Sailors perform scheduled maintenance on an E/A-18G Growler from the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Philippine Sea, April 28, 2025. Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations on a scheduled deployment, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Tomas R. Valdes)

04.28.2025
POINT MUGU, Calif. (2025) - F-35C's assigned to the "Vampires" of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9) conducts flight and test operations onboard Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu. VX-9 is charged with the testing and evaluation of weapons and their related systems in direct support of the United States Naval Aviation Fleet. NBVC is major shore warfighting platform; providing sustained ready forces to deploy, fight, and win. Composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island and home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2D Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 110 tenant commands. (U.S. Navy photos by Lt.j.g. Drew Verbis)


04.28.2025
POINT MUGU, Calif. (2025) - A EA-18G Growler assigned to the "Dust Devils" of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31 conducts flight and test operations onboard Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu. VX-31 is based at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif. and charged with conducting safe, effective, and efficient flight testing and evaluation of aircraft and weapon systems in direct support of the United States Naval Aviation Fleet. NBVC is major shore warfighting platform; providing sustained ready forces to deploy, fight, and win. Composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island and home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2D Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 110 tenant commands. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt.j.g. Drew Verbis)

04.28.2025
POINT MUGU, Calif. (2025) - EA-18G Growlers assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23) conducts flight and test operations onboard Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu. NBVC is major shore warfighting platform; providing sustained ready forces to deploy, fight, and win. Composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island and home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2D Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 110 tenant commands. (U.S. Navy photos by Lt.j.g. Drew Verbis)


04.28.2025
POINT MUGU, Calif. (2025) - A US Air Force F-117 Nighthawk conducts flight and test operations onboard Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu. NBVC is major shore warfighting platform; providing sustained ready forces to deploy, fight, and win. Composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island and home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2D Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 110 tenant commands. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt.j.g. Drew Verbis)

04.28.2025
POINT MUGU, Calif. (2025) - A U.S. Air Force F-35A from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES) conducts flight and test operations onboard Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu. NBVC is major shore warfighting platform; providing sustained ready forces to deploy, fight, and win. Composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island and home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2D Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 110 tenant commands. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt.j.g. Drew Verbis)

SAN DIEGO – 29 April 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) delivered an MQ-9A Reaper® Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). The new MQ-9A Block 5 Extended Range (ER) UAS was delivered on April 22, 2025, and will be operated by Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1), a USMC operational test squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona.

The new MQ-9A UAS will be used by the USMC to perform operational tests and evaluations, as well as create Marine Aviation tactics, techniques, and procedures through experimentation as the Marines fully implement MQ-9A as a critical part of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF).

“The Marine Corps is building out its ISR capabilities with this new aircraft,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We are excited to see what VMX-1 does in terms of operational test in preparation for pushing new capabilities into the field.”

The MQ-9A ER is designed with field-retrofittable capabilities, such as wing-borne fuel pods and reinforced landing gear, that extend the aircraft's endurance to more than 30 hours while further increasing its operational flexibility. It provides long-endurance, persistent surveillance capabilities, with Full-Motion Video and Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator/Maritime Mode Radar. An extremely reliable aircraft, MQ-9A ER is equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system and a triple-redundant avionics system architecture. It is engineered to meet and exceed manned aircraft reliability standards.

To date, GA-ASI has delivered 18 MQ-9A UAS to USMC. The USMC awaits delivery of two additional aircraft by the end of this year.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is the world’s foremost builder of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Logging more than 8 million flight hours, the Predator® line of UAS has flown for over 30 years and includes MQ-9A Reaper®, MQ-1C Gray Eagle® 25M, MQ-20 Avenger®, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian®. The company is dedicated to providing long-endurance, multi-mission solutions that deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike.

