SEOUL - The Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-21 fighter has successfully concluded its flight testing campaign two months ahead of schedule, completing 1,600 accident-free sorties across 13,000 test conditions.

Initiated in July 2022 with six prototypes, the program utilized air-to-air refueling and additional testing sites to accelerate evaluations of key systems, including the AESA radar and high angle-of-attack capabilities. Development is slated to finish by mid-2026, with deliveries to the Republic of Korea Air Force commencing later this year.

Concurrently, work is advancing on the Block 2 configuration, which prioritizes strike capabilities. KAI secured a $465 million contract in December 2025 to develop these features, pushing air-to-ground weapons testing forward to early 2027. The aircraft features 10 hardpoints and a payload capacity of 7,700 kg (16,975 lb).

While technical progress has been smooth, the KF-21 has yet to secure an international buyer, though Indonesia, the Philippines, Poland, and the UAE are considered potential customers.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/kf-21-completes-four-year-flight-test-campaign/165923.article

BOSTON - Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated announced that it has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army worth up to $32 million to deliver and integrate advanced electro-optical (EO/IR) systems for the Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) Recon Kit.

The contract was awarded by the U.S. Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., as part of a Foreign Military Sales agreement to support Bulgaria’s military modernization. Bulgaria is acquiring nearly 200 U.S.-made Stryker armored vehicles to replace its Soviet-era tactical vehicle fleet and enhance interoperability with NATO forces.

Teledyne FLIR Defense will provide long range thermal imaging sights and radars for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (ISR-T), adding advanced capability in all-weather conditions, day or night, to Bulgaria’s Strykers. Products featured in the effort include the TacFLIR 280 HDEP EO/IR imaging system, Ranger R20SS long-range radar, and Cameleon control software for tracking and targeting threats.

Later phases of the vehicle modernization program will include FLIR Defense unmanned aircraft and launch systems, combined with Teledyne’s nuclear, biological and chemical detection sensors, to provide standoff identification of these deadly threats to Bulgarian Land Forces.

Source: Teledyne FLIR Defense
Associated URL: https://defense.flir.com/

SYDNEY -- Serco won an expansion of its contract to deliver maritime warfare training services at HMAS Watson (Sydney) and HMAS Stirling (Western Australia) - the country’s Naval warfare training establishments.

The total contract value is more than £80 million (approx. $92.8M) if all extensions are exercised. The initial five-year term has five, one-year extension options. 

Serco’s solution integrates simulation technologies and synthetic warfare environments that represent complex scenarios faced at sea. The training program integrates navigation and warfare simulations, AI-driven scenario planning, and real-time, software-enabled training solutions to elevate the operational readiness of Navy personnel.

Source: Serco
Associated URL: https://www.serco.com/media-and-news/2026/serco-secures-synthetic-warfare-training-contract-advancing-australian-navy-readiness