BAE Systems, Boeing and Saab have confirmed their collaboration on a bid to supply the UK's next fast-jet trainer, a version of the T-7 Red Hawk for the Royal Air Force. BAE would lead the project, with the final assembly taking place in the UK and a focus on expanding domestic supplier capabilities. The partnership aims to replace the aging Hawk fleet and position the T-7 for international pilot training opportunities.

Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, the new US Air Force chief of staff, is expected to prioritize long-term modernization over short-term readiness, marking a shift in the service's approach to balancing these two priorities.

Taiwan will be the recipient of a $699 million RTX-made National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, following a recent contract announcement by the Pentagon. The US also recently approved $330 million in sales of fighter aircraft and equipment to Taiwan.

Pratt & Whitney Canada delivered the first PW127XT-S development engines to Deutsche Aircraft. The new engine is the current evolution of the PW100 family, offering improved core components and extended maintenance intervals designed to deliver better fuel efficiency and longer time-on-wing. The upgrades are expected to help the D328eco achieve up to 14% lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous models.

Abu Dhabi Airports has partnered with Skyports to build a network of vertiports for electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft, with construction already underway at Zayed International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport. The first two vertiports are expected to be operational next year, supporting the launch of air taxi services by Archer Aviation, AutoFlight and Joby Aviation.

Stratolaunch may conduct a hypersonic test flight from California's Mojave Air Space Port this weekend as part of a Department of War program to counter hypersonic threats. Using the world's largest airplane, Roc, Stratolaunch's approach is to launch its Talon vehicles in flight. The Talon-A2 reached speeds over Mach 5 during a March test.

Viasat has secured a five-year contract extension with the Navy Exchange Service Command to provide managed connectivity services for personal-use networks at base installations worldwide. The contract includes significant network upgrades to improve bandwidth and infrastructure, aligning with the Barracks Task Force's mission to enhance living conditions for service members.

President Donald Trump has designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, enhancing military and economic ties between the two countries. The announcement came during a White House dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who revealed plans to increase Saudi investments in the US to nearly $1 trillion. The status will facilitate weapons transfers and allow Saudi Arabia to bid on Pentagon contracts.