Air forces review: Combat aircraft missile milestones hit as tanker and transport orders climb
There are currently 66 A330 MRTT aircraft in operation with forces across the globe. (Photo: Airbus)
As countries look to improve their combat aircraft capabilities, May has highlighted strong demand from European countries for aerial refuelling platforms as industry pushes forward next-generation missile test updates for eventual UK combat aircraft integration.
Industry’s efforts to ramp up work on missile integration into combat aircraft have come to the fore this month, with MBDA and BAE Systems unveiling successful first tests or operational milestones for their respective missile equipment onboard combat aircraft.
The growing need for effective and layered counter-uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) platforms has been sharply emphasised by the ongoing US-Iran-Israel conflict, which has seen the US lose more than 40 aircraft since Operation Epic Fury began.
Efforts to integrate improved stand-off missiles and counter-drone capabilities on combat aircraft have long been in development. The Selective Precision Effects At Range (SPEAR) is one of the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Additional delays might hit Pentagon’s critical air programmes, GAO warns]()
Additional delays might hit Pentagon’s critical air programmes, GAO warns
B-52 modernisation, Sentinel, MH-139A, T-7A and Air Force One replacement are among the US Air Force programmes the GAO says remain at risk of further schedule slips and cost growth due to acquisition and management challenges.
-
![NATO’s GlobalEye selection reflects a move towards greater European defence autonomy]()
NATO’s GlobalEye selection reflects a move towards greater European defence autonomy
The joint acquisition of Saab’s GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft by 11 allies marks the end of NATO’s more than four-decade reliance on a US-built airborne early warning platform.
-
![NATO expands high-altitude intelligence capability with MQ-4C Triton purchase]()
NATO expands high-altitude intelligence capability with MQ-4C Triton purchase
The proposed drone acquisition is intended to form part of a distributed structure of surveillance capabilities, complementing systems such as the RQ-4D Global Hawks already acquired by NATO.
-
![US Air Force lays the groundwork to move the F-15EX acquisition to lots 7 and 8]()
US Air Force lays the groundwork to move the F-15EX acquisition to lots 7 and 8
Procurement of the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System for future production lots signals the air force's commitment to an expanded 267-aircraft Eagle II fleet while sustaining full electronic warfare capability on every fighter.
-
![US Air Force unveils new details of Next Generation Airlift aircraft to replace C-17 and C-5]()
US Air Force unveils new details of Next Generation Airlift aircraft to replace C-17 and C-5
New planning documents reveal how the service is defining the aircraft expected to succeed the C-17 and C-5, including its initial requirements and procurement roadmap.
