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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Aircraft
What it’s like to fly a Boeing B-29 Superfortress
What it’s like to fly a Boeing B-29 Superfortress
Aircraft
Swift: Looking Back on the Forgotten T-X Contender
Northrop Grumman's Model 400 was developed for the T-X competition, but was withdrawn. Recently more dtails have emerged about the aircraft
Rotorcraft
Bell V-280 Valor Tiltrotor Reaches 280 Knots
Bell V-280 hit target maximum speed after 13 months of flight testing.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Russia Prepares To Flight-test the Sukhoi S-70 UCAV
Through photos leaked on Russian internet sites it appears that the Sukhoi S-70 heavyweight UCAV is nearing a first flight
Aircraft
France Launches Rafale F4 Upgrade
France has formally launched the next major step in Rafale development, with the accent on improved networking.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Ukraine and Turkey Deepen Defense Cooperation through UAVs and Transports
The recent deal to supply Bayraktar TB2 UAVs to Ukraine brings with it further cooperation with Turkey, which also includes transport aircraft development.
Aircraft
KAI Developing Smarter FA-50 Golden Eagle
KAI's T-50 trainer/FA-50 light fighter has achieved some success in Southeast Asia, and the company hopes to increase that with more capable variants
Aircraft
China Developing Fifth-gen Stealth Fighter-bomber, Says DIA
A report recently published by the Defense Intelligence Agency outlines plans by China to build a stealthy fighter-bomber.
Aircraft
Laos Receives Yak-130 Combat Jet Trainers
Laos has become the fifth export customer for the Yak-130, but the exact nature of the deal has raised some controversy in Russia.
Aircraft
Singapore Selects F-35, but Opts for Cautious Procurement
As expected by many, Singapore has announced its selection of the F-35 as its F-16 replacement, but is initially only buying a small number for evaluation.
