A P-51 Mustang aircraft taxis on the runaway after performing an aerial formation during Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 1, 2025. Demo teams dedicated their last flight of the day to past and present members of the U.S. Armed Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Garavito)

Two P-51 Mustang aircraft perform the second flight of the day as a two-man aerial demonstration during Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 1, 2025. The P-51 Mustang was used as an American long-range fighter-bomber in World War II and the Korean War. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Garavito)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Melanie "Mach" Kluesner, pilot of the F-35A Demonstration Team, flies alongside a P-38 Lightning during the Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Feb. 28, 2025. The course is a mandatory event for all U.S. Air Force demonstration teams, refining their skills and ensuring professionalism and readiness for the upcoming airshow season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Rupiper)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft demonstrates aerial capabilities during the Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 2, 2025. The Air Combat Command F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team performs precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft flies during the Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona., March 2, 2025. The F-35 is an agile, versatile, high-performance multi-role fighter that combines stealth, sensor fusion and unprecedented situational awareness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Devlin Bishop)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cameron Hale, 707th Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals a B-52H Stratofortress during Exercise SOUTHERN EDGE, Feb.24, 2025 at March Air Force Reserve Base, California. The Reserve-led exercise enhanced coordination between B-52 aircrews and special operations forces from multiple allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Bragg)

Marignane, France, 3 March 2025 - The H125‘s single pilot instrument flight rules (IFR) capability has been certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), paving the way for first deliveries in 2025 from Airbus Helicopters’ assembly line in Columbus, Mississippi. This new feature, developed in collaboration with Moog´s Genesys Aerosystems, consists of an upgraded cockpit and a new autopilot along with redundant hydraulic and electrical systems.

IFR capabilities will allow pilots to operate the aircraft more safely in low visibility and challenging weather conditions, thanks to advanced avionics and autopilot. The system offers advanced situational awareness and reduces pilots’ workload for operations, all while maintaining the flight capabilities that have made the H125 the undisputed leader in the light single-engine segment for its unrivalled power, safety, versatility and manoeuvrability.

“By adding this functionality to a light single-engine helicopter, Airbus Helicopters enables operators to carry out complex operations at a reduced operating cost. This new IFR feature will expand the helicopter's mission capabilities in all weather conditions, especially for critical missions such as public services, including law enforcement, emergency medical services, and pilot training - missions that are in high demand worldwide, and particularly in North America,” said Jérome Ronssin, Head of Light Helicopters Programme at Airbus Helicopters.

Today, more than 4,300 H125 family helicopters are flying across the globe in the most demanding conditions. The H125 is the absolute market leader in the intermediate single-engine helicopter category, achieving a market share of around 80% in 2024. In 2024, the Ecureuil family celebrated 40 million flight hours and 50 years since its maiden flight.

March 03, 2025
Bombardier today announced that its industry-leading Global 7500 business jet has achieved the ultimate performance milestone: setting a category-leading 100 speed records(1). The industry flagship business jet set the mark on a mission departing from Bombardier’s Authorized Service Facility ACI Jet in San Luis Obispo and landing at the London Biggin Hill Airport on Feb. 28 in nine hours and 17 minutes, averaging an impressive speed of almost 1,000 km/hr. Some of the latest speed records include impressive city pairs such as Tokyo to San Francisco, London to Riyadh, Oakland to Tokyo, Hartford to Dubai and Tokyo to Toronto, among many others.

Earlier achievements on the Global 7500 include an 8,225 nautical mile flight from Sydney to Detroit, the longest flight ever recorded in business aviation as well as the industry’s first-ever non-stop mission from London City Airport to Los Angeles.

“Bombardier customers need a reliable, fast, efficient business tool that gets them to destination quickly and efficiently, and the Global 7500 aircraft sets the standard in the ultra-long-range class for its outstanding technological advancements and impressive performance capabilities. As these impressive records attest, the aircraft consistently shows it has the speed to successfully complete any type of mission,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defense. “And with our Global 8000 set to enter into service later this year, we can’t wait to build on this speed record momentum and take it to even higher levels across the fleet.”