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com

Australia completes its first Operation ARGOS deployment for 2025!
A RAAF P-8A Poseidon aircraft deployed to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, reaffirming Australia’s commitment to enforcing United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.
(Photo courtesy of CPL Emma Schwenke)

Also a RNZAF P-8A Poseidon aircraft has deployed to Japan to conduct monitoring of United Nations sanctions against North Korea.
The four-week deployment will see the aircraft and crew carrying out airborne surveillance of the waters around East Asia to capture evidence of ship-to-ship transfers of resources used for the North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
(Photo courtesy of the RNZAF)

A Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35 Lightning II approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, for fuel during a commemoration flight for Operation Chowhound over the North Sea, April 28, 2025. The aerial refueling between U.S. and Dutch forces symbolized the partnership shown in Operation Chowhound during WWII. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Campbell)

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., lands at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles, La., April 29, 2025. As part of the visit, 2nd Bomb Wing leadership toured the facilities at Chennault and met with 159th Fighter Wing and Louisiana National Guard leadership to discuss future integration and training opportunities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Seth Watson)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, sits static on the flight line at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, April 30, 2025. This aircraft arrived early in preparation for the Thunderbirds Wings Over Wayne 2025 performance.
(Photo by Senior Airman Leighton Lucero)

President Donald J. Trump arrives aboard Air Force One and delivers remarks during a press briefing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, April 29, 2025. Marking his 100th day in office, Trump announced that Selfridge will host a new fighter mission—underscoring the base’s strategic importance.The visit marked his 100th day in office, during which he announced that Selfridge ANGB will host a new F-15EX II fighter jet mission, reinforcing the installation’s strategic importance.He was joined by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and other key leaders, and met with service members across the installation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. Paige Bodine)

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 28, 2025) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during flight operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 28, 2025) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during flight operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II sits on the flight line during exercise PANTHER SHADOW at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, April 21, 2025. The exercise focused on strengthening Agile Combat Employment capabilities with F-35A Lightning II operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Zachary Rufus)

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. – April 30, 2025 – Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) IVEWS (Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite) has successfully completed Operational Assessment flight testing on U.S. Air Force F-16 aircraft, demonstrating its effectiveness against advanced radar-guided threats. This accomplishment represents an important milestone in the maturation of the system and provides an option for the Air Force to go to production and fielding.

During testing, IVEWS was subjected to highly accurate representations of complex, modern radio frequency (RF) threats in operationally relevant environments, verifying the results seen during rigorous laboratory, chamber and early flight testing.

The system detected, identified and countered the full range of radar threats, providing complete RF protection for operationally representative missions and enhanced situational awareness of the battlespace.

IVEWS and Northrop Grumman’s SABR radar demonstrated digital interoperability. By communicating on a pulse-by-pulse basis, the two systems ensure that neither one will reduce the performance of the other, allowing for simultaneous electronic warfare and targeting capabilities.

Lt. Col. Christopher B. James, USAF, Deputy Division Chief, F-16 USAF Programs: “Our USAF F-16 System Program Office, in collaboration with our Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Eglin’s OFP/CTF and Terma partners, has successfully completed the IVEWS Operational Assessment with excellent results. The team conducted more than 70 flights and 100-plus flying hours in a seven-month timeframe. Not only did the system perform well, but it also worked during its first flight on two aircraft, which is unprecedented for a complex and fully integrated electronic warfare system. It has earned the slogan, ‘IVEWS, works first time, every time.’”

James Conroy, vice president, navigation, targeting and survivability, Northrop Grumman: “These successful flight tests showed the maturity and readiness of IVEWS to protect the F-16 fleet against the most advanced radio frequency threats – modernizing the Viper with the electronic warfare capabilities it needs to remain lethal and survivable for years to come.”

Details on IVEWS Flight Testing:

Flight testing took place at Eglin AFB, Florida, and Nellis AFB, Nevada, as part of the Operational Assessment of the system. IVEWS is installed on two F-16 Block 50 aircraft and has demonstrated stable performance across more than 70 sorties, covering a range of environmental conditions and typical mission scenarios including air-to-air, air-to-ground and mixed threat engagements. While laboratory and chamber threat simulations provide opportunities to test technical capabilities, flight testing on customer aircraft remains the gold standard for verifying system performance under combat-representative conditions.

Northrop Grumman’s IVEWS improves aircraft survivability in highly contested and congested electromagnetic spectrum environments, maintaining relevance for fourth generation platforms in the future fight. Fully digital and founded on open systems design principles, the ultra-wideband architecture in IVEWS provides extended frequency coverage including millimeter wave, 360-degree spatial coverage and operationally relevant geolocation. IVEWS is one example of how Northrop Grumman is helping its customers worldwide modernize to meet the challenge of evolving threats.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] shared today that the 787 Dreamliner fleet has surpassed 1 billion passengers faster than any widebody commercial airplane in history, accomplishing the feat in less than 14 years since entering service. The global 787 fleet of more than 1,175 airplanes has flown nearly 5 million flights covering more than 30 million flight hours.

