Paris 2025 Newsbriefs Day 4

Textron Aviation Defense and Thai Aviation Industries agreed to jointly develop a sustainment program for the Royal Thai Air Force’s Beechcraft T-6TH trainers and AT-6TH Wolverine light attack/border patrol aircraft. The RTAF ordered 12 T-6THs for its advanced training unit at Kamphaeng Saen and eight AT-6THs to be operated by the 411 “Thunder” squadron at Chiang Mai.

Avio Aero, Safran Helicopter Engines and MTU Aero Engines have announced a new partnership to develop a high-performance powerplant that could be employed in the next generation of European military rotorcraft, including NATO’s NGRC program. 

Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo are launching a joint architecture study to define the long-term evolution for the NH90 helicopter following a request from the NATO Helicopter Management Agency. The Block 2 upgrade will tackle modular avionics, improve maintenance and performance, and add new capabilities such as crewed-uncrewed teaming and collaborative combat.

Airbus and France’s Naval Group signed a framework agreement with the French armed forces minister covering procurement of the Airbus VSR700 drone. Also known as the Systèmes de Drone Aérien pour la Marine, the VSR700 is a rotary-wing UAS intended to operate on surveillance missions from French navy surface vessels.

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada received an order from the U.S. Air Force for a single Twin Otter Classic 300-G. The aircraft will be used by the Guatemalan air force on a variety of utility transport missions, the type’s characteristics suiting it to operations from short, rough strips in difficult terrain.

French defense procurement agency DGA has selected Saab’s GlobalEye early warning and control platform. The government signed a declaration of intent with the Swedish manufacturer late yesterday to buy a pair of GlobalEye aircraft, with options for two more. The deal is expected to be finalized in the next few months and will include ground equipment training and support.