Air – Page 59 – The Defense Post

Dec- 2025 -

12 December

Squadron Leader Andy Brown, a Mission Systems Operator on the Royal Air Force Voyager Multi-Role Tanker Transport conducts air refuelling operations with a United States Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II during Exercise Pitch Black 2022. *** Local Caption *** Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Forces largest and most complex Large Force Employment exercise. Pitch Black 2022 is being conducted at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal and Amberley from 19 August to 08 September 22. This years exercise will host up to 2500 personnel and around 100 aircraft from 17 participating nations from around the globe. Activities such as Exercise Pitch Black recognise Australias strong relationships and the high value we place on regional security and fostering closer ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Exercise Pitch Black features a range of realistic, simulated threats which can be found in a modern battle-space environment and is an opportunity to test and improve our force integration, utilising one of the largest training airspace areas in the world. Exercise Pitch Black aims to further develop offensive counter air, air interdiction and strike, intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, as well as foster international co-operation with partner forces.

Australia to Transform Mission Aircrew Training in $199M Deal

Canberra has invested over $199.8 million in a new Future Air Mission Training System to expand and modernize how the Royal Australian Air Force prepares mission aircrews.

12 December

Germany's first Pegasus next-generation airborne signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft.

Rojoef Manuel

Germany Accepts First Pegasus Spy Plane for Mod Works

Germany has received the first aircraft for its Pegasus next-generation airborne signals intelligence program.

12 December

Rheinmetall UK’s Trailblazer Driver Vision

Jodesz Gavilan

Rheinmetall UK Brings Trailblazer Vision Upgrade to British Army MLRS

Rheinmetall UK has been awarded a contract to bring its Trailblazer to the British Army’s M270 A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System.

12 December

Jodesz Gavilan

L3Harris Expands GMLRS IM Rocket Production With $200M Lockheed Contract

L3Harris Technologies has received a follow-on contract to produce additional solid rocket motors for Lockheed’s GMLRS IM.

11 December

A General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger unmanned vehicle prepares to start up at El Mirage Airfield, Calif. June 24, 2021. The Skyborg team conducted a multiple-hour flight test of the Skyborg Autonomy Core System aboard the General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger unmanned vehicle during Edwards Air Force Base’s Orange Flag 21-2. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tabatha Arellano)

Bea Castañeda

Inside the MQ-20 Avenger Drone: The Jet-Powered Reaper Successor

This quick guide walks you through the MQ-20 Avenger, a jet-powered remotely piloted aircraft system that’s shaping future tech — even if it’s not flying real combat missions yet.

11 December

Inder Singh Bisht

Australia Orders Six Ghost Bat ‘Loyal Wingman’ Drones for $930M

Australia has contracted Boeing Defence Australia to supply an additional six MQ-28 Ghost Bat Collaborative Combat Aircraft to the Australian Defence Force.

11 December

Rojoef Manuel

NATO Buys NH90 Military Helicopters for Netherlands

NATO’s Helicopter Management Agency has contracted NHIndustries to supply three NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters for the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force.

10 December