Rotorcraft

Shield AI Company Logo

Shield AI Company Logo

Source: PRNewsfoto/Shield AI


SHIELD AI AWARDED U.S. AIR FORCE PRODUCTION CONTRACT FOR COLLABORATIVE COMBAT AIRCRAFT AUTONOMY

Thursday, June 18, 2026
Shield AI Company Logo

Shield AI Company Logo

Source: PRNewsfoto/Shield AI


WASHINGTON -- Shield AI was awarded a production contract by the U.S. Air Force to implement Hivemind mission autonomy software for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.

Under the award, Shield AI will focus on implementing collaborative combat autonomy behaviors involving multiple autonomous aircraft operating together under human supervision.

 
The bill authorizes a new command for autonomous systems

The bill authorizes a new command for autonomous systems

Source: U.S. Air Force


SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE ADVANCES FY 2027 NDAA TO FLOOR

Thursday, June 18, 2026
The bill authorizes a new command for autonomous systems

The bill authorizes a new command for autonomous systems

Source: U.S. Air Force


WASHINGTON - The Senate Armed Services Committee filed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on June 16, releasing text of the bill and an accompanying report. Those documents, as well as an executive summary released by the committee, can be found using the link at the bottom of the page. The SASC previously cleared the bill on June 12 by a vote of 18-9. Meanwhile, the House Armed Services Committee approved its version of the NDAA on June 4 by a vote of 44-12.

Both pieces of legislation authorize $1.15 trillion in funding for national defense, matching the president's discretionary request. However, both bills exclude an additional $350 billion sought by the administration through the budget reconciliation process, which would bring total department funding to $1.5 trillion.

To streamline military acquisition, the Senate bill proposes eliminating statutory requirements for the Space Development Agency and the Space Rapid Capabilities Office. This move would give the Space Force flexibility to determine the ideal acquisition structure needed to support ongoing and future space programs.

Additional organizational reforms in the Senate bill include authorizing a new combatant command dedicated to robotic and autonomous systems and establishing an under secretary of defense for cyber, information, and networks.

 
Leonardo AW139

Leonardo AW139

Source: RTX


AVINCIS INKS DEALS FOR UP TO 30 NEW HELICOPTERS

Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Leonardo AW139

Leonardo AW139

Source: RTX


LISBON - European emergency aviation operator Avincis has finalized agreements to acquire up to 30 new twin-engine helicopters to advance its long-term expansion and fleet modernization goals.

Split evenly between two major aerospace manufacturers, the transaction involves an order for up to 15 Airbus H145 helicopters alongside 15 aircraft from Leonardo, which consists of ten AW169 and five AW139 models. Scheduled for staggered delivery between 2028 and 2031, these assets will reinforce the company's capabilities across its European network, particularly in Italy, Spain, and the Nordic region.

The incoming fleet is heavily geared toward critical public safety and utility operations, including search and rescue, medical evacuations, and offshore energy sector logistics. Notably, Avincis plans to immediately allocate three of the newly ordered AW169s to fulfill a landmark ten-year emergency medical services contract in Sweden serving the Uppsala and Västra Götaland regions. Group executives emphasized that purchasing these aircraft directly gives them superior logistical control over fleet availability, customizable configurations, and overall cost efficiencies as they scale their global services.

Source: Flight Global
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/archive/2026/06/avincis-inks-deals-for-up-to-30-new-helicopters/
Author: Dominic Perry 
 

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