June 17, 2026

Defence

Garuda Aerospace’s US Subsidiary Partners with Extensee SAS for Airbus Flexrotor Deployments

Chennai, June 16, 2026: Garuda Technologies Inc., a US subsidiary of IPO Bound Drone Startup Garuda Aerospace, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Extensee SAS, a provider of drone manufacturing and operational services, at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, France. The partnership aims to expand the deployment of Airbus Flexrotor unmanned aerial systems through a Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) model, combining Garuda’s drone technology expertise with Extensee’s operational capabilities to serve civil, industrial, commercial, and governmental missions across global markets. Under the MoU, the two companies will deploy Airbus Flexrotor UAVs across international markets, leveraging Extensee’s end-to-end operational capabilities, including mission management, flight authorizations, qualified operators and pilots, maintenance support, airworthiness management, safety systems, spare parts management, and technical services to ensure safe and compliant operations. The collaboration will focus on enabling long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), mapping, infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, border security, and other commercial and government applications. Equipped with VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) capability, autonomous mission execution, and modular payload integration, the Flexrotor weighs approximately 25 kilograms, remains airborne for 12–14 hours and operates from a compact 3.7m x 3.7m launch area. The platform can autonomously take off and land on both land and ships without requiring a conventional flight deck. Its mission capabilities include infrastructure inspection, disaster response, powerline inspection, railway monitoring, pipeline surveillance, maritime operations, and coordinated surveillance missions. Earlier in March 2026, Garuda Aerospace also signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters to acquire 18 Flexrotor Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) as part of its strategy to expand its unmanned aerial systems leasing services portfolio.  Commenting on the partnership, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and Director, Garuda Aerospace, said,“This collaboration with Extensee marks an important step in expanding the global reach and operational capabilities of the Airbus Flexrotor drones. By combining Garuda Aerospace’s expertise in advanced drone technology and manufacturing with Extensee’s proven operational excellence, we aim to unlock new opportunities for long-range autonomous missions across civil, industrial, and governmental sectors. Together, we look forward to exploring innovative Drone-as-a-Service solutions that address critical operational challenges and create value globally.”  Jean-Baptiste Olry, President of Extensee SAS, said: “Signing this MoU in Paris, at the heart of Europe’s defence and aerospace ecosystem, is a natural step for Extensee. We have spent years operating unmanned systems for the most demanding institutional and sovereign clients across Europe; from maritime surveillance to public safety missions;  and that operational track record is exactly what turns advanced platforms like the Airbus Flexrotor into a dependable, end-to-end service. Our Drone-as-a-Service model lets clients access long-endurance capabilities without bearing the complexity of ownership, airworthiness and mission management. With Garuda, we look forward to bringing that European operational expertise to new markets worldwide.” With this MoU both organizations will advance into the adoption of next-generation unmanned aerial systems through strategic collaboration and operational excellence.

Technology

FAA STC approval for Gogo Galileo HDX installation on the Pilatus PC-12

Broomfield, CO.,16 June 2026: SD Government, a Gogo company providing connectivity infrastructure solutions to global governments and military, in partnership with Pilatus and Pro Star Aviation, have received the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the installation of the Gogo Galileo HDX on the Pilatus PC-12 turboprop. The approval covers multiple variants, including for special missions. The first PC-12 modified by Pilatus to include Gogo Galileo in accordance with the Pro Star STC is expected to return to service imminently. The aircraft is part of a previously announced SD Government federal contract for multi-orbit, multi-band airborne global satellite communications to a US government agency. Gogo Galileo harnesses the power of Eutelsat OneWeb’s low earth orbit (LEO) satellite network to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity globally. The Galileo HDX electronically steered antenna (ESA) offers a compact, lightweight, aerodynamic and low-power solution and is minimally invasive to install. This new Gogo Galileo HDX STC will bring formerly unprecedented global connectivity capabilities to government, defense and other special missions PC-12 operators, enabling the streaming of time-sensitive data, including HD video, imagery, secure chat, and even real-time medical information for MEDEVAC purposes. Private and business operators can also take advantage of this new FAA STC, enabling high-speed internet services for users in the cabin and cockpit. Pro Star Aviation, a US Pilatus Sales and Service Center, worked alongside Pilatus to develop and certify the FAA STC. Subsequent European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) approvals are expected as Gogo Galileo HDX becomes available as both a retrofit for in-service PC-12s and a line-fit option for newbuild aircraft. “This certification marks another important step in expanding the capabilities of the PC-12 for government, defense, and special missions operators worldwide. Reliable, high-speed connectivity has become an essential mission requirement, enabling crews and decision-makers to exchange critical information in real time. Through our collaboration with SD Government and Pro Star Aviation, we are pleased to offer a proven connectivity solution that further enhances the versatility, effectiveness, and operational value of the PC-12 platform for customers operating in even the most demanding environments,” says Möhl Oliver, CEO and President of Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd. “We are excited to bring Gogo Galileo HDX to government, defense and special missions PC-12 operators, enabling them to securely stream mission-critical data from the aircraft to connected users, anywhere in the world. The PC-12 is an incredibly popular special missions aircraft – aside from our US Government launch customer, we’re already experiencing high demand for this upgrade from a variety of global operators,” says Ben Massey, SVP of Government Sales for SD Government. “Working directly with Pilatus and Gogo during the preliminary planning phase allowed us all to develop an installation design that is flexible and compatible with the entire in-service fleet as well as new aircraft production,” adds Jeffrey Shaw, Director of Sales and Marketing at Pro Star Aviation.  

