
African Pilot Magazine:
Military & Defence

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

GE Aerospace T901 Engine Powers Black Hawk for First Time in Successful Ground Runs
GE Aerospace successfully completed initial ground runs of the T901 engine on a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, marking a major milestone in the Improved Turbine Engine Programme. This achievement validates the engine’s performance and reinforces its role in modernising the Army’s helicopter fleet.

The New Global Pilot Survey Hopes to Understand the State of Pilots
Western University and IFALPA have launched the View from the Flight Deck 2024 survey to explore the evolving role of pilots, focusing on fatigue, mental health, and the impact of automation. This research aims to advocate for better working conditions, improved safety measures, and stronger mental health support in the aviation industry.

Airbus Signs New Study Contract to Define France’s Future Maritime Patrol Aircraft
The French Defence Procurement Agency has signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space and Thales for a risk-assessment study of the A321 MPA, a next-generation maritime patrol aircraft designed for the French Navy. This study will refine technical, economic, and industrial conditions ahead of the aircraft’s planned production launch in 2026.

Spain Orders 25 Additional Eurofighter Aircraft
Spain has ordered 25 additional Eurofighter aircraft under the Halcón II programme to replace part of its ageing F-18 fleet. This acquisition strengthens Spain’s air-power capabilities, reinforces its role in NATO, and supports its aerospace industry.