With a top speed of Mach 0.925 and a baseline range of 7,700 nautical miles (14,260 km), the Global 7500 is the ultimate record-setting time machine. The aircraft’s unique Smooth Flĕx Wing is like an in-air shock absorber, designed with a sophisticated slats and flap system that generates exceptional lift on takeoff and approach, maximizing aerodynamic efficiency and boosting performance while improving safety and offering the industry’s smoothest ride. It also reduces fuel burn, lowers emissions and produces excellent short-field and high-speed performance – the type of journey its discerning customers expect.

This outstanding business jet also sets the bar high when it comes to maximizing productivity. With its impeccable cabin design and ultra-fast internet capabilities, the Global 7500 is the ultimate home office in the sky – an essential business tool that enables customers to optimize their day and seamlessly complete their missions feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. The aircraft features four true living spaces, a full-size, superbly equipped kitchen and a dedicated crew suite, including innovative design elements such as Bombardier’s patented Nuage seat, which features the industry’s first zero-gravity position.

The attributes of the Global 7500 aircraft will be enhanced even more with the introduction of the Global 8000 (2) aircraft. Bombardier’s flagship for a new era is anticipated to have an industry-leading range of 8,000 nautical miles and a top speed of Mach 0.94, making it the ultimate all-in-one business aircraft. It is also expected to have a low cabin altitude of less than 2,900 feet when flying at 41,000 ft.

Manufacturing for Bombardier’s Global 8000 aircraft is currently underway at Bombardier manufacturing sites in North America, and the program is progressing to plan toward entry into service in 2025.

In anticipation of the planned entry-into-service of the Global 8000 business jet, an upgrade is currently available for purchase by existing Global 7500 aircraft customers through one of Bombardier’s aircraft service centres. Benefits of the upgrade will include enhancing the aircraft’s top speed, increasing its range and providing passengers with exceptionally low cabin altitudes.

Bombardier salutes the teams at ACI Jet in San Luis Obispo and the London Biggin Hill Airport for helping make this event happen.

Some nice air to airs of Polish F-16's providing escort to a bomber task force mission.
(Photos courtesy of NATO)

WASHINGTON (AFNS) --

The U.S. Air Force announced the designation of two Mission Design Series within its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program today: the YFQ-42A (General Atomics) and the YFQ-44A (Anduril).

Representing the first in a new generation of uncrewed fighter aircraft, both will be crucial in securing air superiority for the Joint Force in future conflicts. These aircraft are designed to leverage autonomous capabilities and crewed-uncrewed teaming to defeat enemy threats in contested environments.



“Now we have two prototypes of Collaborative Combat Aircraft,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin. “They were only on paper less than a couple of years ago, and they are going to be ready to fly this summer.”

The MDS designation provides a standardized framework for identifying and classifying these aircraft:

• Status Prefix: Y- Prototype (The “Y” will be dropped upon entering production)

• Basic Mission: F - Fighter

• Vehicle Type: Q - Unmanned Aircraft

• Design Number: 42 / 44

• Series: A - 1st Version

“For the first time in our history, we have a fighter designation in the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A," Allvin added. “It may be just symbolic, but we are telling the world we are leaning into a new chapter of aerial warfare. It means collaborative combat aircraft, it means human-machine teaming. We are developing those capabilities thinking, ‘mission first.’”

The Air Force will continue to work closely with its industry partners to mature the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A prototypes through rigorous testing and evaluation. The insights gained from these efforts will be crucial in shaping the future of the CCA program and solidifying the Air Force's position at the forefront of airpower innovation.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 prepares to land at the U.S. Navy Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center to resupply Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 272 on Andros Island, Bahamas, Mar. 2, 2025. MWSS-272 deployed to the Bahamas to conduct aviation ground support rehearsals and refine distributed aviation operations for 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md., March 4, 2025 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) completed an initial flight test integrating the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) weapon system onto the F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet. This most recent test follows a flight test with LRASM on F-35C in September 2024.

As part of the F-35’s Block 4 upgrade, AGM-158 strike systems (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile and LRASM) are being integrated for external carriage on the F-35, adding more multi-role mission capabilities to the quarterback of the fighting force. The flight marks the beginning of the F-35B AGM-158 strike systems flight sciences test program, a critical step toward bringing this advanced technology to America’s warfighter.

