A CMV-22B Osprey tiltroter aircraft of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 50 flies over the Pacific Ocean enroute to conduct a flyover of NASCAR San Diego Weekend, on Naval Base Coronado, June 19, 2026. Marking the nation and the Navy’s 250th birthday celebrations, NASCAR San Diego Weekend, hosted aboard Naval Base Coronado June 19-21, delivers a unique, high-profiling sports experience that blends motorsports with Navy heritage. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matt Hall)

U.S. Airmen unpack a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft after it lands at a base in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility in support of regional security in the U.S. Central Command AOR June 10, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Addison Bolt)

A French Rafale fighter jet, French Air and Space Force, flies in an echelon formation alongside NATO Allied aircraft over Finland during exercise Ramstein Flag, June 16, 2026. Ramstein Flag 2026 is a complex, large-scale, tactical level exercise which demonstrates NATO’s determination to counter modern and emerging threats through distributed operations. (U.S Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Sarah M. McClanahan)

A French Mirage 2000 fighter jet, French Air and Space Force, flies in a square formation alongside NATO Allied aircraft over Finland during exercise Ramstein Flag, June 16, 2026. Ramstein Flag 2026 is a complex, large-scale, tactical level exercise which demonstrates NATO’s determination to counter modern and emerging threats through distributed operations. (U.S Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Sarah M. McClanahan)

22 June 2026
Leonardo and Baykar set a major milestone in the development of Crewed/UnCrewed Teaming (CUC-T) and swarm tactics capabilities, after successfully completing the first phase of live testing activities for the K-SWARM programme. The programme is aimed at designing and developing interoperability between crewed and uncrewed aircraft.

Collaborative combat teaming has increasingly become a key enabler of future combat air systems, and part of the evolution of current generation fighters. Today’s design of Crewed/UnCrewed Teaming (CUC-T) is one of the fundamental strands for the transformation of military and security tools in all domains. Its’ importance is not only technological, but also operational, doctrinal and industrial. The testing was carried out in May at one of Baykar’s flight and test center in Çorlu, Türkiye. The flight test campaign involved two Leonardo M-346 airplanes - a Leonardo owned M-346 Fighter Attack Variant, with an Italian Air Force’s T-346A acting as chase aircraft - and the Bayraktar KIZILELMA Uncrewed Fighter Aircraft.

Testing activities consisted of a series of missions aimed at assessing latest generation algorithms as well as the relevant tactics and procedures developed by Leonardo at its Avionic, Flight Control Innovation Labs and product capability and concept laboratory, PC2LAB, in Turin, linked with an M-346 Full Mission Simulator in Venegono, Italy. In parallel, leveraging state-of-the-art software and hardware at Baykar facilities, Baykar integrated advanced smart fleet autonomy capabilities into the CUC-T algorithms. KIZILELMA’s advanced autonomy capabilities greatly simplified the integration process, allowing for seamless implementation and rapid deployment.

These were brought into action during the M-346/KIZILELMA formation flights, supporting the validation of advanced collaboration and coordination of different high performance combat platforms and air systems, as the programme marked the transition from simulation to live operations.

An advanced radio frequency data exchange system allowed for the synchronization of all data shared between the M-346 and KIZILELMA platforms, protected by Leonardo GCC Tactical Platform. This proprietary cyber defence platform protects and monitors systems in real time, allowing for effective command and control of the planned flight formations.

During the flight campaign, following an autonomous taxi and take-off, the KIZILELMA autonomously rejoined the M346 Fighter Attack using Smart Fleet Autonomy algorithms developed by the Baykar’s Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Laboratory, enabling the M346 to subsequently assume full control of the unmanned aircraft. Using a newly developed fully integrated onboard avionic suite, the M-346 pilots commanded different formations which were autonomously executed by KIZILELMA through a dedicated crewed/uncrewed computing system. Different maneuvers and formations, including position changes, separations and rejoins were successfully tested with the KIZILELMA accurately responding to the M-346 commands.

The activities performed in Çorlu were the result of extensive and intense preparation work, including pilots and technicians, which were jointly carried out over several months by the Leonardo and Baykar teams. This extensive work resulted in the trials achieving the required level of technical integration of the systems, the development of testing scenarios, the algorithms validation and ensured the tests could be managed and completed safely and effectively.

The data and analysis gathered has been crucial in defining the next steps in the K-SWARM programme, as it moves into more complex operations requiring greater situational awareness and assets working together ‘as one’ towards mission objectives.

The refinement and maturity of “AI” technology, algorithms and collaborative procedures will enable the uncrewed systems to incrementally shift from remote piloting to autonomy, with the aim of reducing pilot workload and increasing mission efficiency while maintaining full control and decision-making. New tests are planned in the coming months, with increasing complexity and additional functions.

