Defense & Military
Jetcraft Launches Special Missions Division for Defense Aircraft
Jetcraft introduces a new division for pre-owned special missions aircraft targeting defense and government sectors, headquartered in the UAE.
Jetcraft Enters a New Arena with Special Missions Division
In a strategic move that signals a shift in the specialized aviation sector, Jetcraft has announced the launch of its Special Missions division. As a global leader in the sales, acquisitions, and trades of business aircraft, this development marks a significant expansion of the company’s decades-long expertise into the government and defense markets. The new division is poised to address a growing global demand for specialized aircraft, leveraging the cost-effectiveness and availability of pre-owned platforms to serve a niche yet critical market. This initiative is not just an expansion of services but a calculated response to the evolving needs of governmental and defense operators who require reliable and mission-ready aerial solutions without the procurement timelines and costs associated with new aircraft.
The establishment of Jetcraft Special Missions is a noteworthy event, reflecting broader trends in the aerospace and defense industries. There is an increasing appetite for versatile aircraft that can be adapted for a wide range of critical operations, from medical evacuations and surveillance to military training and head-of-state transport. By focusing exclusively on pre-owned aircraft, Jetcraft is carving out a unique space in the market, offering a value proposition centered on efficiency, speed, and economic viability. The decision to headquarter this new venture in the Middle-East further underscores its global ambitions, placing it at a strategic crossroads of international commerce and geopolitics. This move allows Jetcraft to tap into its extensive global network, providing clients with unparalleled access to inventory and localized support.
A Strategic Evolution Backed by Decades of Expertise
Jetcraft’s foray into the special missions sector is described by the company as a “natural evolution.” With over 60 years of experience in complex aircraft transactions, the company possesses a deep well of market intelligence and operational knowledge. This foundation is critical for navigating the intricate requirements of defense and government contracts. The new division will not simply be selling aircraft; it will be providing comprehensive solutions. This includes sourcing the right airframe, conducting rigorous inspections, and preparing the aircraft for its specific mission profile. The aircraft can be delivered in an “as-is” state or in a “pre-modification condition,” allowing for seamless integration by specialized mission houses or government entities.
The leadership chosen for this new division speaks volumes about Jetcraft’s commitment to this venture. At the helm is CEO Stéphane Leroy, an industry veteran with over 35 years of experience in aerospace and defense. His background includes significant roles at Thales and Bombardier, where he managed complex aircraft sales programs and worked directly with the target clientele of the new division. This appointment ensures that Jetcraft Special Missions is led by an individual with both the technical acumen and the commercial insight necessary to succeed. As Jahid Fazal-Karim, Owner and Chairman of the Board of Jetcraft, noted, Leroy’s expertise is ideal for ensuring the same standard of excellence that has become synonymous with the Jetcraft brand.
The core business model is designed to simplify what is often a convoluted procurement process for government and defense operators. By working in partnership with system houses and integrators, Jetcraft Special Missions aims to deliver a fit-for-purpose aircraft foundation efficiently. This collaborative approach is intended to streamline delivery timelines and provide a more responsive service. The focus on pre-owned aircraft is a key differentiator, offering a compelling alternative to the lengthy and expensive process of acquiring new platforms. This strategy is particularly relevant in a global climate where budgets are often constrained, and operational readiness is paramount.
“As the world’s largest buyer and seller of pre-owned aircraft, this is a natural evolution of what Jetcraft does, bringing cost effective pre-owned solutions and expertise. There is a large and growing requirement for Special Missions Aircraft and we believe we have a highly compelling offer to address it.” – Stéphane Leroy, CEO, Jetcraft Special Missions.
Meeting a Diverse and Growing Market Demand
The scope of applications for special mission aircraft is vast and varied, and Jetcraft’s new division is structured to cater to this diversity. The target missions include critical services such as Medevac (medical evacuation), surveillance, aerial firefighting, and military training. Additionally, the division will source aircraft for Head of State transportation, a highly specialized and sensitive area of aviation. Each of these applications requires a unique set of modifications and capabilities, and the ability to source the right initial airframe is a crucial first step. The use of pre-owned business jets and other aircraft as platforms for these missions is a growing trend, as they often offer superior performance, range, and reliability compared to other options.
The strategic advantages of Jetcraft’s model are clear. Cost-effectiveness is the most prominent benefit, as pre-owned aircraft can offer significant savings over new models. This allows government and defense agencies to allocate resources to other critical areas, such as mission-specific equipment and training. Furthermore, the simplified procurement process and faster delivery times offered by Jetcraft Special Missions can be a decisive factor for operators facing urgent operational requirements. In a world of rapidly evolving security and humanitarian challenges, the ability to acquire and deploy aerial assets quickly is a significant force multiplier.
