
African Pilot Magazine:
Military & Defence

KC-390 Millennium and Gripen E Successfully Complete Refuelling Certification Flights
Embraer and Saab, together with the Brazilian Air Force, have completed in-flight refuelling certification flights between the KC-390 Millennium and Gripen E, advancing operational integration and international capability.

Sikorsky Converts BLACK HAWK® into U-Hawk™, A Battle-Ready Autonomous UAS
Sikorsky transforms the UH-60L Black Hawk into the autonomous S-70UAS™ U-Hawk™, a next-generation uncrewed helicopter with 25% more cargo space and MATRIX™ autonomy.

Airbus Streamlines Its Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System Offering
Airbus consolidates its tactical uncrewed aerial systems, creating a unified portfolio under Airbus Helicopters to enhance defence and security capabilities.

Lockheed Martin and Belgium Celebrate Arrival of First Belgian F-35 Aircraft
Belgium’s first F-35A Lightning II has arrived at Florennes Air Base. Lockheed Martin and the Belgian Air Force mark a new era of advanced air defence and allied cooperation.

Safran Aero Boosters and BMT Aerospace to Manufacture Key Components for Pratt & Whitney’s F135 Engine Powering the F-35 Lightning II Aircraft
Safran Aero Boosters and BMT Aerospace to produce key F135 engine components for Pratt & Whitney’s F-35 aircraft, strengthening Belgium’s aerospace industry.

Skunk Works and FalconWorks Announce Strategic Collaboration
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and BAE Systems FalconWorks partner at DSEI to develop modular uncrewed air systems with electronic warfare capability.

SANDF Clarifies Status Of Oryx Helicopters
SANDF confirms its Oryx helicopters in the DRC are operational and maintained, dismissing claims of abandonment as misleading.
Embraer Defense Europe Signs Strategic MoUs with Lithuanian Partners, Strengthening Aerospace Cooperation and Innovation
Embraer Defense Europe has signed strategic MoUs with leading Lithuanian partners to strengthen aerospace cooperation, advance innovation, and support the local defence industry, following Lithuania’s selection of the C-390 Millennium aircraft.

Colonel Mamah Agnidoufey Promoted to the Rank of Air Brigadier General
On 8 August 2025, Colonel Mamah Agnidoufey, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, was promoted to Air Brigadier General by President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.

Embraer Offers New Scholarships to Train Master’s Students in Aeronautical Engineering
Embraer and ITA launch 2025 MSc in Aeronautical Engineering with monthly scholarships for 45 new students.

First Airbus SIRTAP Prototype Ready to Start Ground Tests
Airbus has completed assembly of the first SIRTAP tactical uncrewed aerial system, now entering ground tests in Spain. The aircraft is set for its maiden flight by the end of 2025, with delivery to the Spanish Armed Forces expected in 2027.

Hanwha Systems and Milkor Aerospace and Defence Sign Strategic MoU to Integrate AESA SAR Radar on Milkor 380 UAV for Global Export
Hanwha Systems and Milkor Aerospace and Defence signed an MoU at the Paris Air Show 2025 to integrate AESA SAR radar on the Milkor 380 UAV, creating a globally exportable ISR solution with advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Embraer Celebrates A-29 Super Tucano 600,000 Flight Hours
Embraer celebrates 600,000 flight hours for the A-29 Super Tucano, a globally proven light attack and training aircraft selected by 22 air forces. The A-29N variant offers NATO interoperability and cost-effective, multi-role capabilities.

Bell signs first SUBARU Bell 412EPX order in Africa
Bell Textron has signed a fleet purchase agreement for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters with the Tunisian Air Force—the first order for this variant in Africa. The aircraft will support multi-role military and security missions, expanding Tunisia's fleet of Bell helicopters.

Vrgineers Strengthens Business Relationship with Lockheed Martin
Vrgineers joins Lockheed Martin in a Czech industrial cooperation project supporting F-35 fighter integration with cutting-edge VR pilot training tech.

KC-390 Millennium: Embraer’s Multi-Mission Tanker Gains Ground Globally
Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium is gaining traction globally as a modern, multi-mission tanker and airlifter. With operational capability and a growing list of international operators, it’s redefining tactical airlift and aerial refuelling.

Armscor Tables Strategic Defence Path in Corporate Plan 2025
Armscor’s 2025 Corporate Plan outlines a strategic defence vision with a strong aviation focus, including the launch of a Space Command Capability, support for the SAAF, innovation in unmanned systems, and industry collaboration to grow South Africa’s aerospace sector.

Defence Strategic Plan 2025–2030 Tabled by Department of Defence
The Department of Defence has tabled South Africa’s Defence Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, outlining the SANDF’s roadmap to modernise defence capabilities through border safeguarding, rapid deployment forces, and technological advancements, despite ongoing budget constraints.

First Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air and Space Force Enters Into Service
The Spanish Air and Space Force has inducted its first Airbus A330 MRTT into service. The aircraft offers enhanced refuelling, transport, and MEDEVAC capabilities, strengthening Spain’s aerial operations and strategic autonomy.

Embraer and Denel sign MoU to cooperate on the KC- 390 Millennium
Embraer and Denel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaboration on the KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, focusing on manufacturing and MRO activities to enhance strategic airlift capabilities in Africa.

Restoration of Sabre 361: Honouring Heritage Through Dedication and Craftsmanship
The restoration of Sabre 361 by Montagu Thorne and Matthew Olivier celebrates aviation heritage through meticulous craftsmanship. The project, conducted at the South African Air Force Museum, involved polishing, panel beating, and replacing corroded fasteners to restore this historic aircraft for public display.

French Air and Space Force buys 22 PC-7 MKX Aircraft for Basic Military Pilot Training
The French Air and Space Force has selected the Pilatus PC-7 MKX as its new basic military pilot training system. With 22 aircraft on order, advanced avionics, and a state-of-the-art Ground-Based Training System, this move reinforces France’s commitment to cutting-edge flight training.

Safran and GAL Partner to Ensure Fleet Readiness for UAE Mirage 2000 Aircraft
Safran Aircraft Engines and Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) have partnered to ensure fleet readiness for the UAE Mirage 2000 aircraft, providing world-class maintenance and operational support for M53 engines.
Grey Wolf Tested for US Air Force Mission
The US Air Force’s MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters have undergone Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) flights, demonstrating their capabilities in simulated emergency response scenarios. Learn how this new aircraft enhances nuclear security and replaces the UH-1N Huey.

Zambia Air Force’s Operation Sungulula Concludes as Life Returns to the Kafue River
The Zambia Air Force successfully concludes Operation Sungulula, neutralising an acid spill in the Kafue River. The aerial response effort safeguarded aquatic life, protected downstream communities, and reinforced ZAF’s disaster response capabilities.

From Disks to Digital: Trainer Updates Cut Apache Downtime
Discover how the Apache Longbow Crew Trainers' software updates have transformed from a time-consuming manual process to an efficient automated system. Learn how automation reduces downtime, enhances performance, and improves training reliability.

US Air Force Completes First Flight of L3Harris Viper Shield Electronic Warfare System
L3Harris Technologies’ Viper Shield™ electronic warfare suite has completed its first flight on a single-seat Block 70 F-16, advancing defence capabilities for international F-16 partners.

Saab Signs MOU with HAL for Laser Warning System
Saab has signed an MOU with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to collaborate on the LWS-310 Laser Warning System, strengthening their long-standing partnership. The agreement includes a Maintenance Transfer of Technology, enabling HAL to manufacture the system in India while enhancing defence capabilities and electronic warfare solutions.


