Russian-based Aviastar-SP (a subsidiary of the United Aircraft Corporation) has completed an upgrade on its eighth Il-76MD-90A aircraft for Russia’s Aerospace Force Military Transport Unit.
The aircraft is currently undergoing ground tests before it will be handed over to the Ulyanovsk air regiment. Three aircraft were delivered throughout last year with the most recent being handed over in October 2019.
The new modifications include improved avionics and communications systems, a glass cockpit, modernised PS-90A-76 engines, modified wings and stronger landing gear.
A new version of the aircraft, the Il-78-90A, is also under development which will carry out air-to-air refuelling missions and is based on the designs of the Il-76MD-90A.
The use of air power by both sides in the ongoing conflict has been extensively focused on, influencing policy and procurement around the world. But are the lessons from the front line universally applicable, or should other nations be planning for very different scenarios?
Six Super Tucano aircraft were ordered in July 2024, with Paraguay the fifth South American country to add the aircraft to modernise its fleet.
The takeover of the Italian firm by Baykar solidifies the company’s efforts to forge closer ties with Italian industry, bolsters its partnership with Leonardo to produce UAVs and secures its foothold in Europe.
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Spain’s Defence Minister told the Senate Defense Commission on 27 June of the decision to acquire Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TAI) trainers as the country seeks to replace its Northrop F-5M aircraft.
The company has tested over 15 mission sets for the drone, with the rotorcraft used to demonstrate the viability of armed forces utilising large uncrewed aerial systems’ (UAS) for autonomous missions in the future.
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