The global reach of Jetcraft is another key asset that the Special Missions division will leverage. With a team of over 100 specialists in more than 30 locations, the company has an established international footprint. This network provides access to a vast and diverse inventory of aircraft, increasing the likelihood of finding the ideal platform for any given mission. It also ensures that clients receive localized support, navigating the complexities of international regulations and logistics. The choice of the UAE as a headquarters further enhances this global positioning, providing a central hub for operations spanning Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Specialized Aviation
The launch of Jetcraft Special Missions represents a significant and strategic development in the manufacturing industry. By harnessing its extensive experience in the pre-owned aircraft market, Jetcraft is positioning itself to become a key player in the defense and government sector. This move is not merely an expansion but a thoughtful response to a clear and growing market demand for cost-effective, reliable, and rapidly deployable special mission aircraft. The combination of deep market knowledge, strong leadership, and a global operational network provides a solid foundation for this new venture.
Looking ahead, the success of Jetcraft Special Missions could influence how government and defense agencies approach aircraft procurement. The viability of pre-owned platforms for critical missions may encourage a broader shift away from traditional acquisition models, favoring more agile and economically sensible solutions. As the division begins its operations, the broader aerospace and defense community will be watching closely. This initiative has the potential to not only redefine Jetcraft’s role in the global aviation market but also to set a new standard for how special mission capabilities are developed and deployed worldwide.
FAQ
Question: What is Jetcraft Special Missions?
Answer: Jetcraft Special Missions is a new division of Jetcraft, launched on November 10, 2025, dedicated to sourcing and preparing pre-owned aircraft for defense, governmental, and special mission operators around the world.
Question: Who is leading the new division?
Answer: The division is headed by CEO Stéphane Leroy, who has over 35 years of experience in the aerospace and defense sectors, including previous roles at Thales and Bombardier.
Question: What kind of missions will the aircraft be used for?
Answer: The aircraft will be prepared for a variety of applications, including Medevac, surveillance, aerial firefighting, military training, and Head of State transportation.
Question: Where is Jetcraft Special Missions headquartered?
Answer: The new division is headquartered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Sources
Photo Credit: Jetcraft
Defense & Military
RCAF Accepts First Two CF-35A Fighters at Luke Air Force Base
Canada takes delivery of CF-35A fighters AR-1 and AR-2 at Luke AFB as its C$19B procurement program remains under review.
This is original reporting and analysis by AirPro News.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) officially accepted delivery of its first two Lockheed Martin CF-35A Lightning II stealth fighters at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona on October 22, 2026, marking the physical introduction of the fifth-generation platform into the Canadian military.
The handover of the aircraft, designated AR-1 and AR-2, proceeds even as the broader C$19 billion procurement program remains in political limbo. Following trade and diplomatic tensions with the United States, Prime Minister Mark Carney initiated a formal review of the 88-aircraft purchase in March 2025, leaving the ultimate size and composition of Canada’s future fighter fleet unconfirmed.
Initial training operations in Arizona
The first two CF-35As will remain stationed at Luke Air Force Base to support the initial training cadre of Canadian instructor pilots and maintainers. The Arizona installation serves as a primary international training hub for the F-35 platform, hosting multiple allied nations. According to the Department of National Defence (DND), a total of eight Canadian jets are planned to be based at the facility through 2026 and 2027.
The delivery occurred exactly one month after the first Canadian aircraft completed its maiden flight at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 23, 2026. In an official statement regarding the delivery, the RCAF noted that the arrival of the jets represents a foundational step, adding that the future of air and space power is built on more than equipment alone.
Procurement review and fleet uncertainty
Canada has been a partner in the Joint Strike Fighter program since 1997. After years of political debate and a reset of the procurement process, the Canadian government selected the F-35A in 2022 over the Saab Gripen E to replace its aging McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet fleet. The CF-18 has been in service since the 1980s and is slated for retirement in the early 2030s. In January 2023, Ottawa finalized the agreement to purchase 88 F-35As.
The procurement trajectory shifted in March 2025 when Prime Minister Carney ordered a formal review of the acquisition. Currently, only 16 of the 88 jets are firmly committed and funded. Minister of National Defence David McGuinty confirmed the ongoing evaluation, stating that the question of the F-35 remains under review and that both he and the prime minister are highly engaged in the issue alongside the emerging Defence Investment Agency.
The government is actively evaluating the possibility of operating a mixed fighter fleet. This approach could integrate Saab Gripen E fighters alongside a smaller number of F-35s, reopening a competition that Saab had previously lost during the Future Fighter Capability Project selection.
Path to operational capability
Despite the political uncertainty surrounding the final fleet size, the RCAF continues to execute its transition plan for the funded aircraft. The first CF-35As are scheduled to arrive on Canadian soil at 4 Wing Cold Lake in Alberta in 2028.