The first phase of trials demonstrates the solid partnership between Leonardo and Baykar, and their respective technology and industrial competences. It confirms the companies’ competitive advantage in the field and represents a concrete step towards the development of critical capabilities for modern combat air operations in multidomain operational scenarios.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, lands on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as part of Valiant Shield 2026 while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 22, 2026. Valiant Shield is a biennial, multilateral field training exercise conducted by the U.S. Armed Forces and partner nations in the Western Pacific focusing on joint, cross-combatant integration operating seamlessly across sea, air, land, and cyberspace. Exercises like Valiant Shield allow U.S. Pacific Command the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service and with our allies to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kiah Nesbitt)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, flies alongside a vintage P-38 Lightning during a heritage flight formation at the Columbus Air Show, Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, June 19, 2026. Heritage flights are symbolic aerial performances that pair modern fifth-generation fighters with historic warbirds to showcase the past, present, and future of American aviation history and air power. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Samir Harris)

Alverca, Portugal, June 23, 2026 – Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ / B3: EMBJ3) and OGMA have successfully completed the first scheduled 24- month maintenance of a C-390 Millennium aircraft operated by the Hungarian Air Force. The work was carried out at OGMA’s facilities in Portugal, representing a key milestone for the program and further strengthening the C-390 Millennium support structure in Europe. This milestone builds on Embraer’s recently signed service agreement to support the Hungarian Air Force’s C-390 Millennium fleet.

“The completion of this first C-390 Millennium maintenance at OGMA marks an important milestone for our operations,” said Brigadier General Tamás Bali PhD, Commander of the Hungarian Air Force. “We are very satisfied with the overall execution and the high level of technical expertise demonstrated by the teams. The close collaboration between the Hungarian Air Force, OGMA, and Embraer ensured a smooth and well-coordinated process. We are highly satisfied with the outcome and the level of support provided throughout the activity.”

“This maintenance event for the Hungarian Air Force’s C-390 Millennium is a significant step in strengthening our support capabilities in Europe,” said Douglas Lobo, VP Customer Support & Aftermarket Sales, Embraer Services & Support. “Working together with OGMA, we delivered a robust and efficient service that supports operational readiness and long-term customer satisfaction. This achievement reinforces our commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance capabilities to customers in Europe and worldwide.”

The services contract between Embraer and the Hungarian Air Force includes maintenance, logistics, and technical support, leveraging Embraer’s European service network. Hungary, the second NATO operator of the C-390, received its full fleet of two aircraft in November 2025. Since entering service in late 2024, the aircraft have demonstrated outstanding operational performance.

The C-390 Millennium is a next-generation multi-mission aircraft designed to operate in demanding environments. It can perform a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance, search and rescue, precision cargo airdrops, paratrooper operations, and air-to-air refueling. The Hungarian aircrafts are the first equipped with a modular roll-on/roll-off Intensive Care Unit (ICU), expanding their capability for advanced medical missions.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing taxis on the flightline in support of Valiant Shield 26 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 22, 2026. Exercises like Valiant Shield allow Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service and with our allies to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the joint force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cecilia Campbell) 

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing prepares for takeoff in support of Valiant Shield 26 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 22, 2026. Exercises like Valiant Shield allow Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service and with our allies to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the joint force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cecilia Campbell) 

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 159th Fighter Wing departs Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, June 21, 2026. The aircraft served as a static display for the 2026 Columbus Air Show, allowing community members an up-close look at the fighter jet's capabilities before returning to its home station. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Samir Harris)

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., June 24, 2026 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) has announced a new hypersonic glide body that represents the future of defense through deterrence. Designed to provide warfighters with an affordable, rapidly producible and operationally relevant long-range strike option, the next generation glide body (NXGB) combines advanced performance, survivability and scalability to meet evolving national security needs.

NXGB boasts advanced hypersonic performance with a manufacturing-first approach that reduces costs while delivering greater range and velocity than current designs.

Built to support the nation’s growing need for scaled production to enable long-range strike options, NXGB can be launched from multiple platforms across multiple warfighting domains, providing warfighters with increased operational flexibility across contested environments while reducing risk to U.S. forces.

"NXGB demonstrates our commitment to delivering next-generation deterrence that is not only effective, but affordable and producible at scale," said Johnathon Caldwell, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of Strategic and Missile Defense Systems. "We designed this capability from the outset to provide greater value to our customers while delivering an operational advantage to the warfighter."

A Foundation Built on Fielded Success

The weapon leverages more than six decades of missile development expertise, incorporating proven technologies, engineering practices and lessons learned from successful fielded systems.

"The future of deterrence belongs to solutions that combine innovative Modular Open Systems Approach and modern design methods with proven performance," Caldwell said. "NXGB reflects a paradigm shift focusing on design for manufacturing at scale while implementing decades of lessons learned designing, producing and delivering mission-critical systems for the warfighter. That heritage allows us to move faster as well as reduce risk and cost while keeping exceptional performance.”

