French and Egyptian Air Forces Conduct High-Altitude Combat Training During AMUN 26
By Defence Circle/Images:Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace The French and Egyptian Air Forces have conducted high-altitude aerial manoeuvres as part of the final phase of France’s PEGASE 2026 mission in Egypt, strengthening bilateral military cooperation through the AMUN 26 exercise. The exercise brings French aircraft together with Egyptian Rafale, F-16 and MiG-29 fighter aircraft […]
Boeing Delivers Egypt’s First Modernised CH-47F Chinook Helicopters
By Defence Circle/Images: Boeing Boeing has delivered the first five CH-47F Block I Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to the Egyptian Air Force, marking a significant milestone in the modernisation of the country’s Chinook fleet. The handover ceremony took place on 8 September 2026 at the El Alamein Airshow in Egypt. The delivery forms part of a […]
Kenya Space Agency Delegation Visits Chinese Space Industry Facilities
By Defence Circle/Images: Kenya Space Agency A delegation from the Kenya Space Agency (KSA), led by Director General Maj Gen Hillary Kipkosgey, visited space industry and infrastructure facilities in Shandong Province, China, on 12 October 2026, as part of an industrial tour focused on satellite manufacturing, rocket production and space launch infrastructure. During the visit, […]
Airbus Marks 50 Years in Africa with Continued Investment in South African Aviation
By Defence Circle/Image:Jarryd Sinovich Airbus highlighted its 50-year presence on the African continent during its media briefing at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 exhibition, outlining its contribution to aviation development, local industry, technical training and aerospace support across the region. Nam-Binh Hoang, Managing Director of Airbus Southern Africa, represented the company during the […]
First Gripen E Produced in Brazil Completes Maiden Flight
By Defence Circle/Images:SAAB The first Saab Gripen E fighter manufactured in Brazil has completed its maiden flight, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aerospace and defence industry and strengthening Brazil’s role in the global Gripen production programme. The aircraft took to the skies on 6 October 2026, departing from Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto aerodrome in […]
Italy and Leonardo to Strengthen Defence Engagement with Nigeria at AFRIDEX 2026
By Defence Circle/Image: Leonardo Italian delegation and Leonardo to attend Lagos exhibition as Nigeria advances delivery of AW109 Trekker helicopters and M-346 fighter-attack aircraft Italy is set to strengthen its defence engagement with Nigeria through the participation of an official Italian delegation and aerospace company Leonardo at the inaugural Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026, […]
Morocco’s First F-16 Block 72 Completes First Flight
By Jarryd Sinovich/Image: Lockheed Martin The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) has reached a significant milestone in its F-16 modernisation programme with the successful first flight of its first F-16 Block 72 aircraft. The aircraft’s initial flight marks the beginning of a comprehensive flight-testing programme ahead of its eventual delivery to Morocco and represents an […]
Africa Stood Tall: AAD 2026 Showcased Continental Capability as Attention Turns to 2028
By Defence Circle/Images: Jarryd Sinovich The 13th edition of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) came to a spectacular close at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Centurion on 20 September, capping five days that confirmed the event’s standing as the continent’s premier aerospace and defence platform. AAD 2026 hosted 52 official delegations from 28 countries and […]
Chief of the SAAF Honors Dedication and Service at AFB Ysterplaat Medal Parade
By Defence Circle/Image:WO2 Nathan Geduld On 1 October 2026, the parade grounds of Air Force Base Ysterplaat played host to a pivotal gathering of military and civilian personnel during the Chief of the South African Air Force Combined Medal Parade. The solemn yet triumphant ceremony served as a formal recognition of exceptional dedication, operational resilience […]
Armscor strengthens support to keep South African Air Force in the skies
The Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor) has taken a significant step towardsstrengthening the operational readiness of the South African Air Force (SAAF) through theappointment of service providers to maintain and service its critical prime mission equipment. The importance of this support was demonstrated during the recently concluded AfricaAerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 exhibition where […]