U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- A T-19A Kestrel aircraft flies over Davis Airfield at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Nov. 12, 2026. Piloted by senior Air Force leaders, the flyover marked the public debut of the Academy's first aircraft dedicated to powered aerobatic training, expanding cadet airmanship opportunities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- A T-19A Kestrel aircraft is displayed during during its debut ceremony in the midfield hanger at Davis Airfield at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Nov. 12, 2026. The ceremony marked the arrival of the Academy's first powered aerobatic aircraft, highlighting an investment in the next generation of Air Force leaders and expanded cadet airmanship opportunities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Nov. 13, 2026 – Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider aircraft has demonstrated weapons release capability, marking a major step forward for America’s next-generation bomber. This demonstrates the B-21 can carry and employ combat power, illustrating how Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force are steadily advancing the B-21 on the path to warfighting capability. The B-21 program is accelerating both production and test ahead of aircraft on the ramp at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027.

“B-21 is another step closer to giving the U.S. unrivaled deterrence,” said Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “As we’ve heard from our Air Force partners, the B-21 Combined Test Force is the envy of the entire test community for its sustained rapid test pace and progress. Northrop Grumman is turning advanced technology into real capability and delivering with both performance and speed.”

Payload – Power that fits the mission

The B-21 Raider offers exceptional payload flexibility, giving commanders the ability to tailor weapon loadouts to a wide range of mission requirements, from long-range strikes to operations in heavily defended airspace. B-21 is also adaptable by design, allowing new weapons and capabilities to be integrated over time, keeping it ahead of evolving threats and maintaining its role as a pacing sixth-generation system.

Range – Global reach

Designed as the future of long range, penetrating strike, the B-21 possesses the global range necessary to hold any target around the globe at risk. Enabling this reach, the addition of aerial refueling in flight test this year has unlocked longer test sorties and accelerated the overall campaign.

Access – Stealth and survivability built for the toughest airspace

The B-21 is built with the most advanced stealth capabilities, drawing on decades of Northrop Grumman’s innovations. In testing, it has demonstrated outstanding stealth performance and is on track to be the most survivable aircraft in the fleet. In the world’s most heavily guarded regions, stealth remains the key to entry to complete the mission. Purpose-built from day one to meet that challenge, the B-21 is engineered to slip past the most sophisticated defenses and operate where other aircraft cannot. That intentional design makes the B-21 a critical asset for the nation’s most challenging missions.

The B-21’s next-gen stealth combined with unmatched payload, global range and ability to access heavily defended airspace are what set the B-21 Raider apart from any aircraft in the U.S. arsenal. Taken together, these attributes deliver a powerful strategic deterrent that will be ready on day one and remain the pacing threat for years to come. The B-21’s next generation stealth, advanced networking and open-architecture design enable the aircraft to share data seamlessly across domains, adapt ahead of evolving threats and remain effective in the most challenging environments.

Noteworthy B-21 Raider Happenings:

Scaling Production Capacity: Northrop Grumman recently opened another B-21 manufacturing facility. The Layton, Utah, facility adds 265,000 manufacturing square feet, and Northrop Grumman broke ground on an expanded one million square foot final assembly line facility at Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif. These facilities – and more to come – show how Northrop Grumman is moving with speed to meet the Air Force’s directive to accelerate B-21 production and deliver capability to the field.
Ground & Flight Test: The B-21 is proving in test what it promised on paper: it’s the most advanced bomber in the fleet, and it behaves more like a modern fighter than a legacy bomber when it comes to maintenance turnaround times and cost per flying hour. As the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft, the B-21 is setting new benchmarks in materiel reliability, weapons loading and rapid data collection – all strong indicators it’s on track to be a true daily flyer.
Northrop Grumman has already completed lifetimes of fatigue testing months ahead of schedule, further validating the strength and resilience of the B-21’s design. On the flight line, the combined test team is pushing a robust tempo in alignment with the Department of War’s call to operate on solid wartime footing. Each sortie adds to a growing body of data and confidence, moving the B-21 one step closer to joining the operational fleet.
Preparing America’s Warfighters: The advanced technology Northrop Grumman is developing for 21st-century airmen will help our warfighters fix, fly, fight and win with the B-21. Northrop Grumman continues to partner closely with the Air Force as we stress-test the entire system, including the first detachment squadron now operating at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Northrop Grumman is also preparing for long-term sustainment with a sharp focus on getting the B-21 Raider on the ramp in 2027, building on decades of expertise in maintaining stealth platforms.

