The two main entrants for the U.S. Air Force’s “bridge tanker” are not the only ones anxiously awaiting requirements for the program, with Congress in the final version of the fiscal 2022 defense policy bill calling for details on what the service wants, its acquisition strategy, and plans for the future KC-Z tanker before moving forward.

Congress in the compromise fiscal 2022 defense policy bill is ordering a new, comprehensive look at problems with pilot breathing systems starting with the F-35.

National evaluations put the F-35’s military capability well ahead of its competitors, Helsinki says.

Two new, classified unmanned aerial system (UAS) programs in the U.S. Air Force portfolio aim to build on momentum from existing efforts such as Skyborg and Loyal Wingman, and the service’s top civilian wants both fighters and the service’s next-generation bombers to direct them in a fight against a modern enemy.

The order for 80 Rafales announced Dec. 3 benefitted from an acceleration in discussions that had begun more than a decade ago.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) has taken delivery of its first pair of Bell 505 light helicopters, which were quietly acquired earlier in 2021. 

A highly modified variant of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle-Extended Range (GE-ER) has demonstrated the ability to take-off in less than 500 ft., offering a new option for operators seeking a long-endurance unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that does not require a traditional runway. 

Hypersonic test vehicle and oversize carrier aircraft developer Stratolaunch has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency to provide a high-speed target and threat replicating capability.