2026

Air India Express commences flights connecting Pune and Amritsar

New Delhi, 16 June-2026: Air India Express has commenced direct flights between Pune and Amritsar. The inaugural flight departed from Pune on June 15, marking the launch of the new service and providing travellers with convenient access to Amritsar. The direct connection offers convenient travel options for leisure travellers, pilgrims, students and business travellers. The new service operates daily, departing Pune at 01:20 hrs and arrives in Amritsar at 04:10 hrs. The return flight will depart Amritsar at 05:00 hrs and arriving in Pune at 07:50 hrs. With the launch of this service, Air India Express now operates about 105 weekly flights from Pune, connecting the city directly to 12 destinations including Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. From Amritsar, Air India Express operates 24 weekly flights, connecting the city to Delhi, Dubai, Pune, and Sharjah.

2026

Airports Authority of India observed Yatri Suvidha Diwas

New Delhi, 16th June 2026: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) observed Yatri Suvidha Diwas across the country on 15th June 2026 to highlight its focus on passenger-centric services and showcase its contribution to the development of aviation infrastructure. A wide range of activities was organized at airports across the Northern Region, including Amritsar, Udaipur, Varanasi, Jammu, Dehradun, Srinagar, Leh and other airports to enhance passenger experience and engagement. These activities included the rendition of Vande Mataram, welcoming passengers with tilak, sweets, and flowers, nukkad nataks, cultural performances, painting competitions for children, passenger feedback and suggestion campaigns, tree plantation drives, essay-writing competitions, student visits to airport terminals, health check-up camps for passengers, selfie booths, and the felicitation of housekeeping staff for their contribution to maintaining airport cleanliness and aesthetics. Passengers actively participated in these initiatives, reflecting AAI’s commitment to providing a seamless, inclusive, and customer-friendly travel experience. As part of the observance, various activities were also organized at the Regional Headquarters–Northern Region. The programme commenced with the rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by a plantation drive.  On this occasion contractual housekeeping staff were felicitated for their contribution to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene  A health check-up camp, a health awareness session for officials, desk yoga sessions, and a special health talk for women officials were also conducted to promote wellness and foster a healthy workplace culture. The Airports Authority of India reaffirmed its commitment to passenger-centric services and the continuous enhancement of airport infrastructure, ensuring an enhanced travel experience and operational excellence across all airports.

2026

Air India introduces ‘basic’ fare option on domestic travel

New Delhi, 16th June 2026: Air India has announced the introduction of its new ‘Basic’ fare family, further strengthening its commitment to empowering customers with greater choice and control over how they travel and what they pay for. The introduction of Basic fare builds on Air India’s branded fare families – Value, Classic, and Flex – introduced in 2024 as part of the airline’s effort to simplify and enhance its customer offering. Being trialled on select domestic routes, the Basic fare is available for travel in Economy Class and is designed for travellers who prioritise value. It includes a 15 kg checked baggage allowance, 7 kg cabin baggage allowance, complimentary beverage service (tea/coffee), while complimentary meals are not included. The Basic fare is entirely optional, and travellers continue to have the choice of booking across Air India’s existing fare families – Value, Classic, and Flex – each of which includes complimentary meals and a range of bundled benefits at progressively higher price points. The introduction of Basic fare simply adds another layer of choice, particularly for price-conscious travellers who prefer a more unbundled offering. Travellers booked on Basic fares will have the flexibility to pre-purchase meals up to 24 hours before departure, with options including Vegetarian, Non-Vegetarian, Jain, and Diabetic meals. In the event of a schedule change or reaccommodation, pre-purchased meals will be automatically transferred to the new flight, or fully refunded if unavailable for any reason. The Basic fare is currently available on select domestic routes. Air India will assess customer response and feedback during the pilot phase to guide decisions on the future of the offering.

