The Aviationist
@theaviationist.com
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Unmatched, unconventional, independent coverage of military aviation, defense, tech & everything in the middle. Edited by David Cenciotti (@cenciotti.theaviationist.com) https://theaviationist.com
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U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX Selection Might Happen Soon - Reports

After months of delay, Hegseth has reportedly greenlit the U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX program, with a selection expected as soon as this week.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/08/u...
U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX Selection Might Happen Soon - Reports
After months of delay, Hegseth has reportedly greenlit the U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX program, with a selection expected as soon as this week. After months of
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
Sweden to Acquire Four Embraer C-390 Airlifters

The Swedish Flygvapnet will replace its C-130Hs with four C-390 Millennium airlifters bought through a joint procurement with Austria and the Netherlands.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/06/s...
Sweden to Acquire Four Embraer C-390 Airlifters
The Swedish Flygvapnet will replace its C-130Hs with four C-390 Millennium airlifters bought through a joint procurement with Austria and the Netherlands.
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
Italian Delegation Visits Baykar for Kizilelma and Akinci Demos

The visit of Italy’s political executive and top military brass comes as Baykar and Leonardo advance their joint venture LBA Systems.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/07/i...
Italian Delegation Visits Baykar for Kizilelma and Akinci Demos
The visit of Italy’s political executive and top military brass comes as Baykar and Leonardo advance their joint venture LBA Systems. A large Italian
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
General Electric Demonstrates Ramjet Engines for Hypersonic Missiles

The Solid Fuel Ramjet (SFRJ) and the Hypersonic Dual-Mode Ramjet (DMRJ) are seeing rapid success as the U.S. hikes spending and development of hypersonic weapons.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/04/g...
General Electric Demonstrates Ramjet Engines for Hypersonic Missiles
The Solid Fuel Ramjet (SFRJ) and the Hypersonic Dual-Mode Ramjet (DMRJ) are seeing rapid success as the U.S. hikes spending and development of hypersonic
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
Royal Navy Re-Armed: Sea Venom Anti-Ship Missile Achieves IOC and Naval Strike Missile is Test Fired

The Royal Navy is becoming more lethal as September brings new developments in the deployment of two of its vital anti-ship missiles.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/04/s...
Royal Navy Re-Armed: Sea Venom Anti-Ship Missile Achieves IOC and Naval Strike Missile is Test Fired
The Royal Navy is becoming more lethal as September brings new developments in the deployment of two of its vital anti-ship missiles. The Sea Venom light
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
Mysterious Object Spotted At Lockheed Martin’s Helendale Radar Cross Section Test Range

A YouTube video posted by the account Uncanny Expeditions appears to show a previously unseen object undergoing testing at Lockheed Martin’s Helendale RCS Test Range.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/04/m...
Mysterious Object Spotted At Lockheed Martin’s Helendale Radar Cross Section Test Range
A YouTube video posted by the account Uncanny Expeditions appears to show a previously unseen object undergoing testing at Lockheed Martin’s Helendale
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
Inside Hawaii’s 535th Airlift Squadron: How C-17 Crews Stand Ready for the Pacific

In an exclusive interview, pilots of the 15th Wing share insights on rapid mobility, integration with F-22s, and the challenges of operating in the Indo-Pacific.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/03/5...
Inside Hawaii’s 535th Airlift Squadron: How C-17 Crews Stand Ready for the Pacific
In an exclusive interview at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Col. Luke Spathes and Lt. Col. Reinier Villanueva discuss rapid mobility, integration with
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
B-29 Strategic Operations against Japan Part 1: The CBI Theater

The B-29 would initially struggle to prove its worth, victim of teething problems from its rapid development and production, along with supply issues once in theater.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/03/b...
B-29 Strategic Operations against Japan Part 1: The CBI Theater
Suffering an arduous start in the CBI Theater, the B-29 would initially struggle to prove its worth, the victim of teething problems from its rapid
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
Royal Air Force Retires MQ-9A Reaper

The Royal Air Force has confirmed that its MQ-9A Reaper fleet has been withdrawn after 18 years in service, as the MQ-9B Protector RG1 readies for operational deployment.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/03/r...
Royal Air Force Retires MQ-9A Reaper
The Royal Air Force has confirmed that its MQ-9A Reaper fleet has been withdrawn after 18 years in service, as the MQ-9B Protector RG1 readies for
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
U.S. Air Force Establishes Permanent MQ-9 Reaper Unit in South Korea

