Aerospace

Operational F-35B aircraft are now entering the TR-3 retrofit phase. Fleet Readiness Center East is converting fielded aircraft to the hardware baseline needed for Block 4 mission systems, electronic warfare upgrades, and future combat-air integration.

Taiwan has advanced drone navigation for operations without reliable GPS. AIDC’s AIxVNAV system uses visual positioning, AI processing, and 3D mapping to support UAV resilience in contested electromagnetic environments.

Saab’s first Gripen F brings Brazilian collaboration into production hardware. The two-seat fighter will support training and operational missions, while the programme deepens technology transfer, aerospace skills, and industrial participation between Sweden and Brazil.

SAM NI’s Portadown expansion further strengthens UK aerospace supply capacity. The £10 million investment adds production space, machining capability, inspection capacity, and sub-assembly headroom for customers across civil and defence-linked aerospace supply chains.

Türkiye’s electronic-attack programme has moved from concept to visible hardware. HAVA SOJ’s Global 6000 conversion combines Turkish Aerospace airframe integration with Aselsan mission systems for stand-off jamming, radar disruption, and airborne electronic attack.

AGF’s speaker line-up puts Farnborough’s industrial agenda into focus again. The 2026 programme brings defence, finance, space, aviation, and emerging technology leaders together.

AeroVironment’s ceramics award targets materials for extreme aerospace environments applications. The $20m AFRL contract supports CMCs, additive manufacturing, embedded sensing, and thermal protection.

Sonaca’s F-35 facility deepens Belgium’s combat-air manufacturing role in Europe. The Gosselies site supports horizontal tailplane production within the global F-35 supply chain.