Saudia takes delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR with Thompson VantageSOLO business class, entering service June 2026.
Aerospace
Two United States Navy EA-18G Growler fighter jets collided during an aerial demonstration at Mountain Home Air Force Base (MUO), Idaho, on May 17, destroying aircraft collectively valued at approximately $136 million.
Earlier this year, the F-35 Joint Program Office and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence completed the first test flight of 4 Selective Precision Effects At Range Capability 3 (SPEAR 3) missiles aboard a fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II test aircraft, marking a major milestone for Britain’s next-generation precision strike capability.
The Pentagon’s latest operational assessment found that the F-35 Lightning II modernization program has failed to deliver the combat improvements originally expected from its Technology Refresh 3 upgrade package.
Airbus unveils Germany’s first Tranche 4 Eurofighter in Munich with ECRS Mk 1 AESA radar for the Luftwaffe fleet.
AFSOC tests OA-1K Skyraider II rapid disassembly for C-17 transport, enabling worldwide deployment to remote dirt strips.
Italian Air Force F-35B Lightning II completes first highway landing during Imminent Field 26 exercise hosted in Finland.
Italy has officially signed a major defense aviation contract with Airbus for the procurement of six A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft in a deal valued at approximately €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion).
Saudia (SV) filed additional changes in a recent schedule update to its already planned Airbus A321XLR operation, adjusting routes, frequencies, and start dates across multiple markets from June 2026.
Emirates breaks ground on a US$5.1 billion Dubai South engineering complex, set to be the world’s most advanced MRO hub.