A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler fires flares during an Operation Inherent Resolve mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 24, 2024. The Growlers are part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and are deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the CENTCOM AOR. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gerald R. Willis)

A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler flies during an Operation Inherent Resolve mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 24, 2024. The Growlers, part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, support CENTCOM operations across the Middle East. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gerald R. Willis)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle returns to combat patrols after being refueled over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Dec. 26, 2024. The F-15E Strike Eagle provides the capability to counter violent extremist organizations within the CENTCOM AOR through its agile use of air-to-ground weapons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Willis)

A U.S. Air Force RC-135V/W Rivet Joint flies a routine mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Dec. 30, 2024. The Rivet Joint provides timely and accurate intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance of target forces to support coalition operations, enabling decision makers at various levels to take informed action. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jackson Manske)

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 5, 2025) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, prepares for launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 4, 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) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

São José dos Campos, Brazil, December 31st, 2024 – Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMB3) signed today a contract for the sale of four A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced trainer aircraft to an undisclosed customer in Africa. These aircraft will perform a wide spectrum of missions such as border surveillance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, counterinsurgency, and advanced flight training.

“The A-29 Super Tucano is an extremely versatile aircraft that is able to carry out the most challenging missions under the most demanding conditions. It is the world leader in its category as it combines a combat-proven track record with advanced technology,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.

As a multi-mission aircraft, the A-29 Super Tucano provides great versatility for armed reconnaissance, close air support, light attack, and advanced training missions on a single platform, which exponentially increases the aircraft's availability and operational flexibility. Its robust airframe is capable of operating from unpaved runways in harsh environments. The A-29 Super Tucano is the global leader in its category, with over 290 orders and more than 570,000 flight hours, with 60,000 of those in combat. In 2024, Embraer announced new sales of the Super Tucano to the Portuguese Air Force (A-29N), the Uruguayan Air Force and the Paraguayan Air Force.

For air forces seeking a proven, comprehensive, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution on a single platform, coupled with great operational flexibility, the A-29 Super Tucano offers a wide range of missions such as close air support, air patrol, special operations, air interdiction, JTAC, forward air controller (FAC), air and tactical coordinator (TAC), armed ISR, border surveillance, reconnaissance, air escort, basic, operational and advanced training, transition to air superiority fighters, JTAC/LIFT and FAC training.

The A-29 Super Tucano is the most effective multi-mission aircraft in its category, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for precise target identification, weapons systems, and a comprehensive communications suite. Its capability is further enhanced by advanced human-machine interface avionic systems integrated into a robust airframe capable of operating from unpaved runways in austere environments and without infrastructure. Furthermore, the aircraft has a simple maintenance concept, which offers high levels of reliability, availability, and structural integrity with low life cycle costs.

23 December 2024

The leaders of Eurofighter and NETMA (the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) today signed the contract for up to 24 Italian Air Force Eurofighters in Rome.

The announcement comes at a strategically important time for the Eurofighter programme and follows the contract signing last Friday (20 December) for 25 Eurofighters for the Spanish Air Force.

The new Italian Eurofighter Typhoon jets will replace Italian Tranche 1 versions that are currently in service.

Giancarlo Mezzanatto, Chief Executive of Eurofighter, said: “Italy’s decision to purchase an additional 24 jets is, of course, fantastic news for our programme, further demonstrating the strength and importance that Eurofighter Typhoon brings to Europe.

“During this past seven days we have seen two of the four Eurofighter Core Nations sign new contract orders, with a clear desire to modernise their Air Forces and confirming the crucial role they attribute to our aircraft.”

Stefano Pontecorvo, Chairman of Leonardo, said: “The level of technology delivered by the Eurofighter programme over years is unquestionable. Its success provides also evidence of the outstanding synergies between the industry and institutions.

“We’re proud of what we’ve built together and we’re committed to providing our contribution to make sure Italy and all other partner nations continue to receive the level of capability they deserve.”

Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, commented: “This contract is a major milestone for the Eurofighter programme in Italy.

“Since its inception, it has played a crucial role for national defence and security as well as in the development of advanced technologies and employment of thousands of skilled professionals. With this latest order the programme will deliver even greater capabilities and economic returns for many years.”

AVM Simon Ellard (ret.), General Manager, NETMA said: “The additional 24 aircraft for Italy is yet another proud moment for the Eurofighter Programme.

“The order will enhance the Italian Air Force’s combat air capabilities and provide security for Italy, Europe and the NATO Alliance.

“The order, which follows the contract for 25 additional jets for the Spanish Air Force signed on the 20th of December, demonstrates that the Eurofighter Typhoon continues to be the backbone of European air defence.”

As with the new Halcon II Spanish order from last week, the new Italian Eurofighters will be equipped with advanced avionics, enhanced weapon systems capable of operating Brimstone III and Meteor, new sensors and improved connectivity.

With a service life well beyond 2060, its technical capabilities will allow full integration into the Europe's future air combat environment.