The 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron was activated for the first time since WW2 at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, to operate MQ-9A Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/02/u...
U.S. Air Force Establishes Permanent MQ-9 Reaper Unit in South Korea
The 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron was activated for the first time since WW2 at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, to operate MQ-9A Reaper
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
Revival of WW2-Era Tinian Airfield Picks Up with ‘Rehabilitation’ Work

The significant airfield repair and upgrade work might support frontline fighters in the future, as the U.S. develops distributed basing to counter China in the Pacific.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/02/t...
Revival of WW2-Era Tinian Airfield Picks Up with ‘Rehabilitation’ Work
The significant airfield repair and upgrade work might support frontline fighters in the future, as the U.S. develops distributed basing to counter China
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
Army Reserve Aviation Command Completes Flying Operations, Slashed as Part of Army Reprioritization

Each Army Reserve Aviation Command unit’s ‘final mission’ put as many aircraft in the air as possible in California, Kansas, and Texas.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/01/a...
Army Reserve Aviation Command Completes Flying Operations, Slashed as Part of Army Reprioritization
Each Army Reserve Aviation Command unit’s ‘final mission’ put as many aircraft in the air as possible in California, Kansas, and Texas as one last
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
The Apache Turns 50: A Look at the Iconic Attack Helicopter

Sept. 30, 2025 marks 50 years since the first YAH-64A prototype took to the skies for the first time. Let’s look at how the Apache has maintained its sharp edge over those five decades.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/09/30/t...
The Apache Turns 50: A Look at the Iconic Attack Helicopter
Sept. 30, 2025 marks 50 years since the first YAH-64A prototype took to the skies for the first time. Let's look at how the Apache has maintained its
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
South Korea Choses L3Harris for ROKAF’s Next Airborne Radar

South Korea initiated the AEW&C II program in 2020 to supplement its fleet of four E-737s that had been experiencing low mission availability rates.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/09/30/l...
South Korea Choses L3Harris for ROKAF’s Next Airborne Radar
South Korea initiated the AEW&C II program in 2020 to supplement its fleet of four E-737s that had been experiencing low mission availability rates.
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
Taiwan is Interested in the Rafale, Says Dassault's Chief

In a recent hearing, Dassault Aviation’s CEO Éric Trappier told lawmakers about efforts to support Taiwan’s fleet of Mirage 2000s and their interest in the Rafale.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/09/29/t...
Taiwan is Interested in the Rafale, Says Dassault's Chief
In a recent hearing, Dassault Aviation’s CEO Éric Trappier told lawmakers about efforts to support Taiwan’s fleet of Mirage 2000s and their interest in
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
First Sea Lord Hitches Ride in F/A-18F Super Hornet During Visit to USS Gerald R. Ford

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy, visited the carrier as it operated in the North Sea, complete with a backseat ride in an F/A-18F Super Hornet

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/09/30/r...
First Sea Lord Hitches Ride in F/A-18F Super Hornet During Visit to USS Gerald R. Ford
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy, visited the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier as it operated in the North Sea, complete with a
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
Could China’s Mock Test Facility Hint What Its Next Carrier Might Look Like?

The Wuhan carrier mockup previously replicated the Fujian, and the new configuration might hint at the PLA Navy’s fourth aircraft carrier.

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/09/29/w...
Could China’s Mock Test Facility Hint What Its Next Carrier Might Look Like?
The Wuhan carrier mockup previously replicated the Fujian, and the new configuration might hint at the PLA Navy’s fourth aircraft carrier. Modifications
theaviationist.com
theaviationist.com
Greece Receives 42nd F-16V Viper, Completing 50% of Upgrade Program

The F-16V Viper significantly improves the Hellenic Air Force’s ability to operate jointly with its Rafales, its future F-35s and other NATO platforms.c

Story: theaviationist.com/2025/09/28/g...
Greece Receives 42nd F-16V Viper, Completing 50% of Upgrade Program
The F-16V Viper significantly improves the Hellenic Air Force’s ability to operate jointly with its Rafales, its future F-35s and other NATO platforms.
theaviationist.com