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  • A Kuwaiti Eurofighter Typhoon lands on the flight line during exercise Marauder Shield 26.1 within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 11, 2025.
    A key element of the exercise was the sharpening of combined fighter capabilities between the U.S. and Kuwait Air Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tylin Rust)
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    A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft soars through the air during exercise Marauder Shield 26.1 within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 11, 2025. Marauder Shield 26.1 emphasized a coordinated response to the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems. The exercise featured advanced counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems integration between the U.S. and Kuwaiti forces, bolstering regional security and demonstrating a commitment to collaborative defense.
    (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tylin Rust)
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    A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 510th Fighter Generation Squadron prepares for take-off at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 25, 2025. The 510th FGS and 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron work together to enable rapid, efficient refueling during high-tempo operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)
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    ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 2, 2025 – Today, Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], with Blackshark.ai, unveiled Prepar3D® Fuse, a next‑generation simulation solution to prepare today’s soldier for any mission. Built on a custom version of Unreal Engine 5, Prepar3D® Fuse blends Lockheed Martin’s simulation legacy with commercially available cutting‑edge graphics and AI‑generated terrain and sensor‑modeling, giving warfighters, engineers and instructors a single environment for everything from initial flight training to joint, multi-domain exercises.

    “Prepar3D® Fuse provides unmatched synthetic training for the warfighter,” said Adam Breed, chief of innovation at Lockheed Martin. “By marrying our proven SAGE and Prepar3D® technologies with Unreal Engine’s real‑time graphics and Blackshark.ai’s global terrain, we give operators a high‑fidelity training environment while cutting development time and driving cost efficiencies.”

    “This marks the beginning of reality and simulation converging toward omniscient worlds that think, evolve, and remain in perfect sync with a changing planet,” declared Michael Putz, CEO of Blackshark.ai.

    Key capabilities of Prepar3D® Fuse include:

    A full‑earth, material‑encoded globe that includes more than 1,000 geo‑referenced airports and high‑resolution cityscapes powered by Blackshark.ai.
    Physically accurate atmospheric and weather models, multi‑spectral sensor suites, and proven SAGE Infrared Math Model to enable realistic training and validation of next‑generation weapons and platforms.
    AI‑driven semi‑automated‑forces engine that generates realistic behavior for individual crews up to brigade‑level exercises, dramatically reducing role‑player workload and accelerating scenario creation.
    Full compliance with distributed interactive simulation, common image generator interface and native UnrealEngine workflows to ensure seamless integration with legacy assets and rapid deployment of new content.

    Prepar3D® Fuse improves aspects of live, virtual and constructive training, and will be inserted across Lockheed Martin training devices delivered across the globe. With its open system, Prepar3D® Fuse is adaptable for all training platforms to be quickly integrated and used with the highest fidelity of training available.

    For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com/simulation.
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    In November, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) achieved a major milestone by completing the first firings of the METEOR BVRAAM from Gripen E, strengthening Brazil’s air-defence deterrent power. Two missiles precisely hit their designated targets, while demonstrating the weapon’s accuracy against long-range threats.

    The launches took place during the BVR-X Technical Exercise, at Natal Air Base in Rio Grande do Norte. With the participation of the First Air Defence Group (1º GDA), the Technical Exercise brought together four Gripen E fighters in a large-scale operation that, for the first time, allowed FAB technicians and pilots to handle and employ the METEOR in combat-like conditions.

    “The BVR-X was a crucial step in expanding the capabilities of the F-39E Gripen. The Gripen and METEOR combination projects Brazil’s combat power and strengthens the deterrence required by our Air Force and, above all, by the country. With advanced sensors, mission systems and electronic warfare capabilities, combined with a missile designed to make evasion virtually impossible, this combination provides a decisive advantage in air combat,” said Air Major General Breno Diogenes Gonçalves, Commander of Natal Air Base and Director of the Technical Exercise.
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    “The success of this operation reflects the strong partnership between the Brazilian Air Force, Saab and MBDA. Through this close collaboration, we are bringing cutting-edge technology to Brazil. The Gripen and METEOR combination places the country among the few nations worldwide with access to this level of air combat innovation,” said Peter Dölling, Managing Director at Saab Brasil.

