Defense
Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.
Aircraft
New Life for the B-52
The U.S. Air Force is planning on keeping its B-52 strategic bombers for at least another 30 years, and beyond the retirement of the B-1 and B-2.
Aircraft
Sukhoi Delivers Last Classic “Flanker” to Russian MoD
The Komosomolsk-upon-Amur factory revealed that it has delivered the last of the baseline Su-27 "Flanker" family to the Russian forces.
Aircraft
F-35C Achieves IOC; Singapore Details Initial F-35 Buy
The last of the three Lightning II variants to achieve IOC has reached the milestone, while Singapore is now talking numbers for its first F-35 purchase
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Boeing Lifts Lid on Loyal Wingman
During the Avalon show in Australia Boeing unveiled its loyal wingman UAV, which is being developed by Boeing Australia in partnership with the government
Rotorcraft
CHC Delivers Six New AW139s To Australian Air Force
CHC Helicopter will operate six new SAR configured Leonardo AW139s for the Royal Australian Air Force
Rotorcraft
CHC Delivers Six News AW139s To Australian Air Force
CHC Helicopter will operate six new SAR configured Leonardo AW139s for the Royal Australian Air Force
Rotorcraft
Turkey Launches Heavy Attack Helicopter
Drawing on its experience with the T129 Atak, Turkish Aerospace has officially launched development of a larger, heavier attack helicopter
Putin Reveals Zircon Mach 9 Missile Specification
Following last year's revelation of the Kinzhal hypersonic missile, Russian President Putin has now shed more light on the Mach 9 Zircon weapon
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
CSS introduces WanderB
India-Israel joint venture views military and paramilitary requirements under Make in India.
Aircraft
Armed Black Hawk Debuts at IDEX
Eight years after they were ordered, the UH-60M Armed Black Hawk has now entered UAE Joint Aviation Command service
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Italian Navy Begins Operating M-40 Target Drone
Leonardo's target drone portfolio has expanded with the introduction of the M-40, which recently entered operational service
Aircraft
Lockheed Martin Offers F-21 to India
The company is expecting India to release a request for information, at which time it will offer the aircraft as a multi-role fighter
Rotorcraft
Russia Finds Indian Suppliers for Light Utility Helicopter
The Army and Air Force are expected to sign deals with Russian Helicopters later this month.
Aircraft
First Aircraft Delivered To Italian Flight School
Leonrado and the Italian air force have established a flight school to offer advanced fighter training to international customers
Aircraft
India Requests Additional MiG-29 Fighters
India is seeking to acquire first-generation MiG-29s as a means of replenishing its fighter fleet at low cost.
Rotorcraft
USAF Ospreys To Receive Silent Knight Radar
The Air Force's CV-22 Osprey is the latest type to receive Raytheon's Silent Knight radar, which adds several new features.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Leonardo Opens New RUAS Facility In Italy
Leonardo's new Pisa plant will build the AWHERO RUAS.
Aircraft
UK MoD Commits To New Tech, Including Swarming Drones
The UK has committed to a range of high-tech programs including the acquisition of swarming drones an adjunct to manned aircraft.
Aircraft
Spain Joins FCAS/SCAF Program
Since observing the program since its inception, Spain has eyed participation in the Future Combat Air System, which has now been formalized
Aircraft
First Rafale Handed Over to Qatar
The Qatar Amiri Air Force has formally accepted its first Dassault Rafale, while training of personnel is being undertaken n France.
Aircraft
Russia’s Next-gen A-100 AWACS Begins Acceptance Trials
Russia's follow-on to the A-50 "Mainstay" AWACS platform has entered into acceptance trials, offering vastly expanded capabilities
Aircraft
Armenia Orders Su-30, India Seeks Additional Kits
Armenia is to become an operator of the Su-30SM with an initial order for four, while India hopes to swell its fleet with another 18
Aircraft
Engine Partnership Announced as SCAF/FCAS Receives First Contract
The Franco-German SCAF/FCAS has received its first funding, while the nations' two propulsion powerhouses are joining forces to develop a new engine
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Germany Begins Training on Heron TP
German personnel are now in Israel learning how to operate the Heron TP, which will give the Luftwaffe far greater capabilities than the current Heron 1
Aircraft
RAF Tornados Bring Operations to a Close
The return of Tornado aircraft from the Mediterranean theater brings the operational career of the type with the RAF to a close.
Aircraft
Collins Aerospace to Supply T-X's Seats and Landing Gear
Collins Aerospace has been selected to provide two major systems for the Boeing/Saab T-X, including the latest ACES 5 ejection seat
Aircraft
An-124 Ruslan Replacement Takes Shape
Russia's TsAGI has revealed more details of the Slon, a program to provide a potential successor to the An-124 heavy airlifter.
Aircraft
End of the Line for the Fleet’s Legacy Hornets
After 35 years of service, the "Legacy" Hornet is bowing out of the U.S. Navy's active-duty fleet as VFA-34 begns its conversion to the Super Hornet
Rotorcraft
Leonardo Encouraged by Navair Helicopter Trainer RFP
Leonardo thinks its TH-119 single is a more cost effective training helicopter for the U.S. Navy.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
GA-ASI Contracts British Industry for RAF Protector Program
General Atomics has awarded weaponization contracts to MBDA and Raytheon for the RAF's Protector, as well as engaging other UK industry players.
