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 on 17 June confirmed that it has delivered the first two F/A-18E/F Block III Super Hornets to the USN for flight testing.
The aircraft will be used to train pilots in using the platform’s new 10-inch by 19-inch touchscreen display and to test the network capabilities.
Steve Wade, Boeing VP of F/A-18 & E/A-18G programmes, said: ‘The aircraft will be used for carrier suitability and integration testing of all Block III mission system components… These test jets will ensure crews have plenty of time to become comfortable with the new, next-generation systems before receiving operational aircraft.’
Boeing has also extended the life cycle of the Block III from 6,000 operational hours to 10,000 hours whilst also upgrading its communication system and reducing its radar signature.
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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.