17 Jun 25. The Armada has successfully completed the advanced live weapons exercise SINKEX 25 conducted on June 15 and 16, 2025. This exercise was key to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armada’s naval, air, and submarine units, while enabling training in the employment of weapon systems in a simulated, but realistic, high-intensity scenario. Several naval units participated in the exercise including the F-100 frigates “Blas de Lezo” and “Álvaro de Bazán”, the LHD “Juan Carlos I,” the S-80 submarine “Isaac Peral,” the LPD “Castilla,” and the F-80 frigate “Santa María,” as well as naval air units and aircraft from the Spanish Air Force. This provided a comprehensive training in the use of a wide range of weapon systems, and the simulation of real-life combat scenarios. SINKEX 25 has permitted the Armada to practice in the use of several weapon systems, certifying their effectiveness. This exercise has once again demonstrated that our most modern naval units are highly capable and ready for action. Furthermore, this type of exercises contribute to spreading a message of deterrence, demonstrating Spain’s solidarity and commitment to collective defense and shared security to guarantee peace, global security, and international legality.
16 Jun 25. AURA AERO and Babcock sign a Memorandum of Understanding to offer a complete packaged INTEGRAL solution for armed forces. AURA AERO, the French aircraft manufacturer and Babcock France, part of defence company, Babcock International Group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to jointly offer and promote INTEGRAL, the new-generation electric training aircraft with aerobatic capabilities, along with a complete packaged service. Covering technical, logistical, training and support services, the strategic partnership, announced at the Paris Air Show, aims to combine the expertise of AURA AERO – a pioneer in the decarbonization of aviation – with Babcock’s global experience of civilian and defence service support and pilot training in modern and high pressure operating environments. This collaboration will deliver an integrated solution based on the INTEGRAL aircraft, while also creating opportunities to support the decarbonization of operations.
David Lockwood, CEO of Babcock International Group, said: “Air Forces across the globe need the next generation of pilots to carry out increasingly demanding operations. We believe working collaboratively with AURA AERO can bring new and innovative solutions to military aviation capabilities.”
INTEGRAL is a highly advanced training aircraft, equipped with leading edge, onboard avionics and a unique digital platform allowing the replay of each flight and the access to all the flight data. This allows for a detailed debriefing of pilot and aircraft performance, an essential feature for training activities. INTEGRAL is also the only aircraft certified with a whole aircraft rescue parachute, placing safety right at the forefront of this platform. The INTEGRAL family offers 3 models, addressing the different needs in pilot training: INTEGRAL R (training and aerobatics, tailwheel, 210 hp Lycoming engine); INTEGRAL S (training and aerobatics, nosewheel, 180 hp Lycoming engine) and INTEGRAL E (all-electric – Safran’s ENGINeUS electric motor, first-ever electric aircraft motor to be certified – 1 hr autonomy and 30 min supercharge)).
Jérémy Caussade, President and co-founder of AURA AERO, is very enthusiastic about this collaboration: “We are confident that our collaboration with Babcock France will lead to an innovative response tailored to the needs of the armed forcesModern, sustainable and versatile, INTEGRAL is a family of aircraft that provides a perfect fit for the selection and the training of military pilots and their daily operations. By introducing the all-electric INTEGRAL E into their fleet, the armed forces can halve the operating costs for most missions, while beginning its transition towards decarbonization”.
Babcock France, is a long-standing service provider to the French Armed Forces with packaged aircraft services already being delivered to the French Air Force.
12 Jun 25. The date 12 June 2025 marks a key milestone for the Italian Air Force and for Leonardo with the official introduction of the M-345 (designated T-345A by the Armed Forces) into its fleet of training aircraft for military pilots. Now operational with the 61st Wing at Galatina (LE), replacing the MB-339 (T-339A), the M-345 system together with the M-346 – both designed, developed and manufactured by Leonardo at its Venegono Superiore (Varese, Italy) site – consolidate Italy’s leadership in the training of current and future military pilots. The combination of these two training systems allows to cover the entire military pilot training process – from the basic initial phase to the most advanced phase. The M-345 builds on Leonardo’s longstanding experience in the field of military trainers, which stems from the success of aircraft such as the SIAI-Marchetti SF-260, the Aermacchi MB-326, and the Aermacchi MB-339. The MB-339, in particular, served for over 40 years training Italian and foreign military pilots and gracing skies across the globe with the tricolour trails of the National Aerobatic Team – which will soon adopt Leonardo’s M-346 as its new aircraft. With the M-345 now integrated into the Armed Force’s training syllabus, the Italian Air Force will boast the most modern fixed-wing military training system in Europe. Jet performance at turboprop cost: The M-345 jet aircraft delivers performance superior to those of a high-end turboprop jet at comparable operating costs. Definitively a state-of-the-art integrated training system that encompasses both the basic and advanced stages (Phases II and III) of pilot training. Thanks to its full-digital avionics and innovative human-machine interface, the M-345 fits perfectly into the training syllabus assisting pilots for the transition to new-generation fighter jets. , Advanced technology and sustainability: The M-345 is powered by a Williams FJ44-4M-34 turbofan engine, optimised for military use, with high performance along with reduced fuel consumption. The aircraft is designed for an extended operational life, featuring an integrated monitoring system that reduces maintenance times and costs while increasing fleet readiness and efficiency. In line with the standards of new-generation military jets, the digital cockpit avionics feature a highly advanced human–machine interface, comprising three colour touch-screen Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and a Head-Up Display (HUD), which provides an immersive flying experience. The cockpit features excellent external visibility and stepped tandem seating, with HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-And-Stick) controls that allow pilots to fly the aircraft without removing their hands from the main controls. Two aircraft for a unique, world-class training solution: The Leonardo M-345 and M-346 integrated systems offer a seamless training path that ensures a smooth transition through the different training phases, improving overall training programme effectiveness. (Source: joint-forces.com)
30 May 25: [auto-translated] Based on the Plan of Bilateral Military Cooperation between Serbia and Egypt for 2025, members of the Special Forces of the two countries have implemented joint training for the performance of counter-terrorism operations. The goal of the training, which was realised in the ‘Rastko Nemanjić’ barracks in Pančevo and at the ‘Orešac’ training ground near Vršac, was to improve the ability and exchange of experiences in the performance of special actions in both urban and rural environments. On the training exercise were combat teams of the [Serbian] 72nd Special Operations Brigade and Egyptian El Sa’ka (Thunderbolt) forces, with the support of the helicopter units of the Serbian Armed Forces. During the two weeks of activities, they carried out a series of tactical and live-fire tasks in counter-terrorism operations, including the performance of a helicopter landing, first aid and medical evacuation. Implementation training was also carried out, as well as firing of modern weapons in use with the units of the Serbian Armed Forces. Similar training was carried out last year at training grounds in Egypt, and the implementation of such activities improves interoperability and strengthens mutual trust, understanding and overall relations between Serbia and Egypt. (Source: joint-forces.com)