The 5th Generation Checkmate Revealed

Russian state manufacturer Rostec has unveiled its new unmanned fighter, currently called the Checkmate, at the Dubai Airshow. The introduction was made in a short trailer featuring a gravelly narrator promising technology to "turn the board over", and scenes of cinematic CGI shots of the fighter taking off and cruising. The Sukhoi Checkmate has been billed as a 5th generation light tactical aircraft, the first of its kind in Russia, though commentators argue its size pushes it closer to the medium role, being only marginally smaller than the full size Su-57 Felon. With all the makings of a single engine, low visibility, low cost aircraft, the unmanned aircraft could be the start of a new branch in the Sukhoi

Wolverine Gets a Win With the Royal Thai Air Force

Thailand has become the first foreign customer for the Beechcraft AT-6 light-attack aircraft, saving face for the aircraft in its continuing duel with Embraer's competing Super Tucano. An affordable, lightweight, and reliable aircraft, the AT-6TH will work as a multirole workhorse for the Royal Thai Air Force. The deal for 8 of the aircraft, with ground support equipment, spare parts, training, and other accessories. The purchase will replace their increasingly antiquated L-39 Albatros aircraft in service, offering improved capability, performance, and force integration at an affordable hourly cost.