Defense & Military
Airbus and Spanish Air Force Celebrate 100 Years of Plus Ultra Flight
Airbus and the Spanish Air Force commemorate the centenary of the 1926 Plus Ultra South Atlantic flight with a 2026 deployment featuring A400M aircraft and aerobatic displays.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and official information from the Spanish Air and Space Force.
From the Plus Ultra to the A400M: Airbus and Spanish Air Force Mark a Century of Transatlantic History
In January 2026, the aviation world turns its eyes to the South Atlantic to celebrate a centenary of pioneering spirit. According to an official announcement by Airbus, the manufacturer is joining forces with the Spanish Air and Space Force (Ejército del Aire y del Espacio) to honor the 100th anniversary of the “Plus Ultra” flight, the first aerial crossing of the South Atlantic using a single aircraft.
To commemorate the historic 1926 mission flown by the Dornier Do J Wal seaplane, a modern expeditionary force has been deployed. The tribute mission, dubbed the “Plus Ultra” Centenary Deployment, features two Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft and the renowned Patrulla Aspa helicopter aerobatic team. Retracing the footsteps of early aviators, this deployment highlights the dramatic evolution of aerospace technology over the last century.
As reported by Airbus, the event is not merely a ceremonial flyover but a complex logistical operation that underscores the strategic capabilities of modern military aircraft transport. The mission, running from late January through early February 2026, will see air shows and diplomatic events across Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, reinforcing the deep cultural and historical ties between Spain and South America.
The 2026 Centenary Deployment
The Spanish Air and Space Force has organized a schedule that mirrors the ambition of the original pioneers. According to mission details released in conjunction with the event, the deployment runs from January 24 to February 7, 2026. The fleet consists of two A400M Atlas aircraft from Wing 31 (Ala 31), based in Zaragoza, and six Eurocopter EC-120 Colibrí helicopters from the Patrulla Aspa (Wing 78).
Strategic Logistics in Action
While the 1926 flight required pre-positioning ships to supply fuel and parts, the 2026 mission demonstrates self-sufficient strategic projection. The A400M aircraft are serving as the backbone of the expedition, transporting the disassembled EC-120 helicopters and support personnel across the ocean. This capability allows the Patrulla Aspa to perform aerobatic displays thousands of miles from their home base.
Key events on the itinerary include:
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Jan 28): An air show over the iconic Ipanema Beach.
- Montevideo, Uruguay (Feb 1): An exhibition at Punta Brava near the Rambla Golf Club.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina (Feb 4): A grand finale air show at the Aeroparque.
Reports indicate that the A400M aircraft participating in the tour feature special commemorative livery, including the original registration of the “Plus Ultra” on the vertical stabilizer, visually linking the modern giants to their seaplane ancestor.
Historical Context: The 1926 “Plus Ultra” Flight
The original “Plus Ultra” mission remains a cornerstone of Spanish aviation history. Departing from Palos de la Frontera, Spain, on January 22, 1926, the crew set out to prove the viability of long-distance air travel between Europe and South America. The aircraft, a Dornier Do J Wal (“Whale”) flying boat, was powered by two 450 hp engines and navigated using celestial tools and radio direction finding.
The crew, led by Commander Ramón Franco and Pilot Captain Julio Ruiz de Alda, along with Navigator Lieutenant Juan Manuel Durán and Mechanic Pablo Rada, faced a grueling journey. According to historical records cited in the centenary materials, the 10,270-kilometer (6,381-mile) route included stops in the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and Brazil before reaching Buenos Aires on February 10, 1926.
“The journey was completed in 59 hours and 39 minutes of flying time. It was a massive media event of its era, comparable to the moon landing for the Spanish-speaking world.”
Historical summary of the 1926 flight
The success of the mission established the first air route between Spain and the Southern Cone. The original aircraft was eventually donated to Argentina and is currently preserved at the Luján Museum, serving as a tangible link to the past.
A Century of Engineering Evolution
The contrast between the Dornier Do J Wal and the Airbus A400M illustrates the exponential growth in aviation capabilities. While the “Plus Ultra” was a marvel of its time, capable of carrying mail and a crew of four at roughly 145 km/h, the A400M represents the pinnacle of modern tactical transport.
Data provided by the Spanish Air Force and Airbus highlights these technical leaps:
- Propulsion: The Dornier relied on two 450 hp Napier Lion engines. The A400M utilizes four Europrop TP400-D6 turboprops, each generating approximately 11,000 hp.
- Range and Speed: The 1926 flight required multiple stops with a range of roughly 2,200 km and a cruise speed of 145 km/h. The A400M boasts a ferry range of 8,900 km and cruises at Mach 0.72 (781 km/h).