"This milestone would not have been possible without the trust and confidence of our customers in operating the 787, and we are incredibly grateful for each of them," said Scott Stocker, Boeing 787 program vice president and general manager. "The 787 Dreamliner family was designed to connect people and places like never before. Flying over 1 billion passengers in this relatively short time is a testament to how the airplane has delivered on its promises to transform air travel with operational versatility, efficiency and comfort. This achievement reflects the dedication, talent and innovation of the teammates and partners who have brought the 787 family to life.

Athens, Greece, 30 April 2025 – Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Hellenic Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection for the purchase of eight H215 helicopters (with an option for two additional aircraft) to support the combat of wildfires in the country following a tender conducted by the Project Preparation Facility of Growthfund (the National Fund of Greece) on behalf of the Ministry. This contract is supported by two European funds and aligns with the Ministry’s Aegis Programme aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Civil Protection forces. The contract will be based on a “government owned contractor operated” (GO-CO) model for which Airbus Helicopters will be partnering with experienced H215 firefighting operators, Airtelis and SAF Hélicoptères, for the technical and operational support.

“The signing of the contract for the purchase of new H215 helicopters represents an important step in our efforts to mitigate the devastating consequences of the climate crisis in our country,” said Panagiotis Stampoulidis, Deputy CEO of Growthfund, about the significance of the project. “This is the largest contract signed under the ‘Aegis’ National Programme to bolster the Civil Protection mechanism in Greece with modern equipment, and we are delighted that the Project Preparation Facility of Growthfund swiftly concluded this tender with transparency and efficiency.”

“Wildfires have burned on average three to five million square kilometres globally in recent years with significant environmental consequences. It is an honour to have been selected to support the combat, with our H215 helicopters, that Greek communities face every year,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H215 is used around the world for firefighting missions with its ability to drop more than four tonnes of water at a time. Relying on experienced operators, such as Airtelis and SAF Aerogroup, is exactly what the French Securité Civile does. Airbus Helicopters has been a long-standing provider of helicopters for essential missions in the country and together with our GO-CO partners, we are sure that the H215 will be a vital and reliable asset,” he added.

SAF Aerogroup specialises in complex helicopter operations like mountain rescue, air medical services, firefighting, and humanitarian/logistic missions, demonstrated by their 2024 H215 RescEU deployment to Greece. The group also manages high-precision lifting, maintenance, and pilot/technician training, offering comprehensive high-value air services to governmental and international organisations. Similarly, Airtelis, a French operator based in the South of France with over 60 years of experience stemming from its parent company RTE, has broadened its focus beyond power grid support to include emergency response, notably firefighting, for a wider range of national and international clients.

Airbus Helicopters has been a long-standing partner in Greece since the early 2000s in both the civil and parapublic and military sectors. The Hellenic Fire Brigade operates two Super Pumas and the Hellenic Air Force operates 12 Super Pumas. The Super Puma ecosystem in the country will benefit from the support activities and training of technicians and pilots foreseen by the contract.

The H215 is a multirole helicopter that is part of the Super Puma family with over 1,100 helicopters delivered and more than 6 million flight hours under its belt. The H215 is equipped with the H225’s renowned 4-axis autopilot which enables firefighting activities to be conducted at night as well as during the day. It is deployed around the world for firefighting missions thanks to its range of around 540 NM, superior endurance of more than two hours, and its ability to transport 19 firefighters. As one of the only heavy helicopters in production that is civil certified along with its ability to be equipped with either a water bucket or a belly tank, it is the ideal complement to any country’s firefighting assets.

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) --

The Department of the Air Force has begun ground testing for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, marking a major milestone in its effort to integrate autonomous systems into the future force.

This ground test phase includes rigorous evaluations of the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A production representative test vehicles — developed by General Atomics and Anduril, respectively—focusing on propulsion systems, avionics, autonomy integration and ground control interfaces. These assessments will validate performance, inform future design decisions and prepare the systems for flight testing later this year.

