This article summarizes reporting by CBS News and Joe Walsh.

Air Force Targets Summer 2026 for Launch of Qatari-Donated “Air Force One”

The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that a Boeing 747-8, originally donated by the government of Qatar, is undergoing final preparations to serve as the primary transport for President Trump. According to reporting by CBS News, the aircraft could enter service as early as this summer, significantly ahead of the schedule for the purpose-built VC-25B fleet.

This timeline suggests the President may begin flying on the refurbished jumbo jet within months. While the aircraft will effectively function as “Air Force One” whenever the President is on board, military officials have designated the project as “executive airlift support” to distinguish it from the delayed VC-25B program intended to replace the aging fleet later this decade.

From Royal Transport to Presidential Service

The aircraft, a Boeing 747-8 registered as N7478D, was originally delivered in 2012 to Qatar Amiri Flight, the VIP airline serving the Qatari royal family. Known for its low flight hours and lavish interior, often described as a “flying palace”, the jet was gifted to the U.S. Department of Defense to serve as an interim solution for presidential travel.

According to details emerging from the refurbishment program, the aircraft is currently located at the L3Harris Technologies facility in Waco, Texas. Engineers are working to retrofit the commercial VVIP aircraft with necessary security and communication upgrades. The goal is to bridge the operational gap left by the current VC-25A fleet, which consists of two Boeing 747-200s delivered in 1990 that are increasingly expensive to maintain and prone to mechanical delays.

Funding and Cost Controversies

The rapid integration of the Qatari jet has sparked debate regarding its cost and funding sources. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink has testified that the retrofit will likely cost “probably less than $400 million.” However, critics and some Democratic lawmakers estimate the total lifecycle and modification costs could eventually exceed $1 billion.

To finance the refurbishment, the Air Force acknowledged diverting funds from the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program. Military officials stated these funds were “excess to need” for the current fiscal year due to delays within the Sentinel program itself, allowing the budget to be reallocated to the aircraft’s modification.

Operational Capabilities vs. Security Concerns

While the Qatari jet offers a modern airframe, it differs significantly from the traditional “Air Force One” specifications. Because the aircraft is being retrofitted rather than built from the ground up for presidential service, it is expected to lack certain military-grade capabilities.

Reports indicate the jet is unlikely to feature mid-air refueling capabilities or the same level of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) hardening found in the current VC-25A or the future VC-25B. The refurbishment focuses on installing classified secure communications, defensive countermeasures against missile threats, and medical suites.

Security experts have also raised concerns regarding the aircraft’s foreign origins. Intelligence officials have emphasized the need for a complete “strip-down” of the airframe to ensure no foreign surveillance devices or “bugs” remain from its time in Qatari service.

AirPro News analysis

The introduction of the Qatari 747-8 represents a significant shift in presidential airlift strategy, prioritizing expediency over the “flying bunker” philosophy that has defined the fleet for decades. By utilizing a “used” commercial derivative, the Air Force is acknowledging that the reliability of the current 35-year-old fleet has become a critical liability.

However, this stopgap measure creates a two-tier presidential fleet. The President will soon have access to a modern, comfortable jet that lacks the ultimate survivability of a true military command post. This distinction between “Air Force One” as a call sign and “Air Force One” as a hardened military asset will require careful operational management, particularly during times of heightened geopolitical tension.

Ethical Scrutiny

Beyond the technical specifications, the donation has drawn ethical scrutiny regarding the Foreign Emoluments Clause. Critics argue that the gift from the Qatari government could be viewed as benefiting President Trump personally, particularly following statements from the administration that the aircraft might be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library after his term concludes.

Despite these concerns, the Air Force is proceeding with the summer 2026 target, driven by the immediate need for a reliable aircraft to support the presidency until the delayed VC-25B fleet arrives in 2027 or 2028.

Sources

• CBS News

BAE Systems Secures £453 Million Contract to Equip RAF Typhoons with Advanced ECRS Mk2 Radar

BAE Systems has been awarded a significant production contract valued at £453 million (approximately $609 million) by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to upgrade the Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. The agreement focuses on the delivery of the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2, a next-generation radar systems designed to transform the Typhoon’s combat capabilities.

According to the official announcement, the contract covers the production of 40 radar systems, which will be retrofitted onto the RAF’s Tranche 3 Typhoon aircraft. This upgrade is pivotal for maintaining the airframe’s operational relevance into the 2040s. Unlike traditional radar upgrades that focus primarily on detection range, the ECRS Mk2 introduces advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) and Electronic Attack (EA) functionalities, allowing the aircraft to operate effectively in highly contested environments.

