A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 17th Weapons Squadron, returns to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, after a training mission in the Nevada Test and Training Range, Oct. 6, 2026. The 17 WPS, part of the USAF Weapons School, completed advanced tactics training, preparing them to employ and integrate advanced combat capabilities in complex operational environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Clevenger)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, returns to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, after a training mission in the Nevada Test and Training Range, Oct. 6, 2026. The NTTR provided the space and resources necessary for realistic, high-end training that enhanced aircrew readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Clevenger)

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, returns to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, after a training mission in the Nevada Test and Training Range, Oct. 6, 2026. The NTTR encompasses approximately 2.9 million acres, in result providing an expansive environment for 422nd TES training and testing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Clevenger)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing sits on the flight line prior to a refueling mission at RAF Mildenhall, England, Oct. 6, 2026. The KC-135 enables the 100th ARW to extend the range and endurance of U.S. and Allied aircraft through aerial refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aidan Martínez Rosiere)

GREENVILLE, S.C., Oct. 6, 2026 - Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] today announced the successful first flight of the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s (RMAF) first F‑16 Block 72 aircraft, marking a key milestone as the aircraft progresses through flight testing toward first delivery.

The F‑16 Block 72 is the newest and most advanced variant of the Fighting Falcon, equipped with modernized avionics, advanced sensors, improved mission systems, and enhanced safety and reliability features.

“This first flight reflects meaningful progress on Morocco’s F‑16 Block 72 program and is a critical step in strengthening Morocco’s future airpower,” said Mike Shoemaker, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group. “The F‑16 remains a vital component of today’s and future air defense, and we’re proud of the role it will continue to play in supporting Morocco’s sovereignty and contributing to regional stability for decades to come.”

Lockheed Martin’s partnership with Morocco spans more than 50 years, beginning with the first C‑130H delivery in 1974. Today, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces operate F‑16s, C‑130s, advanced radar systems, Black Hawks, and will be receiving HIMARS with long range precision fires.

Lockheed Martin is committed to strengthening Moroccan industry and local technical expertise through partnerships such as Maintenance Aero Maroc. The upcoming Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Benslimane, spanning more than 8,000 square meters, is designed to support heavy maintenance and modernization of C-130 Hercules aircraft, with plans to expand to platforms including the F-16. The investment supports Morocco’s ambition to become a regional hub for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul.

The Swedish Government has recently decided to actively strengthen Sweden's national capability and expertise relating to this engine as well. To that end, Saab and GKN Aerospace have been tasked with jointly creating the conditions necessary to achieve this objective.

"The cooperation agreement we have now signed lays the foundation for establishing GKN Aerospace as Saab's partner in engine-related matters for Gripen E/F. For Saab, being able to contribute to strengthening Sweden's fighter aircraft capability and domestic industrial capacity is of utmost importance," says Johan Segertoft, head of Saab’s business unit Gripen.

The collaboration will enable GKN Aerospace to progressively assume a greater role in engine-related matters and provide expertise, capacity and technical support in relation to the Gripen E/F programme.

Saab and GKN Aerospace have an existing collaboration on the engine for Gripen C/D, whereas this new agreement embraces Gripen E/F.

São José dos Campos, Brazil, October 8, 2026 – LATAM Airlines Brazil and Embraer are celebrating the start of the delivery process for the first E195-E2 in the airline’s history. The new aircraft is expected to enter service in the coming days and will bolster LATAM's connectivity expansion, contributing to the ongoing growth of the airline's footprint in the country, which has expanded from 44 airports served six years ago to 63 today.

The aircraft is the first of 12 E195-E2s scheduled to be delivered to LATAM by the end of 2026. Its arrival marks the next step in the plan announced in September 2025, when LATAM Airlines Group disclosed the acquisition of up to 74 aircraft of this model.

“We chose the E195-E2 with a clear objective: to continue expanding LATAM’s presence in Brazil sustainably. With the E2, we will connect new markets with strong demand and economic potential to our global network, allowing us to surpass the milestone of 70 airports served in Brazil as early as 2027,” explains Jerome Cadier, CEO of LATAM Airlines Brazil.

“We are proud to celebrate the completion of LATAM Airlines Brazil’s first E195-E2. This aircraft will play an important role in the company's strategy to expand its connectivity, offering the ideal combination of efficiency, operational flexibility, and comfort. It is gratifying to see the E195-E2 contributing to connecting new destinations and supporting the development of air transportation in Brazil,” says Francisco Gomes Neto, CEO of Embraer.

A milestone for the Wedgetail programme.

WT002 has arrived at RAF Lossiemouth and joins WT001 as testing and evaluation continues.

Ground and flight trials are underway, and both aircraft will support the next phase of development for the RAF’s aircraft of the future.
(Photos courtesy of the RAF)