BEIJING -- Recent high-resolution imagery shared on Chinese social media confirms that China is nearing the final phase of development for its new carrier-based airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, the Xi’an KJ-600. This twin-turboprop platform, which strongly mirrors the American E-2D Advanced Hawkeye in concept and design, has been observed conducting formation flights alongside J-15 carrier-based fighters. These test flights strongly indicate that the aircraft is close to achieving full operational capability with the People's Liberation Army Navy.

The KJ-600 is intended to operate from the new-generation Type 003 aircraft carrier, Fujian, which is equipped with electromagnetic catapult launch systems. This technological advancement permits the operation of heavier fixed-wing aircraft like the KJ-600, greatly expanding the air wing's capabilities. The KJ-600 is intended to operate from the new-generation Type 003 aircraft carrier, Fujian, which is equipped with electromagnetic catapult launch systems. This technological advancement permits the operation of heavier fixed-wing aircraft like the KJ-600, greatly expanding the air wing's capabilities.

For the Chinese Navy, the introduction of a high-performance AEW&C aircraft like the KJ-600 is essential to closing a critical capability gap. Until now, China has lacked a fixed-wing airborne early warning platform that could operate from carriers, relying instead on land-based systems and limited-range rotary-wing assets such as the Z-18J. This has constrained the operational range and responsiveness of its carrier strike groups.

Source: Amry Recognition
Associated URL: https://armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2025/alert-china-nears-operational-deployment-of-kj600-carrierbased-airborne-early-warning-aircraft-to-rival-u-s-e2d

PARIS - EDGE, a UAE-based defense and technology company, and France's CS Group, part of Sopra Steria, have signed an agreement to collaborate on an advanced tactical communications project. The agreement was announced at the International Paris Airshow 2025.

Under the deal, EDGE's Space & Cyber Technologies Cluster and CS Group will jointly develop an operational command system integrated with a tactical data network, aiming to strengthen digital battlespace capabilities across multiple domains.

This partnership is part of EDGE's ongoing initiative to create innovative and secure communication solutions for armed forces, governments, and businesses operating in challenging environments.

Source: Al Defaiya
Associated URL: https://www.defaiya.com/news/Defense%20News/Asia/2025/06/25/edge-cs-group-to-collaborate-on-tactical-communications-project

WASHINGTON - Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Marietta, Georgia, was awarded a $48.8 million cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract action for replacement multi-functional control display (MFD) for the C-5M Super Galaxy fleet. This contract provides for development, integration, testing, kitting, pre-production, prototype installation, and development testing of an integrated design into the latest C-5 configuration.

Work will be performed at Marietta, Georgia; and Greenville, South Carolina, and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2028. The C-5 Contracting Branch, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8525-25-D-B003).

Source: U.S. DoD
Associated URL: http://www.defense.gov