EDITORIAL
A personal word from the publisher.
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
Every edition begins with a conversation.
Every new issue of CHECKSIX represents far more than the publication of another aviation magazine. It reflects months of research, countless conversations, extensive travel and the dedication of an international Editorial Crew committed to documenting military aviation with authenticity and respect.
Before you begin reading the latest edition, I would like to share a few personal thoughts about what awaits you.
EDITORIAL
One of the greatest privileges of publishing CHECKSIX is watching the journal evolve with every new edition. Issue 4/2026 marks another important step in that development: for the first time, CHECKSIX is also available in Spanish.
With six language editions – English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Turkish – our features can now reach an even wider international readership.
This issue also introduces a new form of support behind the scenes. Specially configured AI agents now assist our Editorial Crew with research, editing, language review and selected aspects of design. They are tools, not decision-makers. Editorial judgement, factual verification and final approval remain firmly in human hands – and the responsibility for every published page continues to rest with our team.
Our journey through Issue 4/2026 begins at ILA Berlin. Once again, the exhibition demonstrated how closely military requirements, industrial development and political decisions are connected. It also gave us the opportunity to examine several programmes that may shape European aviation for years to come.
Elsewhere in this edition, we visit the Belgian Air Force Days at Florennes, the Antidotum Airshow in Poland and the multinational helicopter exercise THRACIAN BLADE 2026 in Bulgaria. Each report offers a different perspective on today’s military aviation world – from public displays and industrial ambitions to operational cooperation between nations.
Our Special Feature on the North American Rockwell OV-10B BRONCO acquired an unexpected and deeply unfortunate relevance while this issue was being prepared. During preparations for the Antidotum Airshow in Leszno, F-AZKM was severely damaged in a landing with its undercarriage retracted. Thankfully, the pilot escaped unhurt. The aircraft was subsequently declared a total loss and is expected to remain at Leszno Airfield as a static exhibit.
At the heart of this issue is the beginning of our new cover story on the Panavia TORNADO. Part I follows the aircraft from the military requirements of the Cold War through the political and industrial challenges of an ambitious multinational programme to the development and introduction of the TORNADO IDS.
It is more than the story of a combat aircraft. It is also the story of European nations attempting to translate different operational requirements, industrial interests and political expectations into a single, highly capable weapon system. The result became one of the defining military aircraft of its generation.
I hope Issue 4/2026 offers you new insights, memorable images and many hours of engaging reading.
LOOKING AHEAD
Looking ahead, our Editorial Crew is already working on the next edition, exploring new exercises, exclusive aviation stories and behind-the-scenes features that continue to reflect the standards and editorial philosophy on which CHECKSIX was founded.
As always, thank you for your trust, your continued support and for being part of our growing international community.
Until our next edition, I wish you clear skies, happy landings… and as always: check your six.