Northrop Grumman’s B-21 forms the backbone of future U.S. air power, leading a powerful family of systems that deliver a new era of capability and flexibility by seamlessly integrating data, sensors and weapons. Built with next-generation stealth, advanced networking and an open systems architecture, the B-21 is specifically designed for high-threat environments, ensuring the U.S. Air Force is equipped to accomplish its most challenging missions.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force)

São José dos Campos, Brazil, November 12, 2026 – Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ / B3: EMBJ3) and Mexicana have signed a long-term agreement to implement Embraer's AHEAD (Aircraft Health Analysis and Diagnosis) platform for the airline's E2 fleet. The AHEAD solution enables airlines to adopt predictive maintenance strategies by analyzing aircraft data to identify and anticipate potential faults before they become critical events, thereby improving operational reliability and fleet efficiency. Currently, Mexicana's fleet consists of five E195-E2 and five E190-E2 aircraft.

"Every flight with Mexicana takes place aboard a new-generation Embraer E2, with operations fully supported by modern technology focused on reliability, comfort, and efficiency. AHEAD represents the next step; by using the data generated by each aircraft, we can anticipate maintenance needs and schedule them in a timely manner. This allows us to strengthen our operational performance as our fleet and route network grow, all while we continue connecting Mexico with Mexico," says Leobardo Ávila Bojórquez, Mexicana CEO.

"This agreement with Mexicana represents an important step in strengthening our long-term collaboration, at a time when the airline continues to expand its operations with the E2 family. Through our AHEAD platform, we are driving a more predictive, data-driven approach to maintenance, which helps increase fleet availability, reduce operational disruptions, and optimize operational efficiency. We are proud to continue strengthening our relationship with Mexicana and to support the airline as it expands its fleet and route network over the coming years," says Carlos Naufel, President and CEO of Embraer Services & Support.

AHEAD enables real-time monitoring of systems such as the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), fuel, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, avionics, engines, navigation, air conditioning, and flight controls. The platform analyzes data in-flight and on the ground, applying advanced analytics and predictive algorithms to support proactive maintenance. These capabilities help operators reduce unscheduled downtime, improve fleet availability, and increase operational reliability. Furthermore, AHEAD helps lower operational maintenance costs and reduce CO₂ emissions by preventing unnecessary fuel consumption caused by technical issues.

Mexicana has ordered 20 state-of-the-art E2 aircraft, including 10 E190-E2s and 10 E195-E2s. Announced in 2024, the agreement represents a strategic investment for the Mexican State Airline, aimed at strengthening connectivity and improving operational efficiency.

About Mexicana

The Mexican State-owned airline began operations on December 26, 2023, after the state acquired the "Mexicana" brand. Between that date and October 2026, it has transported more than 1.33 million passengers.

Operating from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), Mexicana connects passengers to 20 destinations across Mexico. It is also the first and only airline in Mexico to operate aircraft from the Embraer E2 family, with a fleet of ten aircraft: five E190-E2s, each with a capacity of 108 passengers, and five E195-E2s, each with a capacity of 132 passengers.

As a State-owned airline, Mexicana's mission is to connect Mexico with Mexico and to expand access to air travel for more people and regions throughout the country—offering fair, transparent fares and, above all, the warmth of Mexican hospitality on board.

Bombardier and The Helicopter Company (THC) today announced the signing of firm fleet purchase agreements for up to 60 Bombardier jets, including a firm order for 12 aircraft, comprising five Challenger 3500, five Global 5500, and two Global 8000 aircraft, and options for an additional 48 aircraft(1) . The firm agreements follow the Letter of Intent announced in July 2026(2) and are valued at approximately US$568 million based on 2026 list prices.

