Aerospace

China’s F406 engine test advances domestic UAV propulsion capacity further. The 600-kgf-class turbofan is intended for high-altitude reconnaissance, relay, meteorological, and cargo drones.

Boeing’s MQ-28 has completed autonomous flight tests in allied airspace. The Australia-developed aircraft is moving closer to exportable operations as collaborative combat aircraft programmes mature.

The F-35 and MQ-20 test advances autonomous combat integration work. Crewed-uncrewed teaming now depends on software, communications, pilot interfaces, and production-ready autonomy.

Ukraine’s Gripen plan now expands Sweden’s fighter-aircraft production burden substantially. New-build aircraft, donated jets, training, weapons, and sustainment will test Saab’s ability to support Ukraine while replacing Sweden’s own fleet capacity.

Hermeus has taken Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 into supersonic flight testing. The unmanned aircraft reached Mach 1.21 during its third flight from Spaceport America.

Thailand is adding two C295 transports to its air force. The Airbus aircraft will be assembled in Seville and operated from Phitsanulok air base by the Royal Thai Air Force’s 46th Wing Division.

India has moved AMCA into a private-sector fighter competition phase. The RFP process brings Tata Advanced Systems, L&T-BEL, and Bharat Forge-BEML into competition for one of India’s most technically demanding aerospace manufacturing programmes.

BAE Systems is expanding US defence production and test capacity. The $135m investment covers facility upgrades in Austin and Hudson for precision munitions, electronic systems, and advanced development work.

BOREALIS reached initial operating capability six months ahead of schedule. The UK system strengthens sovereign space-domain awareness through secure software, operational data fusion, and command-and-control tools.