    “METEOR is one of the best examples of what is at the core of MBDA’s DNA: cooperation. It is the result of the joint effort of six European nations, led by MBDA, to create the most sophisticated air-to-air weapon system in operation today. The missile, already certified for use with Gripen E in Sweden, is a game-changer that ensures air superiority for its operator. Brazil now benefiting from this capability is an element of pride for MBDA,” explained Ricardo Mantovani, Vice President Export Sales Americas at MBDA.

    METEOR’s ramjet motor provides thrust all the way to its threat interception, creating the most extensive No Escape Zone of any medium range air-to-air missile. Its endgame kinematics and blast fragmentation warhead ensure maximum effectiveness. METEOR can engage a wide variety of targets, day or night, in any weather conditions, and in intense electronic warfare environments too.
    Preparations for BVR-X Technical Exercise took place with support from Saab, MBDA and several FAB units, including the Operational Applications Institute, which received key knowledge transfer on missile employment. Patrol aircraft also helped secure the maritime area to ensure safe launch conditions. The targets were two manoeuvrable Mirach 100/5 drones specifically designed for this exercise. They replicated the speed and altitude profile of modern fighter aircraft, creating a demanding environment to demonstrate the missile’s precision, adding realism to the evaluation.

    The outcome of the exercise highlighted the highly effective performance of Gripen E paired with the METEOR missile, underscoring its importance within the Brazilian Air Force’s air-defence capability.

    Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 26,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Saab has a long-term partnership with Brazil and provides a wide range of advanced solutions for the country, both civil and military. Through the Brazilian Gripen Programme, the company has established a broad technology transfer initiative that is strengthening the national defence industry.
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  • Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling) 1st Class Eliser Paclob signals an F-35B Lighting II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, during flight operations on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Dec. 2, 2025. Marine Fighter Squadron 242, part of the Tripoli Expeditionary Strike Group, is conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Paul LeClair)
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    A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer takes off to return to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2025, concluding a bomber task force deployment. BTF operations employ U.S. strategic bombers globally, deter adversaries, assure allies and partners, strengthen interoperability and maintain readiness and global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Emma Anderson)
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    A Republic of Korea Air Force F-15K Slam Eagle lands at Kunsan Air Base, ROK, Nov. 3, 2025, during Freedom Flag 25-2. FF 25-2 integrates U.S. and ROK forces to train to defend against surface-to-air and air-to-air threats, ensuring mutual understanding and trust between the two nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tylir Meyer)
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  • U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct deck landing qualifications on Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 3, 2025. The 11th MEU is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances lethality and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Nicole Stuart)
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    A KC-46A Pegasus taxis on the flight line during the arrival ceremony for the delivery of the Air Force‘s 100th KC-46 at Travis Air Force Base, California, Dec. 2, 2025. The KC-46 delivers improved refueling systems, enhanced defensive features and expanded cargo capacity to meet modern mission demands. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Collett)
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    A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, taxis to a parking spot at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 3, 2025, in support of Operation Christmas Drop 2025. Operation Christmas Drop is the Department of War’s longest-running humanitarian airlift mission. It began in 1952 after a U.S. Air Force B-29 crew flying near Guam spotted islanders waving from below and dropped supplies as an act of goodwill. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cayla Hunt)
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    U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 510th and 555th Fighter Generation Squadrons park on the flightline just before takeoff to participate in Exercise Poggio Dart at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Dec. 1, 2025. PODA25 was hosted by Italy and was led by the Deployable Air Command and Control Center at Poggio Renatico, Italy, and it was a key, wide-ranging exercise designed to test and strengthen the interoperability and operational readiness of Allied forces in air defence operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jenna Bond)
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    U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tapper Moore, 510th Fighter Squadron pilot, flies an F-16 Fighting Falcon during Exercise Poggio Dart 25 in the skies near Aviano Air Base, Italy, Dec. 1, 2025. Reflecting the multinational and multidomain commitment, the virtual and live training activities involved personnel and numerous assets from the Italian Armed Forces, including fighter jets such as the F-35 Lightning II, Eurofighter-2000 Typhoon and Panvia Tornado. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jenna Bond)
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    FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Skunk Works® successfully completed a live demonstration of artificial intelligence driven mission contingency management (AI/MCM) on a Stalker XE Block 25 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and an Alta X 2.0 drone modified by Drone Amplified. This test demonstrates how AI can automatically adjust an unmanned mission when an unexpected problem occurs, advancing the shift towards more autonomous unmanned operations.