Fleet Air Arm and RAF pilots at the cutting edge of F-35 Lightning combat tested their mettle against the best fliers and latest tech in skies near LA.
Personnel and jets from 17 Test and Evaluation Squadron – who develop new tactics and push the boundaries of what the UK’s sole fifth-generation jet fighter can do – took part in Exercise Gray Flag alongside American, Canadian and Australian aviators… and drone tech.
(Photo courtesy of the RN)

A U.S. Air Force pilot from the 85th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) and an Airman from the 47th Medical Group (MDG) wave to the camera as they taxi towards the runway at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 23, 2024. Airmen from the 47th MDG took part in immersion flights with the 85th FTS in T-6A Texan IIs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Larsen)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, taxis on the flight line at the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Dec. 17, 2024. The F-16 returned from a routine training mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Halley Clark)

A NATO E-3 Sentry approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, over Poland, Dec. 19, 2024. The KC-135 enabled the E-3 to maintain extended airborne endurance, providing uninterrupted radar coverage and seamless command and control capabilities critical to mission success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jesenia Landaverde)

A VC-25 aircraft, known as Air Force One when the President is aboard, prepares to taxi during rehearsal for the State Funeral of former President Jimmy Carter at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Jan. 5, 2025. Joint Base Andrews is the primary site for arrival and departure ceremonies for the state funeral. (U.S. Air Force photo by Hayden Hallman)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 8, 2025) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the “Warhawks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97, recovers on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Jan. 8, 2025. Vinson, flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nate Jordan)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 8, 2025) Sailors observe an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the “Stingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113, launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Jan. 8, 2025. Vinson, flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nate Jordan)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 7, 2025) - An EA-18G Growler, assigned to the “Gauntlets” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class air-craft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Jan. 7, 2025. Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway con-ducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Isaiah B. Goessl)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 9, 2025) F/A-18E Super Hornets, assigned to the “Stingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 recover on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Jan. 9, 2025. Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Leon Vonguyen)


Toulouse, France, 9 January 2025 – STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has placed a firm order with Airbus for five more A350F freighters. This doubles an initial order from the airline last year for five of the all-new cargo aircraft. The A350F fleet will be operated by STARLUX Cargo on some of the world’s busiest freight routes.

“The cargo market is set to become a key element in our business model and will benefit from the advantages offered by Taiwan’s geographical location,” said STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai. “The A350F is the perfect choice for STARLUX, offering a similar payload-range capability as previous generation freighters, but with very significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions.”

“We thank STARLUX Airlines for its ongoing confidence in Airbus and its products,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “The A350F will fit seamlessly into the carrier’s latest generation all-Airbus fleet which offers unrivalled levels of technical and operational commonality. This second order from this fast-growing airline is another endorsement of the all-new A350F as the future game-changer in heavy lift markets.”

To date STARLUX Airlines operates a fleet of 26 Airbus aircraft including the A321neo, the A330neo and the A350-900.

Currently under development, the A350F can carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and can fly up to 4,700 nautical miles / 8,700 kilometres. Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% when compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability.

The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46 tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative. The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027.

At the end of November 2024, the latest generation widebody A350 Family had won 1,345 orders from 61 customers worldwide, including 55 for the all-new A350F from 10 leading cargo carriers.

A C-37A, assigned to the 65th Airlift Squadron, is stationed on the flightline at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Jan. 8, 2025. The mission of the twin-engine, turbofan aircraft is to fill worldwide special air missions for high-ranking government and Defense Department officials. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alan Ricker)

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard at Moffett Air National Guard Base, Calif., load equipment and a Bambi bucket onto an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter in support to the Palisades Fire, Jan. 9, 2025. The unit is activated by Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom, to assist with the fire-fighting efforts in Los Angeles, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photos by Master Sgt. Ray Aquino)


SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 10, 2025) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the “Warhawks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97, waits to taxi across the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Jan. 10, 2025. Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nate Jordan)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 10, 2025) An EA-18G Growler, assigned to the “Gauntlets” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136, prepares to launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Jan. 10, 2025. Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nate Jordan)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 706th Aggressor Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, takes off for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan 7, 2025. The mission of the Aggressors is to prepare warfighters to win in air combat against any adversary. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), Nevada, takes off for a training mission at Nellis AFB, Nevada, Jan 7, 2025. The aggressors provide realistic, threat-representative, near-peer adversary air for high-end US and coalition training. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)

An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 433rd Weapons Squadron, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, takes off for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan 7, 2025. The USAFWS teaches graduate-level instructor courses that provide advanced training in weapons and tactics employment to officers and enlisted specialists of the combat and mobility air forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)

An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, takes off for a mission during at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan 7, 2025. The 422nd TES is a geographically separated unit of the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, Eglin AFB, Florida and is responsible for delivering safe and effective capabilities and tactics that enhance the Combat Air Force's lethality and survivability. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 17th Weapons Squadron, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, takes off for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan 7, 2025. The USAFWS provides academic and advisory support to numerous units, enhancing air combat training for Airmen from the Air Force, Department of Defense and U.S. allied services each year. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)

An F-35A Lightning II fighter jet assigned to the 6th Weapons Squadron, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, takes off for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan 7, 2025. With its advanced avionics, the F-35A provides next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness and reduced vulnerability for the United States and allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)

Oxford, UK - Airbus Helicopters has signed a firm contract with the Republic of Ireland Department of Defence to acquire four H145M helicopters.

The H145M, a new type in Irish military service, will be used to expand the operational capabilities of the Irish Air Corps on a variety of defence and security tasks.

“The procurement of the Airbus H145M helicopter platform is another important step on the journey of transformative change of our Defence Forces. These new light multi-role helicopters, proven in their service in other militaries, will not only enhance the Irish Air Corps rotary capability but will also serve as a critical enabler to the Army, Naval Service and Special Operations Forces,” said Irish Defence Forces’ Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy.

“It’s a great honour to be selected to play this key role in the modernisation of the Irish Air Corps fleet. The H145M offers markedly higher performance and capability than the helicopters currently in service and features provision for weaponry to be fitted if required in future,” said Lenny Brown, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in the UK.

The H145M is the military version of the proven twin-engine H145 helicopter which recently passed the eight million flight hours mark globally. It is configured with HForce, the weapon management system developed by Airbus Helicopters, and can carry weapons including machine guns, rockets and missiles.

The helicopter is equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite and a high-performance 4-axis autopilot which makes for low pilot workload allowing crews to focus on the mission at hand. The current version has a five-bladed bearingless main rotor resulting in enhanced performance and contributing to the H145M’s class-leading low acoustic footprint.