The program is a collaborative effort involving BAE Systems, which leads the integration from its site in Warton, Lancashire, and Leonardo UK, the lead developer and manufacturer based in Edinburgh and Luton. The project is expected to sustain between 1,300 and 1,500 high-skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs across the United Kingdom.

Production Timeline and Scope

The £453 million investment moves the ECRS Mk2 program from the development phase into full-scale manufacturing. Under the terms of the deal, BAE Systems and Leonardo will deliver a total of 40 units. This includes 38 operational radars for the fleet and two units designated for testing and development.

The timeline provided by BAE Systems and the MoD outlines the following key milestones:

• 2027: Delivery of the first pre-production radar to BAE Systems for initial flight testing.
• 2030: Expected entry into service (Initial Operational Capability) for the RAF.

This production contract follows an initial £2.35 billion investment announced in 2022, which covered broader Phase 4 Enhancements for the Typhoon, including the early development of this radar system.

Technical Leap: Beyond Standard Radar

The ECRS Mk2 represents a distinct technological departure from other Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars currently in use or production for the Eurofighter consortium. While standard AESA radars improve target detection and tracking, the Mk2 is built around a wideband multifunction array utilizing Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology.

GaN transmit-receive modules allow for significantly higher power output and efficiency compared to older Gallium Arsenide technology. This power enables the ECRS Mk2 to perform simultaneous functions that were previously the domain of specialized electronic warfare aircraft. Specifically, the radar can actively jam enemy air defense systems and disrupt communications (Electronic Attack) while continuing to search for and track targets.

Mark Hamilton, Managing Director Electronics UK at Leonardo, emphasized the dual nature of the system in a statement:

“ECRS Mk2 isn’t just an exceptional radar, it’s equipped with advanced electronic surveillance and electronic attack capabilities which will make RAF’s Typhoons more potent against their adversaries.”

Strategic Significance and Future Proofing

The deployment of the ECRS Mk2 is framed as a critical response to evolving global threats. The MoD has explicitly cited the proliferation of advanced surface-to-air missile systems and the increasing threat of drones as drivers for this capability. By integrating high-powered jamming directly into the fighter’s primary sensor, the RAF aims to ensure the Typhoon can survive and operate inside the range of hostile air defenses.

John Healey, the UK Defence Secretary, highlighted the geopolitical context of the award:

“As the threats we face increase, and as Russian drones continue to strike Ukraine and violate NATO airspace, this cutting-edge radar capability will keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad for many years to come.”

Furthermore, the technology developed for the ECRS Mk2 serves as a bridge to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), the sixth-generation fighter initiative being pursued by the UK, Italy, and Japan. The intellectual property and engineering expertise gained from the Mk2 program are expected to de-risk the development of future sensors for GCAP.

Richard Hamilton, Managing Director (Europe & International) at BAE Systems Air, noted the long-term value of the contract:

“The continued investment in Typhoon capability is crucial and ensures we’re able to maximise the UK’s investment in the aircraft and accelerate combat air technologies critical for defence capabilities.”

AirPro News Analysis: The Divergent “Radar Family”

The ECRS Mk2 contract underscores a significant divergence within the Eurofighter consortium regarding radar modernization. While the airframe remains common, the sensor suites are becoming increasingly specialized by nation. It is vital for observers to distinguish the Mk2 from its counterparts to understand the RAF’s specific strategic posture.

Currently, the “Radar Family” includes three distinct variants:

• ECRS Mk0 (Captor-E): Selected by Qatar and Kuwait, this is the baseline AESA radar replacing the mechanical scanning units. It focuses on traditional air-to-air and air-to-ground detection.
• ECRS Mk1: Chosen by Germany and Spain, this variant adds new digital multi-channel receivers to the Mk0 baseline but retains a primary focus on traditional radar modes.
• ECRS Mk2: Selected solely by the United Kingdom. This variant features a completely new antenna and processor designed specifically for Electronic Warfare.

By opting for the Mk2, the UK has prioritized sovereign Electronic Attack capability over commonality with its German and Spanish partners. This decision reflects a doctrine that anticipates the Typhoon operating as a “quarterback” or high-end asset in contested airspace, rather than just an interceptor. The Mk2 effectively allows the Typhoon to perform some of the suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) missions that might otherwise require US support assets like the EA-18G Growler.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of the ECRS Mk2 contract?

The production contract awarded to BAE Systems is valued at £453 million (approximately $609 million).

When will the new radar enter service?

Flight testing is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the system expected to be operational (Initial Operational Capability) by 2030.

How does the ECRS Mk2 differ from other Typhoon radars?

