Kontron, provider of IoT/Embedded Computer Technology (ECT), announces the availability of the Kontron HARAKAN-F2-2 mission computer. Integrating the latest generation of Intel Xeon-D processors, Kontron’s new defense platform delivers VPX server-class performance, reliability and scalability for the most demanding defense use cases. These include AI, sensor fusion, cyber secure Tactical Gateways and real time analytics. The HARAKAN will be on display at Embedded World 2026, held from March 10–12 in Nuremberg, Germany.
Designed and manufactured in Europe, with full control over design, production and long-term support at a single site, HARAKAN-F2-2 benefits from a controlled and transparent supply chain, strong configuration management and long-term program continuity. The system is ITAR- and BAFA-free, enabling broader deployment flexibility across international defense programs.
Built on a modular architecture integrating VPX building blocks aligned to the SOSA® technical standard, HARAKAN-F2-2 allows systems integrators to develop VPX-based defense applications faster with reduced risks.
Sébastien Vitre, Kontron product manager, Rugged Systems, said: “With the latest HARAKAN variant, defense integrators can run multiple mission-critical applications at the edge –securely and reliably – even in the harshest environments. The platform combines high-performance compute with configuration flexibility, allowing customers to address evolving mission requirements – from tactical edge processing to complex, virtualized sensor fusion environments – while maintaining upgrade paths across the program lifecycle. With additional configurations under development, including GPU variants, the HARAKAN family is expanding into a complete portfolio for edge AI, multi-sensor fusion and accelerated analytics.”
The SWaP-optimized VPX form factor includes two 3U VPX slots, providing the flexibility to adapt processing, networking and I/O capabilities to evolving mission needs. Integrated cybersecurity features –including hardware root of trust, secure boot and system monitoring tools –help ensure mission integrity from power-on through operational deployment.
The Kontron HARAKAN-F2-2 is available now and offers a minimum product lifecycle of 10 years. Services are available to notify customers of significant changes to monitored frozen configurations and to ensure production beyond the product end‑of‑life date. Warranty extensions of up to five years are also available.
Category: Military
Platinum Tooling Announces New Manufacturers’ Representative Group
Platinum Tooling, an importer and master distributor of live tools, angle heads, Swiss machine products, knurling tools and marking tools manufactured by various international suppliers has a new sales representative firm. Located in Conway, South Carolina, Sellers Marketing offers high quality cutting tools, work holding and tool holding solutions in the Southeastern United States.
Founded in 2014 as a technical firm with engineers from job shops, the addition of Application Sales Engineers has been key to its success. These team members include David Sellers (key accounts and Georgia), John Huggins (Western North Carolina and Tennessee), Justin Sellers (Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia), Lee Sellers (Northeastern Georgia, Eastern North Carolina and Eastern South Carolina) and John Paquette (Alabama).
David Sellers said that the company serves all industries in the Southeast, “as we consider the region a ‘mixed bag’ of all industries, predominantly featuring job shops and privately owned production shops.”
Regarding its working relationships, Sellers highlighted that, “Our team engages all sectors of the channel. We work from OEMs down and from end users up.”
Lastly, Sellers expressed his excitement at working with Platinum Tooling, stating, “Platinum Tooling brings to our firm tooling that we did not have with our other product offering. Additionally, the diverse offering at Platinum allows my engineers to feel confident that they have an added solution to success.”
Embraer and Mahindra Group Advance Localization Strategy in India with Planned C-390 Millennium MRO Capability
Embraer and the Mahindra Group today announced plans to work towards establishing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capability in India for the C-390 Millennium upon selection in the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. The two companies signed a strategic cooperation agreement (SCA) in October 2025 to produce the C-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft in India. This collaboration aims to support the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, with plans to establish local manufacturing strengthening the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The C‑390 Millennium is the most modern military transport aircraft in its class, offering a payload capacity of up to 26 tons and higher speed and range compared to other medium‑sized military transport aircraft. It is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, airdrop operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions. The aircraft can operate from temporary or unpaved runways and may be configured for air‑to‑air refueling, both as a tanker and as a receiver. The in‑service fleet has demonstrated a mission completion rate above 99 percent, highlighting its productivity and reliability.