The order will form the foundation of its business aircraft fleet. It is the largest transaction of its kind in Saudi Arabia and builds on THC’s position as the Kingdom’s leading commercial helicopter operator, extending its services to meet growing demand for premium business travel within the Kingdom and across the region.

“This transaction marks THC’s entry into business aviation and the next step in building an integrated aviation operator for the Kingdom,” said Captain Arnaud Martinez, Chief Executive Officer, THC. “Demand for business aviation services in Saudi Arabia and the wider region continues to grow, and this fleet allows us to serve it with the right aircraft from day one. We value this strong partnership with Bombardier and look forward to bringing these aircraft into service as THC continues to support the development of the Kingdom’s aviation sector under Vision 2030.”

“The Helicopter Company's decision to move forward with these fleet purchase agreements is a meaningful vote of confidence in what our teams deliver every day,” said Éric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier. “As THC is preparing to launch their business aircraft fleet, we look forward to supporting their ambitions with industry-leading aircraft, a world-class support network and a partnership built on long-term success.”

Bombardier's Challenger 3500 aircraft has quickly become one of the most sought-after aircraft in its category, accommodating up to nine passengers and offering a range of 3,400 NM (6,297 km), making it ideally suited for missions within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The aircraft offers the lowest direct operating costs in its class, leading performance, impressive versatility and a state-of-the-art cabin. Building on Bombardier’s long-standing leadership in the super-midsize segment, the aircraft continues a winning legacy defined by reliability, performance and customer-focused innovation.

The Global 5500 is in high demand with customers due to its outstanding long-range capabilities and stunningly wide, luxurious cabin. Offering the longest range in its category, the aircraft is ideally suited for intercontinental missions, with a range of 5,900 NM (10,927 km). It accommodates up to 16 passengers across three spacious living zones, providing exceptional comfort and flexibility on long journeys. The cabin in the Global 5500 business jet is like an extension of the customers’ home, providing the cleanest, freshest air and true 4K cabin entertainment paired with the industry’s most advanced cabin lighting and sound technology.

Bombardier's flagship Global 8000 is the ideal ultra-long-range aircraft for the new THC fleet. The only true four-zone business jet to offer a range of 8,000 NM (14,816 KM), the Global 8000 jet can fly nonstop between key city pairs, including Riyadh-Los Angeles. In addition to its long-range capabilities, exceptionally smooth ride and luxurious cabin, the aircraft is also uniquely agile, with takeoff and landing performance comparable to that of a light jet. Its advanced wing design featuring leading-edge slats enable passengers to land at up to 30% more airports – the equivalent of more than 2,000 destinations – than its closest rival.

As part of this partnership with THC, Bombardier has committed to a long-term strategic investment, including a local footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

About Bombardier 

At Bombardier (BBD-B.TO), we design, build, modify and maintain the world’s best-performing aircraft for the world’s most discerning people and businesses, governments and militaries. That means not simply exceeding standards, but understanding customers well enough to anticipate their unspoken needs.  

For them, we are committed to pioneering the future of aviation—innovating to make flying more reliable, efficient and sustainable. And we are passionate about delivering unrivaled craftsmanship and care, giving our customers greater confidence and the elevated experience they deserve and expect. Because people who shape the world will always need the most productive and responsible ways to move through it. 

Bombardier customers operate a fleet of approximately 5,300 aircraft, supported by a vast network of Bombardier team members worldwide and 10 service facilities across six countries. Bombardier’s performance-leading jets are proudly manufactured in aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. In 2024, Bombardier was honoured with the prestigious “Red Dot: Best of the Best” award for Brands and Communication Design.

About The Helicopter Company (THC)

THC was established as part of Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s strategy to activate new sectors in Saudi Arabia that support the realization of Vision 2030 by creating an entire new ecosystem for general aviation services and introducing safe and efficient transport services across the kingdom. THC is Kingdom’s leading commercial helicopter operator and has been operating since mid-2019. THC currently has 60+ aircraft that serve diverse segments, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), aerial work, private charters and tourism.