Unlike the Mk0 and Mk1 variants used by other nations, the UK’s Mk2 utilizes a specialized wideband array capable of high-powered Electronic Attack (jamming) alongside traditional radar tracking.

Sources

• BAE Systems

This article is based on an official press release from EDGE Group.

EDGE Group Secures Historic Order for 168 Unmanned Helicopters from UAE Ministry of Defence

In a landmark development for the autonomous defense sector, the UAE’s EDGE Group has announced the receipt of a major contract to supply 168 advanced unmanned helicopters to the UAE Ministry of Defence (MoD). The deal, valued at approximately AED 2.057 billion (USD ~560 million), was confirmed on January 22, 2026, during the Unmanned Systems Exhibition & Conference (UMEX) in Abu Dhabi.

According to the company’s official statement, the order will be fulfilled by ANAVIA, a Swiss-based subsidiary of EDGE Group specializing in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) systems. The contract represents one of the largest single procurements of rotary-wing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in the global defense market to date, signaling a decisive shift toward autonomous logistics and surveillance within the UAE Armed Forces.

The agreement encompasses the delivery of two distinct platforms, the compact HT-100 for tactical operations and the heavy-lift HT-750 for logistical support. This mixed-fleet approach suggests a comprehensive modernization strategy aimed at reducing human risk in combat and supply missions.

Breakdown of the Deal

The contract is split between two specific airframes, highlighting the MoD’s requirement for versatile capabilities ranging from intelligence gathering to heavy cargo transport. According to data released by the Tawazun Council and EDGE Group, the order includes:

• 76 units of the HT-100: A compact, tactical unmanned helicopter designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).
• 92 units of the HT-750: A larger, heavy-lift platform capable of autonomous logistics and cargo delivery.

The financial valuation places the HT-750 portion of the deal at approximately AED 1.396 billion ($380 million), while the HT-100 acquisition is valued at roughly AED 661 million ($180 million).

Jon Andri Jörg, CEO of ANAVIA, emphasized the strategic importance of the deal in a press statement:

“This order highlights the MoD’s dedication to advanced unmanned intelligence and logistics operations. The global security landscape is evolving towards an increasingly unmanned future.”

Technical Capabilities and Specifications

The two platforms selected by the UAE Ministry of Defence offer complementary capabilities, allowing for a “high-low” operational mix.

The HT-100: Tactical ISR

The HT-100 is engineered for rapid deployment and high stability. It utilizes an intermeshing “Flettner” rotor system, which eliminates the need for a tail rotor and creates a compact footprint suitable for stealthy profiles.

• Max Take-off Weight: 120 kg (265 lbs)
• Payload Capacity: 60 kg (132 lbs)
• Endurance: Up to 6 hours
• Primary Role: ISR and light logistics

The HT-750: Heavy Logistics

In contrast, the HT-750 is a robust platform built for heavy lifting. It features a conventional 4-blade semi-rigid rotor system, enabling it to carry significant loads over long distances, making it ideal for autonomous resupply missions to forward-deployed troops.

• Max Take-off Weight: 1,150 kg (2,535 lbs)
• Payload Capacity: 750 kg (1,653 lbs)
• Endurance: Up to 15 hours
• Primary Role: Heavy cargo transport and multi-role logistics

AirPro News Analysis

Scale of Procurement
The sheer volume of this order distinguishes it from typical UAS procurements. While defense orders for unmanned helicopters often range between 10 to 50 units for trial or limited squadron use, an order of 168 units indicates a fleet-wide adoption. This scale suggests the UAE is moving beyond experimental phases into full operational integration of autonomous rotary assets.

Market Implications
By securing this contract, EDGE Group and ANAVIA are positioning themselves to challenge established European manufacturers. The HT-100 competes directly in the weight class dominated for decades by the Schiebel Camcopter S-100. However, the inclusion of 92 heavy-lift HT-750s creates a new operational niche. Few militaries currently operate autonomous rotary logistics drones of this size in such large numbers. This move validates the “Industry 4.0” strategy pursued by the UAE, which prioritizes sovereign defense capabilities and the localization of high-tech manufacturing.

Strategic Context

This acquisition aligns with the UAE’s broader objective to secure its defense supply chain. By acquiring ANAVIA and bringing the manufacturing under the EDGE umbrella, the UAE reduces reliance on foreign imports that may be subject to strict export controls. The ability to manufacture and service these units domestically ensures operational continuity and protects intellectual property regarding sensitive autonomous technologies.

The deployment of these systems is expected to enhance the MoD’s ability to conduct persistent surveillance and sustain remote outposts without risking aircrews in contested environments.

Sources

Sources: EDGE Group Press Release