Tag: aerospace
456 articles
Lockheed, GM Forge Partnership to Boost Munitions Production
Imagine a partnership that brings together the might of Lockheed Martin's defense expertise and General Motors' manufacturing prowess to supercharge US munitions production - and it all starts with an unlikely duo: the THAAD air defense interceptor and the Corvette. Lockheed and GM are joining forces to strengthen supply chains, advance manufacturing, and boost production capacity.
Canada Pursues M-346 Trainer Aircraft in Boost to Aerospace Ties with Italy
Canada is taking its defence and security partnership with Italy to new heights with plans to purchase the advanced M-346 jet trainer aircraft, designed and built by Italian aerospace giant Leonardo. This move marks a significant milestone in the countries' growing collaboration, with formal negotiations now underway.
China Unveils Affordable Yunlong-1P Attack Drone
Meet the Yunlong-1P, China's latest affordable attack drone that's taking high-altitude capabilities to new heights - literally, reaching 8,500 meters in recent trials!
Europe's Space Ambitions Take Center Stage at Berlin Air Show
At the 2026 ILA Berlin Air Show, The Break Out team uncovered a story of resilience and innovation, tracing the ripple effects of a major European program's collapse to the cutting-edge tech on display, from drones in flight to a student-built satellite designed to tackle orbital debris. This compelling narrative framed the air show coverage, highlighting Europe's bold ambitions in military and aerospace.
UK Nears GCAP Fighter Contract Signing Amid Funding Disputes
The UK is on the brink of securing a major deal for the Global Combat Air Programme, with a multi-national contract for a sixth-generation fighter expected to be signed by the end of the month. Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Sanae Takaichi are set to confirm their commitment to the programme in a meeting in London.
B-52 Bomber Crashes at Edwards Air Force Base, Killing Eight
A devastating crash of a US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber at Edwards Air Force Base in California has claimed the lives of eight people on board, in what authorities describe as a "not survivable" incident. The tragic accident occurred during a routine test mission on Thursday morning.
Russian Tu-22M3 Bomber Crashes During Training Flight in Siberia
A Russian Tu-22M3 bomber dramatically crashed during a routine training flight in Siberia, with footage showing the aircraft plummeting nose-first into the ground, but thankfully, all crew members ejected safely with no ground casualties. The incident occurred during an approach to land in the Irkutsk region, with the plane not carrying a combat load.
Sweden Weighs State Ownership in Saab Amid Security Concerns
As Sweden's defense landscape evolves, Peter Hultqvist, the country's former defense minister, is open to the idea of the state taking part-ownership in Saab, a move he believes would bolster national security. This potential stake would enable Sweden to protect its core interests in critical defense technologies like submarines, sensors, and fighter aircraft.
China's J-8II Interceptor Takes Flight
On June 12, 1984, China's J-8II interceptor made history with its maiden flight, marking a major milestone in the country's interceptor program. This pivotal moment signaled a bold new direction for the aircraft, with visible design upgrades and a fresh approach.
Congress Moves to Restore U-2S Spy Plane Fleet, Defying Air Force Plans
In a surprising move, Congress is pushing to revive the U-2S spy plane fleet, bucking the Air Force's plans to retire the entire 23-aircraft fleet due to concerns over its viability in future conflicts. A new House Appropriations Committee draft bill would limit retirements and fund maintenance to restore four aircraft.
Boeing Exits Navy Trainer Jet Competition
Boeing has bowed out of the Navy's Undergraduate Jet Training System competition, citing that its T-7A Red Hawk, designed for the Air Force, doesn't meet the Navy's specific requirements. The company is focusing on delivering solutions that perfectly match its customers' needs.
Miniature Drones Make Inroads at Berlin Air Show
At the Berlin Air Show, a quiet revolution is underway: miniature drones are stealing the scene with their tiny buzz, offering a glimpse into the future of flight. Amidst the roar of fighter jets and jumbo tankers, these small, first-person-view drones are making a big impact.