Drones

Renault Group and Thales to develop a sovereign drone industry in France

Paris, 16th June 2026: Thales and Renault Group (RG) announce the signing of a partnership agreement to jointly develop and industrialise the large-scale production of Thales’ TOUTATIS loitering munition. This announcement follows the unveiling of the innovative 4 TROOP tactical vehicle, presented by the two Groups yesterday. This strategic partnership combines Thales’ cutting-edge defence expertise with Renault Group’s industrial engineering and manufacturing capabilities to establish a sovereign, agile and competitive drone industry in France, fully aligned with the requirements of the wartime economy. Through this collaboration, production of loitering munition could begin as early as 2027, with a manufacturing capacity of 1,000 units per month from the first year, marking a significant ramp-up in France’s industrial capacities in this strategic field. This partnership will help secure a resilient and sovereign supply of munitions for France, while addressing the evolving operational and strategic requirements of the armed forces and strengthening the competitiveness of the national defence industry. Designed for high-intensity conflicts, the TOUTATIS short-range loitering munition provides armed forces with a new operational advantage. Highly versatile, it can be deployed by dismounted soldiers and launched from a variety of platforms (combat vehicles, aircraft and naval platforms). Resistant to electromagnetic jamming and equipped with a mission-configurable warhead, TOUTATIS is capable of neutralising targets such as combat vehicles while ensuring human operators remain in the decision-making loop. Able to operate as part of a drone swarm, TOUTATIS is a scalable system designed to adapt to evolving operational requirements.   “This new strategic partnership between Thales and Renault Group unites the strengths of two French champions in support of France’s sovereign drone industry. Renault Group brings its industrial expertise to the TOUTATIS project, along with the highest standards of automotive manufacturing, to design, industrialise and produce at scale, within shortened timelines and at optimised costs. I am proud of the work accomplished by our teams. It makes a tangible contribution to the initiatives undertaken with the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and strengthens both French and European defence capabilities.” François PROVOST, Chief Executive Officer of Renault Group. “This partnership with Renault Group marks an important milestone in strengthening sovereign, large-scale, world-class capabilities in the field of drones. By combining Thales’ excellence in advanced technologies with Renault Group’s industrial strength, this partnership addresses the needs of the armed forces while meeting the requirements of the wartime economy.” ​ Patrice CAINE, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Thales. At Eurosatory, Renault Group and Thales also unveiled 4 TROOP, an innovative tactical vehicle designed to meet the evolving operational requirements of land forces. ​ By integrating drones, sensors, hybrid secure communications and artificial intelligence-enhanced decision-support tools, 4 TROOP provides armed forces with a vehicle offering significantly enhanced operational capabilities.

FOREWORD

Dear Reader’s,

 

The current edition of Aviation World has covered many areas of Aerospace & Defence based on the latest development in the sector. The front cover highlights three different images, first for the Union Civil Aviation Minister ….. who is leading from the front to steer Indian Civil Aviation sector to witness one of the most interesting phases. He is also facing most tumultuous timing due to the ongoing financial stress in the Aviation sector due to ATF rising cost and long airspace restrictions resulting in mounting losses for Indian carriers. Despite of all the ground level challenges,the minister is addressing new things on regular basis which keeps the sector motivated. We have featured many such developmental works in this edition done under his guidance which will be interesting to read.

Our lead story on “ The West War” is another important feature which covers the ground level reality of the challenges faced by the Aviation sector. Its though time ahead and we believe it will pass soon .

There are features on Regional connectivity and MoCA revised rules on the UDAN 2.0 and how its going to transform the flying experience within India.

In this edition, we have covered topics on MRO,Various Policy changes,Sea Plane Operations by SkyHop Aviation, TATA-Airbus joint project on C295 military aircraft under Make In India which is expected to roll out soon and many other interesting contents which will be good to read.

We are covering Farnborough International Airshow 2026 from 20-24July 2026 in London and our next edition will be based on the same event.For features, you may contact our team on priority basis.

 

Happy Reading!

NEWSLETTER

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We have started 2026 on a very positive note and we look forward to increase our footprints to more locations and induct many more new companies in our campaign.. Do write to us at : editor@aviationworld.in

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