To support production, Lockheed Martin has made significant investments in purpose-built manufacturing infrastructure and advanced production capabilities. These investments and supply chain partnerships position the company to rapidly scale production and deliver critical capability to the warfighter when and where it is needed.

Next Steps

The program successfully completed Preliminary Design Review, an achievement that confirms the design meets stringent criteria for performance, producibility and affordability. NXGB is slated for a 2027 flight demonstration to validate performance.

Donauwörth, Germany, 24 June 2026 – Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first H145M helicopter to the Kingdom of Belgium, marking a major milestone in the modernisation of the nation’s defence and security capabilities. The aircraft is part of a wider procurement contract signed in 2024 via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to equip both the Belgian armed forces and the Federal Police. Highlighting the growing momentum of the programme, Belgium has also recently exercised its option for three additional H145M helicopters, bringing the nation’s total fleet on order to 20 aircraft.

“We are proud to celebrate this first delivery to Belgium and are deeply honoured that they are joining a rapidly growing community of European nations that trust the H145M for their most critical operations,” said Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters. “This platform has become the definitive European reference for military multi-mission capabilities. Belgium’s decision to extend their fleet to 20 aircraft is a powerful testament to the deep trust placed in our team and the H145M's ability to meet today's evolving security challenges,” he added.

The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter that provides a broad range of mission capabilities. Within minutes, the helicopter can be reconfigured from a light attack role with axial ballistic and guided weapons and a state-of-the-art self-protection system into a special operations version with fast-rappelling equipment. The comprehensive mission packages include hoisting and external cargo capabilities. Its ability to seamlessly integrate into networked combat and team with uncrewed aerial systems, backed by advanced digital connectivity, makes it the most capable helicopter in its class.

The H145M is the military version of the tried-and-tested, light twin-engine H145 helicopter. The global fleet of the H145 family has accumulated more than 8.5 million flight hours. It is used by armed forces and law enforcement agencies around the world for the most demanding missions. The US Army employs almost 500 helicopters from the H145 family under the name UH-72 Lakota. Germany has ordered up to 82 H145M helicopters, with deliveries currently ongoing. Other military operators of the H145 family include Hungary, Serbia, Luxembourg, Thailand, Ecuador, and Honduras.

Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145M is fitted with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC). In addition, the helicopter is equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite which, alongside innovative flight data management, includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, reducing pilot workload during missions. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145M the quietest helicopter in its class.

Two new Gripen C fighters landed yesterday at Kecskemét Air Base, marking the completion of the deliveries under the contract amendment signed between The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Hungarian Ministry of Defence in January 2024.

With these deliveries, Hungary will operate a total of 18 Gripen C/D (16 Gripen C and 2 Gripen D) aircrafts to protect and defend Hungarian and NATO airspace. The delivery of two additional aircraft will further strengthen the capabilities of the Air Force.

“We are proud of the Hungarian Air Force, which has now operated Gripen fighters for 20 years. Thanks to the support and service contract, the Hungarian Gripen fleet will maintain high availability and be continuously upgraded to fulfill all mission requirements for at least a decade ahead,” says Lars Tossman, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area Aeronautics.

Calgary, Alberta (June 24, 2026) – De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) is pleased to announce the delivery of a Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft to Zimex Aviation, further strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two companies.

The aircraft, serial number 998, has joined Zimex Aviation’s global fleet, supporting passenger, cargo, humanitarian, and remote logistics operations worldwide.

The delivery also marks a significant milestone for De Havilland Canada, as the first production Twin Otter Classic 300-G enters service. It is also a milestone for Zimex Aviation, which becomes the first EASA operator of the Twin Otter Classic 300-G.

Zimex Aviation, headquartered in Switzerland, has operated Twin Otter aircraft for more than five decades and continues to rely on the aircraft’s versatility and reliability to support customers in some of the world’s most challenging operating environments.

“Delivering the first production Twin Otter Classic 300-G to Zimex Aviation is an important achievement for De Havilland Canada and another chapter in a long-standing partnership,” said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, De Havilland Canada. “Zimex has built an exceptional reputation operating Twin Otters around the world, and their continued confidence in the aircraft speaks to its enduring value. We are proud to support their mission with the latest evolution of the Twin Otter, combining proven capability with modern enhancements that will serve their operations for years to come.”

“We can confidently say that Twin Otter aircraft have been the backbone of our business for the last 56 years,” said Daniele Cereghetti, Chief Executive Officer of Zimex Aviation Ltd. “We are delighted to welcome this aircraft into our fleet and look forward to deploying it across our global operations. The Twin Otter remains an essential aircraft for the demanding missions we perform every day.”

The Twin Otter Classic 300-G features the Garmin G1000 integrated flight deck, a redesigned cabin interior, and enhanced operational efficiency while maintaining the rugged STOL performance and versatility that have made the aircraft a trusted choice for operators worldwide.