The BT-67 is no stranger to Antarctica's harsh climate. This picture displays a Basler BT-67 (re-engined DC-3) in polar configuration equipped with snow skids. (Basler)

The US Department of State has approved Argentina's request to purchase Basler BT-67s, support equipment, and training for up to USD143 million, the department announced on 18 April.

“The proposed sale will … [provide] additional capacity for airdrop and airlift operations to service Antarctica during the winter season,” the announcement read. “This will reduce the burden on other airlift assets in Argentina.”

Leonardo has teamed with Textron Aviation Defense to offer the M-346 jet trainer for a US Navy requirement. (Aermacchi Spa)

Leonardo has teamed with Textron Aviation Defense to offer its M-346 jet trainer for the US Navy's (USN's) Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) programme. The service's current jet trainer, the T-45 Goshawk, entered service in 1991 and has experienced numerous technical issues in recent years. In September 2023 the USN released a request for information for the UJTS.

The Ukrainian Ukrspecsystems PD-1 is likely the UAV that the UK is now looking to launch from the back of a civilian-type trailer or flatbed pickup truck. (Ukrspecsystems)

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is seeking to acquire a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) portable solution for the launching of tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of varying configurations.

A request for information (RFI) issued on 2 May calls for a system that can launch a UAV with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 40 kg from a civilian-type trailer or flatbed pickup truck.