    The test simulated multiple variations of fuel contingencies. Within seconds, the ground command-and-control (C2) system's AI analyzed the situation, generated re-plan options and displayed them to the operator. Once the operator selected a preferred option, the AI automatically reassigned the Stalker's mission tasks to the Alta X and commanded the Stalker to return to base. By letting the AI agent handle the unexpected contingency, the operator could resolve the problem quickly while staying focused on other critical mission duties.

    The Stalker UAV contributed its mission data to a unified C2 node that also managed an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) in Kansas, with support from UAVs provided by Fulcrum, proving unmanned‑air‑and‑ground (UxV) control. Together they show how a single mobile command node can mutually support, and direct multiple geographically separated drone meshes in mounted, dismounted, and below-the-noise configurations.

    "This demonstration proves AI can move from the lab to the battlefield, delivering a multitude of capabilities ranging from autonomous decision-making to rapid data flow between unmanned vehicles across air, ground and synthetic environments," said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. "By fusing AI‑enabled UAV replanning with UGV capabilities, we give warfighters the safety, speed and confidence they need to act first in contested environments."

    The team also leveraged Lockheed Martin's STAR.SDK™ solution. As part of the STAR.OS™ constellation, STAR.SDK helps developers create and deploy AI services quickly and efficiently so they can focus on the mission at hand. STAR.SDK was used to connect the contingency application to a user interface, which enabled operators to interact with a chat assistant that provided re-tasking options. The STAR.OS solution enables different AI systems to work together seamlessly — including unmanned systems.

    This demonstration marks Lockheed Martin's ongoing commitment to deliver autonomous capabilities and open architecture that expands multi‑domain integration and empowers America's warfighters and allies.

    For additional information, visit our website: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/multi-domain-operations.html
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    MOJAVE, Calif. – Dec. 4, 2025 – Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) unveiled Project Talon, an autonomous aircraft built to fly alongside crewed fighters. As the latest addition to the company’s elite autonomous portfolio, Project Talon represents a paradigm shift in air dominance as an adaptive, collaborative teammate for combat missions.

    Project Talon combines greater mission versatility with the most advanced modular manufacturing techniques. This disruptive approach shortens timelines, emphasizing speed and simplicity.
    Project Talon advances collaboration between crewed and uncrewed aircraft, acting as a force multiplier to enhance lethality, adaptability and mission effectiveness.
    Project Talon expands previous boundaries of collaborative aircraft technology to give U.S. and international customers the ability to project power in dynamic threat environments.

    Northrop Grumman has more than 500,000 autonomous flight test hours across seven decades of experience in autonomy. Along with the release of Beacon earlier this year, Northrop Grumman continues to demonstrate it is advancing autonomy with speed and decisive action.

    Details on Project Talon:

    Project Talon was designed, built and on track to fly in under 24 months.
    The Northrop Grumman autonomous testbed ecosystem, Beacon, accelerated Project Talon, testing its avionics software in real-world environments.
    Project Talon builds on Northrop Grumman’s seven decades of advanced, battle-tested autonomous systems across every domain.

    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.
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  • A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, undergoes maintenance after returning to Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 3, 2025. Multiple B-1s returned to EAFB following an 11 month relocation to Grand Forks AFB while the runway was being reconstructed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alec Carlberg)
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    A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft receives fuel during exercise Marauder Shield 26.1 within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 11, 2025. Hot-pits, a form of grounded aircraft refueling while engines are hot, delivers speed to airpower by minimizing turnaround time, when air refueling is not available. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tylin Rust)
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    Rome, 05 December 2025
    Leonardo and the Italian National Armaments Directorate have signed a multi-year contract to provide Logistics Support for the Italian Air Force’s fleet of C-27J "Spartan" tactical transport aircraft and for the Full Motion Simulator of the International Training Centre (ITC) at the Air Base in Pisa, headquarters of the 46th Air Brigade.