“Integration of the AGM-158 strike systems family delivers increased reach and lethality against heavily protected, strategic targets.” said Jon Hill, vice president and general manager, Air Dominance and Strike Weapons at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

“The integration of these systems further demonstrates how we continue to add the most advanced capabilities to the F-35 to ensure it will remain a dominant force, owning the skies for decades to come,” said Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

With more than 20 years of experience providing highly survivable and accurate cruise missiles, Lockheed Martin is combining F-35 air dominance with the unique capabilities of the JASSM and LRASM weapon systems to enhance combat readiness. More than 1,100 F-35s are currently operational around the globe, and the fleet has surpassed 983,400+ flight hours.

The KC-135 Stratotanker has an undeniable legacy in the history of the United States military, with nearly seven decades of providing mid-air refueling, cargo and medical aid transport. Tankers like the KC-135, as well as other currently fielded tankers, operate in non-combat environments due to limitations in their onboard situational awareness and communications capabilities. However, an affordable yet robust voice and data interoperability system could significantly expand the role today’s tankers play in the battlespace.

Northrop Grumman, in collaboration with the Utah Air National Guard and Air Mobility Command, demonstrated a data interoperability system that could rapidly increase the KC-135 platform’s survivability through enhanced situational awareness for the tanker. This system can also allow for airborne data translation amongst various warfighting platforms, providing a common operating picture. The system translates and distributes imagery, voice, and tactical data from disparate elements in the battlespace, allowing all warfighters in the area to sense and make sense of their environment. This not only makes the tanker more effective but also allows it to relay information to an extended network on the connected battlefield, so more resources have the critical information they need to make key decisions.

The system shown at the demonstration included elements of the new NG InSight™ product line and combined them with Northrop Grumman’s legacy end-to-end advanced communications and networking capabilities. NG InSight™ provides next-gen connectivity and secure communications, seamlessly linking defense assets across air, land, space and sea. This advanced system allows joint and coalition forces to operate as a unified force, enabling warfighters to make fast, informed decisions. 

The demonstration was a pathfinder and risk reduction exercise to evaluate viable combat capabilities focused on improving air tanker platforms’ ability to meet the demands of facing near-peer threats. The customizable and portable solution can be easily added or removed as needed from most tanker platforms and would transform the aircraft into a force multiplier in the airspace.

“Our system shows how a connected tanker platform could be used for more than air refueling and cargo transport,” said Kevin Berkowitz, vice president, communications solutions, Northrop Grumman. “The additional communications and survivability support could address current challenges for today’s tankers and shape the role they play in the battlespace. This is one way Northrop Grumman can modernize air mobility to ensure readiness for the future fight.”

“Northrop Grumman has a rich history of developing effective, reliable airborne data interoperability solutions” said Berkowitz. “Our technology leadership in advanced airborne networking solutions makes us uniquely suited to rapidly enhance the tanker’s capabilities.” 

 While tankers typically operate in permissive air spaces, our portable communications system could make them even more relevant in today’s missions. With enhanced awareness of the environment, these platforms could move into contested environments, providing a means of connecting all platforms in the battlespace with lifesaving information.

“As the battlespace becomes increasingly complex, the ability to receive, translate and transmit data between legacy and emerging platforms is critical,” said Berkowitz. “Equipping tankers already in the field with our portable communications system would rapidly increase our ability to share essential information, keeping our warfighters safe and enabling them to carry out the mission.”

An F-35A Lightning II arrives at the Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing located in Jacksonville, Florida, March 4, 2025, marking the unit’s transition to the fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The arrival enhances the wing’s 24/7 homeland defense mission and strengthens joint-force integration efforts in Florida. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Chelsea Smith)

F-35A Lightning II aircraft arrive at the Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing located in Jacksonville, Florida, March 4, 2025. The arrival marks the unit’s transition to the fifth-generation fighter aircraft, enhancing the wing’s 24/7 homeland defense mission and strengthening joint-force integration efforts in Florida. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Jacob Hancock)


