Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Saab and Embraer ready to expand Gripen production in Brazil

The framework could see Embraer more than double the number of Gripen E/F fighters it currently plans to assemble. Swedish defence manufacturer Saab and Brazilian airframer Embraer are in talks to expand the scope of their partnership on the Gripen E/F fourth-generation fighter. Under a framework deal signed at the Farnborough air show on 21…

Indonesia confirms 12-unit order for M-346F light fighter

Deliveries of Italian-built jets in Block 20 standard will commence in 2030. Indonesia has ordered 12 Leonardo M-346F light fighter aircraft, firming a letter of intent signed in February. Deliveries are due to begin in 2030, with Jakarta taking the aircraft in the latest Block 20 standard. This features an active electronically scanned array radar,…

Launching ambitions: the UK looks to new orbital frontiers
Aviation

Launching ambitions: the UK looks to new orbital frontiers

Will the first rockets to take off from a remote site in Shetland help the UK realise its goal of being a major spacefaring nation? Unst in the Shetland Isles is as far north as you can go in the British Isles, but Scott Hammond believes the sparsely populated, treeless, windswept island – two ferry…

Vertical closes on government funding to anchor production in the UK

Final decision on “broad package” of investment, including grant of up to £10 million, is expected by year-end. Bristol-based Vertical Aerospace has topped off its debut flying appearance at the show yesterday with a government pledge this morning on additional funding that would see the electric air taxi developer’s first full-scale factory located in the…

PBS: the small-engine manufacturer with big dreams
Aviation

PBS: the small-engine manufacturer with big dreams

The Czech company is on full thrust, thanks to a decision it made 25 years ago to focus on the emerging uncrewed air vehicle market. PBS reckons its early decision to get into drone propulsion has given it a head start on its competitors, including major players in the defence market. The Czech engine manufacturer…

Safran eyes year-end target for first tests of full RISE fan module

Engine specialist will use new facility at Villaroche site for trials of 4m-diameter structure.  Safran Aircraft Engines (SAE) is accelerating towards full-scale tests of the low-pressure system – including the 4m (13ft)-diameter composite fan – intended for the CFM International RISE open-fan engine demonstrator. Initial tests of the fan are expected towards the end of…

Pratt & Whitney reveals Valox small engine for uncrewed fighters
Aviation

Pratt & Whitney reveals Valox small engine for uncrewed fighters

Targeting a thrust range of 800-1,500lbf, the new turbofan is intended to capitalise on surging demand for small, low-cost jet propulsion. Engine maker Pratt & Whitney (P&W) has revealed a new developmental turbofan intended to power the burgeoning category of uncrewed fighter jets. Speaking at the Farnborough air show, the head of P&W’s military engines…

New dawn nears for Eve as prototype builds towards transition phase

Initial test article returns to flight after three-month lay-up, while developer reveals fresh commercial momentum and regulatory progress. Brazilian electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) developer Eve has its engineering prototype back in the air following a three-month lay-up to prepare the aircraft for critical transition flights expected later this year. Taking place on 18…