The proposed MRO facility will provide comprehensive in‑country maintenance and sustainment for the C‑390 fleet, supporting high levels of operational readiness and availability. The initiative reinforces the companies’ joint commitment to positioning the C‑390 Millennium as a strong solution for India’s future medium transport aircraft requirements.
“Embraer is committed to delivering not only a world‑class aircraft, but also a robust, long‑term support ecosystem tailored to India’s operational and industrial requirements,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
“A state‑of‑the‑art C‑390 Millennium MRO capability in India would ensure high aircraft availability, enhanced operational autonomy and a comprehensive local sustainment solution for the Indian Air Force throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle,” said Vinod Sahay, member of the group executive board, Mahindra Group.
The proposed MRO capability is expected to deliver a full spectrum of services, including base and heavy maintenance, structural inspections and testing, component repair and overhaul, avionics support, and training.
“Embraer and Mahindra, intends to expand collaboration with Indian Aerospace companies to drive higher localisation of C-390 Millenium and also to support MRO activities, reinforcing our commitment to the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat’,” said Carlos Naufel, president and CEO of Embraer Services & Support of Embraer. “In addition to fleet support, this new facility could create high‑skill employment and further contribute to the integration of Indian companies into Embraer’s global supply chain.”
While the primary objective of the MRO is to support the Indian Air Force fleet, Embraer is also evaluating the potential for India to serve as a regional MRO hub, providing sustainment services for other C-390 Millennium operators in the future.
The C-390 Millennium has been selected by the air forces of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania.
Embraer has a longstanding presence in India, with nearly 50 aircraft across 11 different types currently in operation in the country in commercial, defense, and business aviation roles. In the defense segment, the ERJ145 platform serves as the basis for the Indian Air Force’s “Netra” AEW&C aircraft, while the Legacy 600 is operated by the Indian Air Force and the Border Security Force (BSF) for the transportation of government officials and VIPs.
Dedienne Aerospace Signed Five-Year Agreement with Lockheed Martin to Support F-35 Ground Support Equipment
Dedienne Aerospace announced that they have signed a five-year pricing agreement to provide maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade support with Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems.
Dedienne Aerospace is a participant in the Lockheed Martin Product Support Provider network (PSPn), supporting F-35 non-air vehicle products such as aircraft ground support equipment, pilot simulators and information technology equipment in Belgium.
Boeing Flight Deck Modernization Keeps C-17A Mission Ready
The Boeing Company announced a contract award from the U.S. Air Force that will keep the C‑17A Globemaster III flying and mission-ready for decades to come.
The contract provides for the design, manufacture, integration, qualification and military certification of a modernized flight deck for the C‑17A. The program replaces critical avionics and mission essential equipment with modern, modular open systems architecture (MOSA) that enables plug‑and‑play enhancements and ensures the fleet can adopt new capabilities rapidly and affordably.
“The C‑17A has been the backbone of global air mobility for over three decades,” said Travis Williams, Vice President of United States Air Force Mobility & Training Services, Boeing. “With the U.S. Air Force requirement to keep the C-17A viable through 2075, we already have a clear and achievable roadmap to support their needs, and the needs of our international partners around the globe. By resolving avionics obsolescence and introducing MOSA, we’re preserving a proven, highly dependable, heavy airlifter and keeping it at the forefront of performance and efficiency for decades to come.”
Boeing delivered 275 C‑17A aircraft between 1993 and 2015. The Air Force received 222 and our international partners received 53, forming what is now a well-established fully integrated virtual fleet support system across nine partner nations.
Maintaining Excellence: Who’s Leading Military Aviation Safety Equipment Maintenance?
Aviation safety equipment maintenance is the backbone of pilot safety and overall mission success. There is no room for errors in military aviation, since the entire team relies on the aircraft for missions. Ejection seats, life support systems, seatbelts and other types of equipment are essential to the pilot’s safety and success, so finding the best maintenance service provider is crucial.