    The contract will run from 2026 to 2028 under a Performance-Based model, ensuring high levels of efficiency for the Italian Air Force’s fleet of 12 aircraft operating out of the Pisa and Pratica di Mare (Rome) bases. During the same period, Leonardo will provide technical and administrative management services for operations at the Air Force’s International Training Center in Pisa and, above all, technical and maintenance support services for the ITC’ flight simulator in Pisa.

    Leonardo's C-27J "Spartan" is the most effective and versatile multi-mission tactical transport aircraft in its class available on the market today. Equipped with two powerful turboprop engines, it offers outstanding performance with extraordinary operational flexibility and economical use. Its ability to operate from unprepared runways and under extreme environmental conditions is unmatched by any other transport aircraft in its category. These exceptional features are taken even further in the enhanced C-27J Spartan Next Generation version, introducing new equipment and aerodynamic solutions.

    Thanks to its exceptional structural robustness and the redundancy of its systems, the "Spartan" offers unique reliability, resilience and manoeuvrability, demonstrated during more than 275,000 hours in flight. Ordered and deployed by some of the world’s most important air forces, the C-27J has been extensively tested under the most challenging operational circumstances and continues to prove that it can effectively carry out a wide range of missions every day. Typical tasks of the C-27J include not only transport and airlift operations supporting troops close to the front line ("last tactical mile"), but disaster relief and firefighting missions.

    The cabin of the C-27J can be quickly converted into 11 main configurations, each designed to carry out a specific type of mission. The five basic configurations (Cargo Transport, Troop Transport, Medical Evacuation, Cargo Raid, Parachute Raid) are produced using standard kits, and can each be set up in less than 30 minutes. The six optional configurations, requiring additional modules or equipment available to customers on request, are: VIP Transportation, Passenger Transportation, Special Medevac, Biocontainment, Basic and Advanced Firefighting.
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    Savannah, Ga., December 5, 2025 — Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced the new Gulfstream G300 has made its first flight, demonstrating significant program maturity and officially launching its rigorous flight test program. Introduced on Sept. 30 in Savannah as the latest addition to Gulfstream’s visionary fleet, the G300 represents a new standard in its segment and is poised to redefine the super-midsize category.

    The first G300 took off from Ben Gurion International Airport at 8:05 a.m. local time and flew for 2 hours and 25 minutes at a speed of Mach 0.75 and an altitude of 30,000 feet/9,144 meters.

    “With its combination of safety, technology, performance and cabin comfort, the G300 is a game changer for the super-midsize category,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “This latest investment, designed to exceed our customers’ expectations for large-cabin features in a mid-cabin aircraft, brings another new category leader to our next-generation fleet. With the addition of the G300, Gulfstream truly offers an aircraft for every mission. Achieving first flight at this stage in the program is a remarkable achievement.”

    The G300 features the largest interior in the super-midsize segment. Natural light from 10 Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows enhances the spacious cabin, which can seat up to 10 passengers and includes two living areas, a generously appointed galley and ample room for baggage. The G300 also features the lowest cabin altitude in its class at 4,800 ft/1,463 m when flying at 41,000 ft/12,497 m, along with 100% fresh air, a standard plasma air ionization system and whisper-quiet sound levels.

    The G300 boasts class-leading range at the highest speeds with the ability to fly 3,600 nautical miles/6,667 kilometers at Mach 0.80 or 3,000 nm/5,556 km at Mach 0.84. In addition, the aircraft also features impressive fuel-efficiency thanks to its combination of the clean, swept Gulfstream wing and Honeywell HTF7250G engines.

    With next-generation technology, the G300 Harmony Flight Deck greatly enhances safety with six touch screens paired with Phase-of-Flight intelligence, a Synthetic Vision-Primary Flight Display that depicts runways and terrain in 3D imagery, and Gulfstream’s award-winning Predictive Landing Performance System.

    Prior to first flight, the G300 program completed more than 2,000 ground test hours and includes two additional test aircraft already in production.
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