Israel has signed an agreement to acquire 12 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters, with deliveries expected to begin in the early 2030s. The order will help replace older aircraft in Israel’s 48-helicopter Apache fleet while introducing upgraded sensors, avionics and drone-control capabilities. The agreement follows U.S. approval of a possible 30-helicopter sale valued at $3.8 billion.
Defense
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has flown his final fighter sortie in India’s indigenous Tejas during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur.
France is accelerating its solo sixth-generation fighter programme after the collapse of the Franco-German FCAS project, while preparing the AI-powered Rafale F5 “Super Rafale.”
Taiwan is considering raising the retirement age for experienced military pilots to 58, creating 72 additional positions as it prepares to induct 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets amid pilot shortages and fleet modernisation challenges.
Russia has equipped its Geran-4 and Geran-5 attack drones with the new Susanin optical navigation system, designed to help them navigate despite electronic jamming
India’s IAF chief says the US made no formal F-35 offer, raising questions about stealth fighters and India’s AMCA plans.
The U.S. Air Force is preparing to replace the mission computer aboard its older F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets, as it seeks to keep the aircraft operational into the 2040s.
The Pentagon awards Raytheon $6.3 billion for SM-3 Block IB interceptors, with production centred on Arizona and Alabama.
Israel has missed the final deadline to purchase 12 Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from the United States after failing to secure approximately $288 million in funding for the proposed $1 billion acquisition.
Edgewing has opened its first engineering hub for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) in Turin, Italy, where engineers will develop aircraft systems and subsystems.