to ensure the readiness necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s timeless role across the full spectrum of military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Gage Thomas)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2025) An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln, flagship of Carrier Strike Group Three, is underway conducting routine training operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. As an integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic and relevant training to ensure the readiness necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s timeless role across the full spectrum of military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Gage Thomas)

MANILA, Philippines, August 18, 2025 – Lockheed Martin today announced the delivery of five new Black Hawk® helicopters to the Philippine Air Force. This milestone contributes to the ongoing modernization of the country’s defense capabilities and reinforces its position as a key member of the global fleet of Black Hawk operators.

“The Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter’s proven track record in enhancing interoperability and joint readiness, as demonstrated in exercises like Cope Thunder 2025, will continue to drive cooperation and commonality between the United States and the Philippines,” said Bill Blair, Lockheed Martin, Vice President and Regional Chief Executive, Asia & India. “The Black Hawk helicopter’s versatility in disaster response, humanitarian aid, and infrastructure protection has been instrumental in amplifying national resilience and advancement, and we are committed to supporting the Philippine Air Force in their mission to protect and serve the Filipino people.”

For example, in exercises in April, the PAF used their Black Hawks as part of a joint training exercise conducted by the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing in coordination with the Philippine Navy aboard the BRP Davao del Sur. In May, the PAF and the U.S. Air Force completed the joint Cope Thunder Philippines that involved aircraft from both fleets. The PAF S-70i Black Hawks were part of a comprehensive program of flight and field training exercises.

Also in Philippines operations, the Air Force has used these reliable Black Hawks to regularly transport relief goods and critical supplies to calamity-stricken areas, most recently during the Super Typhon Ofel that hit Cagayan province in November. The aircraft were used for rapid damage assessment of areas severely battered by these typhoons.

The versatile Black Hawks, which can be configured for many missions including firefighting, responded to a massive fire that broke out in Tondo, Manila in November. PAF deployed multiple aircraft, including Black Hawks, to conduct helibucket operations, completing 15 sorties.

The delivery of these five new Black Hawk helicopters reinforces Lockheed Martin’s commitment to supporting the Philippine Air Force and contributing to the country’s defense and security capabilities.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron, taxis during Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 18, 2025. UFS25 is an annual exercise that tests large-scale integration of ground, air, space and cyberspace capabilities to strengthen interoperability and increase combat readiness of U.S. and allied forces on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt.Jason W. Cochran)

U.S. Air Force Maj. McKay McLaren, 8th Fighter Wing F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, flies his F-16 Fighting Falcon back to base after a dogfighting exercise during Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 18, 2025. UFS25 is designed to present participants with realistic threat scenarios to enhance unit readiness and strengthen combined defense capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Landon Gunsauls)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 510th Fighter Squadron takes off during the Operations Group War Day exercise at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 7, 2025. OG War Day is a large force exercise that showcased the ability to execute simultaneous operations as a Wing in the event of a real-world combat rescue requirement. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek)

A Maryland Air National Guard A-10C Thunderbolt II, aircraft 702, from the 104th Fighter Squadron, flies through the air over Bollen Air-to-Ground Range, Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, August 9, 2025. Family, friends and aviation enthusiasts attended the 104th Fighter Squadron Family Range Day to see the jets in action before the anticipated final divestment of the A-10C Thunderbolt II in September. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Airman 1st Class Sarah Hoover)

U.S. Navy CMV-22B Ospreys attached to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 receive maintenance during exercise Northern Edge 2025 at Joint-Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 18, 2025. NE25 is an exercise led by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command that serves as a platform for joint, multi-domain operations to deliver high-end, realistic warfighter training, strengthen joint interoperability, and sharpen the air and sea-based combat readiness of U.S. and participating forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dustin Braaten)

An E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron receives maintenance during exercise Northern Edge 2025 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 18, 2025. NE25 is an exercise led by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command that serves as a platform for joint, multi-domain operations to deliver high-end, realistic warfighter training, strengthen joint interoperability, and sharpen the air and sea-based combat readiness of U.S. and participating forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dustin Braaten)

The U.S. Air Force 345th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron stands in formation during a Bomber Task Force Europe deployment at Ørland Air Base, Norway, Aug. 20, 2025. The BTF mission reflects our commitment to strengthening relationships and reinforcing readiness through sustained cooperation with NATO Allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tambri Cason)

STRATFORD, Conn., Aug. 20, 2025 – Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT) today announced a new U.S. Army contract that will fund Black Hawk® modernization engineering efforts. The initial $43 million contract award will focus on foundational capabilities for modernization: enhancement of the airframe and inclusion of a digital backbone capability to allow for rapid unmanned aerial systems (UAS) integration. The award also includes development of requirements and architecture using model-based systems engineering (MBSE).

“Sikorsky is ready to implement new technologies that will strengthen the combat-proven Black Hawk helicopter and give U.S. Army soldiers greater advantage in areas like the Indo-Pacific,” said Hamid Salim, vice president, Army and Air Force Systems at Sikorsky. “Integrating launched effects into the Black Hawk will enhance its capabilities and provide a significant advantage. Modernization is reducing costs, increasing efficiency and improving the overall maintenance and sustainment for the aircraft.”

The contract will support the Army's near-term priority to integrate launched effects into the Black Hawk, enabling the aircraft to deploy UAS and other effects to enhance its mission capabilities. Lockheed Martin has been demonstrating launched effects capability with Black Hawk for years, and is working with the Army to deliver a federated capability in 2026.

