Americas
The US Air Force is integrating the Angry Kitten electronic warfare (EW) pod into larger aircraft, including the A-10 Thunderbolt II and C-130 Hercules. Developed by the Georgia Tech Research Institute, the pod has already been tested on the F-16 and is currently being tested on the MQ-9 Reaper. Initial tests on the C-130 combat search and rescue aircraft have shown promising results, particularly for aircraft with larger radar cross-sections lacking robust EW capabilities. Future testing is planned for the KC-46 and KC-135 tankers, further expanding the Air Force’s electronic warfare capabilities.
GE Aerospace has been awarded a $5 billion contract by the US Air Force to supply F110-GE-129 engines for foreign military sales. These engines power aircraft like the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon used by international allies. The F110 engine family has accumulated over 11 million flight hours since its introduction. The contract aims to maintain operational readiness of these fighter jets globally by providing engines, spares, and services to meet evolving needs.
Middle East & Africa
Italian defense company Leonardo and Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a joint venture focused on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies. The partnership aims to capitalize on the growing European demand for UAV systems. Leonardo will contribute its expertise in payloads and mission systems, while Baykar will leverage its extensive aircraft portfolio, including the TB2, Akinci, and Kizilelma drones. The joint venture will cover design, development, production, and maintenance of unmanned systems, combining the strengths of both companies to enhance Europe’s capabilities in advanced UAV technologies.
Europe
France, Italy, and the UK have agreed to order 218 additional Aster missiles and to accelerate the delivery of those previously ordered. The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) signed the agreement with MBDA and EUROSAM on behalf of the three nations’ defense procurement agencies. The contract includes the production of Aster 30 B1 missiles for France and Italy’s SAMP/T NG and naval defense systems for the three nations, as well as Aster 15 missiles for the French Navy. With the new order, “OCCAR reinforces the European missile industry supported by MBDA and major European actors like Thales, Avio, KNDS Ammo,” the French Ministry for Armed Forces stated in a press release.
Asia-Pacific
Japan is considering deploying long-range missiles on the southwestern island of Kyushu as part of the country’s efforts to acquire “counterstrike capabilities” to hit enemy targets in the event of an emergency, Kyoto News reported. The deployment is expected to commence at the end of the next fiscal year in March 2026. This planned deployment is aimed at bolstering the security of the country’s southwestern Nansei island chain. This region is strategically important due to its proximity to Taiwan, amid growing fears that the self-ruled democratic island may be invaded by China. China regards Taiwan as a renegade province that must be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary.