AeroResource

🇮🇹✈️ The Italian Air Force has selected six new A330 MRTT tanker/transports in a €1.39bn deal, replacing the KC-767A fleet and expanding capability from four to six aircraft. The decision further strengthens the A330 MRTT’s position as Europe’s tanker of choice. 📸 Mark Empson

Uruguay’s A-37 Dragonfly retirement ceremony at Durazno saw the type replaced by new Embraer A-29 Super Tucanos. The farewell included a final coastal flight and escort of the incoming A-29s into their new home base. 📷 Chris Lofting #SuperTucano #A37 #AeroResource

🇺🇾✈️ The Uruguayan Air Force officially retired its Cessna A-37 Dragonfly fleet on 11 May after almost 50 years of service. Entering use in 1976, the rugged light attack aircraft served with Fighter Squadron No.2 from Durazno. 📷 Chris Lofting #A37Dragonfly #UruguayAirForce

🇺🇸✈️ A very special U-2S departed RAF Fairford today as DRAGON51 for RAF Akrotiri. Serial 80-1099 was the last U-2S built. After a severe 2008 ground accident 099 spent 13 years stored before being rebuilt by Lockheed Martin and returning to flight in 2025. 📷 Robert Cottrell

Romania 🇷🇴 is now moving toward replacement of its ageing IAR 330 SOCAT fleet, with parliament approving the purchase of 12 Airbus H225M helicopters via an EU SAFE-backed deal worth almost €852m. Further Airbus Helicopters orders may yet follow. #H225M #AirbusHelicopters

🇷🇴🚁 Two Romanian Air Force IAR 330L SOCAT helicopters are currently deployed to Albacete, Spain, for NATO APROC 2026. Operated by Baza 71 Aerian, the armed Puma variant was developed for anti-tank and battlefield support missions. 📷 Jay Carter #RomanianAirForce #APROC #NATO

A400M ZM421, supported by Voyager ZZ333, flew from Ascension Island before making two drops over Tristan da Cunha 🇬🇧🪂 — first inserting 16 Air Assault Brigade personnel including a doctor and ICU nurse, then delivering oxygen and medical supplies. 📷 Mark Empson / Wes Bushell

🇬🇧🌍 One of the RAF’s most remarkable recent missions saw A400M ZM421 support a medical emergency on Tristan da Cunha. Just 56 hours after the first call for help, UK forces had parachuted medics and supplies onto the remote South Atlantic island

Friday at Ten Tors brought a welcome visit from Coastguard S-92 G-MCGI 🚁 plus the return of a Royal Navy Merlin underslung Field Gun lift — great to see back at the event after being omitted in recent years 📸Mark Empson & Thomas Howe #TenTors #Dartmoor #RoyalNavy

🏕️🚁 The annual Tri-Service Ten Tors challenge returned to Dartmoor this weekend, supported by two Royal Navy Merlin HC4s from @845NAS operating under Exercise Wyvern Tor from RNAS Yeovilton. 📸 Mark Empson #TenTors #RoyalNavy #Merlin

🇺🇸✈️ USAF will extend B-1B Lancer service life to at least 2037, potentially 2040, under a $1.7bn modernisation plan covering structural, avionics and engine upgrades. The move bridges the gap to the B-21 Raider. It is estimated the serviceable fleet is 45 jets 📷 Ian Harding

🇵🇰 Pakistan Army Aviation Gulfstream 6C A very nice first time visitor to Farnborough Airport yesterday (April 13, 2026) was this 🇵🇰 Pakistan Army Aviation Gulfstream 6C S/N 786-99 which arrived as REX20. 📸 Copyright: Ian Harding

🇺🇸✈️ Two USAF EA-37B Compass Call aircraft (AXIS 41/43) visited RAF Mildenhall on 31 Mar 2026—marking the type’s first UK appearance and likely first overseas deployment. Arriving from Davis-Monthan via JB McGuire, both departed on 2 Apr. 📸 Marcus Jellyman

🇺🇸✈️ Increased MC-130J activity at RAF Mildenhall has included 1st UK visits of upgraded “Combat Talon III” aircraft fitted with the AN/APQ-187 Silent Knight radar. The system enhances low-level & all-weather Ops amid ongoing Middle East Ops 📷 Marcus Jellyman

RAF Northolt hosted its 34th Night Photoshoot on 5 Mar 2026, with strong support from 🇫🇷🇩🇪🇬🇧 forces. Led by Phil Dawe’s team, the event delivered another standout evening for enthusiasts. ➡️ Full report: aeroresource.co.uk/events/northol… #RAFNortholt #AviationPhotography

🇺🇸🦅 Boeing’s corporate 737 BBJ N836BA, now carrying ‘Freedom Plane’ titles, was seen departing Farnborough. The aircraft will tour the U.S., carrying National Archives exhibits to mark America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. 📸 Westleigh Bushell

Ethiopia’s airpower took center stage at the Black Lion Air Show. Chris Lofting delivers a firsthand look at this rare chance to see aviation rarities up close Read the full report now on AeroResource: 🇪🇹✈️ aeroresource.co.uk/events/airshow…

Bristol isn’t known for military visitors, so Polish Air Force C-130H, 1512 caught our attention! Operated by 33.BLTr the transport arrived from Warsaw before departing home. The H model is replacing Poland’s C-130E’s whilst a new transport type is chosen 🇵🇱 📸 Westleigh Bushell

🇫🇷✈️ France has ordered two Saab GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft in a €1.3bn deal with the DGA, with deliveries due between 2029–2032. The contract includes training, support and ground systems, plus options for two more. France joins the UAE and Sweden as GlobalEye operators. 📸Saab

🇵🇱✈️ Poland continues to expand its air power, with plans to acquire 2–4 Airbus A330 to add A2A refuelling and strategic lift alongside its incoming F-35As. Funding may come via the EU’s SAFE programme, with A400M Atlas also reportedly of interest. 📸 Wes Bushell / Ian Harding