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
Good and Bad News for Franco-German Fighter
The next generation Franco-German fighter development has received a boost following a commitment of funding from Belgium.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
China Shows Off UAV Capabilities at Zhuhai
A number of new and eye-catching UAV designs from China's burgeoning UAV industry were unveiled at the Zhuhai show
Aircraft
Thrust-vectoring J-10 Stars at Zhuhai
Among the new systems that were unveiled at the Zhuhai show is a J-10B demonstrator equipped with a thrust-vectoring nozzle
Maintenance and Modifications
Serbia Benefiting from Russian Interference in Regional MRO Activities
Russia is maintaining influence in eastern Europe by hampeing efforts by some nations to gain MRO business, while promoting Serbia's credentials
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Short-term U.S. DoD UAS Spending Could Top $6 Billion
Interest Surges In Small, Tactical Vehicles
Rotorcraft
U.S. Army Flight Tests Optionally Piloted Helicopter
U.S. Army pilots have flown Sikorsky's SARA testbed, which incorporates autonomous systems that provide optionally and optimalley piloted control
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
UAVs for the Dutch Navy; Belgium Likely To Acquire SkyGuardian
Neighbors Belgium and the Netherlands are looking for UAVS, the latter seeking a shipborne rotary-wing UAS while Belgium is in the markwt for a MALE UAV
Aircraft
More Power for the Mighty 'Bear'
THe Tu-95 "Bear-H" is getting more power through the latest incarnation of the Kuznretsov NK -12 turboprop
Aircraft
UK Startup Seeking Funding for Innovative Trainer
Aeralis has devised a modular trainer concept built around a common fuselage that can be adapted to answer basic and advanced training needs.
Aircraft
Belgium Selects F-35 over Typhoon
Depite strong competition from the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Belgian government has selected the F-35 to replace its F-16s.
Aircraft
Saab Sees First Gripen E Stores Releases, and Develops GaN Radar
The Gripen E has taken a significant step forward with its first missile firing, while Saab is to supply a GaN fighter radar to the U.S. for testing
Aircraft
Taiwan Receives First F-16V Upgrade
The Republic of China Air Force has started to receive AESA radar-equipped F-16s that have been modernized by AIDC
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
U.S. Navy Commissions Dedicated UAS Test Squadron
The U.S. Navy has raised its unamnned air system developmental test unit to full squadron status, underlining the growing importance of the unit's work
Aircraft
Russia Discontinues An-148 Production in Favor of Il-112
In light of the deep divide between Russia and Ukraine, UAC's Voronezh plant has ceased the the licensed production of the Ukrainian An-148 design
Aircraft
France and Spain Team for Caracal Refueling Tests
As the French air force awaits its KC-130J tankers, the service has proved the ability of the Caracal helicopter to refuel from Spain's KC-130Hs
Aircraft
Japan Considering More F-35s; First SRVL for Royal Navy
Japan's desire for further F-35s could result in an order for 20 more to begin the replacement of the F-15 Eagle
Miysis on Target in UK DIRCM Trials
Leonardo and Thales UK have joined forces to demonstrate a UK-soveriegn DIRCM capability based on the Miysis jammer and Elix-IR warning system
Aircraft
Aero Vodochody Rolls Out First L-39NG
The original Czech L-39 became the stalwart of the Soviet-era training machine. Now Aero is back in production with a thoroughly updated aircraft
India Places $5 Billion Order for S-400 Triumf
India becomes the latest nation to acquire the S-400 (SA-21 "Growler") surface-to-air missile, but could face a CAATSA response from the U.S.
Aircraft
F-35s Temporarily Grounded After First Crash; First Fleet F-35C Delivered
The Pentagon has issued a temporary grounding order for all F-35s as mishap investigators suspect a faulty fuel tube caused the recent F-35B crash
Aircraft
First Production KC-390 Takes to the Air
Embraer has flown its first production KC-390, but it will not be going to the Brazilian air force right away, as it is needed for trials.
Arresting Gear Completes Shore Testing for 'Props'
General Atomics is providing new launch and recovery systems for the U.S. Navy's next aircraft carriers.
Aircraft
PC-21 Enters French Service
The Pilatus advanced trainer was selected by France in early 2017 to replace Epsilons and Alpha Jets.
Rotorcraft
Raider Achieves 200 Knots in Flight Test
Sikorsky's S-97 technology demonstrator has surpassed the magic 200-knot mark for the first time.
Italy Completes AARGM Operational Tests
Italy's Tornado ECR defense suppression aircraft become the fourth type—and the first non-U.S. aircraft—to be cleared to fire the AARGM missile.
Rotorcraft
New Attack Helicopters for Lebanon and Kenya
MDHI's armed MD 530 light attack helicopter continues to find favor, as underlined by recent orders from Kenya and Lebanon
Aircraft
Russia Rethinks Trainer Options
Russia's attempts to acquire new basic trainers have hit a stumbling block in the face of a chill in international relations
