Americas
Mass Virtual Inc. has launched an extended reality (XR) solution at Fort Bliss to optimize the training of US Army aerial intelligence units. The project covers the installation of the Florida-based company’s proprietary MassXR simulator, which provides “high-fidelity” and “repeatable” virtual lessons on the operation and sustainment of critical sensors and surveillance aboard an aircraft. It’s now part of the Virtual Aerial Systems Trainer (VAST) program, which trains future aircrews for ATHENA and HADES surveillance aircraft.
The US Air Force is bringing cutting-edge helmet display technology to its veteran fighter fleet, announcing a contract with Thales for Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display systems for active duty F-16s. This latest procurement through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) completes a multi-year effort to standardize advanced helmet displays across all service branches, having previously introduced the technology to Air National Guard and Reserve units.
Middle East & Africa
Thales has inked a strategic cooperation agreement with the Tawazun Council to produce its Ground Master air surveillance radars in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Signed during the “Make it in the Emirates 2025” event, the deal supports the UAE’s initiative to boost domestic defense manufacturing and international exports while reinforcing national defense capabilities. The future production facility, which will be used to assemble, test, and qualify advanced air surveillance radars, is expected to be fully operational by 2027.
Europe
The United States Department of State approved Poland’s request for the potential purchase of a large batch of Boeing GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB). The weapons are intended for use by squadrons equipped with multirole combat aircraft. According to information released by the American side, Poland is seeking to acquire up to 1,400 GBU-39/B bombs, as well as four GBU-39/T-1 training versions. The approved package also includes size and weight mock-ups, diagnostic equipment, spare parts, operational support services, and training and logistics support.
Asia-Pacific
Pakistan and India’s aviation authorities said on Friday they would extend an airspace ban on each other’s airlines, after the worst violence between the nuclear-armed rivals in decades. It comes a month after the deadly April 22 attack on Indian tourists in Kashmir, which sparked a four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan. More than 70 people were killed in missile, drone and artillery fire until a ceasefire was announced on May 10.