Europe considering a Light Combat Aircraft

[Kirkhill]

Europe eyes future light-attack capability through €15m EDF project

A new turboprop-powered light-attack and surveillance aircraft could be on the cards after the European Defence Fund outlined plans to invest €15 million ($17 million) in early-stage design work for such a platform.

www.flightglobal.com

Something along the lines of the Pilatus PC21 used for training.Visually reminiscent of the old P51 Mustangs.

Candidates could be Pilatus PC9, Embraer Super Tucano and the Air Tractor Sky Warden / Sky Raider.

 

[Kirkhill]

Portugal receives first NATO-configured A-29N aircraft

Portugal’s Air Force has taken delivery of its first A-29N Super Tucano aircraft, marking the introduction of a new training and light combat capability and making Portugal the first European operator of the platform in its NATO-configured version. The delivery

defence-blog.com

I guess if you are going to have tobuy trainers you might as well make them combat effective.

 

[ytz]

For us.

In the F-35 v. Gripen debate, is there a silent third option?

Could an even less capable aircraft cut the Gordian Knot that's strangling Canada's fighter procurement?

open.substack.com

Austria just went down the dual fleet with a trainer route.

Austria Buys M-346F Light Fighters

The M-346Fs will give Austria a new air combat boost, supplementing the country's long-troubled Eurofighter Typhoon fleet.

www.twz.com

I think this is our best path.