Boeing Exits Navy's T-45 Jet Trainer Replacement Competition
Boeing has bowed out of the Navy's T-45 Jet Trainer replacement competition, citing that its T-7A Red Hawk trainer doesn't meet the Navy's Undergraduate Jet Training System requirements. The decision was made after an internal assessment revealed the General Electric F404 turbofan wouldn't qualify without costly and time-consuming development work.
Pentagon Seeks $13.7 Billion to Bolster F-35 Sustainment Amid Readiness Decline
The Pentagon is throwing a lifeline to its struggling F-35 fleet, requesting $13.7 billion to boost sustainment and reverse a troubling decline in readiness that saw full mission capable rates plummet from 38% to just 25%.
F-22 Testbed 'Catfish' Spotted with New Infrared Sensor Pod
Meet the "Catfish," a one-of-a-kind Boeing 757 testbed that's been secretly pushing the boundaries of F-22 technology since the 1990s. Recently spotted with a sleek new infrared sensor pod, this modified marvel is still playing a vital role in advancing stealth capabilities.
China Rapidly Expands Special Mission Aircraft Fleet
China is rapidly bolstering its special mission aircraft fleet, with recent reveals including the GX-19, Y-9PT (GaoXin-18), and Y-9GR, showcasing a surge in airborne ISR and electronic-warfare capabilities. This steady stream of new aircraft unveilings highlights China's accelerating advancements in military aviation.
Italian Helos, Air Defenses Take Center Stage at Berlin Air Show
Get ready for a deeper dive into Italy's latest helicopter project and the latest air defense systems on display at the Berlin Air Show. With global conflicts on the rise, air defense has taken center stage, drawing intense attention from delegates and media alike.
US Air Force Weighs Restarting C-17 Production Line
The US Air Force may revive the production line of its prized C-17 aircraft, with a House committee requesting a feasibility briefing by 2027. This move comes as the current fleet faces mounting demands from combat, humanitarian, and mobility operations.
Airbus Forges New Alliance for 6th-Generation Fighter Aircraft
In a bold move, Airbus has joined forces with seven German aerospace and defense suppliers to form Team Gen 6, a coalition committed to taking the lead on developing a 6th-generation fighter aircraft. This strategic alliance comes on the heels of the scrapped FCAS plan, positioning Team Gen 6 as a frontrunner in the next-gen fighter jet landscape.
Berlin Air Show Spotlights Space, Defense Tech Advancements
The Berlin Air Show's Space Day stole the spotlight with show-stopping models, including a rocket poised for liftoff and a gargantuan moon complete with orbiting satellites. Exhibits also shed light on cutting-edge human support systems, like an AI-powered exoskeleton that's part of the German Space Agency's innovative projects.
Boeing, Rheinmetall unveil drone for German air force CCA race
Boeing Australia and Rheinmetall have just unveiled their game-changing MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone at the Berlin Air Show, a cutting-edge collaborative combat aircraft already proven in flight. The innovative drone is being pitched to the German air force as a top contender in the CCA race.
US Air Force 737 Eyed as NASA's Next Reduced-Gravity Testbed
NASA is on the hunt for a trusty testbed to simulate reduced gravity conditions, and a Boeing 737-73W US Air Force plane has caught their eye as the perfect candidate. The space agency needs to assess the plane's suitability, make necessary modifications, and get it airworthy to support critical research, including validation testing on space suits.
Boeing Unveils Upgraded Ghost Bat Drone with Internal AMRAAM Capability
Boeing has unveiled the upgraded Ghost Bat Drone, now with internal AMRAAM capability, offering Germany a cutting-edge collaborative combat aircraft. The Block 3 iteration boasts a 25% larger wing and 20% more thrust, giving operators unparalleled flexibility to tailor their mission payload and endurance.
Germany Weighs Drone Options Amid FCAS Fallout
As Germany ramps up its military capabilities in an era of rapid change, all eyes are on which drone wingman will be chosen to support its bold new plans. The question hung over the Berlin Air Show, where vendors showcased their top picks for the role.