A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron to conduct aerial refueling during Bomber Task Force 25-1 over the Pacific Ocean, Mar. 4, 2025. . Bomber missions demonstrate the credibility of U.S. forces to address a complex and uncertain security environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alec Carlberg)

A NATO E3 Sentry descends from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing after an aerial refueling mission over Romania, March 1, 2025. The E-3 is an airborne warning and control system aircraft that is used to provide an accurate picture of the battlespace to the Joint Air Operations Center by detecting and tracking hostile aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aidan Martínez)

Two U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles fly in formation during a combat air patrol mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 2, 2025. The F-15E provides essential overwatch of the CENTCOM AOR to deter regional aggression and protect coalition partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gerald Willis)

The French Procurement Agency, Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA), has selected the PC-7 MKX as the new training system for the French Air and Space Force. The fleet of 22 PC-7 MKXs will be used to provide basic training for military pilots – deliveries are scheduled for 2027.

In the early days of 2025, Babcock France won the prestigious “Mentor 2” tender and a 17-year contract to provide training services based on the PC-7 MKX.

Besides the 22 aircraft, the package will also include ground-based training tools to be provided partly in collaboration with French industry. Pilatus will supply simulators, computer-based training and mission planning and debriefing system equipment.

PC-21 & PC-7 MKX in operation

The Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace has provided advanced military pilot training on the Pilatus PC-21 and associated training system at the Base Aérienne 709 in Cognac-Châteaubernard since 2018. Pilots now train on 26 PC-21s which were acquired in two batches. With the introduction of the PC-7 MKX for basic training, France will now make exclusive use of Pilatus trainers for all phases of military pilot training.

New smart avionics system

The Pilatus PC-7 MKX platform features a new cockpit design based on the Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite. It is also equipped with a Head-Up Display. With Pilatus’ proven expertise in developing pilot training systems, the result is an exceptionally reliable and intuitive avionics system designed to provide an ideal training environment from the earliest stages of training. This co-development marks the first time Garmin has integrated its G3000 PRIME technology to enable the use of custom user-defined displays. Leveraging the strengths of both companies, the DNA of Pilatus' military pilot training philosophy has been fused with Garmin's adaptability and open system architecture expertise to produce a state-of-the-art avionics suite set to revolutionize the military training market.

Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, commented on the contract as follows: “It’s a great honor to have been selected once again by our valued customer, France, and we are very proud – thank you sincerely, France!” The PC-7 MKXs will also be equipped with a Head-Up Display, an additional feature which will enable a high degree of commonality between the PC-7 MKX and the PC-21. The newly developed, state-of-the-art Ground Based Training System, including simulators, also meets the highest requirements and offers cost-efficient basic training for the military pilots of the ‘Grande Nation’.”

Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President Government Aviation at Pilatus, adds: “The French Air and Space Force will be along the Royal Netherlands Air Force, the first two operators introducing the new PC-7 MKX into service. We are looking forward to working closely with Babcock France in the delivery and operation of the new training system, and we aim to achieve the same level of success as for the PC-21.”

Two Dutch F-35s shot down several practice drones over the Baltic Sea yesterday. They did that by firing AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles at them. It was a training in a controlled airspace and happened at the initiative of the Netherlands and Estonia. The Baltic State supplied the drones.
For the pilots, it meant an opportunity to train 'live' taking down unmanned systems. That's important, because they pose a real threat.
Increasingly, they are being used as weapons.
(Photos courtesy of the Koninklijke Luchtmacht )

An F-35A Lightning II’s from Eielson Air Force Base arrives at Don Mueang Air Base, Bangkok, Thailand, on March 6, 2025, for the 88th Royal Thai Air Force anniversary Air Show. The aircraft will be operated by the F-35A Demonstration Team from Hill Air Force Base to showcase the jet’s agility, stealth, and advanced capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Nathan Poblete)

U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets, assigned to the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group’s Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, flie a mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 2, 2025. The Super Hornet is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. Jackson Manske)



U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets taxi during the Fox Madness exercise at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, Feb. 28, 2025. Fox Madness builds Agile Combat Employment readiness by simulating rapid deployment to a forward operating location where contingency operations must be executed with a lighter, leaner footprint. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Danielle Dawson)

Two Royal Navy officers are playing a pivotal role in arming the UK’s F-35 Lightning jets with the nation’s latest air-to-air missile.