The Importance of Military Aviation Safety Equipment Maintenance
The pressure on military aviation safety equipment maintenance has increased in recent years. With the rise of new technology, technicians are experiencing significant shortages and skill gaps. New technology also clashes with legacy systems, hindering the integration of both machines. External factors also disrupt the supply chain. Maintenance is even more crucial as teams try to remain up to date with new technology and adapt to the current military aviation environment.
How to Maintain Aviation Safety Equipment
Maintaining aviation safety equipment is essential as pilot safety and mission success remain at the forefront. Proactive maintenance is the key factor because it goes beyond following the necessary procedures. Managing risks and optimizing availability improve overall safety, helping limit accidents during missions by addressing potential problems.
A specific way to improve proactive maintenance is by collecting more nuanced metrics. Conducting studies of operational availability and risk assessment frameworks involves more complex data that alerts technicians to areas of improvement right away. Beyond that, performing scheduled, routine and overhaul checks greatly improves safety equipment as well. Airline maintenance directors want to avoid unscheduled fixes caused by errors, so regular checks are necessary.
While maintaining aviation safety equipment, it is essential to comply with regulations. Proactive maintenance should involve checking the FAA’s guidelines if the director operates in the United States. There are aviation regulations for other countries, too. Rules are there for the pilot and team’s safety, as well as to ensure the mission’s success. A maintenance provider can help ensure compliance.
Who Are the Top Maintenance Providers for Military Aviation Safety Equipment?
To perform maintenance accurately and safely, it is a good idea to hire a maintenance provider. The provider must demonstrate robust, specialized knowledge of military aviation safety equipment to enhance efficiency. Below are the top maintenance providers for military aviation safety equipment.
1. HRD Aero Systems
HRD Aero Systems is the top maintenance provider for military aviation safety equipment. It offers 24-hour Aircraft on Ground (AOG) service that is rapid and reliable. The partner adheres to FAA, EASA and DOT standards. Its services include overhaul and repair of fire extinguishers, oxygen system servicing and PMA parts.
2. Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace provides global services of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) quality. Its services include conducting repairs, providing repair parts and testing equipment calibrations. The provider offers support numbers for its various services on the website.
3. Gables Engineering
Gables Engineering performs repairs from several offices and headquarters. It provides AOG support 24 hours a day and features global warehouses. The provider also offers a fixed-repair contract option to enhance turnaround time.
4. SCHROTH
SCHROTH manufactures safety products for the aviation industry, including several different seatbelts. Its products meet many safety standards, and its technicians continually stay up to date with the latest technology. For making replacements during a repair, SCHROTH is a great option.
5. Martin-Baker
Martin-Baker offers maintenance, repair and overhaul services. It has a customer-first approach, featuring customer training for aviation equipment. The partner has several global facilities and service centers to reach a broad customer base. Some of its products include ejection technology, safe seats and crashworthy items.
6. Safe Flight Instrument
Safe Flight Instrument makes safety products for aviation machinery. It performs in-house repairs for customers, using its original parts, procedures and drawings to provide the best solution. When the partner completes repairs, it ensures the final product aligns with the current regulatory requirements and the latest technology.
7. AmSafe
AmSafe delivers repair and overhaul services to its clients. The technicians are highly trained and experienced in dealing with aviation safety equipment. Its products include restraints and seat belts. The partner utilizes the latest technology to ensure reliable repairs.
Selection Methodology
The partners were selected according to careful research of their website, services and specific contributions to aviation safety equipment maintenance. The ranking is based on a comparison between their key features, including each provider’s services, standards and support systems.