“Starting ground tests is a key milestone for the CCA Increment 1 program,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin. “This phase bridges the gap between design and flight, reducing integration risks, boosting confidence and laying the groundwork for a successful first flight and eventual fielding to the warfighter.”

The CCA program is vital to the Air Force’s broader shift towards scalable force packages and human-machine teaming. Designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft, CCA will extend operational reach, enhance survivability and increase lethality in contested environments. As force multipliers, they will support rapid deployment and affordable mass — delivering combat power at a fraction of the cost of traditional fighters.

“We’re moving fast because the warfighter needs this capability,” Allvin said. “CCA is about delivering decisive advantage in highly contested environments. The program is accelerating fielding through innovative design and acquisition strategies — and both vendors are meeting or exceeding key milestones. These aircraft will help us turn readiness into operational dominance.”

Demonstrating further progress toward operationalizing CCA capabilities, the DAF has selected Beale Air Force Base, California, as the preferred location to host a CCA Aircraft Readiness Unit. The mission of the ARU is to provide combat aircraft ready to deploy worldwide at a moment’s notice. CCA are semi-autonomous in nature so the ARU will not have to fly a significant number of daily sorties to maintain readiness. The aircraft will be maintained in a fly-ready status and flown minimally so the number of airmen required to support the fleet will be substantially lower than other weapons systems.

The CCA program prioritizes speed, flexibility and cost-effectiveness. By leveraging open architectures and commercial technologies, it allows for rapid integration, iterative upgrades and scalable production. A competitive Increment 1 production decision is expected in fiscal year 2026, with development for Increment 2 beginning that same year to expand mission applications and integrate emerging technologies.

“The pace of innovation must outmatch the pace of the threat,” Allvin said. “CCA is how we do that.”
(Photos by Master Sgt. Gustavo Castillo)

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 28, 2025) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192, prepares to launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron on the flight line at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 25, 2025. The 480th FS maintains readiness by regularly flying a variety of training missions, ensuring they are prepared to deter and respond to aggression. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gretchen McCarty)

Fort Worth, Texas (May 1, 2025) - Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced that the Chicago Police Department has accepted the delivery of two Bell 407GXis, expanding their all-Bell fleet with additional public safety capabilities.

“Bell is proud to build upon our over 20-year relationship with the Chicago Police Department as they modernize their aerial public safety capabilities with an all-Bell fleet,” said Lane Evans, managing director of North America sales, Bell. “The Bell 407GXi is an incredible multi-mission aircraft with hundreds of public safety agencies throughout the world using the platform to advance their operations.”

The Chicago Police Department’s Helicopter Operations Unit acts as an aerial command-and-control center to first responders on the ground, serving Chicago’s more than 2.6 million residents. The newly acquired Bell 407GXi duo joins the Department’s Bell 429 to enhance homeland security through aerial reconnaissance and surveillance.

"This new fleet marked a new era for our Helicopter Unit," said Superintendent Larry Snelling, Chicago Police Department. "These helicopters are our eyes in the sky, allowing us to address crime in a safer and more efficient manner."

Equipped with single-pilot Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability and adjustable cabin space that seats up to five crew members, the Bell 407GXi allows operators to perform in demanding environments while transporting essential public safety equipment. In addition to its tactical capabilities, the Bell 407GXis will come equipped with a cargo hook that can hold up to 3,100 lbs. of essential public safety equipment.

“With the integration of 21st century technology and advanced mission-readiness capabilities, the Bell 407GXis will elevate the Department’s public safety operations for decades to come,” said Ben Lassiter, regional sales manager, Bell.

Today marks the start of a new era of fixed-wing search and rescue (FWSAR) operations for the Royal Canadian Air Force – the CC-295 Kingfisher has officially assumed search-and-rescue alert at 19 Wing Comox, B.C. The Kingfisher, equipped with a suite of advanced sensors, has begun the process of succeeding the venerable CC-130H Hercules as the RCAF’s FWSAR platform. Over the next few years, as Canada continues to receive CC-295 aircraft from Airbus, the Kingfisher will also assume FWSAR duties at 8 Wing Trenton, Ont.; 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S.; and 17 Wing Winnipeg, Man.
(Photo courtesy of the RCAF)