Pilot Lieutenant Commander Nick Baker and engineer Lieutenant Commander Lewis Roach are attached to the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in the United States.

The duo have been at the heart of trials with Meteor missiles – already operational with RAF Typhoons – which have seen the UK’s primary air-to-air weapon loaded in the F-35’s weapons bay for the first time and the launch of an inert missile.

The milestone trials, carried out by a US Marine Corps F-35B aircraft piloted by Lt Cdr Baker, are a significant step forward in getting UK weaponry integrated onto the F-35, which operates from the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.

Several flights with a specially-tuned Meteor were conducted to gather data on how it responded to usage from the F-35B’s weapons bay.

Lt Cdr Roach was responsible for leading the trials.

He said: “The first flight of a UK weapon on an F-35 aircraft marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the successful integration of British defence technology onto a cutting-edge fighter.
“This achievement is the result of extensive collaboration between multiple organisations, including government agencies, industry partners, and the armed forces, all working together to enhance the aircraft’s operational capability.

“In particular, this is a major step forward for the Meteor missile, showcasing its progress toward full integration and future deployment. This milestone not only strengthens the UK’s sovereign defence capabilities but also reinforces its role as a key player in advanced air combat technology.”

The sorties were made possible through collaboration between the UK and US governments as well as organisations including the Ministry of Defence, Defence Equipment & Support, and respective industrial partners MBDA and Lockheed Martin.

The radar-guided Meteor is the UK’s primary air-to-air missile, honing in on its target at up to four times the speed of sound – and at ranges as great as 120 miles from the aircraft which fires it.
Currently carried on operations by Typhoon jets, with the Pax trials being progress towards enabling Meteor’s capability on F-35. While the UK is leading the integration campaign for F-35B, Italy is sponsoring integration onto the F-35A model.

Britain’s F-35 squadrons – 617 Squadron and 809 Naval Air Squadron – are currently finalising preparations for a global deployment this spring with aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales.
(Courtesy photo)

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, flies over Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, during a familiarization flight, March 5, 2025. HMLAT-303 is the fleet replacement squadron for the H-1 series aircraft, responsible for training Marines to safely fly Marine Corp attack helicopters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Luc Boatman)

An LC-130 Hercules assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing retrieves cargo from Parsons Lake, Northwest Territories, Canada, March 5. The LC-130’s flown by the 109th Airlift Wing are the largest tactical aircraft in the world with the ability to land on snow and ice using skis.
(Photo by Staff Sgt. Jocelyn Tuller)

The U.S. Space Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle Mission Seven successfully landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, March 7, 2025. The X-37B landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, to exercise the service's ability to recover the spaceplane across multiple sites. (U.S. Space Force courtesy photo)

An F-22 Raptor aircraft, assigned to the 94th Fighter Squadron, arrives at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Mar 6. 2025. The 127th Wing hosted 1st Fighter Wing Airman and F-22 Raptor aircraft competing in the revived Mitchell Trophy Air Race, an event that last took place at Selfridge more than 89 years ago. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Drew Schumann)

An F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502, the 'Flying Nightmares,' sits with its ducted fan doors open during a training detachment at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, March 7 2025. The open hatch facilitates pre-flight checks and pilot preparation as the squadron refines air-to-air and air-to-surface combat skills for operational readiness. (Courtesy Photo Carl Richards)

Exercise Bamboo Eagle 25-1 pushes to new heights.
Focusing on high-end combat scenarios, the exercise fostered seamless integration of international aircraft and advanced air platforms while maintaining effective command and control in dynamic settings.

The exercise, which ran from January 27 to February 14, provided aviators the opportunity to hone their skills in a high-intensity, flexible environment that mirrors modern combat operations.
Some wonderful photos courtesy of the RAAF.





312 Squadron receives first F-35 at Volkel Air Base
The arrival of the F-041 at Vliegbasis Volkel is a milestone for the 312 Squadron, in the transition to a full F-35 squadron.
(Photos courtesy of the Koninklijke Luchtmacht )