- Payload: The “Plus Ultra” carried limited mail and supplies (approx. 1,000 kg). The A400M can lift up to 37,000 kg, sufficient to carry heavy vehicles, helicopters, or humanitarian aid.
AirPro News Analysis
Connecting Heritage to Modern Capability
This centenary celebration is more than a nostalgic look back; it is a strategic demonstration for Airbus and the Spanish Air Force. By deploying the Patrulla Aspa via the A400M, Spain is showcasing “expeditionary air power,” the ability to project soft power assets (like an aerobatic team) rapidly across transoceanic distances without relying on sea freight.
Furthermore, Airbus notes that the Dornier company is a “spiritual ancestor” to the modern consortium. The lineage of European aerospace cooperation is evident here: the Dornier Wal was a German design flown by a Spanish crew, foreshadowing the multi-national collaboration that defines Airbus today. The event successfully frames the A400M not just as a military asset, but as a diplomatic tool capable of bridging continents, much like the seaplanes of the 1920s.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Gripen F Completes Inaugural Flight in Linköping Sweden
Saab and the Brazilian Air Force completed the first flight of the Gripen F two-seat fighter on August 28, 2026.
Saab and the Brazilian Air Force have successfully completed the inaugural flight of the Gripen F, the two-seat variant of the Gripen E fighter, initiating the airborne test campaign for the jointly developed aircraft.
The aircraft took off from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, on August 28, 2026. In a press release issued today, the manufacturer confirmed the milestone advances a comprehensive technology transfer program designed to deliver both pilot training and full operational combat capabilities.
Inaugural flight and test campaign
The flight commenced at 09:40 local time and lasted 40 minutes. Saab Chief Test Pilot Jakob Högberg and Brazilian Air Force Test Pilot Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos operated the aircraft.
Lars Tossman, Head of Business Area Aeronautics at Saab, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the milestone.
“This first flight represents an important step forward for both Saab and the Brazilian Air Force. Seeing Gripen F take to the skies is particularly significant for all the Swedish and Brazilian teams whose years of engineering work have helped turn this aircraft into a reality. It is designed to accelerate pilot training while and enhancing operational performance in advanced combat missions,” Tossman said.
The Gripen F test program will now transition into a progressive envelope expansion phase. Saab stated that upcoming flights will clear performance limits, including speed, altitude, G-load, and angle of attack, while evaluating the tactical systems of the independent rear cockpit.
Design specifications and Brazilian procurement
The Gripen F incorporates specific design modifications to accommodate a second crew member. According to Air Data News, the two-seat variant measures 15.9 meters in length, compared to the 15.2-meter single-seat Gripen E, and has a maximum takeoff weight of 16,500 kilograms. To make room for the rear cockpit, engineers omitted the internal 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannon found on the single-seat model. Despite this change, the aircraft retains full operational combat capability and utilizes the same General Electric F414G engine.
The development of the Gripen F is heavily tied to Brazilian defense procurement. Aviation Week reports that the Brazilian Air Force ordered eight Gripen F aircraft as part of a broader 36-aircraft contract signed in 2014. Saab officially presented the first Gripen F during a rollout ceremony in Linköping on June 2, 2026. The manufacturer noted that more than 350 Brazilian engineers, technicians, and pilots have participated in training and development activities for the program.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful first flight of the Gripen F as a critical validation of the technology transfer agreement between Saab and its Brazilian partners, including Embraer. The integration of a fully combat-capable rear cockpit ensures the Brazilian Air Force can conduct advanced training while maintaining frontline fleet readiness. Delivering the two-seat variant on schedule strengthens Saab’s position in future export campaigns where dual-role trainer and combat aircraft are required.
Sources: Saab
Photo Credit: Saab
Defense & Military
Neura Defense Systems Rebrands as Volantyx Aerospace
Neura Defense Systems rebrands as Volantyx Aerospace to develop counter-UAS tech targeting RF-silent drone swarms.
Saint Petersburg, Florida-based Neura Defense Systems, Inc. announced on August 26, 2026, that it has rebranded as Volantyx Aerospace, Inc. to reflect its expansion from a single-product defense developer into a broader aerospace technology platform.
In a press release issued Wednesday, the company stated the original Neura Defense Systems name will be retained for its defense division and current operating business. The corporate restructuring aligns with the company’s focus on developing a distributed edge-intelligence architecture designed to counter autonomous, radio-frequency-silent drone swarms.