The air force plans to declare Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the CF-35A fleet between 2029 and 2030. This timeline aligns with the necessary infrastructure upgrades at Canadian bases and the completion of initial pilot and maintainer training in the United States.
AirPro News analysis
Canada’s ongoing review of the F-35 program is highly unusual for a Tier 3 partner at this late stage of procurement. While the physical delivery of AR-1 and AR-2 ensures the RCAF can begin building its fifth-generation institutional knowledge, the potential pivot to a mixed fleet introduces significant logistical and interoperability questions. Operating both the CF-35A and the Saab Gripen E would require maintaining two distinct supply chains, training pipelines, and maintenance infrastructures. We note that these dual-fleet requirements could potentially offset the initial acquisition savings of a split purchase, complicating the RCAF’s transition away from the CF-18 Hornet.
Photo Credit: Royal Canadian Air Force
Defense & Military
U.S. Army Validates AH-64E Apache Maritime Lifting Sling
The U.S. Army validated a lifting sling for the AH-64E Apache, enabling crane-based maritime loading with rotor blades folded.
The U.S. Army has successfully validated a prototype lifting sling for the Boeing AH-64E Apache, clearing the attack helicopter for crane-based maritime loading and unloading with its main rotor blades folded.
Announced on October 21, 2026, by the Apache Helicopter Project Office, the validation fulfills the final transportability requirement outlined in the aircraft’s Capability Production Document (CPD). The milestone significantly expands the Army’s expeditionary logistics options by reducing reliance on specialized port infrastructure.
Expanding maritime logistics capabilities
Prior to this validation, maritime deployment of the Apache fleet often depended on Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) vessels or specialized dock facilities equipped with ramps capable of supporting towed aircraft. The new sling, engineered by industry partner ASRC Federal, allows the AH-64E to be hoisted using standard harbor and shipboard cranes.
This Lift-On/Lift-Off (LOLO) capability mitigates transit bottlenecks and lowers vessel charter costs by opening access to a wider range of global seaports. The U.S. Army stated that the ability to load and unload the aircraft with its main rotor blades folded is a major milestone for expeditionary mobility.
Prototype validation and next steps
The validation exercise took place at Fort Hood, Texas, overseen by the Apache Project Management Transportability Team based at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. During the testing, the team successfully demonstrated the safe hoisting of the AH-64E using the ASRC Federal prototype hardware.
Following the exercise, the test team identified minor adjustments required before full production. These modifications include the addition of protective padding to prevent the hoisting cable from contacting the main rotor blades during lifting operations. Once these adjustments are validated, ASRC Federal will manufacture and deliver five contracted production prototypes to the U.S. Army.
The AH-64E Apache global footprint
Manufactured by The Boeing Company, the AH-64 Apache has served as the primary attack helicopters for the U.S. Army since 1984. The AH-64E is the latest variant, featuring upgraded sensors, software, and weapons performance. The U.S. Army is currently modernizing its fleet to the AH-64E Version 6.5 standard while gradually retiring older AH-64D models.
The global Apache fleet consists of more than 1,280 aircraft operating across 19 defense forces. In March 2023, Boeing reported the U.S. Army fleet had surpassed 5 million total flight hours.
International demand for the platform remains active. On August 11, 2026, Boeing signed offset agreements with Polish industry partners to build a long-term sustainment infrastructure supporting Poland’s incoming fleet of 96 AH-64E helicopters.
AirPro News analysis
The shift from RORO dependency to LOLO capability represents a critical logistical upgrade for U.S. Army aviation. As military planners focus on distributed operations and expeditionary mobility, the ability to utilize commercial container ports and standard maritime cranes reduces reliance on specialized military sealift vessels. This transportability milestone ensures the AH-64E can be deployed more rapidly and flexibly in contested or infrastructure-limited theaters.
Photo Credit: United States Army – Courtesy
Defense & Military
GA-ASI and Spirit Defense Partner on FQ-42 Vengeance CCA
GA-ASI and Spirit Defense team up to manufacture the FQ-42 Vengeance airframe as the USAF targets 500 CCAs by 2032.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Spirit Defense have formed a strategic partnership to manufacture the airframe for the U.S. Air Force’s FQ-42 Vengeance Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
Announced in an October 23, 2026, press release, the agreement designates Spirit Defense, a Boeing Company, as a fuselage design-build partner. The collaboration aims to expand manufacturing capacity and establish production resilience as the U.S. Air Force (USAF) accelerates its uncrewed fighter program toward a goal of fielding hundreds of aircraft by the next decade.