Comparing Top Maintenance Providers
To help maintenance directors and decision-makers quickly compare providers, the following table summarizes key features.
| Provider | Services | Standards | Support |
| HRD Aero Systems | Overhaul and repair of fire extinguisher, oxygen system serving and PMA parts | FAA, EASA and DOT standards | 24-hour AOG service |
| Collins Aerospace | Repairs, repair parts and test equipment calibration | OEM quality | Support numbers for different services |
| Gables Engineering | Repairs and fixed repair contracts | Simple and fast | AOG support 24 hours a day |
| SCHROTH | Safety products | Many safety standards | Developing constantly to improve |
| Martin-Baker | Maintenance, repair and overhaul | Crashworthy items | Customer-first approach with training |
| Safe Flight Instrument | Safety products and in-house repairs | Current regulations | Many numbers and emails to contact the repair station |
| AmSafe | Repair and overhaul | High-quality | Experienced technicians |
Safety Maintenance in the Future
Looking ahead, the future of safety maintenance may rely more on technology than it already does. Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics will work together to transform maintenance scheduling and diagnostics, catching issues before human counterparts do. Pilots may also start wearing suits that monitor their health and performance. Smart technology, like these inventions, represents the future of safety maintenance.
Safety Is the Top Priority
Military aviation safety equipment maintenance is crucial to mission success and pilot safety. Airline maintenance directors, military equipment procurers and any other authorized personnel should be meticulous about which provider they choose to partner with for repairs and other services. Safety should always be the top priority, especially in aviation.
ALTEA Celebrates the Delivery of the New Strategic Reach Falcon 6X Aircraft to Department of Defence Ireland
ALTEA, the multidisciplinary aircraft procurement and completion specialists, successfully supported the Government of Ireland in the procurement of their new strategic reach aircraft, a factory-new Falcon 6X delivered on schedule last December, just under a year after the Government announced its purchase. The aircraft, the first military registered Falcon 6X and the second delivered by Dassault to a European state, replaces a Learjet 45 which was operational for more than two decades and is set to enter service in a matter of weeks.
On delivery, the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy commented that the aircraft represents a significant milestone for the Irish Air Corps. “This aircraft represents a major step forward in the State’s strategic reach, delivering enhanced capability in airlift, medical evacuation, and government transport. Its range, performance, and advanced systems will enable us to support Irish citizens and Defence Forces personnel across the globe with greater speed, safety, and flexibility.
“The arrival of the Falcon 6X also comes at an important moment in our development as we progress toward becoming an Air Force. It reflects not only an investment in modern equipment, but in the future role, ambition, and operational reach of Ireland’s air capability.”
The acquisition of the aircraft followed a tender competition under the negotiated procedure set out in the Defence & Security Directive 81/2009/EC to acquire a new mid-sized strategic reach aircraft for air transport and broader utility use. ALTEA was specifically responsible for defining and formalizing the requirements, specifications, award criteria and scoring of the tender. ALTEA also provided advice on the terms of the procurement contract.
Jean Sémiramoth, ALTEA Partner, has been primarily responsible for the programme. “ALTEA provide a highly experienced team to manage projects of this scale and sensitivity,” he observes. “Working with complete trust and discretion, we collaborated closely with the team at the Irish Air Corps and Department of Defence over a nine-month period to strengthen the State’s transport with an aircraft ideally suited for a range of operations including airlift, and medical evacuation capabilities, while supporting defence forces’ missions such as evacuating citizens, transferring patients, and transporting supplies abroad. Remarkably, our team was able to quickly establish and formulate key objectives: working closely with all stakeholders allowed ALTEA to meet their needs for rationalising and expediting the whole process, effectively and efficiently.”
Manufactured by Dassault Aviation and configured for up to 14 passengers, the future-proofed, new-generation jet aircraft with advanced fuel efficiency has a maximum range of over 5,500 nautical miles with a maximum operating speed of 690 miles per hour. The Falcon 6X can comfortably reach destinations such as the Western Coast of the USA from Baldonnel in Ireland.
Robin Dunlop, ALTEA Partner responsible for interiors and completions, explains: “The Falcon 6X is designed to meet a multiplicity of operational requirements and as such the interior is flexible, hard-wearing, and practical. It features a modern suite of avionics, secure communications, and the latest operational and safety equipment.”
Sislian Appointed EVP Sales and Aftermarket Services
In late January 2026, Bombardier announced a new appointment to its leadership team to deepen customer relationships.
