Modernisation
Brazilian Air Force gains fifth modernised E-99M
Embraer Defense & Security announced it had handed over its fifth modernised EMB 145-based E-99M AEW&C aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force on November 23, marking an important milestone for the upgrade programme as it saw the first aircraft delivered in its Full Operational Capability configuration
USAF U-2S completes first flight after avionics upgrade
In partnership with Lockheed Martin’s coveted Skunk Works division, the USAF has completed the first flight of an upgraded U-2S Dragon Lady as part of the high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft’s ongoing Avionics Tech Refresh programme
Russia marks key milestones in delivery of modernised Tu-160Ms
Russia has recently marked two key milestones regarding the delivery and testing of its newly modernised Tupolev Tu-160M Blackjack supersonic-capable strategic bomber/missile carrier fleet
Taiwan's final F-16A Block 20 begins Viper conversion
The ROCAF’s last Lockheed Martin F-16A Block 20 Fighting Falcon recently arrived at the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation’s Shalu facility at Taichung International Airport in central Taiwan for its mid-life upgrade and conversion to the latest, most advanced variant of the Fighting Falcon family: the F-16V
Argentina receives final modernised C-130H
The modernisation of five Argentine Air Force-operated C-130H Hercules tactical transports has now come to an successful end after the Fábrica Argentina de Aviones recently redelivered the fifth and final example to the operator
France pushes forward with CN-235M avionics upgrade
In a bid to modernise the French Air and Space Force’s matured Airbus CN-235M-200/300 fleet, France’s defence procurement agency – the Directorate General of Armaments – has contracted a consortium formed by Sabena Technics and Thales to upgrade the avionics of the twin-turboprop tactical transports
French Navy receives tenth upgraded Atlantique 2 MPA
France’s Directorate General of Armaments recently accepted delivery of the tenth modernised Breguet Br.1150 Atlantique 2 (ATL2) after the maritime patrol aircraft was modernised and upgraded to the type’s Standard 6 configuration
Argentina receives first modernised EMB-312 Tucano
The Argentine Air Force marked a major milestone on August 5, when it accepted its first modernised Embraer EMB-312 Tucano during a ceremony at the Aeroparque Military Air Station in Buenos Aires
Bell Textron Canada to modernise RCAF’s CH-146 Griffon helicopter fleet
The Canadian government has awarded Bell Textron Canada a contract to modernise the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF’s) 85-strong fleet of CH-146 Griffon utility helicopters – a move that aims to extend the type’s service life until at least the mid-2030s.
Embraer delivers final modernised AF-1B Skyhawk to Brazilian Navy
The modernisation of Brazil’s McDonnell Douglas AF-1B/C Skyhawk fighter-interceptor/ground attack aircraft fleet has been completed by Embraer, with the final example being handed back to the Brazilian Navy during a ceremony on April 20