UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement
Project Corvus will look for a replacement for the Watchkeeper Mk1 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) that was retired from service in the British Army in March 2025.
Boeing announced on 27 September that it has delivered the first of 78 new Block III F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft for operational service with the USN.
An initial pair of aircraft were provided in June 2020 for USN flight testing.
Block III is the most advanced version of the Super Hornet, able to exceed fourth-generation fighter capabilities, and it will provide the Navy with the most networked and survivable F/A-18 built with a technology insertion plan that will outpace future threats.
Block III was created ‘in partnership with the US Navy to meet its emerging requirements’, said Boeing VP Jen Tebo.
The aircraft has a new adjunct processor that allows more work to be done in far less time. It is also ready to receive apps-based solutions to allow upgrades throughout its lifespan.
Boeing is expected to complete delivery of the Block III aircraft by the mid-2030s.
Project Corvus will look for a replacement for the Watchkeeper Mk1 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) that was retired from service in the British Army in March 2025.
The Swedish Government has asked parliament to authorise two possible export sales as part of its 2025 Spring amending budget bill.
Contracts for the procurement of two platforms have been signed, and will be tested by the German armed forces.
The company has been negotiating the supply of TCTS II to US allies and partners.
The second and third Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air Force have been undergoing conversion in Getafe, Madrid.
The two countries have already signed defence industrial partnerships in recent years, most recently between Republikorp and Turkish firm Baykar in February 2025.