Paul Sislian was appointed executive vice president, aircraft sales and Bombardier aftermarket services in January 2026. In this expanded role, Sislian will continue building the company’s fast-growing, service network and take charge of the worldwide aircraft sales teams, for business jets and defense. He will be supported by 30-year Bombardier veteran, Peter Likoray.
By bringing sales and services together, Sislian and his team say they will further strengthen Bombardier’s competitive edge and continue setting industry‑leading standards. Sislian has been at Bombardier for 17 years and previously led business jet manufacturing operations, Bombardier’s aerostructures business and most recently was responsible for aftermarket services and corporate strategy.
“Bombardier has successfully completed multiple strategic objectives with regard to product development, services expansion, Defense growth and financial deleveraging,” said Éric Martel, president and CEO, Bombardier. “I am proud of the high level of execution from the entire executive team as well as their individual and collective contributions to all facets of our company’s people and customer-centric culture. Today’s appointments reflect our trust in their leadership and our company’s bold ambitions for Bombardier’s immediate and long-term development.”
Airbase Georgia Launches 2026 Public Outreach with Super Museum Sunday, Feb. 8
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia will participate in Georgia’s statewide Super Museum Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m. on February 8.The public is invited for a free afternoon filled with aviation history, restored World War II aircraft and hands-on learning opportunities.
Super Museum Sunday marks Airbase Georgia’s first public outreach event of 2026. It also serves as a celebratory kickoff aligned with the national observance of America 250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The event underscores the museum’s role in connecting local communities to the people, innovations, and sacrifices that shaped the nation.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore Airbase Georgia’s hangar, learn about the restoration of historic WWII aircraft, meet volunteer members, and discover how the largest flying museum in Georgia is a living classroom for all ages.
Super Museum Sunday is a statewide annual event sponsored by the Georgia Historical Society and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, through its Explore Georgia division. The program encourages museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions across Georgia to open their doors with free admission, offering residents and visitors a shared opportunity to experience the state’s history, arts, and heritage.
“Education is at the heart of everything we do,” said Airbase Leader Mark Richards. “When we say our mission is to educate, inspire, and honor, that includes educating the general public just as much as our K–12 students. Super Museum Sunday allows us to open our doors and invite the community to engage directly with the stories, skills, and values that define this generation of American history.”
Airbase Georgia’s 2026 public outreach strategy emphasizes increased community access, expanded educational programming, and alignment with statewide and national heritage initiatives tied to America 250. Super Museum Sunday offers an accessible entry point for families, educators, students, and aviation enthusiasts to experience that mission firsthand.
Admission is free, and all are welcome.
For more information about Airbase Georgia, upcoming events, or educational programs, visithttps://airbasegeorgia.org/.
QT Aerospace Achieves UK CAA Part 145 Certification, Expanding Global MRO Capabilities
QT Aerospace is proud to announce it has officially received UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part 145 approval, certification number UK.145.50883, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued global expansion and commitment to the highest international standards of aircraft maintenance and repair.
The UK CAA Part 145 certification authorizes QT Aerospace to perform maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services in accordance with stringent UK and international aviation safety regulations. This approval further strengthens QT Aerospace’s ability to support operators, lessors, and MRO partners worldwide with compliant, high-quality composite repair solutions.
“Achieving UK CAA Part 145 certification is a testament to our team’s technical excellence, disciplined processes, and unwavering focus on safety and quality,” said Mark Lindley, QT Aerospace vice president. “This approval allows us to better serve our international customers while reinforcing QT Aerospace’s position as a trusted global partner in aircraft composite repair” he further added.
With this certification, QT Aerospace enhances its capability to support UK-registered aircraft and international operators that require CAA-approved maintenance providers.
The approval complements QT Aerospace’s existing regulatory credentials and aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to expand its global footprint while maintaining best-in-class operational standards.
QT Aerospace is known for its expertise in aircraft composite structures, rapid turnaround times, and customer-focused approach — delivering solutions that minimize AOG events and keep aircraft flying safely and efficiently.