Scaling production for the uncrewed fleet
The partnership connects GA-ASI headquarters in San Diego, California, with Spirit Defense operations in Wichita, Kansas. Spirit Defense operates as an independent supplier to the defense industry, providing engineering, manufacturing, and lifecycle support for military programs. By integrating Spirit Defense into the supply chain, GA-ASI intends to reduce the risk of single points of failure and increase the industrial depth required for high-volume production.
GA-ASI recently completed a new low-observable paint facility to support the CCA program and stated it is currently positioned to deliver six aircraft per month to meet initial USAF objectives. The addition of Spirit Defense is designed to scale that output further.
David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI, highlighted the strategic necessity of the agreement in meeting military requirements.
“We’re excited to be working with Spirit Defense. We’ve established our proven design, development, and manufacturing capability for the FQ-42. With Spirit Defense we add capacity, which is exactly the kind of production resilience our U.S. Air Force customer is looking for with its CCA ramp-up. This kind of partnership represents the scalable industrial base the Air Force and the U.S. Department of [Defense] are looking for from industry.”
Keith Schrader, President and CEO of Spirit Defense, confirmed the company’s readiness to support the airframe build.
“We’re proud to bring deep manufacturing expertise and proven capabilities to this important program. Our team understands the responsibility that comes with supporting critical national defense programs, and we’re ready to deliver for our customer and the warfighter.”
The FQ-42 Vengeance in testing and evaluation
The FQ-42 Vengeance is a purpose-built, fifth-generation uncrewed fighter developed to operate alongside crewed aircraft in semi-autonomous combat roles. The design features an internal weapons bay, low observability, and a modular architecture intended for the rapid integration of mission systems and autonomy software.
On September 18, 2026, GA-ASI delivered a new FQ-42 Vengeance to Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to support continued USAF test, evaluation, and experimentation. The aircraft has already participated in formation flights with crewed fighters, including the F-35 Lightning II and the F-15E Strike Eagle.
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink officially named the aircraft “Vengeance” on September 14, 2026. The aircraft was previously known internally as Dark Merlin. During the naming announcement, Meink emphasized the rapid pace of the acquisition program.
“Today, the first FQ-42 and FQ-44 increments are already rolling off the assembly line,” Meink stated. “They’ll be performing many of the same missions that we do with manned fighters today.”
Evolution of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft initiative
The USAF Collaborative Combat Aircraft program is designed to field affordable, semi-autonomous drones to augment crewed fighter squadrons. The target unit cost for the aircraft at full-rate production is approximately $20 million.
GA-ASI was selected by the USAF in April 2024 to build production-representative flight test articles for the program. The FQ-42 Vengeance completed its maiden flight in August 2025, and GA-ASI secured an initial production contract from the USAF in June 2026. The FQ-42 is one of two primary designs selected for the first increment of CCA production, alongside Anduril Industries’ FQ-44 Fury.
The scope of the CCA program has expanded significantly since its inception. Initial projections called for 150 aircraft, but on September 14, 2026, the USAF confirmed a revised goal to field at least 500 Collaborative Combat Aircraft by 2032.
Mike Shortsleeve, Vice President for Strategy Business Development at GA-ASI, addressed the increased production targets following the USAF announcement.
“The intent for them is to go up to as many as 500 aircraft by 2032,” Shortsleeve said. “We’re ready to do that production.”
GA-ASI has operated as a sole manufacturer of its Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) line since its founding in 1992. Over 30 years, the company’s Predator line has logged more than 9 million flight hours across platforms including the MQ-1C Gray Eagle, MQ-9A Reaper, MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian, and the MQ-20 Avenger.
Beyond the domestic FQ-42 program, GA-ASI is engaged in discussions with international militaries regarding the Gambit Series. The Gambit Series is a family of modular CCAs derived from the FQ-42, the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station, and the MQ-20 Avenger, optimized for electronic warfare, suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses, and stand-off precision strike missions.
AirPro News analysis
The partnership between GA-ASI and Spirit Defense illustrates the central challenge of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program: industrial capacity. Designing a capable uncrewed fighter is only half the mandate; the other half is manufacturing it at a scale and price point that traditional defense primes have struggled to achieve with crewed aircraft. By bringing a Boeing subsidiary into the fold for fuselage production, GA-ASI is signaling to the Department of Defense that it can meet the aggressive 2032 target of 500 aircraft without requiring massive, unilateral capital expenditure.
This distributed manufacturing approach also directly addresses the Pentagon’s ongoing concerns regarding supply chain fragility. Relying on a single facility in San Diego for a critical next-generation platform presents a strategic vulnerability. Distributing the airframe build to Wichita builds redundancy into the program while leveraging existing aerospace manufacturing infrastructure, a model that will likely become standard as the USAF pushes for higher volumes of attritable or semi-attritable autonomous systems.
Photo Credit: General Atomics
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