Addressing the RF-silent swarm-drone gap
Volantyx Aerospace is targeting a specific vulnerability in current counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) defense networks. Traditional detection and mitigation rely heavily on radio frequency (RF) signals, which are ineffective against pre-programmed or autonomous aircraft that do not emit such signals.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Sam Talari explained the limitations of legacy systems in the company’s announcement, noting that the new architecture is built on the assumption that any single sensor can be degraded or absent.
An RF sensor cannot detect a signal that is not there, and a jammer cannot sever a control link that does not exist. We start from the aircraft’s physical signature instead — radar return, sound, heat, visual — and combine those into one track and one decision picture for the operator.
The company has filed 13 United States provisional patent applications covering multi-modal sensor fusion, distributed networking, cognitive command, and the detection of non-emitting aircraft. The resulting intelligence layer is designed to make decisions at the edge without cloud dependency while preserving a record of system observations.
Development timeline and market positioning
The rebranding occurs as federal investment in counter-UAS technologies accelerates. Volantyx Aerospace remains in the development stage, with its core capabilities currently undergoing hardware integration and field evaluation following initial tests in a controlled environment.
The company clarified in its release that it does not yet claim a fielded deployment, operational performance metrics, or a contract award. Volantyx Aerospace plans to begin manufacturing or supplying effectors in early 2027. The corporate name change is a structural adjustment for the Delaware corporation and does not alter existing agreements, obligations, or ownership.
AirPro News analysis
The transition from Neura Defense Systems to Volantyx Aerospace signals a strategic pivot to capture dual-use commercial and defense markets. As autonomous UAS capabilities proliferate, the reliance on RF jamming and detection is becoming a recognized vulnerability in airspace security. By focusing on multi-modal physical signatures, we view Volantyx’s approach as a necessary evolution in counter-UAS architecture. The company’s explicit acknowledgment that it lacks fielded deployments or contract awards underscores the significant gap between conceptual architecture and operational validation. The early 2027 target for effector manufacturing will be a critical milestone to monitor as the company attempts to transition from a development-stage startup to an active aerospace supplier.
Photo Credit: Neura Defense Systems, Inc.
Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin Offers Peru $1.8B F-16 Block 70 Offset Package
Lockheed Martin proposes a $1.8B industrial package for Peru’s F-16 Block 70 program, including UAS assembly and MRO expansion.
Lockheed Martin has outlined a $1.8 billion industrial and social collaboration package for Peru, designed to integrate local firms into the global aerospace supply chain as part of the country’s F-16 Block 70 procurement program.
Announced in a press release on August 26, 2026, the offset proposal follows the Peruvian government’s April 2026 decision to acquire an initial batch of 12 F-16 Block 70 aircraft. The comprehensive package aims to position Peru as a regional hub for advanced unmanned systems and aerospace services.
Expanding Peru’s aerospace industrial base
The proposed industrial agreement focuses heavily on technology transfer and domestic manufacturing. Key components include the domestic assembly of an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) tailored for the Latin American market, the establishment of joint research hubs, and the creation of a UAS Technical Institute. The package also outlines plans to expand Peru’s high-tech maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) footprint.
“As we collaborate with the local industry, we aim to deliver tangible, high-value opportunities that build a skilled workforce, enable knowledge transfer and create lasting economic impact on both sides of the partnership,” said Tara Lause, Vice President of Business Development for the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin.
Lause added that the procurement creates enduring alliances and industrial collaboration opportunities with the United States and other partner nations.
Fleet modernization and electronic warfare capabilities
Peru is currently working to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29s and French Mirage 2000s. The F-16 Block 70 was selected over competing bids from Saab and Dassault. To equip the new fleet, the government of Peru selected L3Harris Technologies to provide its AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield all-digital electronic warfare suite, a decision announced on August 17, 2026. The Viper Shield system provides advanced radar warning and jamming capabilities.
Lockheed Martin noted that the F-16 is currently operated by 29 countries, with a global fleet of 2,800 aircraft. Mike Shoemaker, Vice President of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, stated that the selection highlights the aircraft’s operational performance and ability to meet pressing defense requirements.
AirPro News analysis
The announcement of a $1.8 billion industrial offset package is a strategic move by Lockheed Martin to solidify the F-16 Block 70 sale amid a complex political environment in Lima. While the Peruvian government selected the aircraft in April 2026, regional defense reporting indicates that the procurement process has encountered delays linked to ministerial resignations and defense budget debates. By offering substantial domestic manufacturing opportunities, including UAS assembly and MRO expansion, Lockheed Martin is providing Peruvian leadership with a strong economic justification to finalize the state-to-state contract. We view this comprehensive technology transfer as a critical lever in moving the procurement from selection to a finalized, funded agreement.
Sources: Lockheed Martin
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
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