The MBSE and digital engineering effort will focus on developing a digital thread of the Black Hawk for collaborative and effective design, testing and maintenance of the aircraft. The Black Hawk digital backbone effort, supporting a Modular Open System Approach (MOSA), will involve the development of advanced systems and software to support the aircraft's modernization. This digital backbone facilitates rapid capability insertion to quickly respond to future platform mission needs.

This initial work on airframe enhancements, main fuel and digital backbone set a strong foundation for further rapid capability updates to Black Hawk. With a more powerful engine, airframe enhancements and a main fuel upgrade, the aircraft will carry more payload at greater range, and future upgrades to flight controls to include autonomy and AI features that will assist pilots in tough conditions increasing mission safety and effectiveness.

“Together with our team of hundreds of American suppliers, we are committed to delivering the most advanced and capable modernized Black Hawk to the U.S. Army,” Salim said. “We look forward to continuing our work with the Army to ensure that the Black Hawk remains a vital component of our nation's defense capabilities for years to come.”

Sikorsky is already fielding technology today that will lead to improved capability of a modernized Black Hawk. For example, Sikorsky is producing and delivering upturned exhaust systems II kits. These kits provide the Black Hawk of today and a modernized Black Hawk with significant performance improvements in the areas of InfraRed suppression, weight reduction, as well as improvements in reliability and maintainability.

Vodochody, August 20, 2025 – AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE has today successfully delivered the last two L-39 Skyfox training and tactical aircraft to the state enterprise LOM PRAHA. The aircraft will join the training fleet of the Flight Training Centre in Pardubice, where they will be used to train Czech Air Force pilots, including future pilots of F-35 aircraft.

The L-39 Skyfox aircraft is ready for both basic and advanced training of future F-35 pilots, bringing a fundamental shift in pilot training for the next generation. Skyfox is equipped with the latest technologies, including composite materials and integrated fuel tanks that contribute to lower operating costs and excellent range. Modern avionics ensure maximum safety even in adverse weather conditions, while the cockpit, with its head-up display, Hands On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) concept, and multifunctional displays with realistic 3D terrain rendering, provides intuitive control and comfort during long flights. A key advantage of the L-39 Skyfox is its integration with the virtual training system, which allows simulation of complex combat scenarios directly in the cockpit.

On November 14, 2022, a contract was signed for the delivery of four Aero L-39 Skyfox aircraft for the Flight Training Centre of LOM PRAHA. The contract also included an option for an additional four aircraft. Series production of the tactical training aircraft began at Aero on May 10, 2023. In June 2024, Aero carried out the maiden flight of the first L-39 Skyfox intended for LOM PRAHA. In February 2025, Aero handed over the first two aircraft. Around 600 suppliers are currently involved in the production of the L-39 Skyfox, 400 of which are based in the Czech Republic.

Three U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing fly in formation during Exercise Combined Strike along the coast of Italy, August 18, 2025. The U.S. Air Force’s ability to quickly respond and reassure Allies and partners rests upon the fact that we train and operate together. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Jakel)

A formation of U.S. Air Force F-35 Lighting IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 48th and 31st Fighter Wings respectively fly in formation as a part of Exercise Combined Strike along the coast of Italy, August 18, 2025. Exercises like Combined Strike ensure USAFE remains ready and postured to rely on one another to defend the area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Jakel)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron takes off within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, July 31, 2025. The ability to rapidly generate air power in a moment’s notice ensures U.S. forces are able to quickly respond to, and eliminate threats in the dynamic threat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kevin Dunkleberger)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron retracts its landing gear after take off within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, July 31, 2025. Expeditionary fighter and fighter generation squadrons practice Agile Combat Employment skills used for no-notice air power generation, from aircraft power off to take off, to ensure the installation can rapidly respond to threats in a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kevin Dunkleberger)

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft and Allied fighter jets flew in formation over the Monument of Freedom in Riga, Latvia, Aug. 19, 2025. The Bomber Task Force Europe exercise demonstrated NATO air forces’ ability to operate together anywhere, anytime. (Courtesy Photo)

Florennes Air Force Base took home Belgiums first MQ-9B on Monday the 18th. This arrival marks a strategic step in strengthening the capabilities of thr Belgian Air Force.
This remotely piloted aircraft, designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, offers the Defense a
• unprecedented operational flexibility
• Maximum interoperability with our partners of future coalitions thanks to its design in compliance with NATO standards
• certification for civil airspace.
(Photo courtesy of the Belgian Air Force)

The New Zealand Government has announced investment decisions of $2.7 billion, with the Airbus A321XLR (extra long range) aircraft to replace the aging Boeing 757 fleet and the MH-60R Seahawk, the preferred option to replace the existing SH-2G(I) Seasprite maritime helicopters.

“These five Seahawks will increase the offensive and defensive capability and surveillance range of Royal New Zealand Navy’s frigates and ensure we are interoperable with our ally Australia and other partner defence forces,”

French Forces Air Base 188 Djibouti, based in Djibouti is now home to two Mirage 2000D RMV (mid-life renovation).
This modernization allows for peak performance thanks to:
new optimized weapon systems
Improved connectivity and information collection
a modernized pilot post for better ergonomics and combat efficiency.
From now on, together with the three Mirage 2000-5F already present in the 3/11 "Corsa" fighter squadron, they will participate in the defense of Djibouti territory, its airspace and territorial waters.
(Photo courtesy of the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace )