The British Army has initiated a search for an autonomous collaborative platform for the Apache AH-64E. This move follows the Royal Air Force's recent deployment of a similar system and aims to enhance operational effectiveness through advanced unmanned support. The initiative includes industry engagement, with a workshop scheduled to explore technological solutions and assess readiness.

DARPA has advanced its Artificial Intelligence Reinforcements program to a second phase, awarding a $11.3 million contract to Systems & Technology Research. The program is aimed at enhancing autonomy in combat jets, building on lessons from the Air Combat Evolution trials.

The Air Force has been testing its Transformational Model for Decision Advantage, which uses artificial intelligence to improve battle management decisions. The model divides command and control into 52 subfunctions, allowing for detailed analysis and faster decision-making, and has been the basis for experiments and wargames, aiming to create a human-machine team.

The Department of Defense has issued contract modifications to support the Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, allocating $59 million for engine repairs and $16 million for training system enhancements. These funds will support depot repairs of critical propulsion components and modernize the SPARTA 12 simulation system, enabling versatile aircrew training both at sea and ashore.

Mesa Air Group has completed its transition to a single fleet of Embraer E175s at the request of United Airlines, training 160 pilots in the process. This move follows United Airlines' request to standardize Mesa's fleet, and 160 pilots have been retrained for the E175s. Mesa now operates 57 E175s in service, with 25 CRJ900s remaining in storage awaiting sale.

French logistics company CMA CGM Air Cargo has placed an order for eight Airbus A350F freighters, confirming its commitment to expanding its cargo fleet with the latest aircraft type. This order will make CMA CGM the type's launch customer, with service entry anticipated for 2027.

The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability, a radar system under development by the US, the UK and Australia, has passed an initial test at Site 1 in Western Australia, tracking several satellites in geosynchronous orbit. The system is expected to be fully operational in 2029, with Site 2 in the UK set for 2028 operations.

The Boeing X-37B orbital test vehicle is set to test a quantum inertial sensor as an alternative to GPS during its eighth flight. The sensor, which uses atom interferometry to provide highly accurate navigation without external signals, could be particularly useful in environments where GPS is unavailable or compromised.

The US Air Force and Space Force are facing $2.3 billion in budget cuts for 2026, primarily due to the Department of Government Efficiency initiative. The cuts will impact more than 5,700 civilian jobs and various programs, including air operations and research and development. Todd Harrison of the American Enterprise Institute says the cuts could hinder acquisition programs and technical knowledge retention.